Guinea pigs need more than the pet-store starter cage suggests — real cage space, a companion of their own species, and daily vitamin C. Here's everything to set up before and during the first weeks. Check items off as you go; your progress saves automatically on this device.
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Housing & Supplies
Companionship
Vet Care
Home Prep & Safety
Handling & Routine
Budget & Planning
⚕️ This checklist is a general starting point and not a substitute for guidance from an exotics-experienced veterinarian, who can tailor recommendations to your specific guinea pig's age, breed, and health.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do guinea pigs need vitamin C when most other pets don't?
Guinea pigs, like humans, lack the enzyme needed to make their own vitamin C, so they must get roughly 10-30 mg daily from their diet or they risk a scurvy-like deficiency (poor coat, joint swelling, lameness, poor healing). Fresh vegetables — bell pepper is especially high in vitamin C — are more reliable than water additives, which degrade within hours and aren't an effective delivery method.
Can I keep just one guinea pig?
It's strongly discouraged, and in some countries — Switzerland is the best-known example — it's actually against animal welfare regulations to keep a guinea pig alone, since they're recognized as a social species. Whether or not it's legally required where you live, a solo guinea pig can become stressed and withdrawn without a companion of their own species; a bonded same-sex pair (or a neutered mixed pair) is the standard recommendation.
What size cage does a guinea pig need?
The commonly cited minimum is 7.5 square feet for a single guinea pig, but since they shouldn't be housed alone, 10.5 square feet or more is the realistic starting point for a pair. Most cages sold in pet stores fall well short of this — often only 4-6 square feet — which is why many owners build their own C&C (cubes and coroplast) cage instead.
Can guinea pigs eat alfalfa hay?
Only guinea pigs under about 6 months old, or those who are pregnant or nursing, since alfalfa's higher calcium and protein support growth. For adult guinea pigs, alfalfa's high calcium content is linked to painful bladder and kidney stones, so timothy or orchard grass hay should be their unlimited, everyday hay instead.
What bedding should I avoid for guinea pigs?
Avoid cedar and pine shavings — their aromatic oils (phenols) can irritate a guinea pig's respiratory system and have been linked to liver effects. Also avoid wire or mesh flooring, which can cause a painful foot infection called bumblefoot; paper-based bedding or fleece liners over a solid floor are the safer standard choices.
How long do guinea pigs live?
On average 5-7 years with good care, and some individuals reach 8 or more with excellent diet, housing, and genetics. That's longer than many first-time owners expect from a "starter pet," and worth planning for as a real multi-year commitment rather than a short-term one.