What to Know Before Getting a Pet Guinea Pig

1. Guinea Pigs Are Social

Guinea pigs are very social animals and are at their happiest living with other guinea pigs. Keep a same-sex pair to ensure you don't have any unwanted litters.

2. Guinea Pigs Are a Long-Term Commitment

Guinea pigs live on average around five to seven years, sometimes longer, so be prepared to provide care over the long term.

3. Guinea Pigs Need a Large Cage

Guinea pigs need a lot of floor space, and most cages marketed as guinea pig cages are much too small, especially for a pair.

4. Guinea Pigs Are Generally Easy to Tame

While guinea pigs may be nervous or skittish at first, with consistent gentle handling, they usually become tame very easily.

5. Guinea Pigs Are Quiet, Sometimes

Guinea pigs make a distinctive wheeking or whistling type sound, often in anticipation of getting a favorite treat or when in need of some attention.

6. Guinea Pig Require Vitamin C

Guinea pigs are one of the few animals that cannot manufacture their own vitamin C, so they need to get it from their diet.

7. Size Of The Guinea Pig

Guinea pigs grow to be from 1 to 3 pounds at maturity. They're about 5 inches tall.