guinea pigs
usually cost between $10 and $40 , and you will need at least two. There are lots of guinea pigs without a home in
pet shelters
, so source your pets there if possible.
Where should I get my guinea pigs from?
Where should you get a guinea pig? Instead of creating more demand for guinea pigs by purchasing one from a pet store, please visit your
local animal shelter
to adopt one—or better yet, two! Most shelters accept small animals who need new homes and you will have the satisfaction of saving a life.
Is it OK to buy a guinea pig from PetSmart?
Guinea pigs are fun to keep around the house. They do require attention, love, and care like any other pet. However, they are gentle and easy for younger kids to take care of. PetSmart is a
good place
to buy a guinea pig from because of its Vet Assured program , but it’s not the only place to get these animals.
How much does a guinea pig pet cost?
You can expect to pay a cost per year of between $100 and $500 per guinea pig, with a higher-end cost of $200 to $1,000. The low end is $500, the high end is $800 and the average is $650, while food, bedding, and healthcare total an annual cost of at least $200.
Do guinea pigs bite?
Guinea pigs are not typically aggressive so if they bite, there is a reason for it. Guinea pigs are very popular small pets and are great for both kids and adults. Guinea pigs are personable, don’t take up a huge amount of space, and are usually very gentle. On occasion, however, guinea pigs may nibble or bite.
Do guinea pigs need shots?
While guinea pigs do not require any vaccinations , it is recommended that you take your pet to a veterinarian familiar with guinea pigs at least once each year for a routine checkup.
Is it OK to have one guinea pig?
Guinea pigs are social animals that naturally live in groups. While it’s best to have more than one guinea pig in your home at a time, this is not always possible Make sure you know how to keep you guinea healthy, happy, and secure in his environment even without a cage mate.
Do guinea pigs cuddle?
There is no denying, guinea pigs are cuddly pets that love lap time with their humans But like all good things, it takes time as well as patience. But, and you can trust us on this, your persistence will definitely pay off in the end.
Do guinea pigs need a friend?
That’s right, guinea pigs for the most part need a friend ! Guinea pigs are social animals and live in herds in the wild. To prevent accidental babies, guinea pigs should be kept in same-gender pairs or groups unless they are spayed or neutered.
Is it OK to keep guinea pigs in your bedroom?
It is critically important to the long-term health and happiness of your guinea pig that you place its cage central to
family activity
or at the immediate periphery. Do not put cages in children’s bedrooms The guinea pig should be part of family life, even if it is designated as one person’s pet.
Is it better to have a male or female guinea pig?
What makes the best pet – male or female guinea pigs? Male guinea pigs (boars) have a tendency to live a little longer than females (sows), especially if the females are having young Both have similar temperaments although males often have a bolder personality, making them easier to handle.
Can I take my guinea pig for a walk?
You can “walk” a guinea pig on a leash, but don’t try to get your guinea pig to go for outdoor walks Unlike dogs and cats, cavies cannot successfully learn to go for leashed walks. Do not take your guinea pig onto a sidewalk in an attempt to get him to walk like your neighbor’s miniature poodle.
Why do you need 2 guinea pigs?
A pair of pigs will play, chase, and eat together providing round the clock companionship when they are not with you A single pig can become very lonely, and this stress could impact their health.
Do guinea pigs stink?
In a nutshell, guinea pigs shouldn’t smell If they are giving off an unpleasant odour, it’s usually a sign that the cage isn’t clean, their diet is wrong, they’re sick, or they’re struggling to groom themselves. Also, boars may smell more than sows because of an oily buildup around the grease gland.
Are hamsters or guinea pigs better pets?
Guinea Pigs Vs Hamsters, the Verdict? Overall experts suggest that guinea pigs make the best pets for children due to their affectionate and active nature. They also live longer which means the there is more time for your child to bond with their pet.
Are guinea pigs expensive to keep?
Guinea pigs can be much more expensive than you might have guessed Although they’re small, their food isn’t especially cheap, and much like rabbits, they’ll need a regular supply of bedding and hay. Between the bedding, hay, pellets, and fresh produce, you’re looking at $40-$60 in monthly costs.
What size cage do two guinea pigs need?
Two guinea pigs: 7.5 square feet (minimum), but at least 10.5 square feet (30” x 50”) is preferred Three guinea pigs: 10.5 square feet (minimum), but at least 13 square feet (30” x 62”) is preferred. Four guinea pigs: 13 square feet (minimum), but at least 30” x 76” is preferred.
Is a guinea pig a good pet for a 5 year old?
Guinea pigs are great pets for children Not as fragile as rabbits and generally less skittish than smaller rodents like hamsters and gerbils, guinea pigs are wonderful pets for elementary-school-age kids and older.
How old should a guinea pig be when you buy it?
If you can, try and find out the age of your guinea pig, and adopt one as young as possible. 6 weeks is the youngest a piglet should be when going off to new home , so around this is best.
How long do guinea pigs live alone?
Guinea pigs should never be left alone for more than 12 hours at a time If you’re going to be away for an extended period, your piggies must have everything they need to keep them healthy and comfortable, including lots of food, water and toys.
Do guinea pigs love their owners?
Do guinea pigs bond with their owners? Yes, they do form bonds with their humans , very much like cats or dogs. They’re able to recognize certain people according to scent, sound, and sight cues.
Do female guinea pigs have a period?
