Do Guinea Pigs Make Good Pets?

Guinea pigs make wonderful companions as they tend to be friendly, low-maintenance, and easy to tame. These small, sociable rodents are often recommended as great first pets for children and can thrive in a variety of environments. While guinea pigs do make excellent pets, there are some things you should know before bringing your new pet home. Let’s look at what makes guinea pigs good pets and what to expect as a new guinea pig parent.

Guinea Pigs are Gentle and Personable

If you’re looking for a friendly and docile pet, a guinea pig may be right for you. These furry critters enjoy interacting with people and other guinea pigs and are often happiest when around others. Like any animal, guinea pigs are capable of biting and may nip when they feel threatened or are mishandled. However, handling your guinea pig with care and affection can help prevent these risks.

Guinea Pigs are Easily Tamed

With love and patience, guinea pigs are often easily tamed. It’s normal for these critters to be timid or reserved when you first bring them home. However, over time, they tend to warm up to their owners and enjoy spending time with their humans. Similar to other pets, it can take time to teach your guinea pig certain tricks and commands. Spending lots of time with your pet and being consistent with training can help your guinea pig become a beloved member of the family.

Guinea Pigs Like to Communicate

Guinea pigs tend to be chatty little rodents, each with their own unique personality. Over time, you’ll start to recognize their different sounds and associate them with different moods or feelings. For example, some guinea pigs will let out a loud squeak or whistle when excited. In some instances, a high-pitch purr could indicate that your pet is annoyed. Guinea pig behavior can vary from one piggy to the next, with some being more excitable and affectionate than others.

Guinea Pigs are Relatively Low-Maintenance

Guinea pigs are considered low-maintenance animals, but they do require daily care and attention. Most only need about 7.5 square feet of space to live comfortably, although having a larger cage allows them more freedom to play and explore. You can help keep your guinea pig happy and healthy with a regular supply of bedding that should be spot-cleaned daily and deep-cleaned at least once a week. They also need fresh water daily, and access to fresh greens, hay, and guinea pig pellets.

Guinea Pigs are Adaptable

Not all pets have the same routine as their humans, but guinea pigs often do. They are usually awake during the daytime and don’t tend to have a strict sleep pattern. These cute critters usually sleep a total of four to six hours per day, with much of that time spent in brief 10-minute naps. This means that your pet’s schedule can easily match yours, allowing you time to play, interact, and bond with your guinea pig on a schedule that works for you.

Guinea Pigs Can Enjoy the Outdoors

One thing that makes guinea pigs unique from other pet rodents is that they can happily spend time outdoors. If the weather allows, guinea pigs can be kept outside with a proper setup that gives them space to exercise and get out of the elements. An outdoor guinea pig hutch should be weatherproofed, insulated, and offer hiding places. Guinea pigs do best in temperatures between 65 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. When the weather is cold or wet, it’s best to bring your pet indoors.

Guinea Pigs Have a Long Lifespan

Compared to rodents like mice and hamsters which have a typical lifespan of just two to three years, guinea pigs can live five to seven years on average with proper care. This gives your family plenty of time to form a bond with your pet and teach him or her new tricks and commands. Different factors can influence how long a guinea pig lives, such as the species, health problems, genetics, and habitat.

Guinea Pigs Thrive in Pairs

Once you adopt a guinea pig, chances are you’ll want another one soon after. While some pets don’t play well with other animals, guinea pigs are the exception. Most guinea pigs thrive when in pairs, whether it’s a littermate or a pig adopted at a later time. However, you’ll want to pair your guinea pigs by sex, placing males with other males and females with other females. This can help prevent your pets from reproducing, which can occur as young as four weeks old.

Guinea Pigs Make Excellent Pets

Guinea pigs are known for their big personalities, making them the perfect pet for anyone who wants an affectionate companion. However, as these animals can live for several years, it’s important that you are prepared for the commitment. Also, consider adopting one of these critters rather than buying from a pet store. Many shelters and rescues have guinea pigs in need of loving homes. You’ll also want to inquire with your local vets, as guinea pigs need routine vet care to stay happy and healthy. Overall, owning a guinea pig can be an enriching and rewarding experience.