How to tell the difference between male and female guinea pigs
Guinea pigs (also known as guinea pigs) are a popular pet, but telling the gender of a guinea pig can be difficult for novice keepers. This article details how to differentiate between male and female guinea pigs and provides structured data to help you master this skill easily.
1. The main differences between male and female guinea pigs

Male and female guinea pigs have certain differences in appearance and behavior. Here is a summary of the main differences:
| Features | male guinea pig | female guinea pig |
|---|---|---|
| body shape | Usually larger, with a wider head | Small body, narrow head |
| genital shape | There is an obvious bulge on the penis | Genitals are Y-shaped or slit-shaped |
| behavior | More active and likes to mark territory | Relatively docile and maternal |
2. How to distinguish male and female guinea pigs through their genitals
The most accurate way to tell the sex of a guinea pig is to look at its genitals. Here are the specific steps:
1.Pick up the guinea pig gently, turn its belly upwards and keep it stable.
2.Observe the genital area: Male guinea pigs will have an obvious bulge (penis) near their genitals, while female guinea pigs will have a Y-shaped or slit-shaped genitals.
3.compression check: By gently pressing the top of the genitals, the male guinea pig's penis may be more obvious, while the female guinea pig's penis will not have an obvious bulge.
3. The influence of age on distinguishing the gender of guinea pigs
The gender characteristics of guinea pigs are different in different age groups. The following are the key points for distinguishing different age groups:
| age group | Male guinea pig characteristics | Female guinea pig characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| Infancy (1-3 weeks) | Genital bulge is smaller | Genitals are flat |
| Adult (over 3 months) | The penis is obvious and the testicles are visible | Genital cracks clear |
4. Other identification methods
In addition to observing the genitals, you can also use the following methods to help identify the gender of guinea pigs:
1.Observe behavior: Male guinea pigs are usually more active and like to mark their territory; female guinea pigs are relatively docile.
2.listen to the sound: Male guinea pigs may have louder calls, while female guinea pigs may have softer calls.
3.Consult a professional: If you are still unsure, you can take your guinea pig to a pet hospital or consult an experienced breeder.
5. Common Misunderstandings
When it comes to identifying the gender of guinea pigs, novices often make the following mistakes:
1.Judging based on body shape only: Although male guinea pigs are generally larger, individual female guinea pigs may be larger, so you cannot judge based on this alone.
2.ignore age factor: The gender characteristics of young guinea pigs are not obvious and can easily be misjudged.
3.Excessive pressure on the genitals: Excessive pressure may harm the guinea pig, so handle it gently.
6. Feeding suggestions
Depending on the gender of your guinea pigs, you need to pay attention to the following when raising them:
| gender | Feeding advice |
|---|---|
| male guinea pig | Pay attention to territorial behavior and avoid multiple male guinea pigs in the same cage |
| female guinea pig | Special care is required during pregnancy to provide adequate nutrition |
7. Summary
Distinguishing male and female guinea pigs requires careful observation of their genital characteristics, combined with behavioral and other auxiliary methods. The sex characteristics of young guinea pigs are not obvious, and it is recommended to confirm again when they reach adulthood. If you still have questions about gendering, it is recommended to consult a professional to ensure the health and happiness of your guinea pig.
Through the introduction of this article, I believe you have mastered the skills of how to distinguish male and female guinea pigs. Hopefully this information will help you take better care of your pet guinea pig!
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