So You Just Got a Guinea Pig… Now What? New Guinea Pig Owner Guide.

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 New Guinea Pig Owner guide to getting started — with real advice from fellow guinea pig lovers.

Create a Safe, Spacious Home

Your guinea pig's habitat should be roomy, cozy, and secure. A pet store cage often isn't enough. Think big: at least 7.5 square feet for two pigs is a good start. Add fleece liners or soft bedding, a hidey hut or two, and a constant supply of fresh hay. Avoid wheels, ramps without guardrails, and any open water sources, such as bowls.

"Do your research before buying supplies. Pet store staff gave me a cage that was too small and bad pellets."— Emily

One Pig Is a Lonely Pig

Guinea pigs are herd animals. They need companions to thrive. Housing a pig alone can lead to depression or behavioral issues. When introducing new piggies, always follow bonding protocols to avoid conflict.

"Two or more. Not one piggy."— Tazzy

"Make sure you get two at a time."— Rachel

Hay Is Life

80% of your guinea pig’s diet should be fresh hay, especially Timothy or orchard grass. Hay keeps their digestive system moving and teeth healthy.

"Hay, hay, and more hay. Hide food in it for foraging."— Sara

"A nice pile of hay to play in and nibble on makes them soooo happy."— Alex

Daily Spot Cleaning Is a Must

Guinea pigs poop a lot. Spot cleaning keeps their habitat sanitary and helps prevent illness. Consider using smaller fleece pads or pee pads to make cleaning more manageable.

"Spot clean daily."— Nancy

Know Their Language

From wheeks to chutting to popcorn jumps, guinea pigs have a full range of ways to communicate.

"Popcorning is normal—I thought my first pig had brain damage!"— Tazzy

Floor Time & Enrichment Matter

Free-roaming time outside the cage gives your piggies space to stretch, run, and explore safely.

"Mine get as much floor time as possible, and the pen is huge. I take it outside in the summer as well."— Tazzy

"Brown paper bags and cardboard boxes are just as much fun as expensive toys."— Alex Turnbull

Not All Vets Know Guinea Pigs

Find an exotics vet before there's an emergency. Most general vets are unfamiliar with guinea pig anatomy and treatment.

"Most vets don’t know anything about guinea pigs. If I’d known how hard it is to find an exotic vet, I might have thought twice."— Maria

"Find a good veterinarian. I have one that knows everything about piggies."— Tazzy

Respect Their Boundaries

Some guinea pigs love cuddles. Others prefer to be admired from afar. That’s okay.

"Don’t force them to be petted. Watch for their cues and respect their individual personalities."— Alex

"Once you build trust, they are the best cuddle buddies ever."— Becks

They’re Small, But They’re a Big Commitment

Vet bills, specialized diets, regular cage cleaning—piggies take real effort.

"Just because they’re inexpensive to adopt doesn’t mean you won’t spend thousands at the vet."— Rachel

"It's a big responsibility. Serve them well as you are all they've got to keep them safe and well every day."— Alex

You’re Going to Fall in Love

Yes, they’re rodents. But they’re also full of personality, mischief, and charm.

"They have a way of making you feel like a kid in a candy shop."— Rose

"They’re cute, but they are rodents. Don’t expect dog-like companionship."— Kathy

New Guinea Pig Owner Guide: Final Thoughts

Be patient. Be present. Guinea pigs may be small, but the love and lessons they offer are enormous. Don’t be afraid to ask for help, join a community, and learn as you go. You’re not alone in your piggy journey — and the reward is worth every wheek, poop, and cuddle.

"Let them enjoy and get to know new friends." — Tazzy