Before you get guinea pigs: lifespan, why they need a friend, and the noises they make
TUREFF• •0
Guinea pigs are often sold as an easy first pet for a child, and that is where many of the problems start. They are gentle, chatty and rewarding, but they live for years, they need company of their own kind, and they have specific needs that are easy to get wrong. This guide covers what to know before you bring any home.
How long they live
Most guinea pigs live for roughly five to eight years, and some go on longer with good care. That is longer than many people expect from a small animal. Before you commit, think about where you will be living in six or seven years, who will look after them when you are away, and whether a child who is keen now will still be doing the cleaning as a teenager. An adult needs to take responsibility for their care, whoever they are bought for.
Why one guinea pig is not enough
Guinea pigs are herd animals. In the wild they live in groups and rely on each other for reassurance, and a single pet guinea pig kept alone misses out on that constant contact. Human attention, however devoted, does not replace another guinea pig to sleep beside, talk to and follow around. Switzerland goes as far as requiring social animals such as guinea pigs to have contact with their own species, and welfare charities elsewhere strongly recommend keeping at least two.
Good pairings to consider:
- Two sows (females), often a calm combination.
- Two boars (males), which can work well if they are bonded young and given plenty of space, though some pairs fall out at adolescence.
- A neutered boar with one or more sows, a popular mix. Never put an entire boar with a sow unless you intend to breed.
Rescues frequently have bonded pairs ready to rehome, and they can help introduce a newcomer to a guinea pig you already have. Rabbits are not a substitute companion: the two species communicate differently, need different diets, and a rabbit can injure a guinea pig.
The noises they make
Guinea pigs are among the most vocal small pets, and learning their sounds is one of the pleasures of keeping them.
- Wheeking: a loud, high whistle, usually about food. Many learn to wheek at the sound of the fridge door or a rustling bag.
- Chutting: short, soft sounds while pottering about, generally a sign of contentment or curiosity.
- Purring: a low, relaxed purr usually means contentment; a higher-pitched or short, clipped purr can signal irritation or fear, so read it with body language.
- Rumbling (often called rumble strutting): a deep vibrating sound with a swaying walk, linked to dominance and courtship.
- Teeth chattering: a warning to back off. If two guinea pigs chatter at each other with raised heads and fluffed fur, watch closely, as it can turn into a fight.
- Popcorning: not a sound but worth knowing, a sudden jump in the air that young guinea pigs especially do when they are happy.
A guinea pig that suddenly goes quiet or stops coming forward for food is worth watching, because they tend to hide illness.
What they need from you
- Space: far more than the small cages sold in many shops. The RSPCA's minimum for a pair is 120 by 60 centimetres of floor, and more is better.
- Diet: unlimited hay every day, a small portion of guinea pig pellets, fresh vegetables, and a daily source of vitamin C, which they cannot make for themselves.
- Daily care: fresh food and water, spot cleaning, and a few minutes of handling and health checks.
- Vet costs: guinea pigs should see a vet experienced with exotic pets. Find one before you need one, and consider whether insurance makes sense for you.
Finding your guinea pigs
Rescues and rehoming centres usually have plenty of adult guinea pigs, already sexed correctly, which avoids the surprise litters that come from mis-sexed pet shop animals. Ask about their health, their temperament and whether they have lived in a pair before.
Are you thinking about getting guinea pigs, or do you already share your home with a noisy herd? Share your experience or ask your questions in the comments.