Guinea pigs live in pairs or groups, never alone, with hay all day and vitamin C every day. For a pair, the MSD manual’s 11 sq ft (1.02 m²) and RSPCA Australia’s 1 m² beat Woodgreen’s 153 x 61 cm (0.93 m²) for two females; Woodgreen gives two males 182 x 61 cm (1.11 m²).
Pet
Guinea pigs
How many
Your cage against each minimum
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Cage size
Woodgreen gives 153 x 61 cm (5 x 2 ft) on one level for a pair of females or a neutered male and female, and 182 x 61 cm (6 x 2 ft) for a pair of males or a trio. Groups of four or more need a larger indoor setup or a converted shed.
RSPCA Australia asks for at least 2 x 0.5 m, an area of 1 m² (10.8 sq ft), for a pair, and at least 30 cm of height. The MSD manual gives 7 sq ft (42 x 24 in) for one guinea pig, plus 2–4 sq ft for each extra, about 18 in (46 cm) high. RSPCA’s cage is high enough for them to stand fully on their back legs, and young ones need about 30 cm for their “popcorning” hop.
Use a solid floor with a good depth of litter: RSPCA says grid floors let litter through and can hurt their feet. Add a run or play area too. Woodgreen’s pair gets one of 6 ft x 4 ft x 18 in.
Company
RSPCA keeps a guinea pig with at least one other friendly guinea pig, unless a vet or behaviourist advises otherwise, and says rabbits and guinea pigs don’t make ideal companions. RVC keeps males only as pairs, as groups of males don’t get along.
Temperature
- RSPCA: 17–20 °C (63–68 °F) is ideal. Above 26 °C can cause heatstroke and below 15 °C a chill, so bring an outdoor hutch in below 15 °C and keep it out of direct sun and wind.
- RSPCA Australia: comfortable only at 18–23 °C, with humidity below 50%.
- RVC: 20–22 °C ideal, humidity 40–70%.
- MSD manual: 65–75 °F (18–24 °C), out of direct sunlight and drafts.
Bedding
RSPCA lines the floor with dry, dust-free wood shavings and hay to tunnel and hide in, while RSPCA Australia avoids shavings. The choices by source are on bedding for small pets.
Hay and vitamin C
Good-quality hay should be most of the diet and there at all times (RSPCA). Guinea pigs need vitamin C added to their diet every day (RSPCA Australia). VCA says guinea pigs need 10 to 50 mg of vitamin C a day. Shares, vitamin C and foods to avoid are on what do guinea pigs eat.
What to get
On the list
What to get