Guinea Pig Care | Blue Cross

Where do guinea pigs come from?

Guinea pigs – or cavies – originate from South America. There are eight species, but only one – the domestic cavy – is kept as a pet.

Is a guinea pig right for you?

Guinea pigs can make great pets for families but will need a lot of time and care. So, if you're getting a guinea pig for the family, it's important that a responsible adult also shares an interest in them and makes sure they get the care they need.

Here are some things to take into consideration when rehoming or buying guinea pigs.

How long do guinea pigs live?

Guinea pigs live for around four to eight years, sometimes even longer, so their care is a long-term commitment.

Do guinea pigs need company?

Guinea pigs are very social, so it’s important that they have at least one friend of their own kind.

It's a common myth that rabbits and guinea pigs make good hutch buddies. You should not keep them together, as there is a risk the guinea pig will be bullied and seriously injured by the rabbit.

Here are a few ways you can make sure your guinea pig gets the company they need:

• Females tend to get on very well together in pairs or groups
• A pair of male guinea pigs can get on very well. Siblings can do well together, but it is also possible to introduce two unrelated males. It’s not always necessary to neuter male guinea pigs in order for them to get on well, as it’s more about personality than hormones. But neutering males can have other benefits – if they sadly lose their companion, you’ll be able to introduce them to female companions when you are ready, as this tends to be an easier process. Talk to your vet if you have any concerns about this.
• Avoid introducing a trio of males, as they are unlikely to live happily together
• A mixed pairing works very well, but there should only be one male with a female guinea pig to prevent fighting. It’s very important to neuter the male to prevent the female from getting pregnant.
• One neutered male can live harmoniously with a group of females

If you're introducing a new guinea pig into the group, be sure to take things slowly.

What if my guinea pigs fight?

Guinea pigs rarely fight, but it’s important to ensure there is enough space, food and hiding areas for everyone – this will help avoid any squabbling between them.

When do guinea pigs sleep?

Guinea pigs are quite unusual - they only sleep for around four to six hours a day and do so by napping. This can make them a bit unpredictable in their sleeping patterns.

Where to get guinea pigs

Animal charities

Blue Cross have guinea pigs that need good homes and often have lone guinea pigs looking for company – it's never too late to get your guinea pig another friend.

Rehome a guinea pig

Breeders and pet shops

If you are planning on contacting a breeder, here are some things to bear in mind:

• If you’re looking for babies, they should be at least six weeks old before you bring them home
• They should be health checked by a vet and accurately sexed before taking them home
• If you buy from a pet shop, make sure the animals have been kept in same sex groups and that the staff can show you the difference between males and females
• It's also really important that they are living in a hutch that is big enough

How much are guinea pigs?

If you rehome from us, you will pay a fee per guinea pig. This fee includes the cost of:

• having them looked over by a vet if needed
• neutering where appropriate
• a behaviour check by a member of our team

More on adoption fees

We appreciate we may not always have guinea pigs available for rehoming. So, if you choose to go to a breeder or pet shop, you will pay, on average, anywhere between £20 to £50.