How to Adopt a Guinea Pig

Guinea pigs originally came from South America and may be called cavies. They live for about five to seven years, and are bigger than hamsters, but smaller than rabbits. Guinea pigs can be wonderful pets for older children, especially in households that can't have dogs and cats.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Think about your house. Before you even decide to adopt a guinea pig, decide whether you have the room in your house for a guinea pig's cage. The minimum size for a single guinea pigs cage is 2 x 2 x 2, and the bigger, the better. You will also have to decide who will care for the guinea pig, you or your children. If your children are going to care for it, make sure they are responsible and understand what they need to do.
2. Consider adopting a rescued guinea pig or a pair of guinea pigs from a rescue organization such as the ones listed in the resource section. These guinea pigs need a home and you may be able to adopt a good guinea pig that is used to people.
3. Contact a guinea pig breeder so you can get a young guinea pig. This way you can know where it's coming from and eliminate the pet store.
4. Check with your local shelters. Sometimes guinea pigs are surrendered to shelters. Since shelters are more equipped to deal with dogs and cats, guinea pigs in shelters really need a home quickly.
5. Read the ads in the paper. This is a great way to get a guinea pig that isn't wanted by a family or has to find a new home due to a move. Always talk to the family to find out why they're giving up their pet for adoption.
6. Go to your pet store. Watch the guinea pigs inside the cages for a little while to make sure they're not sick. It's also better if you've done your research about a guinea pigs cage and food needs before going to a pet store, since pet store employees may be trying to make a sale rather than give you the best product. In addition, the pet store should let you handle the guinea pig with supervision before you buy.

Tips & Warnings

• Guinea pigs do better in pairs than by themselves. The pairs should be the same sexes unless you want to breed them.
• If adopting a guinea pig from a breeder, ask to see the guinea pig's housing facilities. If the cages are too small, unclean or have too many guinea pigs crammed together, do not buy from the breeder.