Should I get a guinea pig?

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rxah

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I am a student, a speaker/debater, a cheerleader, and a soccer player. I want (and kinda can only afford) one guinea pig, but I do have a busy schedule and my parents don't necessarily want to help me care for it. In doing research about the animal, I found that they should live in pairs (but again, I can't really afford that) so should I just not get one at all? I would like a guinea pig to help me soothe some of my anxiety and stress after long hard days and things of that nature but I am worried that the piggy will feel lonely and be sad and that is not at all what I want. Any tips? Do i get them a piggy stuffy? Is this feasable? Do I leave my laptop on for them to watch other piggies? Do I get the piggy a mirror so it can see itself and not think it's alone? All help would be appreciated.
 
Please do not get a guinea pig with the intention of keeping it alone. Giving your piggie a friend is a care requirement just as much as a having large cage and a vet fund. The main issue with stuffies and videos is a lack of reaction from the object—your piggie needs someone to talk to and spend time with, and something non-living just can’t provide that same reciprocation.

Honestly, I’d wait on getting any pets until your parents are willing to help—in the end they are the general fundraisers for your pet-keeping endeavors (unless you have a stable part-time-job). Vet bills are expensive and hard to cover with just chores from what I’ve seen.

As for stress, have you talked with your parents about how you feel? If it’s a serious mental health issue, you should really be seeking out medical care rather than a pet.
 
I figured as much, I'll see if I can talk them into getting me two :) thanks so much!
 
I agree with everything robin has said. It needs to be about the guinea pigs welfare and being alone is not in the piggies best interest.
You have said you can’t afford two, and if that is so, then I would seriously consider not getting any at all, rather than talking your parents into it. Guinea pigs are not cuddly creatures, most do not like being touched or picked up and as prey animals are often scared of everything, I can only pick mine up to carry out their health checks, they don’t like being cuddled and one of them still runs off and hides even if I try to feed them (and I’ve had them for coming up to two years). They can also be incredibly expensive - hundreds of pounds/dollars if there is a medical issue and being classed as exotic pets, they require specialist vets. Do you have an exotic specialist vet near by to you and are your parents prepared to pay for such potential large vet fees? We see many posts of parents being talked into it and then huge vet bills come up and problems start to arise. The cage required for two piggies is large as well as the general costs of hay (and they need a lot of hay) as well as other food, bedding and equipment.

I’m not saying don’t get a pet, I’m just urging you to consider that guinea pigs really are not the easy pet everybody thinks they are.
 
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Have you thought about reducing your schedule 😉
I find it relaxing to sit and watch my piggies at the end of the day but even pigs that like lap time are often very reluctant to be caught and soon learn not to enter whatever you normally catch them in. So that bit is stressful compared to scooping a cat or dog onto your lap. And when they're ready to be put back they nuzzle your clothes and might nip you if you don't respect their wishes. They're prey animals.
But if like me you'd enjoy just watching them interact, that is nice. And one guinea pig wouldn't be much fun to watch as it could get depressed and not move much.
 
I agree - they’re lovely animals who can bring joy to your life (I LOVE my pair of pigs), but when they have health issues (which many do) that can bring lots of stress and anxiety. It’s also time consuming. You’ll see people on this forum who’ve been syringe feeding pigs every 2 hours throughout the night for example, others who’ve spent days decontaminating everything following a case of ringworm. It can be really hard work! You sound like you have a lot going on with no guarantee your parents would be able to help much. Even for a healthy pair of pigs I’d allow a good few hours a week for cage cleaning, ordering stuff, regular health checks etc. Then there’s nail
clipping regularly.. Not trying to put you off but it’s hard work and not a stress free experience! You sound like a nice person who would want the pigs to have a really good life which is great, but you’d need to commit quite a bit of time. It can also cost- I’ve only had mine since October and 5 vet trips later it’s cost about £400 so far and we’re still not out of the woods. Pigs are amazing animals but to care from them properly is quite a commitment. There are probably easier pets to get- others will have ideas I’m sure!

if you’d like more part time animal interaction would it be worth looking at things like borrow my doggy where you can take care of someone’s dog or whatever animal for a few hours a week? Or volunteer at a local animal rescue centre once a month? I know you’re very busy.

I’m sorry you’re experiencing anxiety, that can be really rough. I hope you can find ways to help with that. I’d just hate you to experience even more anxiety from having guinea pigs- they really can put us through the mill emotionally!

Take care.
 
