One guinea pig

Question
QUESTION: I am going to be adopting a 3 week/4week old guinea pig and I have done lots of research about baby guinea pig care (like to give them lots of alfalfa).
My mom gave me a suprise by bringing me to her friends house who took home a prego guinea pig by accident and her friend wanted to adopt them out, so I picked a brown and tan one that is a runt.

After getting this suprise I did lots of research on their care and found out they really need a friend.
My mom thinks I'm pushing it by wanting two and her mind is definetley set on me only getting one.

I read that babies are impresionable at a young age, so I'm wondering if maybe I can give it lots and lots of attention everyday or almost everyday (I have school) to keep him/her happy? Anything to add about baby guinea pig care?

Maybe my mom will suprise me again by letting me pick two lol.



Thanks!

ANSWER: Yes, your mom just might surprise you with another since she did that for the first one. Although these are herding animals and live better in groups or with company there are thousands of guinea pigs who live alone. They can do just fine.

If you do get another just make sure they are both of the same sex. As youngsters they will grow up together without any territorial disputes or fights. Guinea pigs love to be held and cuddled, so enjoy your new pet. He will give you years of love and pleasure.

If you'd like to send a picture of your chosen baby I'll be happy to identify its breed and variety, aka color markings.



---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you so much! I went to choose my guinea pig (just to see them, not to bring home yet because they are only 2 weeks old now), and I'm pretty sure I have a little girl. The one I want is a short hair brown and tan with a cute white butt , haha! I want to take them all because they are so cute!

I have a cage that is about 33 x 23 and I will set up a little pen area for indoor and outdoor use for the floor time. We don't live anywhere near a sign making store to get coroplast to make those C&C cages everyones talking about, so we settled on this large commercial cage. I think it is just big enough for her, but maybe not for two guinea pigs.
What do you think?

Also, I bought her Alfalfa pellets AS WELL as alfalfa hay. Will that be too much calcium, or will it be better since she will only be 3 weeks old?

All in all, I think I will just stick to one guinea pig, and that guinea pig will be very spoiled, so don't worry! :)

Thank you again! I'll be sure to attach a picture once I get her!

Answer
That's wonderful. Your cage will be fine for her and probably even for two pigs. It sounds like she's getting her new home all fixed up and ready. If she is a short, smooth haired pig she is an American (that's her breed). Her variety would be called broken colored.

Thanks for updating me. By all means send pictures when you get her home. We'd love to see them.