There is no denying that we love our furry friends.
So much so that we want them to live on forever.
The reality, however, can often be disappointing.
Usually, pets have a shorter life span than humans.
We share a significant part of our lives with our pets. So, their death is heartbreaking.
For this reason, many pet owners like to know the life span of guinea pigs before adopting them as pets.
Photo Credits
This article will talk about how long guinea pigs can live and the factors that can increase or decrease their life.
How Long Do Guinea Pigs Live?
Just like any animal, how long guinea pigs can live depends upon many factors.
One such factor is whether that guinea pig is domestic or wild.
Domesticated Guinea pigs usually have a longer life span than wild rodents, such as mice or hamsters.
A domestic guinea pig usually lives around 5 to 8 years.
A wild one that technically belongs to a different rodent species will only live between 1 to 4 years.
The longest living guinea pig had a life span of 14 years and 10.5 months, as per Guinness World Records.
Some other factors also influence their lives and are described below.
Does Breed Matter?
The lifespan of guinea pigs is also related to their breed.
Photo Credits
Some breeds tend to live longer, while others have a short life.
For instance, skinny guinea pigs, on average, can live up to 8 years, while the long-haired guinea pigs have a life span between 5 to 6 years.
How Environment Affects The Life Span?
The environment in which an animal lives also plays a vital part in influencing their lifespan.
That is true for every animal, even humans.
A stable environment means that the guinea pigs will be healthier than those raised in stressful conditions.
The significant difference in the life spans of domestic and wild guinea pigs also proves the statement mentioned above.
How Diet and Care Affect Their Life?
Just like the environment, diet is also crucial for a healthy life.
A proper portion of a good meal throughout the day is essential for their development.
Photo Credits
The owners should also buy high-quality grass as it helps the guinea pigs to digest their food.
It means that the life span of guinea pigs also shows how much their owners care for them.
Are there other factors?
Exercise, stress, and the size of their cage also influence the duration of their lives.
Photo Credits
So, as their owner, one must keep those factors in mind to ensure that your guinea pigs live as long as possible.
In the end…
Most of the things that go for humans are also applicable to guinea pigs.
Photo Credits
So, think about the needs you have for a healthy life and use it for your furry little friend.
