Small animals, big needs
Guinea pigs are lively, social rodents from the Andes that run, popcorn (jump with excitement) and explore when they have room. Many still live in cages far too small for them. Welfare organizations recommend much larger spaces than most pet store cages, and a companion of their own species.
Space
The calculator gives two figures:
- Absolute minimum, from the guidance used by the Humane Society and guinea pig rescues: 7.5 sq ft for one or two guinea pigs, 10.5 sq ft for three, 13 sq ft for four, and about 2.75 sq ft more for each additional animal
- Recommended: about 0.5 m² (5.4 sq ft) per guinea pig, with at least 1 m² (10.8 sq ft) for a pair
Floor area matters more than height, since guinea pigs do not climb. A 30 × 60 inch cage or a C&C (cubes and coroplast) cage gives a pair room to move. Add hiding places for each animal, a hay rack and solid flooring.
Daily food
- Vitamin C: about 10 to 30 mg per kg a day; the calculator uses 20 mg/kg. Guinea pigs cannot make it.
- Hay: unlimited timothy or other grass hay, the main part of the diet
- Fresh vegetables: about a cup (100 g) per guinea pig a day, such as bell pepper, romaine, cilantro, parsley or kale
- Plain pellets: about 1/8 cup (20 g) per guinea pig, fortified with vitamin C
- Water: about 100 ml per kg a day, fresh daily
Example
Two guinea pigs of 2.2 lb (1 kg) each:
- Recommended area: 10.8 sq ft; minimum 7.5 sq ft
- Vitamin C: about 40 mg a day in total
- Pellets: about 1.4 oz a day; vegetables about 7 oz
- Water: about 6.8 fl oz a day
Health tips
Vitamin C in pellets and drops breaks down over time, so fresh vegetables are the most reliable source. Weigh your guinea pigs weekly: a loss of 10% or more is a warning sign. Their teeth grow continuously, so hay is essential. If a guinea pig stops eating or pooping, see an exotic animal vet the same day.