Guinea pigs can be lovely pets, but there are a few things you should know before

making that big commitment. From expected lifespan to the social nature of guinea pigs,

here are some things to consider before choosing a guinea pig as a pet.

Guinea Pigs Are a Long-Term Commitment

While a guinea pig doesn’t live nearly as long as a cat or dog, they’re still a large time

commitment. Guinea pigs live on average around five to seven years, sometimes longer,

so be prepared to provide care over the long term.

Guinea Pigs Are Social

Guinea pigs are very social animals and are at their happiest living with other guinea

pigs. Keep a same-sex pair to ensure you don’t have any unwanted litters. Females can

be kept together, as can males without any issues. Be aware that sometimes personality

differences in the animals will mean certain guinea pigs won’t get along. Introducing

them as babies is the best way to get a pair to bond, though even adults can usually be

introduced with care.

Guinea Pigs Need a Large Cage

Guinea pigs need a lot of floor space, and most cages marketed as guinea pig cages are

much too small, especially for a pair. Making a homemade cage is very easy, though,

and since guinea pigs are a good size and not escape artists, a homemade cage is a

great option.

Guinea Pigs Are Quiet, Sometimes

Guinea pigs make a distinctive wheeking or whistling type sound, often in anticipation of

getting a favorite treat or when in need of some attention. Though generally not loud

enough to annoy the neighbors, a wheeking guinea pig can be surprisingly loud. If you’re

looking for an animal whose vocals will never interrupt a dinner party or afternoon nap, a

guinea pig might not be for you.

Guinea Pigs Are Generally Easy to Tame

While guinea pigs may be nervous or skittish at first, with consistent gentle handling,

they usually become tame very easily. Careful handling is a must, and children should

be supervised with them, but they are unlikely to bite even when stressed.

Guinea Pig Require Vitamin C

Guinea pigs are one of the few animals (humans are another) that cannot manufacture

their own vitamin C, so they need to get it from their diet. Choosing a good quality diet

and providing a variety of fresh foods is important, but most owners choose to also give

their animals a vitamin C supplement. Vitamin C tablets are considered a better

If exotic pets are your thing, you’ve probably considered bringing a hedgehog home at one point or another. 

Here are some pros and cons to help you decide if a hedgie is the right pet for you!

Lifespan These little insectivores live for four to six years, so you have to be prepared to provide proper care for their entire life.

Busy Bee Although these spiky pets are relatively small in size (six to nine inches long), they need plenty of cage to run around in, as well as time outside of their cage to explore and exercise. Hedgehogs do prefer to live alone, and cages can be found relatively inexpensively.

Night Owls Hedgies are nocturnal, and prefer to snooze all day. They make great companions for people who are active at night. Hedgies are also best for older children and adults, as children can get excited and the hedgies may feel threatened and extend their quills.

Easy Peasy Hedgies are easy to care for and don’t smell. They have a quiet, calm personality. They are rarely aggressive and, when properly socialized, make great companions. Their food is easily available and inexpensive.

Handling The more you handle a hedgie, the better you bond with them. Hedgies don’t typically seek out attention from their human but will learn to enjoy being handled.

Allergies Hedgies don’t have dander like a lot of other small furry pets. This makes them a great option for people with allergies. You don’t have to settle for a fish or a hairless cat, a hedgie could be your new best friend!

Those quills! Hedgies can be handled despite their quills. Handling will take some getting used to, as they are a little prickly. The quills are only extended when the hedgie feels scared or

threatened, and in most cases they will curl up into a ball, which is their primary defense mechanism.

When bringing any new pet into your family it is important to do all the research. Hedgies can make a great addition to any family with the proper care and handling!