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Quizzes > Science > Biology

Test Your Guinea Pig Knowledge: Take Our Quiz!

Think you can ace our free guinea pig quiz?

Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper art illustration for a guinea pig knowledge quiz on a sky blue background.

Ready to cuddle up with some fun facts? Our guinea pig test is your gateway to discovering all there is to know about these adorable pets. Whether you're a seasoned owner or just curious, this free guinea pig quiz will challenge you with delightful guinea pig trivia questions and engaging online guinea pig trivia. Curious about grooming routines? Check out our guinea pig care quiz . Wonder how these pups measure up? Learn how smart are guinea pigs . Plus, you'll uncover expert tips on diet, habitat, and bonding to ensure your guinea pig thrives. Test your knowledge, learn new tips, and have fun - dive in now and ace our quiz!

What is the scientific name of the domestic guinea pig?
Cavia porcellus
Cavia aperea
Cavia magna
Cavia tschudii
The domestic guinea pig is scientifically classified as Cavia porcellus. This distinguishes it from various wild species of the Cavia genus. It was domesticated in the Andes region thousands of years ago and selectively bred for companionship. Source
Guinea pigs are native to which continent?
South America
Africa
Asia
Europe
Guinea pigs originate from the Andes mountains in South America, where indigenous peoples used them as a food source and for rituals. They adapted well to high-altitude environments. Today, their ancestral range includes parts of Peru, Bolivia, and Colombia. Source
What is the average lifespan of a domestic guinea pig?
4–6 years
1–2 years
8–10 years
10–12 years
On average, well-cared-for guinea pigs live between four and six years. Lifespan can vary based on genetics, diet, and veterinary care. Providing proper nutrition and a safe environment helps them reach the upper range. Source
Which of these foods is essential in a guinea pig's diet for vitamin C?
Bell peppers
Carrots
Lettuce
Cucumber
Guinea pigs cannot synthesize vitamin C and must obtain it from their diet. Bell peppers are among the richest vegetable sources of this nutrient. A daily portion of bell pepper helps prevent scurvy. Source
What is the term for a guinea pig baby?
Pup
Kit
Cub
Leveret
A newborn guinea pig is called a pup. They are born fully furred, with open eyes, and are able to move shortly after birth. This precocial development differs from many other small mammals. Source
Why do guinea pigs need a companion?
They are social animals
They fight if alone
They need to share food
They require group grooming
Guinea pigs are herd animals and thrive on social interaction. Housing them alone can lead to stress, loneliness, and depression. Keeping at least two guinea pigs together promotes mental well-being. Source
Which of these is a common sign of contentment in guinea pigs?
Purring
Hissing
Teeth chattering
Hair standing on end
A content guinea pig often emits a soft purring sound, usually when being petted or relaxing. Hissing or teeth chattering instead indicate stress or warning. Observing their sounds helps assess their emotional state. Source
How many toes do guinea pigs have on their front feet?
4
3
5
2
Guinea pigs have four toes on each front foot and three toes on each back foot. This foot structure helps them dig and move comfortably over various surfaces. Proper nail trimming keeps their toes and nails healthy. Source
Which vitamin deficiency causes scurvy in guinea pigs?
Vitamin C
Vitamin D
Vitamin A
Vitamin E
Guinea pigs cannot produce vitamin C due to the lack of the enzyme L-gulonolactone oxidase. Without adequate dietary intake, they develop scurvy, leading to joint pain and bleeding. Fresh vegetables and fortified pellets prevent this condition. Source
What is the ideal temperature range for housing guinea pigs?
65–75°F (18–24°C)
50–60°F (10–16°C)
75–85°F (24–29°C)
85–95°F (29–35°C)
Guinea pigs are most comfortable between 65 and 75°F (18–24°C). Temperatures below or above this range can stress them and lead to illness. Proper ventilation and avoiding direct sunlight keep their environment stable. Source
How often should a guinea pig's nails be trimmed?
Every 4–6 weeks
Once a year
Daily
Every 6 months
Guinea pig nails grow continuously and can curl, causing pain. Trimming them every 4–6 weeks prevents overgrowth and joint issues. It’s best done gently with pet nail clippers. Source
What type of bedding material is safe for guinea pigs?
Paper-based bedding
Cedar shavings
Pine shavings
Sand
Paper-based bedding is absorbent and free of aromatic oils that can irritate guinea pigs’ respiratory systems. Cedar and pine shavings emit phenols that may cause lung problems. Sand lacks absorbency and is not recommended. Source
How often should guinea pigs be fed fresh hay?
Hay available at all times
Once a week
Every other day
Once a month
Unlimited access to fresh hay is vital for guinea pig digestion and dental health. Hay provides the fiber needed for gut motility and helps wear down teeth. Check and refill daily. Source
Which behavior indicates that a guinea pig is stressed?
Hiding in its cage
Popcorning
Purring softly
Wiggling happily
While guinea pigs sometimes hide when playing, persistent hiding suggests fear or stress. Popcorning and wiggling usually indicate happiness, and purring softly signals contentment. Monitoring changes in behavior helps identify issues early. Source
What is the gestation period for guinea pigs?
59–72 days
30–40 days
100–120 days
20–30 days
A guinea pig’s gestation lasts about 59 to 72 days, with an average of 63 days. This relatively long period results in well-developed, furred, and active pups at birth. Breeding females should have at least six months between pregnancies. Source
At what age do guinea pigs typically reach sexual maturity?
4–6 weeks
3–4 months
6–8 months
1 year
Guinea pigs can become sexually mature as early as four to six weeks old. Early breeding can pose health risks for young females, including dystocia. Owners should separate sexes or spay/neuter before maturity. Source
Which enzyme do guinea pigs lack, requiring dietary vitamin C?
L-gulonolactone oxidase
Catalase
Amylase
Lipase
Guinea pigs lack the enzyme L-gulonolactone oxidase, which catalyzes the last step in vitamin C synthesis. Without it, they must obtain vitamin C from their diet to prevent scurvy. This trait is shared with humans and some primates. Source
What is the recommended minimum cage size for two guinea pigs?
7.5 square feet (approximately 30"×36")
2 square feet
10 square feet
15 square feet
Animal welfare organizations recommend a minimum of 7.5 square feet of continuous floor space for two guinea pigs. This allows sufficient room for exercise, hiding, and enrichment. Larger enclosures further improve animal well-being. Source
Which of the following is a symptom of dental malocclusion in guinea pigs?
Drooling and weight loss
Excessive energy
Weight gain
Loud squeaking
Malocclusion causes overgrown teeth, leading to drooling, reduced appetite, and weight loss. Uneven tooth wear can injure the mouth and digestive tract. Regular dental checks and providing chew materials help prevent this issue. Source
How do guinea pigs communicate using "popcorning"?
Jumping and twisting in the air
Hissing loudly
Teeth chattering rapidly
Rapid circling
Popcorning is when a guinea pig hops and twists in the air, often repeatedly. This behavior indicates excitement or happiness, especially in young pigs. Observing popcorning helps owners gauge positive well-being. Source
What is the common respiratory disease affecting guinea pigs?
Bordetella bronchiseptica infection
Myxomatosis
Kennel cough
Pneumonic plague
Bordetella bronchiseptica is a bacterial pathogen that can cause severe respiratory illness in guinea pigs. Symptoms include nasal discharge, sneezing, and labored breathing. Prompt veterinary treatment is essential to prevent complications. Source
Which of these plants is toxic to guinea pigs?
Tomato leaves
Basil
Parsley
Cilantro
Tomato leaves contain solanine, a glycoalkaloid toxic to guinea pigs. Ingestion can lead to gastrointestinal upset and neurological signs. Only the ripe fruit (in moderation) is safe, but foliage must be avoided. Source
What role does hay play in a guinea pig's digestive health?
Provides roughage to maintain gut motility
Improves vision
Balances electrolytes
Hydrates them
Hay is high in fiber, which stimulates gut motility and prevents gastrointestinal stasis in guinea pigs. It also helps wear down continuously growing teeth. A constant supply of hay is essential for overall health. Source
Which blood group antigens are guinea pigs known to express?
A and B antigens
AB only
O only
Rh factor
Guinea pigs express A and B blood group antigens but do not have an O or Rh system like humans. These antigens are important in veterinary transfusion protocols. Proper blood typing reduces the risk of transfusion reactions. Source
Which gene mutation leads to the hairless phenotype in guinea pigs, also known as 'Skinny pig'?
Mutation in the Hairless (Hr) gene
Mutation in FGF5 gene
Mutation in MC1R gene
Mutation in KIT gene
The 'Skinny pig' or hairless guinea pig phenotype results from a recessive mutation in the Hairless (Hr) gene. This mutation disrupts normal hair follicle development, leading to near-total hairlessness. These animals require special husbandry to protect their sensitive skin. Source
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Study Outcomes

