Guinea Pig Questions..

[addicted2jesus]

Hello, my name is Tristin and I'm looking into getting a guinea pig. First I have some questions though.

1.) How bad do they smell? What are some ways to reduce or eliminate the smell? And what ones stink worse.. boys or girls?

2.) Around how much money do I need to save before I go get my guinea pig and all the equipment and things for him/her?

3.) What types of things do i need to buy for starting out?

4.) (Just a fun little question) What is your favorite things your guinea pig does, or.. what do you like most about guinea pigs?

Also I have a question about ownership and time to put into my guinea pig... I'm a very busy person. I'm a 16 year old girl and I play softball for my highschool so everyday for half the year I have practice for 6 hours after school. Also I'm very active in the youth group at my church and spend a lot of time doing service projects and whatnot to serve Jesus. So, to say the least I dont have a lot of time on my hands. But, i have wanted a guinea pig for 3 years or so, I just have never looked into getting one b/c my parents have always said no, but i think they have finally changed thier minds. (or at least are considering) So I'm wondering how much time does a guinea pig need to see me to be happy? Of course every free second i will be with my piggie, but i just dont kno if my free time is enough for the lill guy (or girl) Also, are they way more happy when there is more than one of them in a cage? (I would think they would like the companionship, but i just dont kno if my parents would be up for more than one)

I think these are all the questions I have for now. Any input would be greatful.

 

[Piglet]

Hey. Well, first things first, if your parents only let you get one then a guinea pig is not for you. In my opinion they must be kept in pairs or more, especially because as you said you are a busy girl!

They themselves are odourless, but if you let the cage get out of control then it will smell bad. To keep smells down, make sure the room has good ventilation.

I live in England, so for me I had to save up 150 pounds - for a cage, a bale of hay, pellets, the pigs themselves and toys. Take a look at www.guineapigcages.com for inexpensive housing. You should definately rescue and not buy, so the actual pigs won't cost a lot.

You should have hay, pellets, their cage and a couple of toys ready. Timothy hay (or meadow hay) is the only way to go. You should definitely feed Oxbow pellets...and for toys take a look around your house. You can make toys out of brown paper bags, newspaper, cereal boxes etc

I love the noises my piggies make. They wheek, purr, grunt, chatter etc. They are so entertaining and fun.

You should give your pigs a cuddle every day for about 20 mins. They also need daily exercise for no less than 30 mins.

Good luck!

 

[lindsey's boys]

I'd be happy to answer your questions! Well first, guinea pigs don't smell if you clean their cage ofen. They do not really need A LOT of attention; I take mine out for about two half-hour "sesions." You will need: a cage, food and a food dish, a waterbottle, maybe some toys, hay,and something for him/her to chew on. Check www.petfinder.com to find somewhere to get your new friend. Good luck.

 

[TheAlmightyMiko]

Hi! Welcome to the forum! Well, first things first: since you sound like you are a very busy person, you will definately need to get a same-sex pair of pigs so that they are not lonely when you are out. They naturally do better in pairs, but aside from this, a solitary pig will be very lonely if their person isn't home with them to keep them company.
Keeping a pig isn't very expensive, but it is still more expensive than having a cat or dog. First, you will need money to build a C&C cage (the only way to go in my opinion.) For two pigs you will need a 2x4, and this shouldn't cost you any more than $50. For food, I usually buy a 5 pound bag of pellets every 3 weeks or so which is about $10, Hay (locally it is only available for me in 30 oz. bags, and I pay $7.99 for this. It is available through www.oxbow.com, and this is the best hay you can find. My problem is that shipping to canada is about $40 for a 9lb bag, and I just don't have that money right now.) I buy hay every Week and a half or so. Also, you will need to give each pig one cup of veggies a day, so that probably means a few runs to the grocery store each week, at about 5-10 dollars per week, depending on what you buy.
Like Piglet said, toys are very inexpensive as you can find most things around the house; stuff a cardboard tube with hay, bunch up some newspaper, etc. etc. The only "toys" you will really need to buy are a few hidey houses, at least one wooden, as they need something to grind down their teeth. Another expense is bedding. Depending on what you use, this may or may not be pricey. You can either use a commercial bedding such as kiln-dried pine, aspen, or a care-fresh type bedding. Aspen or kil-dried pine is usually $7.99 for a 1800 cubic litre bag, and carefresh is about $14 for the same size. I personally use fleece- an initail investment of about $30 (for about 3-4 changes), but well worth it in the long run.

