Available Babies | Small 4 Paws Guinea Pigs (2024)

FAQs

How old are guinea pigs when Petsmart sells them? ›

Adult Guinea Pig

We receive Guinea pigs into our stores no younger than 8 weeks old, generally when they are sold they are between 8-10 weeks.

Pet store pigs are usually 8-12 weeks old when you buy them.

The litter size ranges from 1 to 8 pups, but a litter of 2 to 4 is more common. A female can give birth to up to 5 litters per year. When a guinea pig is about to give birth, any male guinea pigs near her will gather around and try to become the dominant male in order to both protect the female and mate with her.

The Teddy guinea pig is known for being one of the most relaxed and friendliest cavy breeds. True to their name, they love cuddles and enjoy spending time with their humans.

It's not possible to say for sure - so much depends on how the pet shop cared for the pigs while there were there. Generally, the average life span will be between 5–7 years. Some lucky few have lived to be 14 though.

Guinea pigs live an average of five to seven years. This lifespan is longer than many other small pets such as hamsters, gerbils, mice or rats, all of whom only live up to a few years.

Typically guinea pigs live for 5-6 years, but some may live longer. Guinea pigs are active up to 20 hours per day, and only sleep for short periods. Guinea pigs are highly social - in the wild they live in close family groups of 5-10 guinea pigs, though several groups may live in close proximity to form a colony.

Male guinea pigs MUST be separated from mom and female littermates by 3 weeks, or they WILL impregnate them. Females are often left with mom longer, but it's not a necessity. There really is no best age. They make great pets at any age.

Guinea pigs are quite sociable and generally enjoy being held and petted, but it may take time to get to that point. Avoid handling them for a few days after you bring them home, so they have time to adjust to their new surroundings.

In terms of length, male and female guinea pigs do most of their growing by 8 weeks old, almost doubling in size. By around 16 weeks, they are considered fully grown, and measure between 8 and 10 inches or 20 to 25 centimetres.

How to tell if a guinea pig is male or female? ›

A female guinea pig will have a genital area that resembles a “Y” shape while males have more of an “i” shape.

Ketosis, also known as pregnancy toxemia, often occurs when a guinea pig's body produces too many ketones, an otherwise normal byproduct of metabolism. Underlying factors include: Loss of appetite during the late stages of pregnancy (leading to low blood sugar levels)

Both have similar temperaments although males often have a bolder personality, making them easier to handle. It can often be easier to find a suitable companion for a female guinea pig though as they tend to be more amenable with their guinea pig friends.

Boys are usually the friendliest towards humans, they are braver and are more likely to train better with daily handling. We find boars have better personalities and they are more funny, robust, more outgoing, crazy - when they're lively they jump everywhere. They are more likely to fall sleep on you and snuggle.

Texel Guinea Pig

Texels are calm and easy-going, perfect for homes with small children or families exploring pet ownership for the first time.

Some rescues will re home piggies when they are 6 weeks old, others at 8 weeks old but much depends on the individual guinea pigs weight and health at the time of re homing.

Male guinea pigs (boars) usually mature sexually and can mate as young as 2-3 months of age. Female guinea pigs (sows) typically mature sexually at 2 months of age (55 to 70 days). However, both males and females can mature and be fertile even earlier.

Seniors often have crooked and thicker nails. Older guinea pigs' entire front paws may start to turn in. As guinea pigs age, white nails may start to turn yellow. This is one indication that your adult guinea pig may be closer to 4 or 5 than 2 or 3.

Any time past 3 weeks. Unlike dogs and cats, guinea pigs are born pretty developed and able to care for themselves. Male guinea pigs MUST be separated from mom and female littermates by 3 weeks, or they WILL impregnate them. Females are often left with mom longer, but it's not a necessity.