Female guinea pigs have estrous cycles in which they go into heat several times a year for several days, with different stages. However, they don’t experience bleeding or periods as in a menstrual cycle While they are in heat, they are fertile and go through spontaneous ovulation.
WHAT DOES Petco do with unsold animals?
What happens to pet store puppies who aren’t sold? As with other unsold inventory, they go on sale Stores buy puppies for a fraction of what they charge their customers. An eight-week-old puppy may have an initial price tag of $1,500 in a store.
Is Petco or PetSmart better?
When comparing the prices of 50 products from PetSmart and Petco, the difference was nominal. Both companies were always within a similar range and nothing seemed outrageously priced. That being said, the winner was PetSmart It’s also important for pet owners to take into consideration the companies’ shipping costs.
Are guinea pigs easier than rabbits?
Guinea pigs are typically very docile indeed and are far less likely to scratch, kick or nip than rabbits This helps to make them easier to handle, and of course they only grow to a very reasonable size which makes housing them much easier.
Should I get a rabbit or a guinea pig?
Rabbits have more personality and make better companion pets They also have more complex needs, so guinea pigs are less of a responsibility than rabbits. If you have time and can adhere to a schedule, rabbits are excellent company. Guinea pigs are less demanding family pets.
Is it hard to take care of a guinea pig?
Are Guinea Pigs Easy to Care For? The short answer is no. It requires a massive amount of time, energy, and money to keep guinea pigs healthy, clean, and happy.
Do guinea pigs scream?
Guinea pigs with scream when they have a fright or when they are in a fight with another animal Pay close attention to your pet if you hear a scream. Squeal: Some guinea pigs will squeal when they are experiencing potential pain or they need attention.
Do guinea pigs eat their poop?
Not only is guineas eating their own poop perfectly normal and natural, but it is also essential for their health Many small mammals perform the same practice, and there is actually more reason to worry if they are not eating their poop!.
Can guinea pigs blink?
Guinea pigs do blink as necessary , and use their eyelids to keep out dust and dirt. A guinea pig’s eyelids can become infected if they become irritated by dirty or sharp pieces of bedding.
Do guinea pigs need salt licks?
While guinea pigs absolutely need a diet specialized for their needs, a salt (or mineral) lick isn’t needed Actually, it’s best to totally stay away from them. Lean on the good stuff to provide your cavy the nutrients needed to keep ’em in tip-top shape.
How do you bathe a guinea pig?
First, place a washcloth at the bottom of the sink so that your pet won’t slip. Now, thoroughly wet your guinea pig with warm water except for its face. Work a little shampoo into its fur and then rinse it well. Lastly, wrap your pet in a towel and finish by drying it with a blow dryer on the lowest speed setting.
Do guinea pigs need their nails trimmed?
Guinea pigs require regular nail trimming The frequency can vary among animals but should occur once a month at a minimum. Clipping nails more often will help to create a routine and prevent the quick, or blood supply at the center of the nail, from growing closer to the tip.
Is it better to have 2 male or 2 female guinea pigs?
As pets they are usually kept in pairs or trios of the same sex. Two females (sows) will live happily together, as will two males (boars), particularly if they are siblings Two boars of different ages will usually get along together, as long as there are no females around.
Do guinea pigs like to be in the dark?
Yes, as your cavy’s nighttime antics would suggest, guinea pigs do like the dark However, that doesn’t mean they’re nocturnal animals. In fact, guinea pigs are crepuscular, which means they’re most active at twilight.
Can 2 male guinea pigs live together?
Can you put male Guinea Pigs in the same cage? Yes, as long the cage is big enough for two cavies Guinea Pigs are social animals and housing them together can prevent loneliness. When they first meet or move in together they may need to assert dominance.
Can I sleep with my guinea pig?
You should never share a bed with your guinea pig Even if you don’t mind waking up in a pile of guinea pig poop, it’s way too dangerous for your little cavy.
Do guinea pigs know their name?
Yes! Guinea pigs can certainly recognize and respond to their name with the help of some training, along with consistency, patience, and time Guinea pigs can learn words through classical conditioning. As such, they can be trained to recognize individual words, meaning they can also learn their name.
Do guinea pigs like showers?
Guinea pigs don’t enjoy being wet , and in cold climates bathing guinea pigs and not drying them off properly can give them chills, and make them feel very miserable at the very least.
How often should you hold your guinea pig?
Most guinea pigs love spending quality time with their owners, so handling them is enjoyable for all concerned. Once your guinea pig gets to know you, being hand-fed and petted become important parts of their lives. This means it’s actually up to you how much you hold them – you can do so as often as you like.
What animals can live with guinea pigs?
Although guinea pigs are very social animals, they don’t get along well with other pets. Dogs, cats, ferrets, or rabbits combined with guinea pigs are not a good idea. The best companion for a guinea pig is another guinea pig.
What should I name my guinea pig?
- Ariel.
- Blossom.
- Bluebell.
- Cookie.
- Cleo.
- Ginger.
- Giselle.
- Pandora.
What noise does a happy guinea pig make?
Whistling: Guinea pigs will often let out a high pitched squeal or whistle , and this noise means your furry friend is excited, perhaps about feeding time or playtime. Purring: Another guinea pig sound is the purr, which may make your guinea pig seem more like a cat. These purrs can have different meanings.
Are guinea pigs noisy at night?
Anyone who has tried to sleep in the same room as a guinea pig cage knows that the little rodents can be noisemakers at night While you may not be able to get them to match your sleep schedule, you can take a few steps to minimize their activity during the overnight hours.