How to choose a giunea pig

For the sake of you and the pet here's how to choose a guinea that won't present problems down the road.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Enough heart to look beyond cute and fuzzy.

1. Guinea pigs are not like rats, mice, or hamsters although they are sold like them. They require habitat construction and a full understanding of their diet and exercise needs to live a natural healthy life.
   Do not buy a pig if you are not willing to fully take care of it! You may find out the learning process of owning a guinea pig can bet a lot of fun. for information go to guinealynx.com
2. healthy male locate a pet store or breeder and assess the initial conditions. while its nice to rescue a guinea pig be aware that it may take more than just bringing it home to undo years of bad health or neglect. buy from a place with clean roomy cages timothy hay and clean water. a pet store guinea should cost about $20-$30.
3. Talk to the owner find out how old the pig is, its gender, if its a female has it been in a cage with other males? the guinea pig should be strong, gentile with its teeth and active. while specific breeds of guinea are cute sometimes breeders can go too far and make them cute but unhealthy. The head should be broad and the distance from nose to chin long and boxy. Check the four front teeth they should be short enough for the pig to comfortably close its mouth . Abnormal long front teeth can be a sign that the back teeth are not aligned and this is a serious problem. insure there is no discharge or cataracts in the eyes and no feces on its rear. the fur should be dry and thick all over and not clumpy or sweaty.
4. if all the pigs look great concider what you want in a small furry companion. males are generally smaller and more rambunctious but just as good natured as females, however they do emit a tacky marking scent from their rear witch you may find unpleasent. two males will get along after geting to know each other. females are generaly big and lazy but will violently fight other females over territory and should not be expected to live in tight quarters together. guinea pigs are social and it is good to have more than one but unless you are a trained breeder you should not mix sexes. it is also wise to avoid size differences in pairs.
5. relax with your piggy have the owner put your pig into a separate cage or box with food and water overnight you want to observe that the guinea pig is eating and drinking and pooping regularly. Be sure that your personal demeanor does not stress the guinea pig out. an unstable person versus a strong person can be the difference between a happy or strained guinea pig/human relationship.

Tips & Warnings

• if you rescue a guinea pig take it to a certified guinea pig vet and go from there it can be a very emotionaly rewarding undertaking.
• Do not buy a pig without doing research first!
• Make shure you have the time and money to take on the respocibility of caring for another creature.