How much do guinea pigs cost?
How much do guinea pigs cost?
$120 – $570 average upfront cost
$20 – $70 average cost per month
Average guinea pig price
The average cost of guinea pigs is $10 to $60 each for the animal itself or $120 to $570 total, including the cage and other necessities. For food and bedding, you’ll pay about $20 to $70 per month. Guinea pigs cost more from breeders than from stores like Petco or PetSmart.
| Factor | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Guinea pig | $20 – $120* |
| Cage | $50 – $300 |
| Food | $15 – $40 |
| Toys | $15 – $35 |
| Bedding | $10 – $25 |
| Food & water containers | $10 – $50 |
| Total initial cost | $120 – $570 |
*For two guinea pigs
Guinea pig
A guinea pig itself will cost about $10 to $60, depending on the type. Guinea pigs are social creatures and can become depressed or develop behavior problems without a companion. Two guinea pigs will cost $20 to $120.
There are a few guinea pig breeds and, each has their own unique characteristics and cost. American guinea pigs usually cost less than Abyssinian, Peruvian, Silkie, and Teddy guinea pigs.
Sometimes you can find guinea pigs for free, but always ask why they’re being rehomed and whether they have any behavioral or medical problems before taking them home.
Cage
Guinea pig cages cost $50 to $300, depending on the size and features. Big cages with tubes or built-in decorations cost more but allow your pet more freedom and entertainment.
Food
Guinea pig food costs roughly $15 to $40 per month, depending on what you buy. Guinea pigs need a balance of hay, pellets, and fresh vegetables. Guinea pig pellets contain vitamin C and are specially formulated for guinea pigs instead of similar animals like hamsters or rabbits.
Toys
Guinea pig accessories and toys will cost about $15 to $35. They love tunnels and mini caves to hide in. Guinea pigs also need some type of chew toy, mineral chew, or wooden stick to keep their teeth from growing too long.
Bedding
Disposable guinea pig bedding costs $10 to $25 per bag. Keep their cage sanitary and clean by changing the bedding once per week. You can also use newspaper, fleece liners, litter pellets, or wood shavings as bedding.
Food & water containers
A food bowl and water container cost $10 to $50 total, depending on the retailer and container size. You could get small matching bowls for food and water, but getting a hanging water dispenser is more hygienic and requires less maintenance than a water bowl.
Cost of a guinea pig per month
Guinea pigs cost about $20 to $70 per month for food, bedding, and extras. Your specific cost will mostly depend on the quality of food and type of bedding you buy, plus any extra toys or treats you buy your furry friend.
| Factor | Average monthly cost |
|---|---|
| Food | $15 – $40 |
| Bedding | $5 – $15 |
| Toys / treats | $0 – $15 |
| Total ongoing cost | $20 – $70 per month |
Guinea pig cost factors
Several factors affect the cost of guinea pigs:
Number of animals: Guinea pigs are happiest with a companion. Get two guinea pigs of the same gender for best results and to avoid paying for spaying or neutering.
Location: Animals cost less at pet stores than from breeders, but breeders often have exotic breeds or information about their genetic background. Animal shelters are more affordable but their guinea pig availability varies.
Vet visits: A vet visit costs $40 to $80 for routine checkups or $100 to $800+ if your guinea pig needs emergency care.
Pet sitting: If you plan on traveling or going on vacations often, you’ll need to ask someone to watch your guinea pig while you’re gone or pay for boarding.
Insurance: Pet insurance costs about $15 to $50 per month or $180 to $600 per year. However, since guinea pigs have such short lifespans and may not need any major operations, be sure to weigh the costs and the benefits.
Cremation: Pet cremation costs $40 to $175 for guinea pigs. Losing a pet is difficult, especially for young children. Cremation lets pet owners honor their friendship and choose whether they’ll keep or scatter the ashes.
Alternatives
Not sure what kind of small, furry pet you’d like? Hamsters, ferrets, or cats could be a good alternative:
Hamsters cost $100 to $250 at first and $15 to $30 per month afterward.
Cats cost $0 to $200 initially and $50 to $230 per month.
Ferrets cost $200 to $950 at first and $30 to $80 per month.
Guinea pig care tips
Follow these tips when you’re buying and caring for a guinea pig to make sure they stay happy and healthy:
Clean the cage regularly to prevent infections.
Add fresh fruit and veggies to their diet. Use a separate bowl and remove any uneaten food before it spoils.
Be gentle when handling your guinea pig. If you have kids and aren’t sure if they can be gentle, consider waiting until they’re older to get a small pet.
Guinea pig FAQs
How long do guinea pigs live?
On average, guinea pigs live for about 5 to 7 years, but some can live up to 10 years with the right nutrition. Their actual lifespan will depend on their level of care and well-being.
What do guinea pigs eat?
Guinea pigs eat a balance of pellets, hay, and fresh vegetables. They also may eat their own stool sometimes, which is normal and not a cause for concern. The following table shows the foods that guinea pigs should and should not eat:
| Safe | Not safe |
|---|---|
| Lettuce | Spinach |
| Mustard greens | Parsley |
| Cabbage | Sugary foods |
| Kale | Starchy foods |
| Cilantro | Artificial sweeteners |
| Bell peppers | Meat |
| Broccoli | Eggs |
| Carrots* | Dairy |
| Zucchini* | Avocados |
| Tomato* | Garlic |
| Sweet potato* | Onions |
| Kiwis* | Fruit seeds or pits |
| Blueberries* | Peanut butter |
| Oranges* | Raw potatoes |
| Apples* | Hot peppers |
| Bananas* | Chocolate |
*Only feed small portions 1 to 5 times per week.
Guinea pigs are prone to bladder stones caused by oxalates, so avoid foods high in oxalates like spinach, strawberries, or parsley.
Do guinea pigs bite?
Guinea pigs sometimes bite or nibble. This is usually a response to their environment or stress. They may also nip when they’re feeling hungry, sick, or by accident. You can prevent biting by providing them with lots of hiding spots, food, sleep, and safety.
Do guinea pigs hibernate?
Guinea pigs don’t hibernate, but they sometimes enter a temporary state called torpor, or emergency hibernation, in harsh environments. However, this is rare because their living conditions are usually too warm and comfortable to trigger it.
Are guinea pigs nocturnal?
Unlike hamsters, guinea pigs are not nocturnal. They are crepuscular like cats, which means they’re most active during the dawn and dusk hours.
Finding and choosing a guinea pig
Follow these steps when you’re in the process of finding a guinea pig:
Look up pet stores, shelters, and breeders close to you.
Read customer reviews on Vety and Google.
Make sure the store has a business license (or a USDA license for breeders).
Look at their selection of breeds and ask questions about them.
Ask if they offer any deals on food or equipment.
Questions to ask a pet store or breeder
Asking these questions can help you find a guinea pig from a reputable source:
What is the overall cost of a guinea pig?
How many breeds do you have?
Which gender would you recommend? Is there a difference?
Does the guinea pig need any vaccinations or vet visits before I can take it home?
How long do guinea pigs usually live?
What food and treats would you recommend?
What kind of hay do they prefer?
Is this guinea pig part of a bonded pair already?
What enrichment or toys would you recommend?
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.