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Important points
- Guinea pigs generally have a lifespan of between 5 and 8 years.
- As soon as they reach their fourth or fifth year, they experience a drop in energy.
- Other signs of aging include graying of the coat and certain diseases such as arthritis.
Guinea pigare among the most popularpetsworldwide They are very inquisitive, gentle, affectionate, humorous and very interactive animals that need frequent attention and social interaction. Although its useful life is not as long as that of agatoo einsdog, are generally quite hardy and disease resistant. But how long do guinea pigs live? There are many factors that affect guinea pig longevity, including rearing, diet, housing and medical care. However, sometimes there are factors beyond our control that could also play a role. This article will tell you what you need to know about maximizing your pet's life potential so that they can enjoy your company for many years to come. Read on to find the answer to that question, "How long do guinea pigs live?"
The Lifespan of a Guinea Pig
In summary, modern domesticated Guinea has a typical lifespan of five to eight years. If you're lucky enough to avoid complications from age-related diseases, the guinea pig may live a few more years, but there's a natural limit to its lifespan that it almost certainly won't exceed. It's hard to say exactly what that natural limit is, but based on evidence from longest-living pigs (see below) it's probably in the 15-year range.
By the time your guinea pig is around six months old, it will be in the prime of its life. But like any animal, it will eventually show clear signs of decline. By the age of four or five, their energy levels begin to drop dramatically. You may notice that your guinea pig moves and plays less. The fur begins to turn gray or white, especially around the nose and mouth. Your toes curve, starting with the outside toe and progressing to the larger inside toe; The toes can eventually appear thick and crooked. Your pig will also become much more susceptible to all sorts of age-related ailments including cataracts, arthritis, heart disease, stroke, cancer and even dementia that affect their behavior.
Domesticated guinea pigs no longer exist in the wild (aside from the rare feral population), but some owners let them roam free in a larger fenced yard. This will of course give your pet some much-needed space and fresh air, but free-ranging guinea pigs are much more likely to fall prey to predators and disease. They are also vulnerable to inclement weather and low temperatures. This is absolutely not recommended unless you know what you are doing and are willing to take the risk.
The guinea pig that broke records
ThatGuinness world recordbecause the oldest known caged guinea pig belongs to a Nottinghamshire animal named Snowball,Great Britain. He died on February 14, 1979 at the age of 14 years and 10.5 months. Other guinea pigs have come close to that record (a guinea pig named Bear was reportedly 13 years old in 2019), but no one has managed to beat it yet. This is, of course, complicated by the difficulty of actually confirming a pig's age. The birth of the pig must be documented to qualify for registration.
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What affects the lifespan of your guinea pig
One of the biggest factors that contribute to your pig's overall health and well-being is genetics. Just like any other animal, includingpeople, many health conditions (or at least the increased risk of certain health conditions) can be passed from parent to child. This is where a breeder can play a big role in your pet's health. Quality breeders select only from the best stock. They refuse to breed pigs that show signs of serious hereditary health problems. Frequent tests are carried out to ensure their pigs are healthy and disease free.
That being said, breeding can only get you so far. Once you've acquired a pig, diet and general care can also play a role. Tips to keep your pig safe and healthy are covered in the next section. However, sometimes a pig doesn't live as long as you expect, no matter how careful you are. "Luck" (i.e. random or uncontrollable factors) certainly has a major impact on your lifespan. A pig's life could be shortened by a hidden genetic risk that the pig naturally carries, or by an unpredictable disease. However, aside from these unforeseen factors, owners can exercise a great deal of control over their pets' health.
Tips to extend your guinea pig's lifespan
There are a few things you can do to ensure your guinea pig lives a long and healthy life:
- Create: When buying a guinea pig, health should always be your primary concern. Your best bet is to find a dedicated Cavy breeder with an excellent reputation for breeding high quality, healthy animals. Never trust a breeder or pet shop who cannot prove their animals come from a well-bred, healthy source. While good breeders tend to charge a little more for their animals, they also pay less for long-term health issues.
- Run: The breed of guinea pig plays a fairly important role in its lifespan. Peruvians, or Shelties, are believed to live the longest, while hairless breeds like the Baldwin and Skinny Hog have the shortest lifespans.
- Diet: All guinea pigs (regardless of age, breed or sex) need a balanced diet consisting of pellets, hay and fresh fruit and vegetables. Owners should provide 1/8 cup of pellets daily, which are high in fortified vitamin C and fiber. This should be supplemented with unlimited amounts of hay (usually timothy), about a cup of fresh produce (like lettuce or parsley), and a few slices of seedless fruit (like apples, oranges, kiwis, etc.). Try to avoid grains, cereals, seeds, nuts, dairy and overly sweet foods with empty calories. You should also avoid meat. The guinea pig is a pure herbivore.
