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How long do guineas live?

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AnimalNikki89

AnimalNikki89

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I have read on various websites/book that guineas can live 4-8 years. Does anyone have a more accurate answer or is 4-8 as accurate as it can be?
 
It varies so much that an average really is all that can be given. 4-6 is perhaps the most common life expectancy. Some pigs have lived shorter lives, often due to illness. Some pigs, however, have lived much longer; the oldest piggie was alledgedly 14 years old. It's more common for piggies to live up to 10 years though - 14 is exceedingly rare!
 
I think it depends on how well cared for your guinea pigs are, whether they have any hereditory conditions or interbred too closely. I had two ex stud guinea pig boars that lived till they were 9 but they need alot of tlc when they get to older age range.
 
Regard any time past their fourth birthday as a bonus and then you will not be disappointed when they die.
 
If they live a healthy life, I have heard that they can live 8-10 years.

But they're so small and sometimes it's hard to catch sickness quick enough.
It seems like most die through ill health, rather than of age.

I do agree with Alcester. I think that's actually a pretty good way to see it.
 
Yup I tend to agree with Alcesterpigs too. Our oldest piggy lived to just short of her 6th birthday, but I have lost a couple just before they were 3, so it's hard to tell. I do think hereditary health problems have a lot to answer for unfortunately, so I would say 4 - 6 is good, anything over 6 and you have been very lucky.
 
I know it may be an important factor to know, but I try to ignore these suggested life spans for animals because, I don't know about anyone else, but I feel guilty if any of my animals don't reach the "minimum age".
It certainly isn't down to them not getting good enough care.
Unfortunately, sometimes it doesn't matter how good a life you provide your piggie, or any other pets, if there is a serious problem with their health, all you can do is your best for them and enjoy all the time you have them.
 
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