Guinea pigs are often seen as simple, low-maintenance pets, but daily life with them can be more involved than many people expect.
Their social nature means they notice routines, voices, and changes in their environment far more than new owners realise.
Care needs around space, diet, and cleanliness can quietly add up over time.
Many behaviours that seem small or amusing are actually important signals about comfort and wellbeing.
Understanding these lesser-discussed realities helps potential owners make more informed and responsible choices.
This article is for general knowledge only and is based on information from online sources.
Guinea pig care requirements can vary depending on age, health, and environment.
Always consult a qualified veterinarian for guidance specific to your pet.
Photos are for illustrative purposes only.
1. They Need A Friend
Guinea pigs are incredibly social creatures who get lonely without a companion of their own kind.
In Switzerland, it’s actually illegal to own just one because experts recognize how crucial companionship is for their wellbeing.
A single guinea pig can become depressed, stop eating properly, and develop health problems from isolation.
Your human attention, no matter how loving, cannot replace the comfort another guinea pig provides.
They communicate through special sounds and body language only other guinea pigs truly understand.
Most owners find that bonded pairs are happier, more active, and more entertaining to watch as they interact throughout the day.
2. Their Cage Needs Are Huge
Forget those tiny cages sold in pet stores.
Guinea pigs require far more space than most people realize, needing at least 7.5 square feet for one pig and 10.5 square feet for two.
Those colourful plastic habitats marketed for guinea pigs are usually too small and poorly ventilated.
Many experienced owners build custom cages using wire storage cubes and coroplast plastic.
These DIY setups cost less than commercial cages while providing much better living conditions.
Your guinea pigs need room to run, explore, and play, not just sit in one spot all day long.
3. Vegetables Cost More Than You Think
Fresh vegetables make up a huge part of a guinea pig’s daily diet, and the grocery bills add up quickly.
Each pig needs about one cup of fresh veggies daily, including vitamin C rich options like bell peppers, cilantro, and leafy greens.
Unlike other small pets who mainly eat pellets, guinea pigs cannot survive on dry food alone.
You’ll find yourself shopping for produce constantly because wilted or spoiled vegetables can make your pets sick.
Budget for weekly veggie runs, and consider buying in bulk or choosing seasonal produce to save money without compromising your guinea pig’s nutrition.
4. Popcorning Is Actually A Thing
When guinea pigs feel pure joy, they leap straight up in the air and twist their bodies in what owners affectionately call popcorning.
This adorable behaviour looks exactly like popcorn kernels bursting in a pan.
New owners often worry something is wrong the first time they witness it, but it’s actually the opposite.
Popcorning means your guinea pig feels safe, happy, and energetic enough to show off.
Young guinea pigs popcorn more frequently than older ones, though adult pigs still do it occasionally.
Watching your pet bounce around with delight becomes one of the most rewarding parts of ownership.
5. They Cannot Make Their Own Vitamin C
Just like humans, guinea pigs lack the ability to produce vitamin C naturally in their bodies.
Without enough of this essential nutrient, they develop scurvy, which causes painful joints, lethargy, rough fur, and can be fatal if untreated.
Most guinea pig pellets contain added vitamin C, but it degrades quickly once the bag opens.
Fresh foods rich in vitamin C, like bell peppers and kale, should be part of their daily meals.
Some owners also provide vitamin C supplements specifically designed for guinea pigs.
Regular veterinary checkups help catch deficiencies early before serious health problems develop.
6. Bedding Cleanup Is A Daily Job
Guinea pigs produce an impressive amount of waste for their size, meaning cage cleaning becomes a significant time commitment.
Spot cleaning should happen daily to remove soiled bedding, droppings, and uneaten food that can attract flies or cause odours.
A full cage clean with fresh bedding needs to happen at least once or twice weekly.
Many owners switch from wood shavings to fleece liners because they’re reusable and more economical long term.
However, fleece requires regular washing, adding laundry to your routine.
Either way, maintaining a clean environment takes consistent effort to keep your guinea pigs healthy and your home smelling fresh.
7. Their Teeth Never Stop Growing
Guinea pig teeth grow continuously throughout their entire lives, which means they need constant wearing down through proper diet.
Unlimited timothy hay serves as the primary tool for keeping teeth at healthy lengths while also supporting digestive health.
Without enough hay, teeth become overgrown, causing painful mouth injuries and making eating difficult or impossible.
Dental problems in guinea pigs require expensive veterinary intervention, including teeth trimming under anaesthesia.
Prevention through proper diet costs far less than treatment.
Always ensure your guinea pigs have fresh hay available and monitor their eating habits for any signs of dental trouble.
8. Veterinary Care Gets Expensive
Guinea pigs count as exotic pets, meaning not every veterinarian has the training to treat them properly.
Exotic vets typically charge higher fees than regular pet clinics, and guinea pigs need annual checkups plus emergency visits when health issues arise.
Common problems like respiratory infections, dental disease, and mites require professional treatment that can cost hundreds of dollars.
Many owners are surprised by how fragile guinea pigs can be despite their hardy appearance.
Setting aside an emergency fund for veterinary care helps ensure you can provide necessary treatment without financial stress when your pet needs help most.
