You can buy a pet from a variety of sources including breeders, pet shops and rescue centres.
Cost of keeping a guinea pig
In addition to the initial cost of buying a guinea pig, idon't forget there are ongoing costs such as food, veterinary fees and treatments and pet insurance.
Choosing a guinea pig
Before you buy a guinea pig think long and hard about whether your new pet will suit your personality and lifestyle. Considerations should include:
- Whether you’d like to purchase a male or female
- Does the guinea pig you’re considering suit your home, family etc?
- Are you prepared to play with your guinea pig and let him run around on a daily basis?
- Can you make a lifelong commitment to your guinea pig?
- Will your new guinea pig get on with other pets in the household?
- Lastly, whether you can afford to keep a pet
The secret to choosing a guinea pig is to do lots of research and it’s also advisable to find out more about potential health problems and characteristics.
Breed guide
There are 44 varieties of guinea pig. For further information on breeds, please visit Comfy Cavies.
Hints and tips on new ownership
Once you’ve decided that you’re going to purchase a guinea pig, do a bit of planning so that your pet’s first days in his new home are as easy and pleasurable as possible.
Equipment for your guinea pig should include a hutch big enough for your pet to run around in, food bowl and water bowls or bottles. Buy some pet food for your guinea pig. Complete food provides all the nutrients in the correct amounts and proportions. Hay or grass must also be available at all times.