Guinea Pigs | Guinea Pigs | Guide

Did you know that Guinea pigs are not pigs, don't come from Guinea, and didn't originally cost a guinea (an old British coin worth £1.05)?

The pig reference is probably referring to their rather portly shape, and from the endearing squeaking noises they make. The Guinea pig's scientific name is Cavia porcellus, and porcellus means little pig. This Latin name is why they are often referred to as Cavies.

Guinea pigs make fantastic family pets

This guide is for all Guinea pig lovers, whether longstanding, new, or still thinking about it. It presents in-depth info about caring for these creatures, including their food, enclosure and health needs, all organized into neat sub-sections for ease of reference. The guide also includes a section on how to choose Guinea pigs and bring these little furry bundles of joy into your life. Read on!

Customer Images

Earn $1

Upload your photo

My boy bob Hurley sleeping in his giraffe bed!

This is my cute guinea pig named Truffle

Ooh I feel fabulous after my haircut ????‍♂️

Chubs and boot outside in their homemade enclosure

Le joli petit Caramel, qui recevra très bientôt un magnifique enclos Omlet, et deux petites compagnes, pour que son bonheur soit parfait!

MY guinea pig hiding in her apparently very comfy bedding

Harris looking gorgeous for the ladies !

Dave, a Guinea Pig living in Southwest Florida, USA.

Gizzy understands me, just as much as I do with her

Earn $1 - Upload your photo

Comments

Alisa, 23 March 2020

It my first time getting a guinea pig what are some recommendations

Becky, 28 February 2020

Looking for a black skinny pig that resembles a hippo. Do you know where I can purchase one?

Carmen, 9 February 2020

Hi there I want to get/buy a Guinea pig for my 7 year old daughter. Are they friendly? It’s best to get 2? We leave in London. Thanks

Maeve, 7 December 2019

I’ve had guinea pig for almost a year now and if anyone is thinking about getting one I would highly recommend to add to that I would really recommend a c&c cage with a 2 by 2 loft as if guinea pigs do not get along it is ideal. Personally I want my guinea pigs to be a comfortable as possible so I have a “guinea pig dad” fleece liner with a pocket. I found wish a good spot to buy little bits. If you put youre guinea pigs outside in a safe enclosure for half anhour every once in a while WHATCH OUT FOR HEDGEHOGS ! These cute little creatures are covered in fleas and could pass them on to your pigs this has happened to me and ended up costing me $35 as I had to bring them to the vet. If you have any queries on guinea pigs or anything to do with them contact me at maevetunney@gmail.com I will be happy to help thanks bye for now ????

Linda, 24 July 2019

I have had numerous guinea pigs for about 25 years. I have ‘Misty’ a female guinea pig for 4.5 years. She has a younger guinea pig friend in an adjacent cage. Over the last 12 months Misty has developed a tumour, or what appears to be a tumour in her backside. It is still growing and is now the size of a small orange. Misty is fine in herself and is eating sleeping weeing and pooing normally. She moves about her cage without any problem. Our vet says it may or may not be cancerous or that it may be a cyst. We know from experience guinea pigs do not react well to an anaesthetic. I have made a decision to monitor Misty ‘s condition continually and as soon as I feel she is starting to suffer pain I will take her back to the vet. I suspect I know what the vet will suggest! Has anybody else on the forum come across a similar problem? Thank you

View more comments

Just to let you know, Omlet is running as usual. Please see here for more information.

Just to let you know, Omlet is running as usual. Please see here for more information.