Soooo total, you are looking at an initial cost of:
adoption fee (if any) for pig, probably around $5-25
8-30 for bedding
10 in veggies
10 - 20 in hidey houses/toys
50 in cage supplies
10 in food (plain, timothy based pellets)
+ 10-25 in hay
---------------------
aprox. $103-$170 in initial costs. Be prepared for unexpected costs. As well, you may want to take your pigs in for a vet visit, just to make sure they are healthy, which would be about $60 additionally.

Monthly, you are looking at a cost of about $40-$80, depending on what kind of bedding you use, where you buy your hay, veggies, food, etc. etc. As well, you have to be prepared for any unexpected illnesses and subsequent vet bills (including antibiotics and actual vet visit costs), as well as an annual check up at the vet. I usually average about $50 per month, only because I use fleece bedding. Any other bedding would run me at least $20 extra. Also, as of the summer, I will be growing my own veggies, so my veggie bill will be almost nothing. My only expenses will be hay and pellets (and anything I happen to see that I think they would like

My absolute favorite thing about my pigs is watching them do...well, just about anything! I love when they popcorn around the cage every time I so much as rattle a bag around them, and the way they "WHEEEEEEKKKKK" for food at the same time! They are very active, vocal, and fun pets to have!

 

[pennick]

I honestly dont think guinea pigs are for you. You seem to be a very busy person and I think that once you get them the attraction will fade away and you will feel sorry that you started with them to begin with. You seem to have alot of extra activities and whose to say that you wont have more. Just remember that taking a pet in is a commitment, and could be one for approx. 7 years if not more. If you truly truly feel that you must have a guinea pig, it should be two as everyone has suggested. That way they have each other for company. Just make sure this isnt just a whim even though you did say you have been thinking about it for 3 years. Thinking about it and actually doing it are 2 entirely different things. I remember when I wanted a puppy for as long as I can remember and so I adopted a puppy. Well after 2 days of crying and peeing I had returned it to the shelter. I realized that puppies were not for me. So after all this is said and done if you get guinea pigs....GOOD LUCK.

 

[Himino]

1.) They don't smell to bad to me, that's if you keep them and there cage clean. Ways to reduce odor.. clean the cage once a week or more. I don't think one gender smells more than the other.

2.) I'd say about $80 or more. You need about 30 dollars for the C&C cage, $10 for a huge bag of aspen bedding, hidey houses, food, veggies, hay and toys.

3.) See above anwser.

4.) My guineas lick my face.

So I'm wondering how much time does a guinea pig need to see me to be happy? I'd say at least an hour of lap time a day per guinea pig.

Also, are they way more happy when there is more than one of them in a cage? Yes! You need atleast two guinea pigs, if you can't get two same sex pigs I wouldn't get any.

 

[LiciaMommycott]

I would suggest you think twice before getting pig(s). First of all, they take a lot more time and money to care for than you would think (see above posts). However, the most important thing is your age. At 16, I assume that you will be graduating within a couple of years and perhaps going off to college where you will be even more busy and perhaps more concerned about money. Since a pig is a more long term commitment (5-8 years) this might be a time in your life when it's not a good idea to make such a committment. I'm sure your parents don't want to be saddled with pigs when you leave home and I'd hate to see you have to find homes for your pigs either.

 

[AngelsCavies]

I have a very busy schedule but that doesnt mean that I dont spend time with my piggers. I think you should get 2 so that when you are out for time being. they can keep eachother company. I spend an hour with 4 piggies at a time. I have 22 and they all are happy to see me when I walk in the room for a min or so. I love it when the wheek for their veggies.

Look for a feed store close to you. You can get guinea pig food, hay and bedding from them in a reasonable price if you dont want to pay alot for shipping. I pay 11.75 for a 50 lbs of piggie food, 9.50 for a 9.0 cub feet of aspen bedding and 4.95 for a bale of hay. good luck and I think you deserve to have guinea pigs just as long as you spend some time with them.

