Getting guinea pigs for the first time is an exciting experience, whether for yourself or your children. You might be wondering about whether to buy baby guinea pigs or fully-grown adults, whether to choose males or females, where to purchase them, and where to find the necessary support after bringing them home. This article addresses all your questions before you get your guinea pigs.
Contents
- Where can I buy guinea pigs?
- How much are guinea pigs?
- How to choose a guinea pig
- Should I get one or two guinea pigs?
- Where can I buy baby guinea pigs?
- Benefits of adopting from rescue centres
- Considerations before getting guinea pigs
- Bringing your new guinea pigs home
- Useful Resources
Where Can I Buy Guinea Pigs?
I strongly recommend visiting rescue centers instead of pet shops when buying guinea pigs. Dedicated guinea pig rescue centers possess excellent knowledge and expertise, enabling them to offer the best advice and guidance on guinea pig care. There are plenty of rescue centres around, so you should be able to find one close enough to where you live.
How Much Are Guinea Pigs?
The cost of guinea pigs varies depending on where you buy them, but they generally cost in the region of £20-£30 for each guinea pig. It usually costs less per guinea pig when you get a pair. However, it’s important not to base your decision solely on the initial cost. It would be best to consider the ongoing expenses associated with their care, which far outweigh the initial purchase price. While some rescue centers may simply request donations, others will have a fixed price.
Can I Get Free Guinea Pigs?
Although you might find free guinea pigs in some places, I advise against this option. There may be underlying reasons why they are being given away. If you are an experienced guinea pig owner and want to help those in unfortunate circumstances, rescuing guinea pigs from people advertising on platforms like Facebook, Preloved, Gumtree, or Craigslist can be considered. However, it is always best for beginners to visit a rescue center. Bear in mind that getting guinea pigs from any of these places will mean you get no support or instructions on what they need or how to care for them properly.
How To Choose A Guinea Pig:
Several factors should be considered when selecting a guinea pig:
1. Gender: Both male and female guinea pigs make wonderful pets. However, it’s crucial to ensure that they get along well. This is where rescue centers excel. They typically take the time to bond guinea pigs, preventing any potential disappointment for you and reducing stress for the guinea pigs themselves. It’s important to note that an unneutered male should not be housed with a female. Rescue centers are a valuable resource for obtaining advice on the best pairings, as they have the knowledge gained from their experience in caring for these small pets, unlike pet shops.
2. Age: Older pets are a great choice if you’re looking for a shorter commitment. On the other hand, if you’re keen on a longer-term commitment, baby guinea pigs are a good option. Baby guinea pigs can be initially nervous and skittish. On the other hand, older guinea pigs who have become accustomed to being handled may be easier to pick up and hold. This is an important point that may influence your decision.
3. Coat Type: Guinea pigs can be short-haired, long-haired, and everything in between. Long-haired guinea pigs require more grooming and bathing, so consider this before deciding.
4. Caring for Disabled Guinea Pigs: If you’re willing to provide a home for disabled guinea pigs, rescue centers can guide you on the specific care requirements for these special pets.
Should I Get One Or Two Guinea Pigs?
Guinea pigs are social animals and thrive in pairs or small groups. We always recommend adopting at least two guinea pigs to ensure they have companionship and to prevent potential depression. Sometimes pet shops may mislead you into purchasing a lone guinea pig, claiming he doesn’t get along with others. However, rescue centers usually find suitable pairings and friends for single guinea pigs.
Is it Okay to Have Only One Guinea Pig?
For the guinea pig’s welfare, I never recommend having just one. A solitary guinea pig is likely to be unhappy, leading to behaviours such as hiding in the corner of the cage. This is not a fulfilling life for such a sweet-natured animal.
How Many Guinea Pigs Should A Beginner Get
For beginners, starting with a pair of guinea pigs is ideal. This allows you to become familiar with their care and the responsibilities involved. Additionally, having two guinea pigs provides a better understanding of the associated costs after a few months. Once you’re more accustomed to the commitment these small pets require, you may decide to expand your guinea pig family to a small herd of three or four. When getting additional guinea pigs to join your existing ones, it’s important to bond them properly first, as not all guinea pigs get along. Sometimes, they’re more particular about their roommates!
