A practical guide to caring for and falling in love with these adorable rodents.
Guinea pigs are small, curious, and very sociable. If you're thinking about adopting one or already have one at home, this guide is for you. Here, we'll tell you the most important things about their care, nutrition, behavior, and interesting facts you probably didn't know... and that will make you fall in love with them even more!
What should their habitat be like?
guinea pigs need space, security and stimulationAlthough they are small animals, they shouldn't be kept in a cage all day. Ideally, they should have a large area where they can move, explore, and play.
Essential elements of the habitat:
Large cage (minimum 120 cm long for a guinea pig)
Fresh hay always available
Bottle-type drinker
Ceramic feeder (more stable)
Shelter or little house where they can hide
Wooden toys or tunnels to stimulate your mind
Food: What can and can't they eat?
- Your diet should be rich in fiber and low in sugars and fats. This means:
80% good quality hay - Fresh vegetables daily (such as peppers, escarole, cucumber, arugula…)
- Specific feed for guinea pigs, like the one in the Cunipic range
- Occasional fruit as a treat (e.g., apple or strawberry cut into small pieces)
❌ They should not eat iceberg lettuce, potatoes, onions, or processed foods.
❌ No products for rabbits either: Guinea pigs need vitamin C, and their feed must contain it.
Are they smart? Very smart!
Guinea pigs can recognize your name, come when you call them, and learn routines. They have a great ability to associate sounds with actions (like the sound of the refrigerator with "food!").
In addition, they make many sounds:
“Cui-cui”: excitement or hunger
Soft purr: relaxation
Teeth clicking: warning or nuisance
You will learn to understand them as if they were talking to you!
They are pets, not cage animals.
Guinea pigs are very social. If you can, adopt at least two, as they feel safer when accompanied. However, they can also form a strong bond with their human caregivers.
They need daily interaction, pampering, playtime outside the cage, and a stable routine to feel happy and safe.
Should they be bathed?
En general, It is not necessary to bathe a guinea pigThey are very clean animals that groom themselves. You should only do this if they are really dirty or on veterinary advice. In that case, use products specifically for small mammals.
What you can do:
Brush your fur (especially if it is long-haired)
Check nails and teeth regularly
Curiosities that will surprise you
Guinea pigs don't jump! They walk and run, but their legs aren't made for climbing.
They have a very good spatial memory. If you move their food bowl… they'll let you know.
They are active during the day (diurnal) and have constant micro-naps.
Adopting a guinea pig opens the door to a life filled with tenderness, fun sounds, and lots of love. They just need basic care, good nutrition, companionship, and a little patience to win you over with their sweet nature.
If you are thinking of having one, in cunipic You'll find everything you need to give them a happy and natural life: food, hay, accessories, and much more.
– The Cunipic team
