Hi everyone, I’m Dr Sam, a piggy passionate veterinarian, and today I want to walk you through the basics of caring for baby and young guinea pigs. These tiny, squeaky bundles of fluff are not only adorable but also surprisingly delicate. Proper care in the early weeks is essential to help them grow into healthy, happy adults.

The First Few Days: What to Expect

Baby guinea pigs, known as pups, are born fully furred, with their eyes open and ready to move. They’ll start nibbling on solid food very quickly, often within a few hours of birth, but they’ll also nurse from their mother for around three weeks. During this time, it’s important to provide high-quality hay which supports their digestive development. This is one of the few occasions where we recommend a lucerne or alfalfa based hay, which is slightly higher in calcium and great for bone development and milk production for mum. 

Housing Young Guinea Pigs 

In comparison to other rodents, rabbits and small mammals,  baby guinea pigs are born quite large and developed, however we do still need to ensure that they are kept in a safe environment they are unable to injure themselves or escape from. Baby guinea pigs are still quite small, and may require adjustments to your adult guinea pig cage or setup. If you keep your guinea pigs in an Ozzy Cage or C&C type set up we recommend using BAR GRIDS or BABY GRIDS as they provide smaller holes your young piggies are unable to escape from. You can also double up and cross over normal OZZY GRIDS to create smaller holes. 

Baby and young guinea pigs are quite small and fragile, so we need to ensure they are kept in a safe and secure environment away from any predators, particularly household pets such as cats and dogs, as well as any adult guinea pigs who may be acting more territorial. We also need to ensure it is kept clean and hygienic as young guinea pigs are still developing their immune system and can be more susceptible to illness and infection. 

Handling and Socialising Young Guinea Pigs

Gentle daily handling from a young age can help your guinea pigs become friendly and well-socialised - however we do have to be mindful of their size, they’re fragile and quick to wriggle! Adult supervision is always recommend when children are handling guinea pigs, especially tiny, wriggly and agile young guinea pigs. It is important to always support their full body when picking them up, and to handle them close to the ground incase they were to fall. It may help to hold them in a secure bed or wrap to prevent them wriggling out of yours or your little ones hands. 

Using toys for guinea pigs is a great way to encourage natural behaviours and stimulate mental development. If in doubt do some DIY guinea pig toys like cardboard tunnels and hay-stuffed paper rolls can help young pigs learn to explore and play. Check out the GPA Instagram or Tiktok page for some great ideas! There are also many toys available on the market to provide more stimulation and enrichment for your piggies - however NOT ALL TOYS ARE SAFE! Check out those on our website for tried and tested guinea pig safe toys and accessories. 

Nutrition and Weaning

In the first few weeks, baby guinea pigs need a diet rich in nutrients to support their rapid growth. In addition to mum’s milk, they should have unlimited access to high-quality hay, fresh leafy greens, and a small portion of guinea pig pellets. As mentioned above, young guinea pigs and nursing mothers are one of the few times we recommend feeding a mixture of pasture and lucerne/alfalfa based hay due to the higher calcium content being beneficial for bone development and milk production. When purchasing a HIGH QUALITY pellet, you may find they have age specific recommendations such as Oxbow Young Guinea Pig Food which includes a slight difference of ingredients and composition to support the needs of growing piggies compared to adults. 

Clean, fresh water must be available at all times. Small water bottles are best for hygiene and monitoring intake, especially for young pigs, as well as reducing the risk of drowning or hypothermia if they were to get wet. You can offer bowls of water but ensure they are shallow enough to prevent drowning. 

Male guinea pigs need to be weaned and separated from their mother and sisters at 3 weeks of age to prevent further reproduction. 

When to See the Vet

Even with the best care, young guinea pigs are vulnerable to illness, and can go downhill very quickly. Watch closely for any signs of illness like weight loss, diarrhoea, lethargy, or changes in eating habits. Early vet intervention can make all the difference. 

Final Thoughts from Dr Sam

Visiting a local rescue near you is the best place to find guinea pigs to add to your home - with young or baby guinea pigs regularly available! However as cute as they are, please don't look past some of our adult piggies that are longing for their fur-ever home - they make just as great pets and you can often tell their personality or temperament prior to adoption. 

See our list of Australian Guinea Pig Rescues Here

Raising baby guinea pigs is a joyful and rewarding experience, but it comes with responsibility. With the right nutrition, housing, and care, you’ll give your piggies the best start in life.

If you have any concerns or want advice tailored to your setup please reach out to our expert team at Guinea Pigs Australia. Unsure on what you need? We offer a wide range of safe bedding, food, and accessories perfect for young guinea pigs. Simply browse our website and send us an email if you aren’t sure on what you need. We are here to help!