first time owner

Question
I'm getting my first guinea pigs next week (exciting!) and I just wanted to check out that I have everything I need really. I've done a lot of research but all of the things they tell me to get seem really basic and minimal in comparison to the million things I had to get for my hamster. I have a large cage with a hay rack, bedding, timothy hay, food (I'm growing dandelions, corgettes, bell peppers, cress and tomatos for my piggies alongside the store brought food and veggies). Is there nothing I can get or make for their cage for them to have fun with? so far I have a large tube for them to hide in ^_^ and some wood chews... I just feel like I'm missing something and I really want to give them a good home!

also (sorry for the loooong question) how can I tell their genders because i've heard many stories about the pet shops getting it wrong and I am thoroughly unprepared for pregnant cavvies.

thanks!

Answer

Baby boar

Baby sow If they're fairly large pigs it should be easy to tell their gender. The male's genitals are developed enough to see the penis. If you're not sure just take a picture of the body parts and I'll let you know which is which. Here are a couple of pictures that might help you a bit.

If they both look alike to you then you probably have two of the same sex. It's a little tricky when they're babies.

Guinea pigs don't require all the play things hamsters do. They don't run on those squeaky wheels and the best part is they sleep at night. The most important thing is feeding a good quality pellet. That means the kind with no colored things and sunflower seeds, etc. Just plain green pellets, period.

They like veggies but don't overdo it. The love watermelon rinds, cantaloupe rinds, romaine lettuce, parsley and they LOVE corn on the cob. I cut an ear of corn into 1/2 in slices and after they've eaten the corn they will chew on that cob for a long time. It's a great way to keep their teeth worn.

Guinea pigs are small couch potatoes. They don't play with toys so don't waste your money. Give them a paper towel or toilet paper roll after you've emptied it and they enjoy chewing on that too.  

An oatmeal box with both ends open makes a great little hidey hole. There are lots of creative things you can use that don't cost any extra money.  The most important thing they need is fresh water and pellets. Other than that they're happy.

Just know that most pigs will make you chase them to hold them. It's not because they don't like you.  They are prey animals, meaning that predators catch and eat them in the wild. So they instinctively run when they think they're in danger. It's just a natural reaction.  Once they're in your arms they're fine.

Pay attention to their body language when you're holding them. They will start getting restless and making little sounds that are trying to tell you they need to pee. If you put them back in the cage for a minute they'll go, then pick them up again. If you don't pay attention they'll pee anyway. Then you'll recognize how they were trying to let you know.

They are easy keepers and don't require much. They love to be held and cuddled. Their favorite place is usually right up under your ear, next to your neck.  So enjoy your new pets and please send pictures.