Where Can I Buy Baby Guinea Pigs?
Rescue centres are excellent sources for guinea pigs of all ages, including baby guinea pigs. I don’t recommend getting baby guinea pigs from a pet shop as they often make mistakes when determining the sex of baby guinea pigs. Since guinea pigs can breed from a very young age, this can lead to unintended pregnancies within the shop or shortly after purchasing the guinea pigs. It’s not uncommon to be surprised by a “male” guinea pig giving birth. It is much safer to acquire guinea pigs from a reliable rescue centre to prevent such situations.
Benefits of Adopting From Rescue Centers
Adopting guinea pigs from rescue centers offers several advantages that other options may not provide:
- Rescue centres are dedicated to finding homes for guinea pigs in need, both young and old.
- Guinea pigs are thoroughly checked for health and well-being before adoption.
- Bonded guinea pig pairs are readily available, ensuring compatibility.
- Rescue centres have extensive experience in guinea pig care and can provide ongoing support and advice.
- You’ll be able to visit and hold the guinea pigs before adoption and take your time to decide whether they are the right pet for you.
- By choosing to adopt from rescue centres, you not only support their noble cause but also contribute to the well-being of these small animals. This contrasts with purchasing from pet shops, where profits precede animal welfare.
Do Rescue Centres Supply You With A Cage?
Rescue centres won’t provide housing, so you must source an appropriate enclosure for your guinea pigs. Most rescue centres require an indoor setup measuring 5ft x 2ft. Still, it’s best to discuss with them to clarify their specific requirements.
Considerations Before Getting Guinea Pigs
Before deciding to get guinea pigs, it is important to consider the following points carefully:
- Time Commitment: Do you have enough time to dedicate to the care of guinea pigs?
- Financial Considerations: Can you afford the ongoing costs associated with their care, including food, bedding, and potential vet bills?
- Travel Plans: Do you frequently go on holidays or trips? If so, can you afford pet boarding for the guinea pigs during your absence?
- Allergies: Are you or anyone in your household likely allergic to guinea pigs or the hay they require?
- Space Availability: Do you have sufficient space to provide suitable housing for the guinea pigs?
- Long-Term Responsibility: Are you prepared to take over caring for the guinea pigs if your child loses interest?
- Housing Situation: Are you in the process of moving or planning to move in the near future? Ensure you know if pets are allowed in your new home and if there will be enough space for the guinea pigs.
- Time Management: Do you have enough time to dedicate to the daily care and attention that guinea pigs require?
- Gift Considerations: If the guinea pigs are intended as a gift, ensuring it is not a “surprise” gift for another family or household is important.
- Future Plans: If you are expecting a new baby in the near future, consider how you will manage the care of the guinea pigs once the baby arrives.
Bringing Your New Guinea Pigs Home
Bringing your guinea pigs home is an important step in their journey with you. To ensure a smooth transition, follow these essential tips:
- Choose a quiet and safe location in your home, away from noise and other pets, to create a peaceful, relaxed environment for your guinea pigs.
- Prepare everything in advance. Have their food, hay, and enclosure set up before bringing them home. This preparation will help you focus on their needs and minimize stress.
- Stay organized with our printable care sheets available on Etsy. These resources will keep you on track and provide valuable information on guinea pig care. Our fruit and veg sheets will guide you on suitable fresh food options.
- Give your guinea pigs time to settle. Allow them a few hours to explore their new environment before handling them. This helps them adjust and become familiar with their surroundings.
By following these guidelines, you can ensure a smooth and comfortable transition for your guinea pigs as they embark on their new life with you. For more detailed care information, please visit our comprehensive care page.
Keeping guinea pigs as pets is an exciting prospect that requires careful consideration and preparation. Choosing to adopt from rescue centres ensures the well-being of these small animals and provides ongoing support. By doing plenty of research in advance on the care and costs involved, you can create a loving and fulfilling environment for your new guinea pigs.