- General home care: To prevent disease, owners should clean pig litter at least once a week, remove uneaten feed daily, and try to separate feed from waste. The room temperature should be kept between 65 and 79 degrees without drafts.
- exercise: Exercise is good for your pig's mental and physical well-being. A cage that is the right size for romping and everyday play with its owner should ensure plenty of exercise every day. Running wheels and balls are not recommended and may even cause injury to some pigs.
- veterinary care: At least once a year, your guinea pig should be taken to the vet for a routine check-up. If your pig begins to show acute signs of illness or stress, you should contact your veterinarian as soon as possible. Pet insurance can protect you from unexpected health bills, but it may not be for everyone.
Common health problems in guinea pigs
Owners should be aware of (and be prepared for) serious and life-threatening illnesses that can sever their pet's life by years. Young guinea pigs with an underdeveloped immune system are particularly susceptible to respiratory or urinary tract infections. But adults are also threatened; mental stress, poor diet, poor ventilation, and crowded habitats can potentially contribute to infection.
Gastrointestinal issues are also very common in guinea pigs as their high carbohydrate diet requires extra effort to be properly digested. If your pig is having trouble absorbing nutrients or pushing food out of its system quickly, it could be a sign of a more serious digestive problem, such as a sneeze. B. inflammation, bacterial infections or parasites. Symptoms may include weakness, diarrhea, and unexpected weight loss or changes in appetite.
Another related problem is nutrient deficiencies. because howpeople, Guinea pigs cannot produce their own vitamin C and must obtain it entirely from food, and they are also susceptible to scurvy. Symptoms of this disease include rough hair, diarrhea, swollen joints, lethargy, and ulcers or bleeding gums. Luckily this shouldn't be a problem if you feed the pig a balanced diet as mentioned above.
Owners should also be aware of the signs of cancer. Tumors seem to be becoming more common, so keep an eye out for any unusual lumps or growths on your guinea pig's body. Just like in humans, early detection is always necessary to have the best chance of survival. The risk of cancer increases as the guinea pig ages and requires more frequent check-ups.
Aside from these specific issues, owners should also be on the lookout for general signs of an illness or condition, including lethargy, depression and antisocial behavior, difficulty breathing, skin sores, discharge or irritation from the ears, excessive sleepiness, and pain and swelling. If you notice any of these symptoms, you should speak to your veterinarian immediately to determine how long your guinea pig can live with these potential problems.
Until next time…
Keep reading these posts for more amazing information on important animal facts.
- How much does a guinea pig cost per year?How deep do you have to dig into your coffers to keep your furry little friend well watered, well fed and in excellent health? Discover it here.
- Guinea Pigs As Pets: How To Take Care Of Your Pet Guinea Pigs:These cuddly and lovable rodents are easy to care for. Find out what they need and what major types are available.
- 10 Amazing Facts About The Guinea Pig:They have particularly sensitive noses, speak their own language and love bossing other guinea pigs around. Find out more about this adorable rodent that surprises everyone.
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About the author
Dana Major
I love good books and the occasional cartoon. I am also endlessly fascinated by the beauty of nature and find that hummingbirds, pups and sea creatures are the most magical creatures of all.
Thank you for reading! Do you have any comments for us?Contact the AZ Animals editorial team.
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FAQs
Can a guinea pig live 15 years? ›
Guinea Pig Lifespan
Guinea pigs live for an average of 5-7 years, but some have lived much longer. In fact, according to the Guinness Book of World Records, the oldest known guinea pig was almost 15 years old! More commonly, domestic guinea pigs live an average of 5 years.
The average guinea pig lifespan is between five to eight years, though particularly pampered and healthy animals can reach ten years or more. This is much longer than other small mammal pets like hamsters, mice, and rats, but shorter than animals like dogs or cats.
What are the signs of old age in guinea pigs? ›Guinea pigs tend to slow down as they reach four or five years of age. Aging guinea pigs may develop some of the same ailments or characteristics as aging humans. These include cataracts, stroke, heart attacks, arthritis, dementia and graying (guinea pigs may develop gray fur around the nose and mouth).
Is 4.5 years old for a guinea pig? ›A guinea pig is often considered a senior when they are approximately 4 years old, but as each piggie is unique, it is difficult to anticipate how little or how long their lifespan will be.
