How to Choose the Right Guinea Pig

Yes, believe it or not, going to Petsmart, pointing at a furry friend and saying, "that one" may not be in your best interest. There is a little more to picking a Guinea Pig than that. As a former owner of two of the best pets one could ever hope for (heck, I still miss Corky and Squeaky), a random selection of a Guinea Pig with no thought is a recipe for disaster.

First, you must be able to answer a couple of questions regarding the atmosphere that you plan to purchase. Are you buying from a breeder? Although some will charge a premium price for a newly weened pet, a professional breeder has its advantages. Most know what they are doing and have years of experience, much like specialty dog breeders. They will provide tips on providing your guinea pig a happy, fulfilling life.

Whether you buy from a breeder or a typical pet store, be sure to ask the all-important follow-up question: is the atmosphere exemplary and relatively clean? Buying any pet that lives in squalor is a sign of neglect from a breeder or the people who work at a pet shop. In my experience, Petsmart and Petco both keep their stores and cages quite clean and I would trust buying from them. However, taking my word for it based on two pet shops located in Central Florida would be ludicrous. Do your homework! Are shop keepers generally helpful and knowledgeable? Also, how many Guinea Pigs are sequestered in one cage? A standard "take-home" cage of 3 1/2 feet by 2 feet should only contain a maximum of two guinea pigs to live comfortably. Some pet stores carry Guinea Pigs almost as an afterthought, leaving them in despicable if not unsanitary conditions, cramming too many in one small pen. This kind of abuse bodes poorly for these animals and correlates with possible disease, bacteria, and agitation and fighting among the group. You definitely want to stay away from a guinea pig purchase under these conditions.