To be honest I'm thinking guinea pigs aren't right for you. If you are going to struggle with the cost for two then I think it will be distressing when you can't afford vet care. You say soccer so I'm assuming you are in the US. Here in the UK I know if my piggy gets ill I need around £20 for a consultation and then extra for treatment. A simple bill can be around £60 but in the US this is much more expensive.
 
I commend you for doing some research before getting a piggie. I completely agree with the comments above . If you’re parents are unable to provide financial support for a pair then maybe you can think of adopting two when you become financially independent. I wish you well with your studies. There is help and support available if you are feeling overly stressed and anxious. Your GP is a good place to start or there maybe student support wherever you are studying. Please take time to relax and engage in activities that you enjoy. I find Mindfulness helpful and there are other tools available.Also it may be worth looking at diet and exercise to support your Mental Health wellbeing. I wish you well
 
Welcome to the forum and well done for doing your research first.
You sound like a very responsible and caring person
I agree with what others have said that this is possibly not the right time for you to have guinea pigs.
I kept hamsters for many years before being in a position to have piggies again.
They are delightful pets and are much less demanding on time and finances than guinea pigs.
The day will come when you are in a position to have guinea pigs and enjoy them.
 
I agree with anyone who recommends a hamster for you. Not only a Syrian but also a campbell or winter withe hamster. They are cheaper, you only have to keep one and they need less maintenance. I have had it for years and even now I have one (campbell) and they are a lot of fun to watch while working in their cage
 
I second the thoughts of everyone else. Guinea pigs must live in pairs, no objections. They require a lot of space, too. But also, the vet fees can be insane. I have spent around £2000+ on my pigs in the last 3 years alone (I’ve had pigs for 5 years). Vet care isn’t something that’s optional. I know people generally think small animals don’t need veterinary care, but from my experience they need it far more frequently than cats and dogs. Keeping two pigs instead of one doesn’t cost much more when it comes to the basics like hay/pellets/veg, however vet fees are what make guinea pigs such an expensive pet. Guinea pigs go downhill very fast when they’re ill, making seeing an exotic vet a requirement. I’m not sure what it is about guinea pigs that mean they can become ill quite easily, all you have to do is look at the forum on health and illness to see how common it is! I spent most of my teenage years saving my birthday/Christmas money so that I could use it all on vet care for the pigs!
As others have suggested, a Syrian hamster may be better? They’re lovely pets, too. And also, as bad as it sounds, not as big of a commitment. Guinea pigs, whilst they say life expectancy is around 2-4 years, I believe, it’s actually more like 4-7 years in healthy pigs, with many living to around 9 years! I imagine there will be a time that you consider going away for college, what happens to the guinea pigs then? They require floor time at least once a week. Are your parents prepared to be full time carers for the pigs? Or will they be pushed aside and only given the bare minimum of care?
 
I have to disagree with the idea of keeping a hamster instead of a guinea pig—at least from my experience, my syrians have been more interested in burrowing than getting attention, and none of my hamsters have ever been the snuggly type out of the five I’ve had (which is fine, and you really have to respect that— i just don’t think that’s what OP is looking for). That, and, especially with syrians, most times your schedules won’t line up—I’ve had syrians who were only up from 1-5am and I barely saw them unless I stayed up late, which was needed for my previous female as, if she didn’t get free-roam time, she’d chew the heck out of her cage (which was also a 2000sq in cage).
My dwarfs have been a lot more sociable with me as their waking hours are either dawn or dusk, but still, not something to cuddle with after a rough day. Cute, and they do help me get through stress, but not as much and something I’m able to hold and stroke for more than a few seconds.

Also keep in mind hamsters also have expensive vet bills! Because they are smaller and less researched, it can take several tries with medication to find something that works, which can be killer expensive when the “walk in the door” cost is $100.
 
Robin_ said:
I have to disagree with the idea of keeping a hamster instead of a guinea pig—at least from my experience, my syrians have been more interested in burrowing than getting attention, and none of my hamsters have ever been the snuggly type out of the five I’ve had (which is fine, and you really have to respect that— i just don’t think that’s what OP is looking for). That, and, especially with syrians, most times your schedules won’t line up—I’ve had syrians who were only up from 1-5am and I barely saw them unless I stayed up late, which was needed for my previous female as, if she didn’t get free-roam time, she’d chew the heck out of her cage (which was also a 2000sq in cage).
My dwarfs have been a lot more sociable with me as their waking hours are either dawn or dusk, but still, not something to cuddle with after a rough day. Cute, and they do help me get through stress, but not as much and something I’m able to hold and stroke for more than a few seconds.

