Guinea pigs are highly social herd animals whose welfare depends critically on companionship, spacious housing, and a diet that meets their unique nutritional requirements.
Guinea pigs kept alone suffer measurably from social isolation, as evidenced by elevated stress hormones and behavioral changes. Their vocal communication system and social bonding behaviors only function in the presence of conspecifics. Vitamin C deficiency from inadequate fresh vegetable provision causes painful scurvy with joint swelling and bleeding. Providing large floor-level enclosures, compatible companion guinea pigs, and fresh leafy greens daily addresses the most critical welfare needs of these commonly misunderstood animals.