What to Consider Before Raising a Guinea Pig
Posted: Wednesday, January 27, 2010
by Peter Dranitsin
Petes Original Art Inc.
We all have different standards in choosing our potential pets. Since guinea pigs are long lasting pets, you should purchase one who is in top shape. Here are some of the important things you should consider before buying a guinea pig.
Price
The most important thing to consider before buying a guinea pig is money. Common cavy breeds ranges from ten to twenty-five dollars each. Other rare breeds can cost as much as $300 and are most likely used in shows. As a starter, it is recommended to buy the cavy that suits your lifestyle and financial capabilities. The more expensive the guinea pig is, the more costly its maintenance becomes.
Some say that choosing based on instinct is irrational and stupid. However, based on studies this is the most widely used technique. On choosing a cavy we would often feel and see a uniqueness that is somehow indescribable. That spark would tell you that this pet was created just for you.
Health
Some people are just plain businessmen. So, don't expect that all their animals have the best quality. There are too many instances that a newly purchased cavy will become sick and die in just as little as one week. A sick or a dead pet is very difficult to handle and you have to undergo the painful grieving process. Not to mention how expensive it is to treat your guinea pig and the increasing health care cost, is no easy joke.
You should have a complete and detailed physical assessment of your target guinea pig. If it does not pass your standards, then don't buy it. First on the list to check is the cavy's body. It should be plump and round. A skinny cavy means he is malnourished or underfed. You should also check the alertness level of the cavy. Is it happily playing with other guinea pigs? Or is it just lying in corner staring blankly or is it abnormally sleepy. Always prefer the active one, hypoactive cavies usually have pathologic conditions and are most likely to have short lifespan. Another thing to assess is the fur. Make sure it is free from flakes and parasites. Also monitor if there are visible signs of baldness. It is also very important to look at is the skin integrity. Is the skin irritated or not? Lastly, the eyes, nose, ears, mouth should be carefully looked at. Discharges should not be present. The above mentioned parts should also be clean to prove that pet maintenance is observed.
Sex We are often biased about the sex we pick. If you are a male you would prefer a boar. On the other hand, a girl would prefer a sow. However, there is no recommended sex for first time owners.
Keep in mind that there is no problem if you buy two male guinea pigs. They won't fight or beat each other to the death if there is sufficient space and food for both of them. But keep in mind that a sow with two boars can be dangerous. They can brutally fight for dominance over the female.
A sow and a boar living in a spacious cage is the best if you want to get two guinea pigs. But take special consideration about pregnancy possibilities and the problems that could arise if the guinea pigs are too mature or too young to breed.
Cedric James is a lifelong guinea pig lover. For more great tips on buying a guinea pig, visit http://www.guineapigsguides.com.
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