 

[Piglet]

I know she's busy, but that doesn't mean she can't have guinea pigs. Daily interaction is nice, but it isn't a must

 

[pennick]

I'm a very busy person. I'm a 16 year old girl and I play softball for my highschool so everyday for half the year I have practice for 6 hours after school. Also I'm very active in the youth group at my church and spend a lot of time doing service projects and whatnot to serve Jesus. So, to say the least I dont have a lot of time on my hands.

For those of you who think she should get guinea pigs please let me know where she can fit them into her schedule?

For half the year she has practice 6 hours after school. She hasnt told us how much time she will have each day or every other day to spend with them so I am assuming that by the time she gets home and does homework its time for bed. Thats only for half the year. I guess she can see them in the next half of her year.

She is also very active in her church. She even states herself that she does not have alot of time on her hands. So when will she get to enjoy her piggies?

Hey, anybody can have guinea pigs, buy 2, make cage, throw in some food, hay, etc. and hopefully clean out cage.........poof now you have piggies. Hopefully find time to give veggies and vet care.

But I feel since she is already stating that she has very limited time if any at all and she tends to be a very active person........I am looking down the road......And I see down the road ( 2 months maybe) that she may not bother with them at all. Who will then?

By the way...........She's probably too busy to read these post. I havent seen any response from her.

 

[Piglet]

Point taken pennick. You're right

 

[addicted2jesus]

No I am here, and have been reading the forum every day sence i found it. Sorry for not responding I just havent really had anything to say.

I know that you are all just looking out for the best intrest of the piggies and I respect that a lot, and it makes me feel like I've come to the right place b/c you guys will tell me what you belive to be is good and what is bad. But I dont think i really agree with everyone here. It just seems as if ya'll are saying, "Shes busy, so its stupid to get a guinea pig." But I dont agree with that. And those of you that are saying i will prob just get a piggie and the "newness" will rub off and I will get rid of it. Well.. I play softball for 6 hours a day.. dont you think that takes a little comitment, even after the newness rubs off?

I honestly dont see the problem that all of you see with being busy. An hour a day of lap time and playing isnt much. So.. go to bed at 12 instead of 11.. no biggie. And if my scedule does get pulled back once in a while every now and then I could do my homework while my lill guys roam around on the floor. (We have a downstairs roomt hat will be just for them b/c we odnt have a single thing in there, so they could just have thier "out of cage time" in the room w/ me)

I dont kno.. i will deff. think a bit harder now about getting them b/c you guys think its a real bad idea for me to have them.. but I wont tell you that I'm changing my mind, b/c im far from throwing the idea of getting my lill ones out the door.

Please ocntinue with your comments.. and thank you for them.

 

[dagwellismypigy]

I think it might be a good idea if you don't mind going to bed later, the pigs might even calm you down after a long day.

 

[addicted2jesus]

Also I forgot to ask... I have this cage already because when i was younger I had a rabbit. I stored it so its in great condition.. I was wondering if i do get a guinea pig, would this cage be an alright substitute till I make a C&C cage? (I will take out the white thing at the bottom b/c i belive thier lill feet will get stuck in them)

(broken link removed)

 

[dagwellismypigy]

WAY too small. Make the c&c cage before you get them.

 

[addicted2jesus]

Ok, thanks.

 

[Ly&Pigs]

b/c is not a word, please don't use chat-speak here. Please also read the info thread at the very top of cavy chat entitled "posting etiquette, rules and forum conduct".

Getting a guinea pig(s) is a huge responsibility. They require more time that some people might realize. They need daily maintenance, love and exercise. In some cases, cage cleaning alone can take an hour alone. It's a big decision to make. You need to be prepared to spend $$$ on their needs as they need much more than pelleted food. As people previously stated they need hay, a good variety of veggies daily, there is the cost of bedding and you need to be able to have money set aside in case of veterinary care. In the end, you are the one that has to figure out if you can put the time and money commitment into caring for them.

 

[critterlover]

Wow, 6 hours of softball a day, that's commitment....I'm glad you're doing your research before you get pigs, so many people don't...Only you really can tell whether or not you're too busy to get pigs.

