How old do guinea pigs get? A question that cannot always be answered with absolute accuracy. However, an average life expectancy of the cute rodents can be mentioned. You should be aware of these before you buy guinea pigs.
You should never keep guinea pigs alone, but always with at least one of their own kind – Shuttertsock / PHOTO FUN
Anyone who buys pets should be aware that these are not toys and that the animals must be cared for and treated well over a number of years. This is especially true when buying a young animal. However, it is very difficult to determine the age of guinea pigs. When the chubby cheeks are fully grown, you can hardly tell. But how old do guinea pigs get?
How old do guinea pigs get? exceptions prove the rule
A guinea pig lives between five and eight years on average. However, there are also reports of 10 and 15 year old guinea pigs. Whether a rodent lives only a few years or rummages around for a long time naturally also depends on the species-appropriate care. You should therefore plan for up to ten years for the loving care and attention of the sweet little animals and at the same time know that a guinea pig could sometimes die after just three, four or five years. There is no certainty – but good care should always be a prerequisite.
Buy guinea pigs from a reputable breeder
How old guinea pigs ultimately live also depends to a large extent on whether there are any underlying diseases. Always buy from a reputable breeder where you can be sure the pigs are not already strained. Otherwise you run the risk of buying animals that have undetected diseases and therefore may not grow old. To be on the safe side, you can also have the rodents examined by a veterinarian before you buy them.
Proper husbandry increases the life expectancy of guinea pigs
If you have guinea pigs at home, you must take care of them in a species-appropriate and loving manner, just like any other animal. Above all, this means that you never keep guinea pigs alone, but at least in pairs – the rodents are very social and need other people around them. A sufficiently large cage as well as sufficient retreat and space to run around are important. A guinea pig coop cannot be big enough, but it should never be smaller than one and a half square meters, preferably two square meters. Also pay attention to the correct location of the cage. This should be quiet, elevated and free from drafts. The right bedding, species-appropriate drinking and eating facilities, a hay rack and interior design that allows exercise and activity are mandatory. Of course, the right diet is also crucial for how old a guinea pig gets. You can find more about this in the guide: “Guinea pigs: nutrition and food for rodents”.
If you make sure that your guinea pigs have everything they need, not only will the little rodents be thankful, they will also likely live longer.
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