At what age is a guinea pig a senior? ›Guinea pigs are usually considered seniors once they are more than 5 years old. Senior guinea pigs may have special needs that vary from individual to individual. It is important to have your senior pig evaluated annually by a qualified and experienced exotics veterinarian to ensure they are happy and healthy!
Are guinea pigs smart? ›Are guinea pigs really that smart? Yes! Guinea Pigs are highly sensitive and perceptive animals. Guinea pigs can learn their own name, learn tricks and display high emotional intelligence and empathy.
Do guinea pigs get lonely? ›Guinea pigs are herd animals and really shouldn't be kept alone. Even if you're the best owner in the world and handle them every day, they'll still be lonely without a fellow guinea pig to talk to, so it's really important to keep guinea pigs together.
Do guinea pigs sleep all night? ›The thing is, guinea pigs do sleep, usually between four and six hours a day, but rather than doing it all in one go, they will nap throughout the day and night.
Do guinea pigs need alone time? ›To summarise, a guinea pig can live alone, but ideally shouldn't. This is because they are social animals that want and need the companionship of other guinea pigs. A piggy on its own requires a lot of care and interaction, which is why experts recommend keeping at least two guinea pigs together.
How do I know if my guinea pig is happy? ›Excited wheeking sounds. Popcorning (happy hops and twists in the air) Zoomies (running around with a 'big burst of energy') Good health and normal activity levels.
What does a stressed guinea pig look like? ›
Normally, a stressed guinea pig will show signs of irritability and more aggressive displays of behavior, such as head tossing, fidgeting, or teeth-baring. A depressed guinea pig, on the other hand, will become very listless and not display much energy.
How can you tell a guinea age? ›Seniors often have crooked and thicker nails. Older guinea pigs' entire front paws may start to turn in. As guinea pigs age, white nails may start to turn yellow. This is one indication that your adult guinea pig may be closer to 4 or 5 than 2 or 3.
Do guinea pigs need a friend? ›Guinea pigs are social animals who do best with the companionship of another pig. Preventing a solitary guinea pig from becoming lonely and bored is a tall order, even for someone committed to spending a significant amount of time with their animal every day.
Are guinea pigs cuddly? ›Even though guinea pigs are super cuddly little animals and love spending time with their humans, they need gentle handling. They also don't like loud noises, so they aren't always the best pets for young children.
Do guinea pigs calm down as they get older? ›Fortunately, as guinea pigs age they tend to calm down a little, making handling easier. This does mean, however, that larger guinea pigs can make better pets for children as they are less prone to sudden escape attempts.
What is the best food for older guinea pigs? ›It's advised that older guinea pigs receive limited pellets; a low protein and low calcium timothy hay pellet is advisable.
What to do with remaining guinea pig when one dies? ›When a guinea pig dies, it is important that the remaining guinea pigs are able to say their goodbyes, if this is at all possible. Place the passed Guinea Pigs back into their cage or hutch, for just a few minutes for this to happen. They may ignore their friend or look from afar, or nudge them to try and wake them.
What is the best hay for older guinea pigs? ›Timothy hay and Orchard hay are two of the best guinea pig hay types given to adult guinea pigs for they boast high fiber content and are truly suitable for guinea pigs. As with everything in life, do not make the pick just based on the price, but base it on the quality and needs of your piggies.
Do guinea pigs trust you? ›Since guinea pigs are herd animals, they are actually very social and require a lot of attention. Being consistent with interacting with them will build trust and they'll be more likely to approach you and feel comfortable around you.
Can guinea pigs feel loved? ›Fortunately, guineas are very affectionate pets, and they have several ways of showing how much they care about you.
Do guinea pigs have a memory? ›
Guinea pigs are very intelligent. They need variety in their diets and habitats to avoid boredom. They have good spatial memory and can remember learned pathways to food sources for many months.
How do guinea pigs say hello? ›A nose bump is a friendly hello, between piggies or a guinea pig and a human. This is the piggy version of the air kiss or the handshake.
Is it OK to only have 1 guinea pig? ›Guinea Pigs Should Always Be Adopted as a Pair
It isn't healthy for them to be alone—they need a companion of their own species they can “talk,” play, and cuddle with. Companionship is so vital to their well-being that Switzerland has made it illegal to keep only one.
Leafy greens like romaine lettuce, red and green leaf lettuces, kale, cilantro and parsley should comprise the bulk of your pig's fresh produce. It's best to provide variety by feeding different greens each day.
Should I put a blanket over my guinea pigs cage at night? ›ALL CAGES should have a PARTIAL, OPAQUE COVER. We think of a needing a cover for keeping them safe. Full cage covers, if they are open enough for proper ventilation and light, then they still aren't really providing that sense of security your guinea pigs desire. They want to feel safe from overhead birds of prey.