Also keep in mind hamsters also have expensive vet bills! Because they are smaller and less researched, it can take several tries with medication to find something that works, which can be killer expensive when the “walk in the door” cost is $100.
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What you say is not wrong. Only it depends on the person. I find it very relaxing and fun to watch hamsters in their activities even if they don't get pampered much. For the cost of veterinary care it depends. Even treating a dog can be expensive
 
rxah said:
I am a student, a speaker/debater, a cheerleader, and a soccer player. I want (and kinda can only afford) one guinea pig, but I do have a busy schedule and my parents don't necessarily want to help me care for it. In doing research about the animal, I found that they should live in pairs (but again, I can't really afford that) so should I just not get one at all? I would like a guinea pig to help me soothe some of my anxiety and stress after long hard days and things of that nature but I am worried that the piggy will feel lonely and be sad and that is not at all what I want. Any tips? Do i get them a piggy stuffy? Is this feasable? Do I leave my laptop on for them to watch other piggies? Do I get the piggy a mirror so it can see itself and not think it's alone? All help would be appreciated.
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I can see you want a pet but PLEASE DON'T LEAVE ONE ON ITS OWN. you can keep some rabbits alone and all Syrian hamsters. I'm wondering if you have had any pets before? maybe reduce your schedule? if it's a first pet , a rabbit would not be so good. in short I recommend a Syrian hamsters or if you change your lifestyle a bit , a rabbit. However rodents are a lot of work. maybe get a fish. they are relaxing to watch , are quite easy to maintain and you can get just one ( depending on the type )
 
If you want guinea pigs, but don't have a lot of money, I know that sometimes rescues will be cheaper than pet stores. Places like Petsmart charge a lot for guinea pigs.
 
hrsrdr said:
If you want guinea pigs, but don't have a lot of money, I know that sometimes rescues will be cheaper than pet stores. Places like Petsmart charge a lot for guinea pigs.
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But the cost of owning Guinea pigs doesn’t end at the pet store. Guinea pigs can, and will, cost hundreds in vet fees.
 
Get two in the biggest cage you can afford and don't neglect the cost and the time they demand. If you're away a lot of weekends, who will care for them? Are you committed to giving them the best life possible that fits in with yours? If so. Go for it. They're lovely creatures ❤️
 
I know it's an unpopular opinion but I think guinea pigs are perfect emotional support animals and although vet bills can be an issue saving a small amount (£10-£15) each month into a "vet fund" will usually help with this. Guinea pigs MUST live in pairs but if you are going to buy the right sized cage and buy food etc. for one piggy the day-to-day costs of a second pig are not excessive. If a piggie is what you are drawn too don't get a different pet because you think it will be easier because all pets have their down sides and there is no point in settling for second best, it will only make you more likely to loose interest. Don't ever rush into getting any pet but you know that and that's why you're here. take some time to do your research and save up for two piggies and everything they could possibly need.

I bought my boys as emotional support animals when I was suffering anxiety and loneliness and they are so much help and really add value to my life on a daily basis. That said they should never be an alternative to counselling or support from family so make sure you have other help in place as well.
 
Sweet Potato said:
I know it's an unpopular opinion but I think guinea pigs are perfect emotional support animals and although vet bills can be an issue saving a small amount (£10-£15) each month into a "vet fund" will usually help with this. Guinea pigs MUST live in pairs but if you are going to buy the right sized cage and buy food etc. for one piggy the day-to-day costs of a second pig are not excessive. If a piggie is what you are drawn too don't get a different pet because you think it will be easier because all pets have their down sides and there is no point in settling for second best, it will only make you more likely to loose interest. Don't ever rush into getting any pet but you know that and that's why you're here. take some time to do your research and save up for two piggies and everything they could possibly need.

I bought my boys as emotional support animals when I was suffering anxiety and loneliness and they are so much help and really add value to my life on a daily basis. That said they should never be an alternative to counselling or support from family so make sure you have other help in place as well.
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It's just because the poster said she is extremely busy and seems overwhelmed with her schedule. I agree my piggies are my mental happy place but they do poop a lot 😊
 
I absolutely agree with you @Sweet Potato - i find my animals fantastic when I need some time out etc, they are my happy place!
The OP to this post though says that s/he has to talk parents into having them, and that is where the problems occur. The OP doesn’t sound to be financially independent so saving anything is likely to be difficult, meaning parents will be taking on the financial burden and the fact that OP specifically mentions ‘talking parents into it’ can often mean that when issues, vet bills etc do come up, there can be reluctance from parents who didn’t want the animals in the first place in getting medical issues dealt with.
 
