Hello there! I have some questions (& comments) to try to figure out whether or not guinea pigs are the right pets for me. I’m in a military family (might move every 3-5 years, possibly long distances) and was wondering if it would be ok for the guinea pigs to deal with that? I struggle with depression and part of my search is for routine/companionship. I’m away from home for about 9 hours on weekdays, 12 on weekends with occasional days off. As required of course I’m planning on getting 2-4 piggies: 2 to start, possibly introduce 2 later or 3-4 to start and keep at. Which would be better because I know they do better in groups? Is the cost significantly more for 3-4 compared to only 2? We do live in an apartment and will probably stay in apartments for the near future. I’m in love with these creatures and I’m more than willing to put in the required time for them but I just wanted some opinions on the matter because it just might not be the right fit (but I hope it is lol). Thanks!
in terms of moving around as it isnt regularly, they will be fine.
Piggies need to be kept in pairs for companionship. They don’t ‘need’ to be in larger groups if you don’t have the space of financial means to handle that. Sows can be kept in herds (a pair is absolutely fine though) either just as a sow herd or they can have just one neutered boar bonded in with them. Boars however must be kept in pairs only - any more than two boars together and fights are highly likely to occur.
The thing to consider is space - I don’t know much about the sizes of apartments, but if you’re planning on four pigs, then they need a big cage - four females (or three females and a neutered male) together ideally needs a cage of 210cm x 60cm. Two females together needs a minimum of 120cm x 60 but 150cm x 60cm is better.
Two boars need more space and their cage needs to be 180cm x 60cm
The biggest initial cost when adding more piggies is upgrading cage space and ensuring you can afford the vet fees. Piggies aren’t cheap animals and vet costs can mount up. There is of course an increase in hay consumption from two to four - i have two piggies and three rabbits and I get through 20kg of hay a month.
you will find a lot of helpful information in the links and guides below.
Quick Information Bundle For Wannabe Owners
New Owners' Most Helpful How-To Guides and Information
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Hi!
A pair of piggies is fine; that provides the companionship they need. A trio of sows or a pair of sows with a neutered boar have about the same minimal space need as two boars, especially those going through teenage. Boar trios and quartets are not recommended.
If I were you, I would opt for a C&C grid cage of 2x5 grids which gives you all , which can be dismantled for the move and adapted to a range of different spaces; it is more flexible than a traditional cage especially when you are moving house often. You can either use the existing coroplast and adapt it with the help of a stanley knife and some duct tape or order a new
What is worth considering in your case - are you just posted around the UK or are you likely to be moving abroad, too? In the first case, guinea pigs are not a problem; in the second, quaranting restrictions and transport may be a major deterrent.
Non-kill guinea pig rescues see piggies from military personnel moving abroad being handed in not all that rarely - at least this makes sure that they are in safe hands but saying goodbye means that you will have to go through a grieving process yourself just as much as if you'd lost your piggies naturally.
For cage space, C&C grid, piggy combos, and recommended good welfare standard guinea pig rescues you can find more information via these access links here:
Are Guinea Pigs For Me? - Wannabe Owners' Helpful Information
Getting Started - New Owners' Most Helpful Guides
Thank you so much for the info and links!
in terms of moving around as it isnt regularly, they will be fine.
Piggies need to be kept in pairs for companionship. They don’t ‘need’ to be in larger groups if you don’t have the space of financial means to handle that. Sows can be kept in herds (a pair is absolutely fine though) either just as a sow herd or they can have just one neutered boar bonded in with them. Boars however must be kept in pairs only - any more than two boars together and fights are highly likely to occur.
The thing to consider is space - I don’t know much about the sizes of apartments, but if you’re planning on four pigs, then they need a big cage - four females (or three females and a neutered male) together ideally needs a cage of 210cm x 60cm. Two females together needs a minimum of 120cm x 60 but 150cm x 60cm is better.
Two boars need more space and their cage needs to be 180cm x 60cm
The biggest initial cost when adding more piggies is upgrading cage space and ensuring you can afford the vet fees. Piggies aren’t cheap animals and vet costs can mount up. There is of course an increase in hay consumption from two to four - i have two piggies and three rabbits and I get through 20kg of hay a month.
you will find a lot of helpful information in the links and guides below.
Quick Information Bundle For Wannabe Owners
New Owners' Most Helpful How-To Guides and Information
I’m actually in the US, a friend from the UK suggested I join here haha. So moving abroad is definitely a possibility. Is it not possible to move piggies overseas at all? Thank you for the links!
Ah well hopefully it won’t come to that or be a smooth process if it happens!
We have got some information but you will have to do your own research. We also have members from all over the world.
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Tara95
Adult Guinea Pig
Good luck! It's really up to you how many you have. I would personally start off with two (two sows) and see how you get on. They're alot of work cleaning wise as well. Once I had my two sows for a few months I was so in love and committed that I got another two bonded sows and their brother (had him neutered) as that's how they live in the wild! It is so lovely having a herd, they're so much more confident in numbers and I also find it so natural when you have a neutered boar living with them it's also supposed to make the females feel more calm and relaxed! It's completely up to you but I always felt I needed to see how I got on with just two before I added more but ofc there is always that risk that the two seperate pairs may not get on. Another selfish point of view is that my sows are all different from each other as they are from two separate litters and It's nice to have a bit of variation, e.g long haired and short and a fuzzy breed! Best of luck so excited for you! 
4boipigs
Forum Donator 2023/24
I think one of the biggest things to consider is the cleaning that is involved. There is a lot more than you realize - like for me, I spot clean their poops three times a day. Also be sure that whatever apartments you end up going to will allow pigs. Please don't ever think about lying to the apartment management about not having pets or try to hide the pigs. Always be up front about what critters you have.
I would also consider how you view companionship with the pigs. Are you wanting a cuddly little animal that let you hold it and enjoy spending time with you? You have to work on allowing them to accept you and being picked up. It isn't going to be like having a dog or a cat. I view pigs as 'look but don't touch' pets (my experience - my boys don't tolerate human interaction).
I would also consider how you view companionship with the pigs. Are you wanting a cuddly little animal that let you hold it and enjoy spending time with you? You have to work on allowing them to accept you and being picked up. It isn't going to be like having a dog or a cat. I view pigs as 'look but don't touch' pets (my experience - my boys don't tolerate human interaction).