Guinea Pigs

I got my first guinea pigs from the local SPCA.  I did a lot of research on how to care for them, feed them, the normal things to make it a pleasant experience for myself and the animals.  Most, if not all, were suggesting to get two females because they wouldn’t be lonely and they tend to get along.

I picked up Lola and Bonita who had been together for two years.  The previous owner just didn’t have the time anymore for them.  I don’t know how these two survived in one cage because they didn’t like one another and didn’t want to share.  So after having just purchase one cage, water bottle and the rest of the necessities to care for the guinea pigs, I found myself heading back to the store that night to buy another cage, etc.  Well a few weeks later I saw in the paper that the same SPCA had another set of guinea pigs but they were younger.  So off I went to adopt them and give them their forever home and since they were younger I was looking forward to seeing how a pair actually got along.  Was I in for a surprise.  They were only three months old but Rosey and Chip didn’t like one another nor willing to share. 

My opinion is from my experience is to buy or adopt only ONE guinea pig.  They won’t be lonely because you will become their friend.  You will have to spend time with them but it will be well worth it.  The cost will be less too if you just get one.  Don’t just leave it in a cage though.  Create a safe area where it can leave it’s cage and move about.  They have fences that we’ve added to the cages along with four houses to help our guinea pigs to get exercise and socialize too.  You will find that you enjoy taking your little piggie outside in the warm weather and watch him/her munch on the grass.  Just keep it in the shade and a sharp eye on it for any danger.

I’m still working with my four.  Right now they get along okay.  I don’t know how they lived at their previous owners homes but all of them have their little issues.  They still are fun when I arrive home or even wake up (they are set up in my bedroom) because I am greeted each time with their little shrills.  They come to me when I feed them and two of them don’t make a fuss about it.  The other two still need some more work.

I hope this has helped some if you are deciding to get a guinea pig especially if you are adopting.