Guinea Pigs are good natured and rarely bite making them an ideal pet and today they are the most popular small pet in many countries. Males (boars) tend to be larger than females (sows) and the average lifespan is 4-8 years although up to 10 years has been known.
Full grown Guinea Pigs reach a length of 25-36 cm. The head is broad and short and the body is compact with no tail. The Guinea Pig is a sociable pet appreciating the company of others and is active during the day.
Their character, liveliness, inquisitiveness, vocal communication, their relative ease of care and the wide range of colours and coat types make guinea pigs the most popular pet rodent in many countries today.
Guinea Pigs make ideal pets for those at work or school during the day as they are happily left alone during the day when they are least active provided they have the companionship of another guinea pig. However, they are not a suitable pet for small children who may not be able to handle them easily.
Guinea Pigs can be kept indoors or outdoors but require plenty of room and generally require more care than smaller pet rodents and the equipment needed is more costly.
