Fun Facts About Guinea Pigs (Plus Facts for New Owners!)
- spencer655
- Sep 8
- 3 min read
Updated: Sep 28
Guinea pigs are small, squeaky, and super cute animals that many kids love as pets. But did you know they have some surprising secrets? Enjoy these guina pig fun facts!
What is special about guinea pigs?
Guinea pigs are not pigs at all! They’re rodents, related to chinchillas and porcupines.
They got their name because sailors once sold them for a “guinea,” a coin in old England.
They make adorable sounds — chirps, squeaks, and purrs — to talk with each other.
In South America, guinea pigs have been kept as pets and even celebrated in festivals for hundreds of years.
Why do guinea pigs have 14 toes?
Guinea pigs have four toes on their front feet and three toes on their back feet — that makes 14 toes in total.
The extra toes up front help them dig and grip food.
Their little feet are sensitive, so they need soft bedding to stay healthy.
Fun fact: they don’t have much fur on their feet, which makes their toes easy to count!
How long do guinea pigs live?
On average, guinea pigs live 5 to 7 years. That’s much longer than hamsters or mice.
With good care, some guinea pigs even reach 8 or 9 years old.
They need daily hay, fresh vegetables, and clean water to stay healthy.
Because they live for several years, they make a longer-term pet commitment than smaller rodents.
What are 10 fun facts about guinea pigs?
Guinea pigs can’t make their own Vitamin C, so they need fruits and veggies to stay healthy.
They are herd animals — they love to live in groups with other guinea pigs.
A group of guinea pigs is called a “herd”.
Baby guinea pigs are born with fur and open eyes — ready to explore right away!
They communicate with over a dozen sounds, including squeals of excitement called “wheeks.”
Guinea pigs can jump straight up when they’re happy — it’s called “popcorning.”
They spend most of their day eating hay — chewing helps keep their teeth from growing too long.
Their teeth never stop growing! That’s why hay and chew toys are important.
They have excellent hearing and can even recognize their owner’s voice.
Despite their name, they don’t come from Guinea and they’re not pigs — they’re from the Andes mountains in South America.
Guinea Pig Facts for New Owners
If you’re bringing home a guinea pig for the first time, there are some important facts that can help you give your pet the best possible care. Guinea pigs are social animals and thrive when they live in pairs or small groups, so consider adopting more than one to keep them happy. Unlike other small pets, guinea pigs can’t produce their own vitamin C, which means their diet must include plenty of fresh vegetables like bell peppers and leafy greens, or vitamin C–fortified pellets.
Another key fact for new guinea pig owners is that these pets need a spacious cage with room to run, hide, and explore. A single guinea pig requires at least 7.5 square feet of space, though bigger is always better. Line the cage with paper-based bedding (never cedar or pine) to keep them comfortable and healthy. Guinea pigs also have a unique way of communicating—through squeaks, purrs, and chirps—so paying attention to these sounds will help you understand their moods and needs.
Finally, remember that guinea pigs can live 5 to 7 years on average, which is longer than many people expect for a small pet. Regular vet visits, a balanced diet, and daily attention will go a long way toward keeping your guinea pig healthy and friendly. For new owners searching for guinea pig care tips, these facts provide a simple foundation to ensure your pet’s well-being.
Guinea pigs may be small, but they’re full of surprises! Whether it’s their 14 toes, their cheerful “popcorn” jumps, or their friendly squeaks, guinea pigs make learning fun.
----
Discover our other animal fun fact blogs!
Fun facts about Cats
