GUINEA PIG ADOPTION GUIDE

Congratulations on adopting a guinea pig from Pasadena Humane. Here is a basic care guide to help you give your new pet the best life in your home.

The average lifespan for guinea pigs is 6-8 years, but this varies depending on health and proper care.
Guinea pigs need a lot of space to exercise and explore to provide enrichment in their lives.
Guinea pigs eat a mixture of hay, vegetables, and pellets.
Guinea pigs are herd animals and thrive with companionship; they need at least one housemate. It is detrimental to a guinea pig’s health to be kept alone.

Cages should be a minimum of 7.5 sq ft.
Each additional guinea pig requires an additional space of at least 3 sq ft.
Cages should not have wire bottoms to avoid injury to feet.
X-pens or puppy pens are great options to give your guinea pig a safe, extended space.
Provide at least one hide per guinea pig; they are prey animals and feel more comfortable when they have places to hide and sleep.
Cages can be lined with shredded newspaper or paper-based bedding products.
Avoid wood-based bedding products because the oils in the wood can cause respiratory issues.
Temperature should range from 65-75°F. Giving your guinea pig a frozen water bottle is a safe and easy way to cool them down when it’s hot.

Diet for a guinea pig consists of roughly 80% hay (timothy or orchard hay), 10% pellets and 10% veggies.
Guinea pigs should be offered unlimited access to hay.
Pellets should be high-quality and fortified in vitamin C. Guinea pigs cannot produce vitamin C, so it is very important to ensure that their diet consists of vitamin C rich foods.
Romaine lettuce, red and green leaf lettuces, mustard or turnip greens, cabbage, kale, cilantro and parsley should comprise the bulk of your guinea pig’s fresh produce.
Fruit should be offered sparingly due to high levels of sugar.

Guinea pig teeth grow continuously, so it is important to provide regular hay and hard, non-toxic, chewable surfaces to wear down their teeth and keep them healthy.
Safe wood, such as willow balls, rings, and bamboo sticks, are great toys for playing and chewing.
Toys and enrichment that can be offered for guinea pigs are chewable toys, tunnels, hiding huts, and “obstacle courses” to keep your guinea pig active and mentally stimulated.

Online resources such as aemv.org (Association of Exotic Mammal Veterinarian) are available to help find an exotic veterinarian.
Taking your guinea pig to the vet annually for an exam is important for their long-term health and well- being.

We are always here to help! You can find additional behavior and training resources at pasadenahumane.org/behavior.

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