Are you thinking of adopting a pair of guinea pigs? Taking on a new pet is a huge commitment, and one of the first things we should consider is lifespan. So, how long do guinea pigs live?
You’ll be happy to hear that guinea pigs live longer than some other rodents, such as rats, hamsters, and gerbils. However, they don’t live quite as long as rabbits.
In this article, we’ll discuss how long guinea pigs live, how to help your beloved piggies live longer, and more.
How Long Do Guinea Pigs Live?
Guinea pigs live around five to seven years on average, but some can live up to ten years or older with proper care. This is much longer than other rodents, particularly smaller ones like hamsters or rats.
When you combine their lifespan with the fact that guinea pigs cannot live alone, adoption is a huge commitment! Consider where you’ll be five to ten years from now and whether they’ll still fit your lifestyle. Also, think about how you’ll provide companionship for your guinea pig throughout their life, even after their current cage mate passes away.
Factors that Influence Guinea Pig Lifespan
We all want our pets to live for as long as possible. Proper care goes a long way toward giving your guinea pigs long, healthy lives. There are also other considerations, such as where you adopt from. Let’s go over some factors that influence guinea pig lifespan.
Breeding
We highly recommend rescuing your guinea pigs since finding a truly reputable breeder is difficult, and there are already plenty of homeless piggies. However, there’s no arguing that guinea pigs from a good breeder live longer, healthier lives than those that are poorly-bred.
The key here is good breeding. Breeders must prioritize the health and longevity of their piggies. Backyard breeders lack the knowledge or care to breed right, which can cause great harm. In addition, some breeders breed for appearance over health.
The worst example of poor breeding is animal mills that breed guinea pigs en masse and then sell them to pet shops. These animals are often inbred and have poor genetic health. They’re also poorly cared for at the mill and often at the pet store, leading to health problems before adoption.
Companionship
It may seem cheesy to say that love contributes to a guinea pig’s health, but companionship has been shown to reduce stress in social animals. Stress can lead to illness, worsen existing ailments, and shorten a guinea pig’s lifespan.
This is why companionship is so important for guinea pigs–and while they can absolutely bond to humans, we aren’t enough to keep them happy. Guinea pigs need other guinea pigs. They bring the ability to communicate, constant companionship, and a sense of safety and belonging that humans cannot offer.
Diet
There are many misconceptions about guinea pig diets that can lead to a shortened lifespan. Here are some basic things to know:
- Guinea pigs need constant access to fresh grass hay, such as timothy hay or orchard grass. It must be easy to access and abundant–no tiny hay racks or compressed hay balls, please!
- They eat around a cup of daily vegetables per guinea pig. This should consist primarily of dark, leafy greens. Keep sugary foods like fruit and carrots to a minimum.
- Like humans, guinea pigs cannot produce their own vitamin C. We provide this through fresh vegetables such as bell peppers.
- Too many pellets can cause obesity. Stick to around ⅛ cup per guinea pig so that they get all the nutrients they need without the excess fat.
- Many treats sold for guinea pigs are unsafe. Always check each ingredient individually before purchase, and avoid dairy treats altogether.
Housing
Small pet store cages cause guinea pigs to feel cramped and stressed. They also won’t get the exercise they need and may become depressed. The minimum cage size for one to two guinea pigs is 7.5 square feet, but 10.5+ sq ft is highly preferred.
In addition to a large cage, make sure to provide safe materials. Avoid softwood bedding and items, avoid pine unless it’s kiln-dried, and don’t use straw as bedding. Never use clumping kitty litter in the cage or litter box area.
Lastly, make sure your guinea pigs’ enclosure stays clean! No one likes sitting in their own mess, and a dirty cage can lead to health problems like bumblefoot or respiratory illness.
Avoiding Toxins
Another vital aspect of guinea pig housing is to avoid toxins in the environment. Guinea pigs have very sensitive respiratory tracts, so it’s important to avoid strong chemicals and smells.
Most people use a half water, half vinegar mixture to clean their cage. Keep candles, perfumes, and other scented items out of the room where your guinea pig lives. Do not smoke in the home, as secondhand smoke (either tobacco or marijuana) can cause respiratory problems in guinea pigs.
Indoor Living
Living indoors is typically less stressful and less dangerous for guinea pigs. As prey animals, they can be easily frightened–or even killed–by predators.
Outdoor enclosures are also more difficult to keep at a consistent temperature, which is necessary for housing piggies safely.
Owner Knowledge
Lastly, a knowledgeable owner who watches for health problems can save a guinea pig’s life. Learn the signs of illness, monitor your guinea pig closely, and perform an at-home health check at least once a month.
This includes:
- Keeping a log of your guinea pigs’ weights
- Looking at the eyes, ears, and teeth for discharge or abnormalities
- Checking the skin and coat for redness, irritation, pests, or fur loss
- Trimming the nails and checking the feet for injury
- Listening to your guinea pig’s breathing for wheezing or shallow breath
- Checking female guinea pigs’ nipples for crustiness, which can indicate ovarian cysts
Veterinary Care
Not all vets are equal, especially when it comes to guinea pigs. An exotic pet veterinarian specializes in small animals and is more knowledgeable than a vet who primarily sees dogs and cats.
It’s also important that your guinea pigs see their veterinarian regularly for wellness checks and an additional visit if you notice signs of illness.
Do Some Guinea Pig Breeds Live Longer?
We don’t have enough formal studies on guinea pig breeds to know how much breed impacts their lifespan. However, we do know that well-bred guinea pigs tend to live longer than poorly-bred piggies, such as those adopted from pet stores.
Common Illnesses in Guinea Pigs
Some of the most common illnesses that cause death in guinea pigs include:
- Respiratory infections and pneumonia
- Ovarian cysts
- Tumors and cancers
- Bloat (also known as gastric dilatation-volvulus or GDV)
- Urinary tract infections or bladder stones
