Is owning a guinea pig expensive?

Is owning a guinea pig expensive?

Guinea pigs can be much more expensive than you might have guessed. Although they're small, their food isn't especially cheap, and much like rabbits, their bedding can cost between $30 and $40 per month. And also like rabbits, guinea pigs require fresh vegetables as part of a balanced diet.

Is it OK to have one guinea pig?

Yes, It is ok to have one guinea pig. In fact, males are solitary in the wild, while females enjoy being in the company. If you have enough time to dedicate to your guinea pig, interact and play with them then it is completely fine to own a boar. Else you should go for a pair or more of Sows.

Do guinea pigs stink?

Guinea pigs are fastidiously clean creatures that love to groom themselves and stay tidy, but if pet waste builds up inside the cage, it's going to smell — and get in his fur. Scrub out the cage once a week. Even with daily scooping, smells can build up in the cage, and you have to clean it thoroughly.

What is the friendliest guinea pig breed?

Yes, Guinea pigs can bite you sometimes. Most guinea pigs have a sweet and docile personality, and they will not bite you unless they have a good reason to do so. Although young guinea pigs often nibble at you to communicate something but this is something familiar in their learning phase.

Are guinea pigs good pets for 11 year olds?

Not as fragile as rabbits and generally less skittish than smaller rodents like hamsters and gerbils, guinea pigs are wonderful pets for elementary-school-age kids and older.

What is the best bedding for guinea pigs?

Guinea pigs are not expensive to buy, but they can be expensive to take care of properly. They need a lot of fresh foods such as leafy greens, and they need as much hay and pellets as they want to eat. Another major expense with guinea pigs is their bedding.

Do guinea pigs need shots?

Routine Health Care of Guinea Pigs. While guinea pigs do not require any vaccinations, it is recommended that you take your pet to a veterinarian familiar with guinea pigs at least once each year for a routine checkup.

Do guinea pigs get lonely on their own?

If one of your guinea pigs sadly dies, leaving a single guinea pig left alone then yes, your remaining guinea pig will be very lonely and needs a companion. Guinea pigs are herd animals and don't wish to be kept on their own, even if they don't get on particularly well with others.

What is the most expensive guinea pig breed?

Which type of guinea pig is becoming extinct? The White Crested guinea pig is perhaps the rarest breed of guinea pigs. They are predominantly golden in color and come in various coat types. Grooming is easy as they have very short hair.

Are guinea pigs cuddly?

Guinea pigs are cuddly because they are calm and docile as compared to other small animals like hamsters and chinchillas. Guinea pigs are more social and usually warms up to their owners quickly if given the right care. So, that makes the guinea pig a lovely, cuddly pet.

Do guinea pigs eat their poop?

Yes, guinea pigs do sometimes eat their own poop and this is called coprophagy. However, if you see your guinea pig doing this, don't panic because it is normal and you shouldn't even stop it. Basically, the feces of guinea pigs are even beneficial for them to consume.

How can I save money for my guinea pig?

Each time you take your guinea pig to the veterinarian, and please do, it's going to cost about $50. Guinea pigs are considered exotic pets, and taking one to the vet if they have health problems will cost more than taking a cat or dog to the vet. Not all veterinarians will take care of them.

What do guinea pigs play with?

Making Your Guinea Pig's Cage More Enjoyable. Add tunnels and hiding spaces. Guinea pigs enjoy burrowing into their own personal cave or running through tunnels. You can use simple items such as cardboard tubes and small paper bags to keep your guinea pig happy.

What does it mean when my guinea pig chatters her teeth?

Teeth chattering is often accompanied by the guinea pig showing its teeth, which looks like a yawn, and it means "back off" or "stay away." Hissing: Like teeth chattering, this is a sign of a guinea pig who's upset. It is a sound most often, but not exclusively, made by mother guinea pigs to their young.

Do guinea pigs need to go to the vet?

Whether you own a cat, dog, ferret, guinea pig or any other pet, regular veterinary care is an absolute must. Smaller animals are just as prone to illness as larger ones, and guinea pigs are certainly no exception. Make sure your precious guinea pig sees the veterinarian for a thorough checkup at least once per year.

Which is a better pet hamster or guinea pig?

Hamsters are little animals, who need a much smaller home than guinea pigs, and a lot less food. Guinea pigs require a lot of daily care, but are also great pets. It's generally advised that guinea pigs are better for adults and older children, generally people over the age of ten or eleven.

Where does Petco get their guinea pigs?

A three-month undercover investigation conducted by PETA provides an inside look into Holmes Farm, a large Pennsylvania breeder that supplies animals to Petco, PetSmart, Pet Supplies Plus and other large pet store chains.

Are guinea pigs affectionate to humans?

Yes, guinea pigs are affectionate pets, their level of affection mostly depends on the owner's behavior towards the guinea pig. On the other hand, if you make guinea pigs feel as they are in danger, of course, they will be afraid of you, and they will not be affectionate.

How much do guinea pigs cages cost?

Guinea pigs and rabbits both make suitable pets. Although a guinea pig is content being in his cage with his buddies until playtime, rabbits are more like cats and dogs, and they like to be out whenever possible. If you have smaller children, a guinea pig offers the advantage of being awake during the day.

Why do guinea pigs die?

There are many reasons a guinea pig might die, but gastric stasis is one of the common causes of unexpected death. This is when the gut 'goes to sleep' and is unable to process food. The guinea pig rapidly becomes weaker and can pass away in just a few days.

Does Petco have guinea pigs?

Live small animals available only in Petco stores. Selection varies by store. Check your local store for availability.

What breed of guinea pig does Petsmart sell?

Guinea pigs come in all shapes and sizes—13 different breeds to be exact—with a range of coat colors and textures. Among the popular breeds: Abyssinian. Abyssinian Satin.

How much do guinea pigs food cost?

10-gallon aquariums run $20, but don't offer the same amount of ventilation as a wire cage. Guinea pig food costs around $5 for a 5-pound bag, or about $5-$10 per month depending on the size and appetite of the guinea pig.

Do they sell guinea pigs at PetSmart?

Guinea Pig. Live pets are available in-store only. Pet size, gender and color may vary by store. Stop by your nearest PetSmart to find your next family pet.

How much maintenance is a guinea pig?

Guinea pigs are easy to care for when compared to other popular pets, but they do still need some daily, weekly and monthly care. Depending on your equipment, you can expect to spend about an average of ten to fifteen minutes a day on guinea pig maintenance.

Do guinea pigs need friends?

Yes, guinea pigs need a friend in order to be happy. Not just in the form of you as the owner but also in the form of a fellow guinea pig. Just like humans, a guinea pig will feel much more relaxed and secure having a companion in the cage.

How much does a Rex guinea pig cost?

Peruvian, Abyssinian, Silkie, Rex, Teddy and Texel guinea pigs cost $30-$75 from a pet store or a breeder, while hairless guinea pigs cost $30-$60 from a pet store or a breeder.