Guinea Pig Today

: Their teeth grow continuously throughout their lives, making a constant supply of hay essential to wear them down and prevent painful dental issues.

: They are famous for "wheeking"—a loud, high-pitched whistle usually reserved for when they hear a food bag open—as well as purring when happy and tooth-chattering when annoyed. guinea pig

Contrary to popular belief, guinea pigs are not "low-maintenance" pets and require significant space and specialized nutrition. : Their teeth grow continuously throughout their lives,

: They typically grow to 8–16 inches long and weigh between 1–3 pounds . With proper care, they live an average of 5–7 years , though some can live into their teens. : They typically grow to 8–16 inches long

Guinea pigs are highly social "herd" animals that thrive on companionship. In the wild, their ancestors lived in close-knit family groups, and domestic guinea pigs can become depressed if kept alone. Because of this, it is strongly recommended to keep them in same-gender pairs or neutered groups.

If you are considering bringing these "squeaky furballs" home, look into adopting from a local shelter or rescue like the Animal Humane Society or St. Hubert's to find a pair in need of a home.