  1. Understand guinea pig biology -

    Explore the fundamental physiology and dietary needs of guinea pigs to deepen your knowledge of these small mammals.

  2. Identify guinea pig behaviors -

    Recognize common vocalizations and body language to better interpret your pet's moods and needs.

  3. Recall essential guinea pig trivia -

    Memorize fun facts and surprising details about guinea pig history, anatomy, and care.

  4. Apply best care practices -

    Use insights from the quiz to optimize diet, habitat setup, and enrichment activities for happy guinea pigs.

  5. Differentiate guinea pig breeds -

    Learn to distinguish popular breeds by their appearance, coat types, and temperament.

  6. Assess your guinea pig expertise -

    Gauge your mastery of guinea pig knowledge by taking our free guinea pig quiz and aiming for a perfect score.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Vitamin C Essentials -

    Guinea pigs lack the enzyme L-gulonolactone oxidase, making dietary vitamin C crucial (10 - 30 mg/kg/day) to prevent scurvy; for example, a 1 kg pig needs about 20 mg daily. Mnemonic trick: remember "C for Captain Guinea" to ace that free guinea pig quiz vitamin C question. Source: National Institutes of Health (NIH).

  2. Dental Anatomy & Growth -

    On your guinea pig test, you might see the dental formula I 1/1, C 0/0, P 1/1, M 3/3; that's 20 continuously growing teeth adapted for grazing. Keep their teeth filed down with unlimited hay and chew toys to avoid malocclusion problems. Source: Journal of Veterinary Dentistry.

  3. High-Fiber Diet Importance -

    Unlimited timothy hay keeps the gut moving and prevents gastrointestinal stasis, a top topic in online guinea pig trivia. Supplement with fresh veggies high in fiber (e.g., romaine lettuce) and monitor calcium intake to reduce bladder stones. Source: University of California, Davis Veterinary Medicine.

  4. Social Behavior & Vocal Cues -

    Guinea pigs thrive in groups and use "popcorning" jumps, purring, and wheeking to communicate - key points in many guinea pig trivia questions. Observing these behaviors helps you spot stress or happiness quickly. Source: The Humane Society University.

  5. Reproduction & Development -

    Gestation lasts about 59 - 72 days, and pups are precocial (born fully furred and with open eyes); this fact often appears on guinea pig quiz sections. A handy note: "3 weeks pregnant, 3 weeks to wean" helps remember timing. Source: American Cavy Breeders Association.

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