Are you ready for a guinea pig?
Guinea pigs make for loving, sweet-natured pets, but a common misconception is because they're smaller than the average dog or cat, they're easier to care for. While they do have different requirements than the average cat or dog, they still need plenty of time and care, and aren’t suitable first pets for a young child. Guinea pigs live for 5-7 years on average, with some living to be as old as 10. That's a decade-long commitment. A lack of knowledge on how to care for guinea pigs is sadly one of the reasons so many piggies are surrendered to animal shelters. Or worse, let loose in the wild. If you’re thinking of bringing guinea pigs into your home and heart, here are a few things you need to consider.
Can you afford a guinea pig?
Upfront costs
Adoption fee or purchase cost of your guinea pigs, a suitable enclosure with soft, dust free bedding, food bowls, water bottles, hides and accessories, and the first purchase of food.
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Approximate cost: $200+
Ongoing food bills
Fresh grassy hay which must be available 24/7 for grazing, a high quality guinea pig pelleted diet from reputable brands such as Vetafarm, Oxbow, Science Select or Burgess, and fresh fruit and vegetables.
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Approximate cost: $100+ a month for two guinea pigs
Medical expenses
A minimum of an annual health check with an exotics veterinarian, with the possibility of emergencies, dental procedures, diagnostics imaging, life-saving surgeries or hospitalisation during a guinea pig's life.
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Approximately $150 - $1000+ a year per guinea pig
Do you have the space for a guinea pig?
Does your current living situation allow for guinea pigs to be safely housed in a temperature controlled environment, ideally away from other pets or very young children?
Can you fit an appropriately sized enclosure in the area you plan to keep your guinea pigs? Two guinea pigs require at least one square metre of space to encourage exercise and socialisation.
Do you have a contingency plan if your living arrangements suddenly change? Be it a family member, friend, or a trusted pet boarding facility?
Do you have time for a guinea pig?
While guinea pigs don’t require the same amount of time as a dog (for example, they don’t need to be taken for walks or let outside to go to the toilet), they do still require a certain level of love and affection and can be prone to loneliness or boredom if left to their own devices.
When guinea pigs get bored, they can develop undesirable behaviours. This can include barbering (biting their own fur or the fur of their cage mate to create short patches of hair or bald patches of skin), chewing excessively on cage bars or accessories, resource guarding, displaying territorial behaviour, and becoming aggressive as a way to redirect their pent-up energy.
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Before committing to a guinea pig, consider whether you have the time to play with them, clean their enclosure, prepare their food, and take them to the vet.
