How long do guinea pigs live as a pet?

five to seven years
Consider lifespan

Guinea pigs live an average of five to seven years. This lifespan is longer than many other small pets such as hamsters, gerbils, mice or rats, all of whom only live up to a few years.

Can a guinea pig live 10 years?

The average lifespan for a domestic guinea pig is five to seven years, and there are many factors that can influence this. It is not uncommon for a guinea pig to live for nine or 10 years if exceptionally cared for. This means guinea pigs require a long-term commitment on your part.

Is 4 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.

Can a guinea pig live for 15 years?

It’s difficult to say exactly what that natural limit is, but based on the evidence of the longest living pigs (which will be covered below), it is probably somewhere in the range of 15 years. From the time it reaches adulthood, around six months of age, your Guinea pig will be in the prime of its life.

Do guinea pigs like to be held?

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 past 8 years?

How to Keep Your Guinea Pig Healthy. The average guinea pig lifespan is between five to eight years, though particularly pampered and healthy animals can reach ten years or more.

How old is the oldest guinea pig?

14 years and ten and a half months
According to Guinness World Records, a guinea pig named Snowball holds the record as the oldest guinea pig. Snowball lived to the age of 14 years and ten and a half months. He died in 1979.

How long do guinea pigs sleep?

between four and six hours a
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 go GREY with age?

Senior Guinea Pig

Some pigs seem to fade out or change color as they get older. Sundae was lilac on her face, white and buff on her body, and over time the lilac faded from very grey to almost white by the time she was elderly.

Is 6 old for a guinea pig?

Guinea pigs, also known as cavies, can live between 5-8 years. Living past the age of 5 qualifies the guinea pig as a “senior citizen” who doesn’t behave as vibrantly or bounce back from illness as quickly as he or she once did.

Do guinea pigs need a friend?

Guinea pigs are a social species and need to be kept with other guinea pigs. In their natural habitat, they live in herds and communicate frequently with each other with sounds and body movements. Your guinea pigs should be kept in groups of at least two individuals.

Do guinea pigs get winter coats?

For the most part, most Guinea Pigs shed and this should be expected seasonally, just like it does with dogs. This means that each Guinea Pig will start to lose their winter coats around the springtime and also the early summer.

Why does my guinea pig’s hair stand up?

One of the many behaviors guinea pigs will display out of territoriality or dominance is puffing up their coats, so if your piggies are puffing up during mealtimes, it could be that they are trying to show each other up!

Why is my guinea pig fur dirty?

Some guinea pigs, especially males, might have an active grease gland at the base of their spine. This is a small area of skin just above the anus that can get greasy and matted and stink.

Is there a guinea pig shampoo?

Kaytee Squeaky Clean Critter Shampoo is our pick for the best overall guinea pig shampoo available. This brand uses a tearless formula to provide maximum comfort for your pet while bathing. It’s also pH balanced, so it shouldn’t irritate the skin or cause an allergic reaction.

Can you brush a guinea pig?

Coat Brushing

Typically, guinea pigs need to be brushed only once or twice a week to minimize shedding. Brushing also gives an owner a chance to monitor their pet’s skin for parasites (such as mites or lice), lumps, or crustiness — all of which warrant a trip to the veterinarian.

How do you cut a guinea pig’s nails?

Can guinea pigs swim?

Yes, guinea pigs can swim, but no, they don’t enjoy it. If they have no other option in their natural habitat, swimming will allow them to escape predators. They may also decide to get their paws wet if there is a food source nearby. But their desire to go in the water stops there.

Why is my guinea pig licking my face?

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!

Can you cut guinea pig nails with scissors?

How to Cut Guinea Pig Nails. You can use human nail clippers or nail clippers designed for cats and other small animals. These look like little scissors with small notches toward the end of the blade for cutting the nail.

Can guinea pigs cry?

Guinea Pigs Don’t Cry Like Humans Do

The first thing to understand is that a guinea pig crying is different from a human crying. When a human cries, you might hear sobbing noises, but you’ll also see tears running down their cheeks.