Guinea Pig Care Guide: Diet, Housing, and Enrichment for a Happy Herd
Diet: Hay Is Everything
Timothy hay should make up 80% of a guinea pig's diet — unlimited, available at all times. Hay provides the constant fiber needed for healthy gut motility and prevents the GI stasis that is a primary cause of guinea pig death. Pellets should be a small daily supplement (1/8 cup per guinea pig of a plain, timothy-based pellet with no seeds, dried fruit, or colored pieces), not the dietary foundation. Fresh vegetables — particularly leafy greens like romaine, green leaf lettuce, and cilantro — provide Vitamin C, which guinea pigs cannot synthesize and must receive daily through diet. Browse our small animal food and supplement collection for high-quality timothy hay, plain guinea pig pellets, and vitamin C supplements.
Social Needs: Guinea Pigs Need Company
Guinea pigs are highly social prey animals that communicate constantly and derive significant stress relief from companionship. A solo guinea pig is a stressed guinea pig. The minimum is a bonded pair — ideally two females (sows) or neutered male + female. Two guinea pigs require a larger enclosure but are significantly healthier and happier than a single pig with extensive human interaction substituting for same-species companionship.
Housing: Bigger Than the Pet Store Recommends
The minimum cage size for two guinea pigs is 10.5 square feet of floor space — larger than virtually every commercial guinea pig cage sold in pet stores. C&C (cube and coroplast) cage systems allow custom sizing at a fraction of the cost of commercial alternatives. Deep coroplast sides (at least 8 inches) prevent substrate from being kicked out. Line with paper-based bedding or fleece liners. Browse our small animal bedding and habitat accessories collection for cage liners, hides, and enrichment items appropriate for guinea pigs.
Enrichment and Health
Guinea pigs need floor time outside their enclosure daily (at least an hour) in a safe, pig-proofed space. Tunnels, paper bags, cardboard hides, and foraging toys keep them mentally active. Nails need trimming every 3-4 weeks; coat brushing is essential for long-haired breeds. A monthly health check — running your hands along the body, checking teeth, and observing behavior — catches problems early. Browse our complete small animal care collection for the full range of guinea pig supplies.
