The Ultimate Guinea Pig Care Checklist for New Owners
- Sarah Robarge
- Jul 28
- 4 min read
Everything you need to know to give your piggies the best start possible.
Bringing home guinea pigs is a joyful experience—but it also comes with a lot of responsibility. These gentle, social creatures have very specific needs, and it’s easy to underestimate just how much care goes into keeping them happy and healthy. If you’re a new piggy parent (or just want to make sure you’re doing everything right), this guide will walk you through the essentials—from housing and diet to bonding and health.
Companionship Isn’t Optional—It’s Vital
Guinea pigs are not meant to live alone. In the wild, they thrive in social groups, and in captivity, they need companionship just as much. A solo pig can become lonely, depressed, and withdrawn. Even the most attentive human can’t replace another guinea pig’s company.
That’s why it’s best to adopt a bonded pair from the start. Whether you choose two females, two males (if they’re compatible), or a spayed/neutered mix, you’ll be setting your piggies up for emotional well-being and a more natural lifestyle. Watching them interact—cuddling, chattering, popcorning together—is one of the greatest joys of piggy parenting.
A Proper Home: Room to Roam, Space to Zoom
Most cages sold in pet stores are too small, period. Guinea pigs need space—not just to exist, but to live. A pair of pigs should have a cage that’s at least 7.5 square feet (like a 2x3 C&C cage). Bigger is always better.
Think of it as their own little kingdom. A good cage includes cozy hideouts, areas for eating and playing, and plenty of room for zoomies. Avoid wire flooring, which can injure delicate piggy feet, and always keep their environment low to the ground—they’re not climbers and don’t appreciate heights.
Bedding & Flooring: Comfort Is Key
Guinea pig feet are soft and sensitive, so the wrong bedding can cause real harm. Stick with soft, absorbent materials like fleece liners, paper bedding, or kiln-dried pine shavings. Avoid cedar or sawdust, as they can irritate the respiratory system and skin.
If you use fleece, ensure it’s properly pre-washed and wicks well. Place absorbent layers underneath to keep things dry and odor-free. A clean, cozy floor keeps pigs comfy, healthy, and happy.
Food: More Than Just Lettuce
A healthy piggy diet centers around three pillars: hay, fresh vegetables, and fortified pellets—with a strong emphasis on hay. Timothy Hay should be available 24/7. It’s not just a snack; it’s essential for digestion and dental health.
Daily veggies, such as bell peppers, romaine, and cilantro, add variety and crucial nutrients, especially vitamin C (which guinea pigs can’t produce on their own). Pellets should be plain, without added seeds, fruit, or colorful bits. And don’t forget fresh water—whether you use a bottle or bowl, clean it daily to avoid bacterial buildup.
Enrichment & Exercise: Keep Those Wheeks Coming
Guinea pigs are inquisitive and active when given the chance. In a too-small or unstimulating environment, they can become withdrawn and grumpy. That’s why daily floor time outside the cage is so important.
Set up a safe playpen with tunnels, cardboard boxes, chew toys, and things to explore. Even rearranging their cage every so often can provide mental stimulation. Bored pigs get loud, destructive, or worse—depressed. Enrichment isn’t a luxury. It’s a form of love.
Cleanliness Matters More Than You Think
Would you want to live in a soiled bathroom? Neither do guinea pigs. A dirty cage can lead to illness, sore feet, and stress. Spot-clean every day—removing old veggies, poop piles, and wet bedding—and do a full cage clean once a week.
If you use fleece, wash it in unscented detergent and skip the fabric softener (it ruins absorbency). A clean space keeps your pigs healthy and your home smelling fresh.
Grooming & Health: Stay Ahead of Problems
Routine care is your best defense against serious issues. Trim your guinea pigs’ nails every few weeks. Weigh them regularly—sudden weight loss is often the first sign of illness. And yes, you need an exotics vet. Not every veterinarian is trained in guinea pig care, so it’s wise to locate a good one before an emergency strikes.
Monitor their behavior daily. Are they eating normally? Wheeking like usual? Hiding more than they used to? You’ll learn their rhythms—and you’ll know when something’s off.
Know What to Watch For
Because guinea pigs are prey animals, they instinctively hide signs of illness. That means you need to be observant. Look for:
Fluffed-up fur
Labored breathing
Crusty eyes or nose
Change in appetite
Lethargy or unusual hiding
If something seems “off,” it probably is. Call your vet. Early intervention saves lives.
Bonding Takes Time—and That’s Okay
Some guinea pigs are outgoing from day one. Others are shy, nervous, or have past trauma. Wherever your pig is on the trust spectrum, the key is consistency and patience.
Speak softly. Offer veggies by hand. Avoid sudden movements. Sit with them during floor time without trying to grab or hold them. Over time, they’ll come to see you not as a threat, but as their safe person. And that bond? It’s magic.
Want This in a Handy Guinea Pig Care Checklist?
We’ve turned this entire guide into a beautiful, printable checklist so you can reference it any time.
👉 Visit CavyWhisperer.com to explore more Guinea Pig Care Checklists, blog posts, and helpful tools for new and seasoned cavy lovers alike.
Final Wheek of Wisdom:
Guinea pigs might be small, but their care is big. Give them the space, nourishment, companionship, and patience they deserve, and they’ll reward you with trust, joy, and a whole lot of adorable wheeks.
🎁 Looking for Something Wheek-Worthy?
Caring for your piggies is a labor of love—so why not treat yourself too?
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