Guinea Pig Parenting

Let’s get straight to it: Guinea pigs rarely need baths. In fact, bathing them too often can do more harm than good. These tiny fluffballs are naturally clean, and their skin is delicate—making routine baths unnecessary and potentially harmful.

Some guinea pigs burst into your life like squeaky little party guests—full of popcorning and confidence. Others… not so much. If your pig darts away at every movement, hides when you approach, or treats your hand like a monster in a fleece cave, don’t worry. Shy piggies are common. And trust? Trust takes time.

Because loving a tiny squeaky potato comes with some particular quirks… Let’s be honest: life with guinea pigs isn’t just adorable—it’s weirdly specific. You start out thinking you’re just getting a couple of small pets. Next thing you know, you’re hand-washing fleece liners at 10 pm, arguing with your partner about parsley prices, and cutting bell peppers into perfect piggy-sized pieces.

Guinea pigs are famously productive little poopers—healthy pigs leave behind a trail of tidy, oval droppings all day long. But when the poops don’t pass like they should, it could be more than just a digestive issue. One often-overlooked cause? Fecal Impaction. Let’s talk about what it is, why it happens, how to spot it, and—most importantly—what you can do to help your piggy stay comfortable and healthy.

So your guinea pigs are rumbling, chasing, and acting like dramatic little soap opera stars. Are they fighting? Are they bonding? Are they… auditioning for Survivor: Cavy Edition? Welcome to the complex (and often misunderstood) world of guinea pig hierarchies.

Let’s face it—when you love guinea pigs, you end up talking about poop, pee, and weird noises way more than you ever thought you would. But all of those little signals matter. They’re how our piggies tell us what’s going on inside their tiny bodies. So how do you know what’s normal, what’s weird, and what’s a reason to call the vet? Let’s break it down.

Guinea pigs may not speak our language, but if they could, they’d have a few things to say—and no, not just “more snacks, please.” Behind the wheeks and wiggles are wise little souls with real needs, emotions, and personalities. Whether you’re a seasoned piggy parent or just learning, here’s what your guinea pig wishes you truly understood.

Don’t worry—you’re not alone. Nail trimming can feel intimidating at first, but it’s a vital part of guinea pig care. Long nails can curve painfully into paw pads, affect posture, and even lead to infections. Whether you’re a clipper devotee or a curious grinder user, this guide will help you trim with confidence.

“You might not realize it, but to them, you’re part of their herd. And that little wheek when you walk in the room? That’s love.”

Welcome to piggy parenthood! Guinea pigs are sweet, social, and surprisingly complex little creatures. Whether you've just brought your first cavy home or you're preparing for the big day, here’s your essential guide to getting started, with honest advice from fellow guinea pig lovers.

As guinea pigs grow older, their needs change—and so should our Senior Guinea Pig care. Senior piggies still wheek with joy, snuggle with affection, and fill our homes with love, but they may also face new challenges that require gentler routines and closer attention. Whether your piggy is aging gracefully or just entering their golden years, this guide offers compassionate, practical advice to help you give them the comfort and dignity they deserve.

If you’ve ever been met with big, pleading guinea pig eyes while snacking, you know the struggle: “One tiny bite won’t hurt… right?” But when it comes to guinea pig safety, even the tiniest nibble of the wrong food can be dangerous—or deadly. This guide is here to help you snack-proof your home and become the snack guardian your piggy deserves.

Free roam time is one of the best parts of a guinea pig’s day—but only if it’s safe. Cavies are naturally curious, quick-footed, and impressively skilled at locating the one thing in the room they shouldn’t chew. Whether you’re letting your piggies stretch their legs in a living room, a playpen, or a dedicated piggy zone, a little prep can go a long way.

Gentle companions, tiny clowns, and calming forces—guinea pigs may be the emotional support you never knew you needed. When most people...

Wondering, “Is my guinea pig happy?” Discover 10 signs your guinea pig is thriving, from popcorning to bonding, plus tips for even better piggy care!

This guide walks you through ten joyful signs your guinea pig is truly living their best life. If you’re seeing most of these, congratulations: your piggy palace is a success!

Guinea pigs may be small, but their coat colors and patterns are spectacular. From the velvet richness of a chocolate short-hair to the speckled artistry of a Dalmatian, every piggy wears a unique palette. That’s why we created The Piggy Color Wheel — a vibrant, whimsical visual guide to some of the most common (and uncommon!) guinea pig coat types.

When it comes to guinea pig care, hay isn’t a side dish—it’s the main course. Your piggy’s health, digestion, and happiness all revolve around one magical material: fresh, high-quality hay. But with so many types available, how do you know which one is right?

When summer temperatures soar, our furry friends need a little extra TLC. Guinea pigs are highly sensitive to heat and can suffer from heatstroke more quickly than you might expect. But don’t worry—we’ve compiled a piggy-approved survival guide to help you keep your herd safe, hydrated, and wheeking happily all season long.

When it comes to guinea pig care, there’s one word you’ll hear over and over again: hay. And with good reason. Hay isn’t a side dish—it’s the main course, the enrichment zone, the dental tool, the nap nest, and the snacking soulmate. If you're new to piggy parenthood or just want a refresher, here’s your crash course in all things hay.