Do guinea pigs get cold at night? ›Guinea pigs do get cold—in fact, they get cold pretty quickly! It's important that you keep an eye on the temperatures around your guinea pigs in order to keep them safe and comfortable.
Do guinea pigs like a bath? ›Guinea pigs don't enjoy being wet, and particularly in cold climates bathing guinea pigs and not drying them off properly can give them chills. First, make sure you have ample time to bathe and dry all your guinea pigs.
How often do you need to clean a guinea pig cage? ›In addition to cleaning your guinea pig's habitat & accessories completely once a week, spot cleaning should be done daily. Spot cleaning can be done by removing soiled litter and bedding with a small food or litter scoop.
Can a guinea pig eat cucumbers? ›Cucumber: Guinea Pigs can eat both the flesh, seeds (not too much) and the skin. Green beans:These contain vitamin C, and can be fed in a raw state. However, be cautious as they also contain calcium and phosphorus.
Do guinea pigs like the dark? ›It's safe to say that guinea pigs enjoy the dark at least, but we'd even go as far as to say they prefer the dark!
How do guinea pigs talk to you? ›
Guinea pigs are sociable, chatty creatures who generally have plenty to say, using around 11 different noises to communicate how they're feeling. In fact, guinea pigs use sounds as a primary means of communication and, since they are herd animals, sounds are also their means of maintaining social rank.
What does it mean when a guinea pig licks you? ›If your guinea pig starts licking you, this could be a very good sign that he or she likes you. It's generally regarded as a very affectionate gesture. In the same way that they show affection through grooming one another, they could well be attempting to groom you to!
Do guinea pigs like clean cages? ›You'll see how much guinea pigs love a clean environment after you've cleaned them out and put the guinea pigs back in to their enclosure. Ours run around excitedly, making happy noises, and explore every part of the newly cleaned cage.
What happy noises do guinea pigs make? ›Purring, Chuttering, and Rumbling
Chutting or chuttering is similar to purring, but with shorter sounds. Chuttering and purring are commonly associated with a content guinea pig and these are some of the noises guinea pigs make when they're happy, but purring can also be produced out of fear.
Over time, your guinea pigs may react less strongly when you approach. They may only scurry away a short distance or quickly come out of hiding once they realize it is you. If your guinea pigs approach you voluntarily, it is a sign that they trust you and see you as a protector, a guardian, a friend and a provider.
What can make guinea pigs upset? ›This can be when something in their environment upsets them suddenly. It can also happen if another pet in the household like a cat or dog is bothering or making them feel scared. Sometimes, it can happen when a guinea pig does not want to be handled. They may hiss at you to communicate this.
Is my guinea a male or female? ›The male is slightly larger, has a larger, taller standing crest on top of his head, and the wattles under his chin are bigger and stick out farther than the female's. The hen's crest is somewhat smaller and angled more toward the rear, and her wattles aren't as large or as deeply cupped.
Do guinea pigs sleep in beds? ›Do guinea pigs need a bed? Guinea pigs don't need a bed as such, but they do need a hideout. Soft, open beds are an optional extra but a lovely addition to their cage if you have enough space for one. Doughnut beds, hammocks and cuddle cups are all very popular, and guinea pigs love these.
How old are Petsmart guinea pigs? ›Pet store pigs are usually 8-12 weeks old when you buy them.
Do you always need 2 guinea pigs? ›Do guinea pigs need to be in pairs? Guinea pigs thrive in the company of other guinea pigs and the best combination is a pair of guinea pigs, but they don't necessarily need to be in pairs. If you have a group of three or more that live happily together, that's great!
Is it better to have 1 guinea pig or 2? ›
(Keep in mind that guinea pigs are highly social, so it is best to have at least two guinea pigs who get along with each other.)
Can you let guinea pigs run around your house? ›Guinea pigs love having room to roam
In the case of small children, it's fine for them to go in as long as they're properly supervised, and don't chase the animals around. Make sure the area you've chosen is safe for your guinea pigs to roam around in.
Do guinea pigs like to be kissed? This will ultimately depend on your bond with your guinea pigs! Some guinea pigs may be comfortable with their piggy parents kissing them on their head or cheeks, whereas other piggies may find this uncomfortable.
Do guinea pigs get cold? ›Young guinea pigs are especially vulnerable, as they cannot control their body temperatures like adults can. Guinea pigs handle cold much better than heat, but being too cold still causes them significant discomfort and stress. They can become sick or even die if they are too cold for too long.
