Guinea pigs are often marketed as “easy” or “low-maintenance” pets, but any experienced owner knows that this couldn’t be further from the truth. These gentle little animals have specific needs, sensitive digestive systems, and subtle ways of communicating when something isn’t right. Unfortunately, many new owners make the same mistakes—not out of neglect, but simply due to misinformation or outdated advice.
If you’re new to guinea pigs (or even if you’ve owned them for a while), this guide will walk you through the 10 most common guinea pig mistakes new owners make, explain why they matter, and show you exactly how to avoid them. Making a few simple changes can dramatically improve your guinea pig’s health, happiness, and lifespan.
1. Keeping Only One Guinea Pig
One of the biggest and most harmful mistakes new owners make is keeping a guinea pig alone. Guinea pigs are highly social herd animals. In the wild, they live in groups, and that instinct never disappears in captivity.
A single guinea pig may seem “fine” at first, but loneliness often leads to:
- Depression and lethargy
- Reduced appetite
- Increased stress
- Shorter lifespan
How to Avoid This:
Always keep guinea pigs in pairs or small groups. Same-sex pairs work well, or a neutered male with females. If bonding is done correctly, most guinea pigs thrive when they have a companion to interact with, sleep beside, and communicate with.
2. Buying a Cage That’s Too Small
Pet shops often sell cages labelled “guinea pig cages” that are far too small. A cramped enclosure restricts movement, causes boredom, and increases the risk of obesity and joint issues.
Guinea pigs need space to:
- Run and popcorn
- Establish toilet areas
- Move away from cage mates when needed
How to Avoid This:
As a general rule:
- Bigger is always better.
- Bigger cages are actually easier to keep clean, as waste is spread out.
3. Not Providing Enough Hay (or Offering It the Wrong Way)
Hay is not just bedding or a snack—it is the foundation of a guinea pig’s diet. Many new owners underestimate how much hay guinea pigs need, or provide it in small amounts that quickly run out.
Guinea pigs need to be able to bury their faces into hay, pull strands freely, and eat constantly throughout the day and night. Small handfuls or tightly packed racks do not meet this need.
Without constant access to hay, guinea pigs are at risk of:
- Digestive problems
- Dental overgrowth
- Gut stasis
How to Avoid This:
- Provide large, generous piles of fresh hay at all times
- Hay should never fully run out
- Use open hay areas, trays, or piles directly on clean bedding or fleece
- Timothy hay is ideal for adults, while younger guinea pigs may also have lucerne/alfalfa hay
Hay should make up around 80% of a guinea pig’s diet, and the more freely they can eat, the better.
4. Feeding Too Much Fruit
Fruit is often seen as a healthy, natural treat, but feeding too much fruit is a very common mistake new guinea pig owners make. While guinea pigs can enjoy small amounts of fruit occasionally, it is high in natural sugars and should never be a daily food.
Too much fruit can lead to:
- Digestive upset and diarrhoea
- Painful bloating
- Weight gain
- Long-term dental issues
Guinea pigs have very sensitive digestive systems, and excess sugar can quickly disrupt their gut balance.
How to Avoid This:
- Treat fruit as an occasional treat only, not a regular part of the diet
- Offer fruit no more than once or twice a week, and in very small portions
- Focus daily feeding on hay, leafy greens, and vegetables instead
Vegetables such as capsicum, leafy greens, herbs, and small amounts of carrot are far more suitable for everyday feeding than fruit.
5. Forgetting Vitamin C
Unlike many animals, guinea pigs cannot produce their own vitamin C. A deficiency can lead to scurvy, which causes pain, weakness, poor healing, and even death if untreated.
Early signs of vitamin C deficiency include:
- Lethargy
- Rough coat
- Sore joints
- Loss of appetite
How to Avoid This:
- Feed daily fresh vegetables rich in vitamin C, such as capsicum (bell pepper), leafy greens, and small amounts of herbs
- Use a high-quality pellet with added vitamin C
6. Improper Handling and Lack of Socialisation
Guinea pigs are prey animals by nature. If handled incorrectly or too roughly, they can become fearful and stressed, making bonding difficult.
Common handling mistakes include:
- Grabbing from above
- Not supporting the back end
- Forcing cuddles
How to Avoid This:
- Always scoop from underneath and support the body
- Sit on the floor during lap time
- Let guinea pigs approach you on their own terms
With patience and gentle handling, most guinea pigs become confident and affectionate.
7. Using Unsafe Equipment (Exercise Balls, Dangerous Hay Racks, and More)
Many pet stores still sell equipment marketed for guinea pigs that is unsafe or even life-threatening. New owners often trust these products, unaware of the risks.
Unsafe equipment includes:
- Exercise balls (guinea pigs should never be placed inside them)
- Wire or narrow hay racks where heads, jaws, or legs can become trapped
- Elevated ramps without sides
- Sharp-edged or poorly designed accessories
Exercise balls restrict natural movement, prevent normal breathing and posture, and cause extreme stress. Hay racks with narrow gaps can lead to serious injuries or death if a guinea pig becomes stuck.
How to Avoid This:
- Never use exercise balls for guinea pigs
- Avoid wire or vertical hay racks with tight openings
- Offer hay in large open piles instead
- Choose ground-level hides, tunnels, and enrichment designed specifically for guinea pigs
8. Ignoring Subtle Signs of Illness
Guinea pigs are experts at hiding illness. By the time symptoms are obvious, they may already be very unwell.
Early warning signs are often subtle, such as:
- Slight weight loss
- Reduced appetite
- Sitting hunched
- Changes in droppings
How to Avoid This:
- Weigh guinea pigs weekly
- Learn what’s normal for each individual
- Act quickly if something seems “off”
Early intervention can make the difference between a simple treatment and a medical emergency.
9. Delaying Vet Care
Many new owners assume guinea pigs don’t need vet visits, or they wait too long hoping an issue will resolve on its own. Unfortunately, guinea pigs can decline very quickly.
How to Avoid This:
- Find an exotic or guinea pig-experienced vet before an emergency happens
- Seek vet care immediately if a guinea pig stops eating, loses weight, or shows signs of pain
- Keep a small emergency fund for unexpected vet visits
Prompt treatment saves lives.
10. Assuming Guinea Pigs Are “Low Maintenance”
Perhaps the biggest misconception is that guinea pigs are an easy starter pet. In reality, they require daily care, careful observation, and ongoing commitment.
Guinea pigs need:
- Daily feeding and fresh water
- Regular cleaning
- Social interaction
- Health monitoring
How to Avoid This:
Before bringing guinea pigs home, ensure you’re prepared for:
- A lifespan of 5–8 years (sometimes longer)
- Ongoing costs for food, bedding, and vet care
- Daily time and attention
When cared for properly, guinea pigs are incredibly rewarding companions.
Final Thoughts: Setting Your Guinea Pig Up for Success
Most guinea pig mistakes come from lack of information, not lack of love. The good news is that every mistake on this list is easy to fix once you know better. By providing proper housing, a correct diet, companionship, and attentive care, you can give your guinea pigs a long, healthy, and happy life.
Whether you’re a brand-new owner or learning as you go, continuous education is one of the best things you can offer your pets.
Disclaimer:
This article is based on experience and general guinea pig care knowledge. It is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. Always consult a qualified, guinea pig-experienced veterinarian if you are concerned about your pet’s health.
