10 Biggest Mistakes Guinea Pig Owners Make (And How to Avoid Them!)

So, you’ve decided to bring a guinea pig into your life. Congrats! These little furballs are adorable, quirky, and surprisingly social.

But let’s be real: owning a guinea pig isn’t just cuddles and squeaky noises. It comes with a learning curve. And while guinea pigs are pretty forgiving, there are some mistakes that can make their life (and yours) way harder than it needs to be.

Here are the top 10 mistakes guinea pig owners make—and how to avoid them like the plague.

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1. Thinking a Tiny Cage Is “Good Enough”

Okay, let’s start with the big one. A small cage is NOT okay. If you’re picturing your guinea pig chilling in a little pet store starter cage, think again. Guinea pigs need room to roam, run, and popcorn (their adorable little jumps of joy). The bigger the cage, the happier the pig.

  • Minimum cage size: 7.5 square feet for two pigs, but honestly, go bigger. They’ll thank you with zoomies. 🐾
  • Bonus tip: Skip those overpriced pet store cages and go for a C&C cage. They’re customizable, affordable, and your guinea pigs will live like royalty.

Why it matters:

Imagine living your whole life in a closet. Sounds miserable, right? That’s your guinea pig in a tiny cage. Give them space. Period.

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2. Flying Solo: Only Getting One Guinea Pig

Guinea pigs are herd animals. Translation: they need a buddy. Getting just one guinea pig might seem easier, but it’s actually a fast track to having a sad, lonely pig.

The fix?

Always adopt at least two guinea pigs. Don’t worry—once you see them snuggling, grooming, and chatting with each other, you’ll realize it’s the best decision ever.

FYI: Yes, they’re social, but introductions can take time. Do your homework to pair them up safely.

3. Feeding the Wrong Food

You’re not off the hook just because you grabbed some “guinea pig food” at the store. Their diet is WAY more specific than that.

  • Staples of a guinea pig’s diet:
    • Hay, hay, and more hay. (Did I mention hay?) It’s 80% of their diet.
    • Fresh veggies like bell peppers, parsley, and lettuce (not iceberg, though—it’s basically crunchy water).
    • Pellets: Choose ones with vitamin C but no weird extras like seeds or colored bits.
    • No-no foods: Potatoes, onions, chocolate (obviously), and iceberg lettuce. Just… don’t.

Why it matters:

A bad diet = health issues galore. You don’t want to be the one explaining to your vet why your guinea pig ate a french fry, do you?

4. Forgetting They Need Vitamin C

Here’s a fun fact: guinea pigs can’t produce vitamin C on their own. It’s like the one thing they have in common with humans (besides being adorable). Without it, they can get scurvy—yes, like pirate scurvy. 🤦‍♀️

What to do:

  • Offer fresh veggies daily. Bell peppers and parsley are vitamin C powerhouses.
  • If you’re worried, try a guinea pig-safe vitamin C supplement. (Just skip those gimmicky drops you add to their water—total waste.)

5. Not Cleaning Their Cage Often Enough

If you’ve ever walked into a room and smelled “guinea pig,” congrats—you’re probably not cleaning their cage enough. These guys are cute, but they poop like it’s their full-time job.

Cleaning checklist:

  • Spot clean daily. Yes, daily.
  • Deep clean weekly: Replace all bedding, scrub the base, and make it sparkle.
  • Use paper or fleece bedding. No wood shavings, especially cedar—it’s toxic!

Why it matters:

A dirty cage isn’t just gross; it’s a breeding ground for bacteria. Plus, your guinea pigs will be happier in a fresh, clean space.

6. Holding Them Wrong (Or Too Soon)

Ah, the temptation to scoop up your guinea pig the second you bring them home. Resist! Guinea pigs are prey animals, which means they’re basically programmed to think you’re going to eat them. Harsh, but true.

The right way:

  • Give them time to adjust. Let them settle into their new home for a few days before trying to pick them up.
  • When you do hold them, scoop from underneath and support their little butt. No dangling!

7. Not Providing Enrichment

Guinea pigs may not be rocket scientists, but they’re smarter than you think. A boring cage = a bored guinea pig. And trust me, a bored guinea pig isn’t a happy guinea pig.

Easy enrichment ideas:

  • Tunnels and hideouts: They LOVE to hide and explore.
  • Chew toys: Their teeth grow continuously, so give them stuff to gnaw on.
  • Floor time: Let them roam a guinea pig-safe space outside their cage.

8. Ignoring Signs of Illness

Here’s the thing: guinea pigs don’t wear little signs that say, “Hey, I’m sick.” They’re prey animals, so they’ll hide symptoms as long as they can. It’s on you to notice when something’s off.

Watch for:

  • Changes in eating or pooping habits.
  • Lethargy (a guinea pig that’s not begging for food? Red flag!).
  • Unusual sounds like wheezing or clicking.

If you’re unsure, call the vet. Better safe than sorry.

9. Skimping on Grooming

Yes, guinea pigs groom themselves, but they still need your help to stay fabulous.

Grooming basics:

  • Nail trims: Every 4–6 weeks. Long nails can cause pain or even infections.
  • Brushing: Long-haired breeds like Peruvians need regular brushing to avoid tangles and mats.
  • Baths? Rarely. Guinea pigs are clean animals, and too many baths can dry out their skin.

10. Thinking They’re Low-Maintenance Pets

Let’s clear this up once and for all: guinea pigs are not the goldfish of the small pet world. They require time, effort, and attention. Sure, they don’t need walks, but between feeding, cleaning, and bonding time, they’re definitely a commitment.

The reality:

If you’re not ready to put in the work, guinea pigs might not be the right pet for you. But if you’re willing to step up, they’ll reward you with endless squeaks, snuggles, and the cutest little antics.

Final Thoughts

Owning a guinea pig isn’t just about feeding them and calling it a day. It’s about creating a happy, healthy life for these little bundles of joy. Avoid these mistakes, and you’ll be well on your way to becoming a guinea pig pro. Plus, your pigs will love you for it (even if they’re too busy munching hay to show it). Got questions? Drop them below—your guinea pigs deserve the best!

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