You need to consider whether you will be able to take the pigs with you when you leave home, since pigs live up to 7 years. A cage for 2 pigs will be at least a 2x4 C&C cage which is about 3 feet by 5 feet. I know when I was in school, my dorm room was not big enough for such a cage.

Pigs need veggies twice daily. Lettuce only lasts so long in the fridge, so for me, this means going to the store to buy lettuce every 2 days. So you need to consider who's going to go to the store every 2 or 3 days, if you have help, that's great.

Also, you have to clean the cage everyday: remove the poops, clean the wet spot, wash the cozies, this takes at least 15 minutes. Then there's the trips to the store to buy hay, pellets, and bedding.

Pigs are not cheap (especially, heaven forbid, if they get sick), so the financial side is definately something to consider. Also, you will need to weigh them weekly and buy a digital scale.

Pigs are fascinating creatures, but also more of a time and financial commitment than cats, for instance. Good luck with your decision!

 

[PumpkinPunk]

However, the most important thing is your age. At 16, I assume that you will be graduating within a couple of years and perhaps going off to college where you will be even more busy and perhaps more concerned about money. Since a pig is a more long term commitment (5-8 years) this might be a time in your life when it's not a good idea to make such a committment. I'm sure your parents don't want to be saddled with pigs when you leave home and I'd hate to see you have to find homes for your pigs either.

I think this may be the most important thing anyone has mentioned so far. If you are not planning on going to college, then by all means, disregard my post. However, if you are, then you really need to consider the future of your pigs once you leave home. I am currently a college student and I know that you will most likely be required to live in the dorms your first year, if not second year as well. Dorm rooms, in my experience, are much too small to house you, your roomate(s) (I don't know of any freshman getting singles without a medical reason, at least not at my school), AND at least 2 pigs...it's really barely big enough for you and your roomate(s). Plus, I know here at UMASS we are not allowed to have pets other than fish in the dorms, and trust me if that is a rule where you go and you try to sneak your pigs in, you will get caught. Plus college opens up an entire new world of social life and freedom...do you really want to worry about taking care of your pigs when there are friends with you 24/7 and parties and anything else you can think of including work if you need to..it's tough. I have a job that I work at nights and my schedule can get hectic where I'm barely home long enough to feed myself and them before I head to work until 2am...and then I need to clean the cage when I get home because I haven't had a chance to before then, and all I really want to do is go to bed...I'm not telling you not to get pigs, but you need to think about their future. If your parents are reluctant to let you get them, I highly doubt they will want to care for them for a year or two until you can move off campus (I'm now in a house where pets are allowed). However, if you have younger siblings that take a liking to them, maybe they'd be willing to take over responsibilities temporarily, or even perminently. I got my first pig from my older sister when she graduated from college last spring and moved into another house with friends and she found she neither had time or space for him anymore, and I later got him a friend. I love my pigs to death and I love having them, but before now definately would not be an option and I'm still trying to figure out where I'll be in a year or two (I graduate this May) and where my pigs will fit in with my life, but since I've already made the commitment to them I intend to do everything in my power to keep them for as long as they live. Wow, sorry for the long rant, perhaps I went a little too far. But basically, as everyone else has said, it's your decision and just make sure you look at it from all angles and weigh the pros and cons, and if you do that I'm sure you'll make the right choice, whether you decide to get pigs or not. Good luck!

 

[PumpkinPunk]

I just thought of another option for you too...

I know you mentioned your schedule is tight, but if you are just looking for some animal companionship, have you considered volunteering at your nearest animal shelter? Shelters always need help with all of their animals. My sophmore year here at UMASS when I was still in the dorms I was missing my cat from home and looking for some animal attention aside from the horse that I ride out here and I ended up driving 45 minutes each way to the Springfield MSPCA once a week and despite the long drive, it was well worth it. I got to play with all the animals, lots of puppy socializing, and they had guinea pigs and rabbits, tons of cats. I'm very interested in animal behavior and training, and they taught me how to temperment test dogs and clicker train and I took dogs out for walks. It was very rewarding to me both knowing I was helping homeless pets and also because it was just great to be around animals again, even if it was only a couple hours one day a week. Maybe you could go on the weekends? Just an alternate idea...