---
title: "Guinea Pig Care in the UK"
description: "UK guinea pig care — vitamin C, companionship, housing and common illnesses. UK guide for new and experienced owners. UK guinea pigs need daily vitamin C."
url: "https://pethealth.org.uk/health/guinea-pig-care-uk"
canonical: "https://pethealth.org.uk/health/guinea-pig-care-uk"
date_published: "2026-06-01"
date_modified: "2026-06-25"
source: "PETHEALTH+"
---

# Guinea Pig Care in the UK

UK guinea pigs need **daily vitamin C**, unlimited hay, compatible company, and a spacious indoor setup with daily exercise. Not eating for 12 hours is an emergency — contact your vet the same day.

## Diet

- **Hay** — unlimited timothy or meadow hay (dental wear and gut health)
- **Pellets** — measured daily; avoid muesli-style mixes
- **Vegetables** — bell pepper, coriander, kale — introduce gradually
- **Water** — fresh daily from bottle or bowl

Never feed rabbit-only pellets (guinea pigs need added vitamin C).

## Housing

Minimum space for a pair per RSPCA: large indoor pen with hiding places, tunnels and safe flooring. Outdoor hutches need predator-proofing and weather protection. Daily supervised floor time.

## Common illnesses

| Problem | Signs |
|---------|--------|
| Dental disease | Drooling, weight loss, selective eating |
| Respiratory infection | Sneezing, discharge, laboured breathing |
| Bloat | Hard abdomen, pain, not eating |
| Mites | Itching, hair loss, crusty ears |

## Preventive care

Annual vet checks, nail trims, and weight monitoring. Neuter mixed-sex pairs to prevent unplanned litters.

## FAQs

### Do guinea pigs need vitamin C?

Yes — guinea pigs cannot make their own vitamin C. Provide daily fresh vegetables and species-appropriate pellets. Deficiency causes scurvy with lameness and poor coat.

### Can guinea pigs live alone?

No. RSPCA and PDSA recommend compatible pairs — same sex or neutered mixes. Solitary guinea pigs often develop stress-related illness.

### When should I take my guinea pig to the vet?

Same day if not eating, breathing fast, bloated, or producing fewer droppings. Small furries deteriorate quickly.

## Sources

- [RSPCA — Guinea pigs](https://www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/pets)
- [PDSA — Guinea pig advice](https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/pet-health-hub)
- [Blue Cross — Guinea pig care](https://www.bluecross.org.uk/pet-advice)

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Last modified: 2026-06-25