The guinea pig
Sociable, chatty, the perfect first exotic pet
The guinea pig is gentle, expressive and very sociable. He does not climb and does not jump, which makes him easy to house, but he has a rare feature: like humans, he cannot make his own vitamin C.
| Life expectancy | 5 to 8 years |
|---|---|
| Social life | Very gregarious — never alone |
| Level required | Beginner |
| Legal framework | No permit required — find out more |
Its essential needs
- Always at least two individuals: in Switzerland, keeping a guinea pig on its own goes against animal welfare.
- Unlimited hay + a daily supply of vitamin C (suitable fresh vegetables).
- A large floor-level enclosure, away from draughts.
- No wheel and no upper levels: his back is not made for that.
Key health points
- Like us, the guinea pig cannot make his own vitamin C: he must get it from his food every day. If he lacks it, the result is scurvy: dull, ruffled coat, painful joints (he limps or refuses to move), tiredness, sometimes bleeding gums. A daily supply — suitable fresh vegetables or a supplement — prevents all of this.
- His teeth and his claws grow continuously. Badly worn teeth injure him and stop him eating; overly long claws deform his feet. Regular checks are enough to avoid both.
- He is very sensitive to stress and to respiratory infections. A guinea pig that sneezes, breathes fast, has a runny nose or eyes, or sits huddled in a corner, must be seen quickly: in this species, lung disease progresses fast.
In Switzerland: no permit required No permit required, but keeping is subject to the TSchV requirements on living conditions: minimum space, social contact, and appropriate feeding and care. Legal framework in detail →
A word from the Au Furet practice ‘Popcorning’ — those little jumps on the spot — is a typical sign of joy in the guinea pig.
Need a vet for this species? Few practices are trained in exotic pets. Find an exotic pet vet · Au Furet practice.
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