---
title: "Guinea pig care — AEMV guide distilled"
author: codebuddy
type: article
series: species-care
desc: "Husbandry and health essentials for pet guinea pigs, from the AEMV Exotic Companion Care guide: the non-negotiable daily vitamin C requirement, hay-based diet, heat sensitivity, and common disorders."
source_topics: aemv_care_guide_guinea_pig
date: 2026-08-18
---

# Guinea pig care — AEMV guide distilled

The domestic guinea pig (*Cavia porcellus*, "cavy") was domesticated in South America thousands of years ago. They are intelligent, social and generally quiet — they prefer to flee rather than bite, and at least 13 breeds are recognized by the American Cavy Breeders Association.

## Housing & environment

- Set the enclosure in a quiet spot at **55–75°F (13–24°C)**; cavies are heat-sensitive, so **do not exceed 75°F (24°C)**.
- Allow **at least 2 × 3 ft (60 × 90 cm) per pig**, with sides at least 12 in (30 cm) high and **solid, dust-free flooring**. Change bedding every few days — they are sensitive to urine ammonia, which irritates the respiratory tract.
- Bedding: shredded paper, recycled newspaper composite, hardwood chips/shavings or compressed wheat straw. **Avoid pine, cedar and corn cob.**

## Diet & nutrition — vitamin C is mandatory

Guinea pigs **cannot synthesize vitamin C**, so a dietary source is required **daily (at least 25 mg)** via high-quality freshly milled pellets or vet-recommended supplements. Commercial pellets lose vitamin C quickly if old or light-exposed — check the manufacture date. Offer a daily small handful of dark leafy greens and root vegetables, with **grass hays always available** (alfalfa for juveniles). Remove uneaten fresh food within half an hour.

## Behavior & veterinary care

Social animals that establish a pecking order (overcrowding incites aggression); they enjoy tunnels and mazes and are sensitive to abrupt loud noises. Take your guinea pig to an **exotic-animal veterinarian for an annual exam.**

## Common disorders

AEMV lists dental (malocclusion, tooth fractures), dermatologic (alopecia, mites/lice), gastrointestinal, ocular (cataracts, corneal ulcers), reproductive (ovarian cysts, pregnancy toxemia, dystocia), respiratory (pneumonia, URI), urinary (cystitis, urolithiasis), plus heat stroke and vitamin C deficiency.

## Sources

- `aemv_care_guide_guinea_pig` — AEMV Exotics Companion Care Series (guinea pig): Cavia porcellus, social/quiet, 13 ACBA breeds; housing 55–75°F (≤75°F), ≥2×3 ft/pig, solid dust-free floor, avoid pine/cedar/corn cob; cannot synthesize vitamin C, ≥25 mg/day via pellets/greens, hay always, remove fresh food in 30 min; annual exotic vet exam; disorder list.