Why Do the Ears of Guinea Pigs Turn Red?

Guinea pigs are typically hearty animals that can live on average between five and seven years if well taken care of. But, like most small rodents, an illness can turn fatal very quickly, and red ears could indicate that something is wrong.

  1. Parasites

    • Red ears on a guinea pig could be indicative of a parasitic infection like ear mites, particularly if they are also sore and crusty from scratching.

    Overheated

    • Bright red, hot ears could indicate a guinea pig has been overheated or is running a fever, according to eRodent.com

    Time Frame

    • If your guinea pig's ears are red due to overheating or scratching, the color should fade quickly. If they remain red for more than a day or look inflamed, seek veterinary attention.

    Prevention/Solution

    • Feeding your guinea pig a proper diet, keeping its cage clean and getting regular veterinary checkups can help prevent any illness that could cause the ears to turn red.

    Fun Fact

    • According to Guinea Lynx.com, all guinea pigs have bald patches behind their ears, which is perfectly normal. Blood vessels are also visible in most light-colored ears.