Below are some basic facts and quick information
regarding guinea pigs. It is important to note that this
information lists the basic physiological values however
some owners may find guinea pigs that are outside these
factors especially in relation to average age.
Birth Weight
70 - 120g
Male Sexual Maturity
3 weeks
Female Sexual Maturity
4 weeks
Gestation
59 - 72 days
Litter Size
2 - 5
Weaning Age
3 weeks
First Oestrus
5 weeks
Oestrus Cycle Length
15 - 19 days
Female Breeding Age
5 - 8 months
Scientific Name
Cavia Porcellus
Male
Boar
Female
Sow
Young
Pup
Adult Male Weight
1200 - 1700g
Adult Female Weight
1200 - 1400g
Food Consumption (Daily)
50 - 80g
Water Consumption (Daily)
40ml avg.
Average Life Span
5 - 7 years
Body Temperature
38°C
Heart Rate
230 - 380 bpm
Blood Volume (Total)
70ml per kg
Respiratory Rate
40 - 100 per minute
Basic Feeding Requirements
1. Unlimited amounts of Grass Hay. Lucerne can be fed
to pregnant and lactating sows and pups up to 6 months
of age. See Hay for more information.
2. Water 40 - 80mls per day per guinea pig available in a
dripper water bottle or clean ceramic bowl.
3. ¼ Cup of high quality plain pellets can be fed
formulated with Vitamin C such as Burgess Excel Guinea
Pig Nuggets with Mint.
4. Guinea Pigs require 50 - 100mg of vitamin C per day
provided in either a tablet form or included in their daily
diet in the form of high vitamin C vegetables.
5. Fresh, washed leafy greens and high quality
vegetables and fruits. Refer for Vegetables and Fruits
for more information on diet.
General Facts about Guinea pigs and their Care
•
Guinea pigs cannot sweat or dissipate heat. Unlike
other animals they do not have any sweat glands and as
such must be monitored for heat stroke in summer
months.
See Keeping your Guinea Pig Cool for further
information.
•
Guinea pigs do not tolerate humidity well. Damp
environments
and draughts can cause respiratory illness and distress.
It is important to provide a dry, clean environment at all times.
•
Young boars (males) must be removed and weaned from their
mothers at 3 weeks of age as they reach sexual maturity at this
age. The reason sexual maturity is at such a young age is
because guinea pigs are born precocial which means they are
born very well developed unlike other rodents. As they are so
mature at birth they have a much shorter time frame to sexual
maturity.
•
Castration will not alter a guinea pigs behaviour. Male guinea
pigs will not show any decrease in dominance related
behaviours such as mounting. It will however decrease the risk of
prostate cancers and impaction issues later in life. Discuss any
surgical procedure with an experienced exotics vet.
•
Guinea pigs cannot vomit and as such should not fast before
any surgical operation (general anaesthesia). The mouth
should be emptied of any food particles prior using a 1ml
syringe with water and to cleanse the oral cavity.
•
They cannot tolerate any form of penicillin and it is not
recommended to administer these medications to guinea pigs.
There are many safer alternatives.
•
Guinea pigs do not have any nerves in their teeth
•
Guinea pigs have a low sugar (glucose) tolerance. This means
they should not be fed high amounts of grain, muesli or mixes
which contain high amounts of fat, oats and molasses. Also
avoid any mixes which contain coloured pieces, as these are
primarily made and coated in sugars. Fruits can be fed 1 - 2
per week.
•
Guinea pigs practice copography (eating ones of faeces) to
obtain B Vitamins which are not digested during the first intake
of food.
Basics