So, you have decided you want a little animal friend and are pretty certain you want a guinea pig. Think about your lifestyle and how much time, attention and money you have to provide a loving, caring, attentive and happy home for your new friend.

Here are some things to SERIOUSLY think about before getting your Guinea Pigs - If you cannot commit to these then DO NOT get a Cavy:

Yes, they are cute and cuddly ... but they are not toys ... they are totally dependant on you !

• Guinea pigs are (normally) easily handleable once you have gained their trust so you will not get scratched when you pick them up, or bitten (though you do sometimes get the odd nibbler!). They will need loving handling and social interaction every day of their lives. This is to be provided by YOU.
• Guinea pigs are 'diurnal' unlike hamsters who are 'nocturnal' this means that your guinea pig will be awake most of the day for you to entertain, rather than asleep all day and awake at night !
• They are a lovely 'handful' just the right size to sit on your lap and cuddle, and a good size for carrying between your lap and a cage (and not likely to kick out and scratch like some rabbits do).
• Guinea pigs are very appreciative to stroking, scratching behind the ear and general 'cuddle-time' they will charm you with their happy purring sitting happy and contented on your lap whilst you indulge yourself :o) However, sometimes you will come across a guinea pig that doesn't settle and you will just have to accept that as part of her charm ! Don't force her to do what she doesn't want to. Generally, with patience, loving and time most guinea pigs will settle to a degree !
• Guinea pigs have a sophisticated communication system made up of noises and actions - so you will never be bored and can happily sit observing them - great entertainment, much more charming than the television !
• They are also lively and very much enjoy having a free run of a room in your house (or a large exercise run), very amusing running and popcorning around. However, they may also leave you the odd puddle, poop or nibbled piece of furniture - just make sure they can't get to electric cables, poisonous house-plants or other hazards.

Your pig needs regular exercise - lots of attention / interaction & caution near any other pets

• Compared with something like a hamster with a lifespan of a couple of years, guinea pigs live for well over 5 years so they will provide you with years of love - given and received ! However, this is a long time - make sure you can commit yourself to caring for your pet for the whole of her life - are you planning to go away to college ? - what will you do with your pig then ?
• The more time and love you lavish on your guinea pig the more your guinea pig will love and trust you. Some of us form extremely close bonds with our guinea pigs. Make sure you can commit yourself to love and care for your piggy, in health and in sickness, don't abandon them when they need you.
• It is not overly expensive to house and keep a guinea pig - there is of course the initial outlay of a LARGE size cage / pen (get as big as you possibly can) but general maintenance such as hay, dry mix and fruit/vegetables is relatively low. You will of course have to be prepared to pay for vet visits - if you are not prepared for the financial commitment then don't get ANY animal ! Save regularly to a 'piggy fund' so you have the money when you need it.
• If you have a pair of guinea pigs they will happily amuse each other if you have to go out to work / school each day, but do make sure you spend time with them in the evenings and ensure they come out for regular runs / exercise and handling. You are responsible for ensuring they are happy and stimulated and provided with all they need to live a long and happy life !
• If you go away on holiday you must have someone to care for your guinea pig. It should be fairly easy to find a knowledgeable friend to look after your pig - easier than a cat or a dog as their cage is easily transportable and the pig will be 'confined' and less likely to get lost whilst in your friends care (ensure you give your friend full care instructions !!!) - there are also professional boarding establishments where you can pay for someone to care for your pig for a week or so. You must not leave your guinea pig at home on her own whilst you go away on vacation !
• If you are of a 'vegetarian' tendency then a guinea pig is ideal as they do not require ANY food of meat / fish / dairy origin - they are herbivorous.

You will be responsible for nail-trimming, dealing with health problems & your pigs happiness

• Guinea Pigs do not (generally) smell and are clean little animals. However, you must ensure you regularly clean their living environment as of course a dirty cage will develop it's own odour, let alone the accompanying health implications. Have you got time, and are you able physically to commit yourself to regularly clean out cages ?
• Make sure, before you buy your guinea pigs, that neither you, or other members of your family suffer from an allergy to them - tell tale signs could be skin rashes, runny nose/eyes etc. . Despite the health risks to your family it is not fair on the guinea pig to abandon it or give it away. Forewarned is forearmed - get all of your family members to handle a guinea pig for a short while before you buy and watch for any reaction. Bear in mind though that allergy symptoms may not show up right away and may only appear after you have had your guinea pig for a while. Some people have some success in dealing with an allergy by taking an anti-histamine, wearing long-sleeves, gloves and a face mask and the use of a HEPA filter. Also make sure the cavy does not touch your bare skin. The decision is up to you (and your doctor !).
• Have a think about any other pets you have - do you have a dog or cat that may present a threat as a predator for your guinea pig ? Some people do have all these things and have no problems but it can cause un-necessary stress to your pig (and cat or dog) let alone a threat for it's safety. Ensure you can house it in a very safe environment and be especially careful at 'floor-time'. Always supervise.
• Make sure you check with your landlord to ensure you are allowed to keep pets !
• If you are buying a guinea pig for your child - YOU have to be prepared to take full responsibilty for ensuring the guinea pig is looked after and given the appropriate care. It is fairly natural for a child to get bored with a pet and not clean them out or feed them as they should. This is ultimately not the childs responsibility, it is YOURS - make sure you are prepared for this commitment.
• You need to take responsibility for ensuring your guinea pig is healthy and noticing any symptoms of illness - make sure you learn what things to look out for and are prepared to take proper action - ie. vet visits and nursing at home (eg.syringe feeding).

Your guinea pigs WHOLE life and happiness will be dependent on YOU - A big responsibility isn't it.

Next >>

What Do I Do ?

Preparation Checklist

New Arrival

Sexing Guinea Pigs

Joining your Existing Herd

Cavy Names

Breeds & Varieties

Cavy Books

Page Last Updated: 15/03/06