I am here to be the first person to tell you, don't get a guinea pig.
I know, I have two beautiful baby boars, but they are dedication and work. Are you ready for the responsibility that is cage cleanings, floor time, and long life spans? Well, if you can't handle the current checklist, consider your life guinea-pig free.
1. Weekly cage cleanings/cage space
First of all, guineas have to live with one another. One guinea pig will be very lonely and it will be detrimental to its health, so go ahead and prepare yourself for two piggies.
Guinea's need enough space to run, play, eat, sleep, and hide. Not to mention, the cage will need cleaning weekly, if not more often. I currently own a Midwestern Cage for my two guinea pigs, but they require a 1-2 time cleaning a week.
My Midwestern Cage cost around 50 bucks and the bottom green piece needs to be cleaned with a safe deodorizing spray every time it is cleaned out. I also have hidey-huts for my pigs because they have to have the shelter due to their nature.
2. Long life spans/friends forever
This is my baby boy, Ernie. On the left was when we got him back in August. He was just a tiny, baby when we rescued him. On the right is Ernie a couple of weeks ago.
Although these photos are over a couple of months, prepare to have your piggies for 4-6 years. I got both Archie and Ernie when I was 19, so I expect (hopefully) to have them when I am 22-24. Whatever life throws at you, you have to be ready to keep your fur babies for a long time.
3. Picky eaters
They can only eat a variety of veggies that are safe for them. Also, they need a good brand of pellets to satisfy their dietary needs. Not to mention, not every guinea likes the same veggies.
For example, Ernie will eat just about anything, but if you put a carrot in front of him, he will pretend to choke. Archie is the pickier eater. He will not eat squash or zucchini.
And both of them have to have their own separate food. If not, they will fight one another to get the most, so buy two of everything and learn how to properly store it. I use seal tight containers for my bell peppers, corn husks, cucumbers, and lettuce.
P.s. they love a good mixture ("salad").
4. They are not hamsters or mice
See that adorable little baby? That, my friend, is a hamster. They can run on wheels, eat salt licks, and tolerate a lot more than a guinea pig. Guinea pigs can get what is called "bumble foot" if they are improperly taken care off. They can get it from running on wheels too.
Guineas have delicate bodies and temperamental stomachs. They are not allowed certain veggies, salt licks, or lots of jumping (other than the occasional "popcorn" of happiness). They also need reasonable sized tunnels and homes to live in.
5. Not a kid's toy, or a classroom pet
Do not, please, rescue these animals for your children. Guinea pigs need special love and attention. They are not the pet to be thrown in a cage and poked at every once and a while.
If guinea pigs are handled incorrectly, they will let you know by a series of noises. Not to mention, some will bite. My Ernie will take a chunk out of your finger if you touch his stomach. They need to be properly cared for and live in appropriate conditions. They can't sleep in bed with your kids, or be taken on walks.
If you can't handle all of this, seriously, buy a dog instead.
