How long do guinea pigs live? It's a totally valid question, and one that you should know the answer to if you have guinea pigs in the family, or are considering adopting a few. On average, guinea pigs will live between 6 – 8 years if given the proper care. Kind of like humans. Or any species of animal, really. Usually, the better the care, the longer the life. There are definitely some factors that can influence how long your guinea pig will live. And the good news? You, the parent, has a pretty big role in lots of them! Let’s take a closer look.
Quality of Food
Just like with people, the food you feed your guinea pigs will directly affect their health and longevity. We have become increasingly aware about the link between consuming healthy foods and illness, and this applies to our pets as well. Not only feeding healthful foods, but the right kinds of foods in the right quantities.
My rescue, Los Angeles Guinea Pig Rescue, offers free wellness checks to the public and we often come across guinea pigs that are too skinny. When I see guinea pigs that could do with a little more weight, I ask the owner exactly what and how much they are feeding their guinea pigs. The answers obviously differ, but one thing most all have in common is that the guinea pigs are not being fed enough.
Our little furry friends are called “pigs” for a good reason. They have a healthy appetite. A very healthy appetite. What some people don’t realize, is that as long as the correct foods are fed, guinea pigs regulate their nutrition intake themselves. They know how much to eat and stop when they've had enough. So make sure there are always plenty of pellets and good quality Timothy hay in their living space. Guinea pigs also need daily fresh greens. They're graze animals, and are used to eating when they feel like it. I always like to say that they eat, poop, sleep and repeat. Nothing wrong with that!
If you're interested in learning more about the food requirements of guinea pigs, this video may be helpful. It covers what to feed, how much and how often to feed it.
Mental Health
Yes. You read that right. When you're asking "how long do guinea pigs live?" mental health is a huge factor. A piggy that lives by himself is lonely. He will have no stimulation other than when you interact with him during feeding and lap time, and has no friend of his own species to “talk” to. It's easy, though, to make sure your guinea pig is healthy in this department. Get him a friend!
... A same sex friend mind you! Rescues already have plenty piggies that we can’t find homes for. If there is no rescue in your area, then a good alternative to pet stores are neighborhood apps like Nextdoor or Craigslist to find guinea pigs looking to be rehomed.
Living Space
Guinea pigs require 8 square feet of living space, whether you have one or two. One of the reasons for this is to maintain physical health. They need to be able to stretch their legs and stay in motion. Younger animals, for instance, can be observed making “zoomies” where they will race from one point to the next, pause for a few seconds, and race back to the starting point. And then repeat the pattern. The ability to have a proper walk-around will ensure that blood keeps flowing properly through the feet. For instance, inactive animals, either due to pain or lack of space, are 80% more likely to develop the dreaded “bumblefoot” affliction. Staying in motion can prevent a host of ailments from developing and a proper sized cage will keep them more entertained and happier overall.
Genetics
Some guinea pigs can have bad genes from inbreeding or selective breeding. Selective breeding is used to bring out a specific physical trait like a hair color or hair length, where no mind is paid to possible physical problems that can become a problem down the line. Satin guinea pigs are a good example of that. These are guinea pigs with a beautiful extra special shiny coat. Unfortunately, satin guinea pigs may fall victim to Osteodystrophy, which is a painful and incurable metabolic disease of the bones.
So, how long do guinea pigs live? Usually 6-8 years, depending on quality of care. Always remember, the better the care, the better (and usually longer) the life.
Interested in learning more about guinea pigs? Check out these articles! ⬇️⬇️⬇️
The Importance of Vitamin C for Guinea Pigs
