How much do a baby guinea pig cost?
Pet stores and guinea pig breeders usually charge between $10 and $40 for a single guinea pig. Check the credentials of the shop or breeder beforehand to make sure you’re buying from a reputable source.
When can you get a baby guinea pig?
Guinea pigs are sexually mature as young as one month of age. While it is less important for the male pig to be a certain age at the time of breeding, the female needs to be less than 10 months old (at the maximum) to be able to give birth naturally.
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.
What is the best place to adopt a guinea pig?
Websites like Petfinder are an invaluable resource for people who wish to adopt homeless guinea pigs from shelters and rescue groups. On average, Petfinder alone lists approximately 10,000 adoptable guinea pigs a year. Guinea pigs are not for everyone.
Can you touch guinea pig babies?
It is fine to carefully handle your new guinea pig pups during their first week, but be sure to allow them plenty of time with their mother as well. Handling them too much too soon can disrupt the bond they need with their mother in order to nurse from her, and huddle against her for warmth.
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.
Can you put 2 guinea pigs together?
Guinea pigs are very sociable creatures and need to live in pairs or small groups, as they would in the wild. We recommend always having two or more guinea pigs together, with safe introductions to keep them happy.
Do guinea pigs like to be held?
Most guinea pigs like to be held when they trust the person who’s doing the holding and the environment that they’re being held in. There are guinea pigs that will seek out their owners to be picked up. But, some guinea pigs prefer to not be held, even if they have bonded with you.
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.
Should I get male or female guinea pigs?
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.
Are male or female guinea pigs better?
How long should you wait to hold a baby guinea pig?
They will be feeling a bit tender and very protective of their babies after the birth, so it’s best to leave them alone for a month afterwards too. Baby guinea pigs should not be held at all for at least one week after birth, and must always be handled very gently.
How much time do guinea pigs need out of their cage?
Guinea pigs need time outside of the cage each day for at least an hour, though twice a day is best. If possible, take them out at dawn and dusk, when cavies are most active. Either purchase a small pen or enclosure, or utilize a room where young children and other pets cannot gain access.
Is it OK to have just 1 guinea pig?
To summarise, a guinea pig can live alone, but ideally shouldn’t. This is because they are social animals that want and need the companionship of other guinea pigs. A piggy on its own requires a lot of care and interaction, which is why experts recommend keeping at least two guinea pigs together.
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.
Do guinea pigs recognize 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.
Can guinea pigs eat apples?
Other foods that are good to fed guinea pigs a few times a week include broccoli, cabbage, endive, carrot tops, Brussels sprouts, kale, silver beet, mint, and fruits such as apples (but with no seeds), mango, and papaya.
Which is better girl or boy guinea pigs?
What food is toxic to guinea pigs?
13 Most Toxic Foods for Guinea Pigs You Should Avoid at All Costs
- Any Kind of Meat. The first thing you should never give to your guinea pig is meat.
- Dairy Products. Any kind of dairy product is bad for your guinea pig.
- Avocados.
- Onions.
- Potatoes.
- Tomato (Green Parts)
- Nuts.
- Candies and Chocolates.
Do guinea pigs need baths?
Unlike humans, guinea pigs will only ever need a bath approximately 2 to 4 times a year. For hairless varieties, bathing is very rarely encouraged due to their particularly sensitive skin, and their difficulty in regulating their temperature.
What is the friendliest type of guinea pig?
Abyssinian Guinea Pig
The Abyssinian has a reputation for being one of the friendliest and affectionate breeds of guinea pig, although they may be too energetic and excitable for younger children.
Do guinea pigs like blankets in their cage?
Guinea pigs like blankets because they like soft and comfortable stuff. They also like to burrow in it.
How long should a guinea pig be out of its cage?
Can guinea pigs sleep with you?
Your guinea pig can sleep with you. But, it’s probably not a good idea. Although there can be benefits to sleeping with your guinea pigs, many precautions need to be taken to keep the experience safe and happy for you and your guinea pig.
What is poisonous to guinea pigs?
Make sure you do not feed your guinea pigs the following foods (this is not an exhaustive list): cereals; grains; nuts; seeds; dried beans, corn, and peas; buttercups; garden shrubs (such as hemlock or privet); lilies of any kind; sweet peas; nightshade; oak; avocado; onion grass; onions; potato tops; mushrooms; …