Guinea pigs (also called cavies) are highly social, vocal, and gentle small animals that make wonderful pets for families. They should always be kept in pairs or groups as they are herd animals that become lonely and stressed in isolation. With a lifespan of 5–7 years and a huge range of sounds — from wheeks and purrs to rumbles and chutts — they are endlessly communicative and engaging companions.
After only two weeks my guinea pigs learned to associate my voice with treats and attention. Now they sprint across their enclosure whenever I enter the room and wheek loudly until I acknowledge them. The bond that develops with guinea pigs is unlike anything I've experienced with other small pets. …
Read full review →I have three guinea pigs and they have been the most rewarding small animals I've ever kept. The wheek they make when they hear the fridge open is the most joyful sound. They run to the front of their enclosure when they see me and purr when stroked. Keeping them in a group means they're never lonel…
Read full review →My guinea pig Pepper is six years old and still wheeks enthusiastically for her daily bell pepper (hence the name). She's slower than she was but has been in excellent health her whole life. The 5–7 year lifespan is a real advantage over shorter-lived small pets — you get to develop a genuine long-t…
Read full review →Guinea pigs have been a revelation for our family. Our kids (aged 6, 9, and 12) all interact with them brilliantly. The guinea pigs are gentle, don't scratch or bite, and are tolerant of careful children. They wheek excitedly when the children come home from school. They're messier than hamsters but…
Read full review →What surprised me most about guinea pigs is how vocal they are. My two cavies have a sound for everything — a wheek for excitement, a purr for contentment, a low rumble when displeased, a chutter when curious. Learning to read their sounds has been genuinely fascinating. They're intelligent animals …
Read full review →Guinea pigs express happiness through "popcorning" — sudden random jumps into the air. The first time I saw my piggies do this after I expanded their enclosure, I laughed out loud. It's the most joyful, silly behaviour. Once you've witnessed popcorning you understand completely why guinea pig owners…
Read full review →Before getting guinea pigs, please research their space requirements. The tiny pet shop cages are completely inadequate — a pair of guinea pigs needs at least 120cm × 60cm of floor space, and more is better. Many owners build C&C (coroplast and grid) cages which are much more suitable. Once my piggi…
Read full review →My daughter was nervous around animals but has completely blossomed with our guinea pigs. They're gentle, predictable, and don't make sudden movements or loud noises. She gently pets them during lap time and they purr contentedly. The experience has built her confidence enormously. Guinea pigs are e…
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