Guinea Pig Help?

[Pecyai]

Ok so hi! I currently only own a hamster and i really want a piggy after! My hamster is under good care with a proper size cage and good diet and I have been doing some research on piggies. I know almost nothing about piggies and I need help learning some basic vital info to piggy care such as cage size, how to make a proper cage, good food, costs for the cage/food/toys etc. and anything about guinea pig care! Thanks

 

[BossHogg]

Welcome to the forum, one of our moderators/forum buddies will be along shortly to answer your query.

 

[LisaAli]

Hi to the forum...

It's really good that you are doing research first before considering getting piggies.. We have lots of great information on the forum to help you decide if piggies are for you.. Piggies are are long term commitment as they can live in excess of 7 years given the right care.

Have a look at our New and Wannabe Guinea Pig Owners Corner and in particular the thread, http://www.theguineapigforum.co.uk/threads/faq-are-guineas-pigs-for-me.36801/
as this will give you a understanding of a piggy needs. Please ask any questions you may have and our friendly members will help you.

In the meantime can you please add your location to your profile as it helps fellow members give any answers to questions you may have that may be area/country specific. This can be done by clicking on your username, then personal details, then add location......

Enjoy exploring the forum...

Lisa & Ali..

 

[Pigpi]

Hiya,
I started off with a hamster too and I must say guinea pigs are so much more interesting but they need a lot of work.
Possible points to consider are...
-space. I keep my pigs outside due to my mum having allergies, their hutch takes up a small amount of space and they can run about in a run on my patio. Or inside you need a big enough space for a decent sized cage preferably C and C. Or you can keep a hutch inside.
-costs. I'm 14 I got my pigs for my 12th b day, the deal with my parents were that the piggies were my responsibility. I spend on average £20 a month on hay, straw for bedding, pellets and toys. Also it costs me £30 a year for vet checks.
-time. Even when you go on holiday the piggies still need to be visited twice a day. Do you have a family member or friend who could do this? Another option is boarding, google to see if you have a place nearby.

Do you know what a C&C cage is? I didn't when I got my pigs.
If you need any more help just reply also if you ever have a question just message me and I will help if I can. Apart from that welcome

 

[Wiebke]

Hi and welcome!

It is great that you are doing your research before you get piggies - please make it two. Unlike hamsters, guinea pigs are group animals and not really wired to be on their own.

The safest place to get guinea pigs from is one of our recommended good standard rescues with a mandatory quarantine, pregnancy watch and careful bonding, thus avoiding all the usual pitfalls that await the unwary. We can provide rescue contacts for several countries, but depending on where you are, you may not necessarily have one in within reach. That is where the location issue comes into play...
You can find information about companionship, the pros and cons of various pairings as well as piggy society at the top of our newbie section, which you may find helpful in making your decision.

If you are a minor, it is very important to clear the question of vet cost with your parents. Illness and emergencies never happen at a good time, so you want to make sure that you can afford prompt treatment at all times. If you are a minor, please do not go beyond adding your state or (for the UK) your county for your own protection.