When buying a guinea pig, make sure all its requirements suit your everyday lifestyle. If you don't have much time, a guinea pig may not be right for you at this time!
Where do I buy it?
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It's always best to go to a local shelter before considering a pet store. Ones at shelters have most likely had a hard start to life, so you'd be doing them a favour by giving them a 5 ☆ home! Guinea pigs from pet stores are usually bred like most store animals; their parents aren't treated well and they're only bred for the money. If you don't have a shelter nearby, look around on pets4homes or Gumtree, anything like that. Pet stores aren't the only places to get guinea pigs!
What gender is best?
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Throughout my years of owning guinea pigs, I've always had girls. They're much less feisty, and tend to be calm. Males aren't bad, but they fight a lot more than girls, which means either going through the trouble of separating the cage into two, or buying a new cage all together. Both sexes can develop a problem in their "waste gland", but its much more common in males. As they get to around 2+ years old, their glands in their bottoms stop operating properly. This results in having to squeeze blocked waste from their backsides. Yes, it's gross, but its a common thing that happens in male pigs. They also have visible balls, which may not be the most attractive sight. I recommend females, but it's up to you.
Where has my guinea pig come from?
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Once you've found a guinea pig you like, make sure you know what its siblings are like, and it's parents. Any family that have health problems are signs that it runs in the family, so your guinea pig could develop it too, which means vets bills. Also make sure its had a good life, and that the breeders seem like they know what they're doing.
How many should I buy?
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This choice is entirely up to you. Personally, I've always bought mine in pairs. Single guinea pigs don't tend to live as long, due to loneliness. When you have a pair or more, they'll keep each other company, and entertained! If buying two or more, make sure they're okay living together, to prevent fighting. If getting a male and a female who are siblings, make sure the male is neutered! However, if they are not related, it isn't essential to neuter him if you want baby guinea pigs,band the female is under 6 months.
What supplies do I need?
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A carrier to bring it home
A cage
Sawdust, fleece or paper shreddings for cage lining
Hay
Pellets
Shelter for it to hide in
A few toys to trigger its mind if you want!
A water bottle
A food bowl
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The Guinea Pig Guide
LosoweEverything you need to know about guinea pigs; from what they should eat, to teaching them to play dead! Guinea pigs are probably the #1 pet, as they may not seem it, but they are very intelligent! They make the best companions, small, cuddly and fl...
