How Long Do Guinea Pigs Live?
Short answer: pet guinea pigs usually live 5 to 7 years, and some reach 8 or more with good care. A 4-year-old guinea pig is about 57 in human years.
Guinea pig age in human years
| Guinea pig age | About this old in human years |
|---|---|
| 6 months | 18 |
| 1 year | 23 |
| 2 years | 35 |
| 3 years | 46 |
| 4 years | 57 |
| 5 years | 69 |
| 6 years | 80 |
| 7 years | 91 |
Based on maturity at about 3 months and a typical lifespan of 5 to 7 years (the pet age calculator method).
What helps guinea pigs live longer
- Vitamin C every day. Like people, guinea pigs cannot make vitamin C. They need about 10 to 30 mg per kg a day from fresh vegetables (bell peppers are rich in it) and a guinea pig pellet. Lack of it causes scurvy.
- Unlimited hay: grass hay keeps their constantly growing teeth worn down and their gut moving.
- A friend: guinea pigs are herd animals and should live with at least one other guinea pig.
- Space: at least 7.5 sq ft for two. See the cage size calculator.
- No drafts or heat: they do best at about 65-75°F (18-24°C) and are prone to heatstroke.
Common health problems
Dental overgrowth, respiratory infections, bladder stones, skin mites and, in older females, ovarian cysts. A guinea pig that stops eating or pooping for even a few hours needs a vet that treats small mammals.
Breeding note
Female guinea pigs bred for the first time after about 6 to 7 months of age are at risk of a fused pelvis, which makes birth dangerous. Pregnancy lasts about 65 days: see the gestation calculator.
Sources: Merck Veterinary Manual (guinea pigs, vitamin C requirement); RSPCA guinea pig care. Human-year figures are a simple comparison.
Try the pet age calculator
Enter your own numbers below, or open the full pet age calculator with the formula and more examples.
This guide is general information, not veterinary advice. Your pet may differ: ask your vet. Terms
Frequently asked questions
How long do guinea pigs live?
Usually 5 to 7 years, and some live 8 years or longer.
How old is a 3 year old guinea pig in human years?
About 46.
What is the oldest guinea pig?
Guinea pigs over 10 years old have been reported, but 5 to 7 years is the normal range.
Do guinea pigs need vitamin C?
Yes, every day, because they cannot make their own. Fresh bell pepper and a quality guinea pig pellet are good sources.