Wanting to own a guinea pig... is it essential for 2 right off the bat?

[ChilledMan]

Hello. I want to get some guinea pig's but I really am wondering if they need to be in pairs or if I can wait a week to get a second as I do not have money for 2 and get paid at the end of the week. Thank you! I have never owned any pigs before and am really looking to get one but I just don't have the money on a cage big enough for 2-3 or the money for 2 guinea pigs. also, would you recommend buying from pet smart? Sorry if that sounded stupid but I really am wondering as I have not owned many pets in the past!

 

[Lady Kelly]

Hi and to put it simply yes it is essential for two. Minimum cage sizes are the same for a pair as for a single piggy (120cm unless it's males in which case you want a 140cm). If you don't currently have the money then you would be better off waiting as you also need to consider having a vet fund ready incase any of them get ill. Vets bills are even more expensive in the US than in the UK.
In terms of where to get them from, a rescue would be best. Good rescues ensure you receive a bonded pair for minimal chance of fall out and they are much more likely to have been health checked by a vet. You will also greatly minimise the chance of missexing and having to deal with a pregnancy

 

[Swissgreys]

I would agree with Lady Kelly.

You really need to start properly with a decent sized cage, two well matched guinea pigs, and some money in reserve for vets bills.
It is good to do your research in advance and have everything you need before bringing the piggies home.
Waiting a week or two would be better than rushing in and getting a small cage and one guinea pig now and then having to upgrade in a few weeks.

Plus it is far kinder not to put a new guinea pig through the stress of going to a new home without another piggy companion for comfort.

 

[Caris]

I would wait. I know the prospect of getting guinea pigs is exciting, but you need to put them first. Guinea pigs are social animals and need to be in pairs. It isn't fair to get one, have it on its own (which would be very stressful for it), and then put it with a new one it might not get on with, and you need to also make sure that you can, from the moment you get them, afford to give them the best quality of life: this means the right sized cage, food, things to put in the cage (like hidies and other enrichments), playpen, the correct bedding, hay, a veggie fund, and money aside to pay for any potential vet bills. It's not cheap! And the outgoing costs don't just stop at getting them and the cage. I think I actually spend far more on my guinea pigs than my dogs!

I would also honestly just take a step back, not rush into things, and make sure that you have everything needed first. I had the cage and everything set up for quite some time before I actually got my guinea pigs. And I was actually prepared to wait however long was necessary for the right guinea pigs for me.

 

[Skullblits]

Save up get a big cage. There's a cage size guide on here.

If you can try and adopt one from a rescue.

Piggys are not the cheapest thing to look after either. With hay and bedding needs. And potential vet bills housing fresh veggies.

They poop alot so do need a fair bit of time to clean.

If you go into the Pet shop to ask about them. Take everything they say with a pinch of salt.

I would wait a month. And during this time research. Save up. Then you arnt going into it with alot more knowledge