I also want to add that in the UK we are lucky because vets have to offer an out of hours emergency alternative and vets bills are reasonable (even though they can be into the hundreds). The OP seems to be from the US and things are very different there. A lifesaving operation with an exotics vet in the US can cost around $1000 upfront and that's if there's an exotics specialist within travelling distance given the sheer size of the country. I don't think anyone on this forum would disagree with piggies being a great pet and great emotional support but it's going to more detrimental to mental health if a sick piggy cannot get vet treatment because of a lack of local vet or finances
 
my point was more that we should not deter OP from getting a guinea pig by offering other animals that may be suitable because it is easy for a young person to want a dog and be told they wouldn't be able to walk it so they enquire about a rabbit and are told about how much they shed and so on and before they know it they have a mouse that they didn't really wan't and thus don't care about. At the end of the day the parent has the final say on whether OP can have a pet while living at home. But as far as my opinion from a pet owners perspective goes guinea pigs are great and if OP can make it work she will find that it is worth it. They may need a lot of care and money but there are more expensive pets that require more care.

there are many places on this forum and others where OP can read about the challenges and responsibilities involved and I encourage them to think carefully and involve their parents in this decision but I will not say that a guinea pig is a bad choice because it is a choice we have all made and (I presume) do not regret.
 
rxah said:
I am a student, a speaker/debater, a cheerleader, and a soccer player. I want (and kinda can only afford) one guinea pig, but I do have a busy schedule and my parents don't necessarily want to help me care for it. In doing research about the animal, I found that they should live in pairs (but again, I can't really afford that) so should I just not get one at all? I would like a guinea pig to help me soothe some of my anxiety and stress after long hard days and things of that nature but I am worried that the piggy will feel lonely and be sad and that is not at all what I want. Any tips? Do i get them a piggy stuffy? Is this feasable? Do I leave my laptop on for them to watch other piggies? Do I get the piggy a mirror so it can see itself and not think it's alone? All help would be appreciated.
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Don't get any of you can't keep two, they get depressed. You could save you're money that you would have spent on a cage, food and vet bills, and get a monthly spar treatment, that will relax you 👍
 
rxah said:
I am a student, a speaker/debater, a cheerleader, and a soccer player. I want (and kinda can only afford) one guinea pig, but I do have a busy schedule and my parents don't necessarily want to help me care for it. In doing research about the animal, I found that they should live in pairs (but again, I can't really afford that) so should I just not get one at all? I would like a guinea pig to help me soothe some of my anxiety and stress after long hard days and things of that nature but I am worried that the piggy will feel lonely and be sad and that is not at all what I want. Any tips? Do i get them a piggy stuffy? Is this feasable? Do I leave my laptop on for them to watch other piggies? Do I get the piggy a mirror so it can see itself and not think it's alone? All help would be appreciated.
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Pigs really are happier in pairs, and there is no real way to make this up to them... seeing other pigs on a screen isn't a substitute, a stuffed animal isn't a substitute. Realistically, two pigs really don't cost much more than one (minimum cage size isn't much more, the amount of extra food is negligible.) The risk of increased cost comes from potential vet bills from a sick guinea pig, which potentially can double if you end up with two sick pigs, but the day to day care isn't much more.

If two guinea pigs isn't feasible, may I suggest a hamster? They are solitary animals who don't like other hamsters and so having only one is a nonissue. They are also sweet little pets with lots of personality (admitting my own bias here, our family has two guinea pigs and two hamsters, and I love them all... different pets but all good!)
 
I would say if there is ever any question about whether or not to get a pet, the answer is that it probably isnt the right time to do it. Also for a younger person, considering the lifespan of piggies will hopefully be 6,7,8 years or more... what happens when you go to college? Then move away to get a job?Move into accomodation that doesnt allow pets? Sounds like in terms of timing and space a hamster may suit better but they still need expert vet care that will still be expensive.
In all honesty I was 42 years old before I ever felt I could give my furry animals all the time and effort and stability and health care and luxury I always wanted my pets to have, and I love having the freedom to never compromise on things the way I always had to as a kid when my parents made the decisions!
A pet you dont have time for and cant provide company for and have to argue every vet trip or expenditure with your parents will be stressful and no fun for you or the pet, better to wait until you are financially independant and have the time to make a pet a major part of your life x
 
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