Guinea pigs are interesting but make for expensive pets

In case you are planning to get a guinea pig for your home, learn the basics about them.

Guinea pigs are social animals, and you should consider keeping a same sex pair so they have company. A pair of females is a good choice; a pair of males may be fine but may fight.

They are a long-term commitment, with an expected life span of around five to seven years, although up to 10 isn’t unusual.

They need a large cage (but fortunately it is easy to meet their needs with a home made cage).

While usually quiet they can call out quite loudly, and can be active both day and night.

They may be nervous at first but rarely bite and generally become very tame with frequent handling.

They are usually good family pets (but make sure children handle them gently).

Try to avoid guinea pigs that are panicky when handled, especially if they do not relax quickly, and also those that are overly quiet and calm (may be ill).

The guinea pig should be alert and active.

Avoid guinea pigs that are overly skinny or grossly overweight. The body should be firm and rounded.

The nose, eyes, ears, and rear end should be clean and free from discharge.

The coat should be full and soft.

Check the skin for flakes or redness, and be on the lookout for any signs of parasites such as lice.

Daily care and feeding are time consuming, and bedding and hay are messy. Cavies also require routine nail clipping, regular grooming and occasional ear cleaning.

low initial cost is deceptive. The expenses of food and bedding, not to mention health care, mean guinea pigs can be surprisingly costly pets. A cavy may live as long as 10 years, though the average is five to seven, so one must consider adopting a cavy to be a moderately long-term commitment.

Cavies can be good pets for children over the age of six when parents supervise their handling and care. A small child cannot be allowed to carry a guinea pig (cavies have small bones and falls can be deadly). Because noticing changes in a cavy is so important, an adult must be involved in day-to-day care and have a strong commitment to the animal, as well. Thinking they are adopting a cavy for their child, adults often become the primary caretaker and may grow to love and appreciate cavies themselves.