Are guinea pigs afraid? ›As piggy parents, you probably know that guinea pigs are quite skittish, and it comes from the fact that they're naturally prey animals! Even if they are living in our homes with us, they can still be frightened by certain things, whether it's loud noises, or certain behaviors that we display as humans.
What do guinea pig squeaks mean? ›Squeal: Some guinea pigs will squeal when they are experiencing potential pain or they need attention. It can sometimes be that another guinea pig is stealing his favorite spot to eat. Pay attention to your guinea pig if you hear a squeal because it could indicate that they need help from something hurting them.
What are signs of old age in guinea pigs? ›Guinea pigs tend to slow down as they reach four or five years of age. Aging guinea pigs may develop some of the same ailments or characteristics as aging humans. These include cataracts, stroke, heart attacks, arthritis, dementia and graying (guinea pigs may develop gray fur around the nose and mouth).
When should you not handle guinea pigs? ›Pups need time to develop immunity, so don't handle newborn guineas for at least two weeks. Guinea pigs that have just given birth should also be left alone for at least two weeks so they can recover from the birthing process without being handled by humans (or any other animals).
Do male or female guinea pigs live longer? ›Male guinea pigs (boars) have a tendency to live a little longer than females (sows), especially if the females are having young. Both have similar temperaments although males often have a bolder personality, making them easier to handle.
What breed of guinea pig lives the longest? ›Peruvians or Shelties are thought to live the longest, whereas hairless breeds like the Baldwin and the skinny pig are thought to have the shortest lifespan.
Are guinea pigs good pets for 13 year olds? ›
Not as fragile as rabbits and generally less skittish than smaller rodents like hamsters and gerbils, guinea pigs are wonderful pets for elementary-school-age kids and older. But remember, younger children should always be supervised around guinea pigs, just as with any other pet.
What is the oldest guinea pig breed? ›Abyssinian Cavy (Guinea Pig) is actually one of the oldest breeds of domestic guinea pigs. Guinea pigs originated from the Andes in South America from a species called Montane Guinea Pig.
Can 2 male and 2 female guinea pigs live together? ›Good combinations for guinea pigs include a neutered male and one or more females, two females or neutered brothers (if they've been reared together).
Is it OK to just have one guinea pig? ›Guinea Pigs Should Always Be Adopted as a Pair
It isn't healthy for them to be alone—they need a companion of their own species they can “talk,” play, and cuddle with. Companionship is so vital to their well-being that Switzerland has made it illegal to keep only one.
Do guinea pigs need a bed? Guinea pigs don't need a bed as such, but they do need a hideout. Soft, open beds are an optional extra but a lovely addition to their cage if you have enough space for one. Doughnut beds, hammocks and cuddle cups are all very popular, and guinea pigs love these.
Do guinea pigs need sleep? ›How much sleep do guinea pigs need? In order to stay healthy, guinea pigs need anywhere from four and six hours of sleep a day! However, this isn't continuous time blocks of sleep, but short power naps! These little naps are usually only a few minutes long, but they're still enough to fuel and recharge our piggies.
Do guinea pigs sleep a lot? ›Guinea pigs don't have a specific time where they sleep, but will usually sleep on average about 6 hours a day. While I was filming our most recent vlog, you may notice certain sleeping habits of my own guinea pigs. My guinea pigs tend to sleep when I sleep.
Do guinea pigs like to be petted? ›Guinea pigs are social animals and enjoy human interaction, including petting, stroking and playing. However, it's important you learn how to handle your guinea pig correctly to avoid any injuries. It's not uncommon for guinea pigs to be skittish around their owners.
Can guinea pigs live alone? ›To summarise, a guinea pig can live alone, but ideally shouldn't. This is because they are social animals that want and need the companionship of other guinea pigs. A piggy on its own requires a lot of care and interaction, which is why experts recommend keeping at least two guinea pigs together.
What is the rarest color of guinea pig? ›Himalayan guinea pigs
The Himalayan guinea pig is an Albino guinea pig, meaning it's got a white coat and red eyes. Sometimes, you'll notice that their noses, ears, and feet are brown or black, so the cute cavies look even more striking.
What breed of guinea pig is the friendliest? ›
Abyssinians are particularly affectionate and gentle, making them a great choice for first-time guinea pig owners. This breed is known for its short, tufted coat which can be found in various colors. There is also an Abyssinian Satin breed, identifiable by its particularly glossy fur.
What is the most friendly guinea pig? ›Abyssinian Guinea Pig
The Abyssinian has a reputation for being one of the friendliest and affectionate breeds of guinea pig, although they may be too energetic and excitable for younger children.