Buy Guinea Pigs - How to Choose the Perfect Guinea Pig Pet

If you are going to buy a guinea pig, take note of the following considerations while you are looking at potential guinea pig pets in their guinea pig run at the store. This will ensure that you buy a happy healthy pet that will last for years to come.

Appearance
It is very important to consider the guinea pig's appearance. It should not have lumps on its body or other skin ailments. The guinea pig should not be too fat or too thin.

Eyes, ears and nose
When looking at the eyes, nose, and ears, be mindful that they do not have any discharge. The fur near the eyes and nose should not contain wetness, crusts, and staining.

Coat
As for the coat, make sure that it is smooth, full, and fluffy. It must not have exposed patches. Do not consider buying a piglet if it has red or bald patches. Also, those with soiling in the rear end are probably suffering from diarrhea.

Movement
With regards to the guinea pigs movement, make sure you choose those pets that are curious and active. Do not select those that are sluggish. The guinea pigs should really be moving around, not being hesitant to roam their cage, They should also not look lame or stiff.

Teeth
When it comes to the teeth, look closely as to whether or not the teeth are well-aligned and they should not be too large. Check to see if the guinea pig has wet fur around the chin area.

Breathing
Now, as for the guinea pig's respiration, be observant with how it breathes. Guinea pigs that breathe with labor, have gurgles and other unusual breathing patterns are sickly. You should not buy a guinea pig with such symptoms.

Environment
Another thing to take note of is the guinea pig's environment. See that the store has provided the guinea pigs with sufficient food, water, and space. The animals surroundings should be clean, as a dirty cage can make the cavies stressed or ill.

Handling
As you are buying your guinea pig, take note of how the cavy(another name for guinea pigs) reacts to people. Is it comfortable being handled after some time? Or is it still very aloof even after being handled a couple of times? Remember, guinea pigs are normally very active.

Age
When considering the age of a potential pet, it is advisable that you get a cavy that is still young. A six-week old guinea pig should go well. If you are buying young piglets that are of opposite sexes, back off. Combining males and females at very young ages can be very excruciating for the young female. At just four weeks old,it is able to become pregnant.This can be both harmful to the young female and to the new piglet. Therefore, when a seller is not sure about the genders of the guinea pigs, do not purchase them. It is better to be sure first than be sorry later.

Sick Cage
If you learn that one of the guinea pigs from a particular cage that you are tempted to buy from is sick, do not buy from there. Acquiring a pet from such a cage will only give you a potential sick pet too. This is because there is a possibility for spreading the disease from the ill to the non-ill guinea pig as they are from the same cage. You have to be really careful with this. Better be cautious than have a sick pet on your hands later. As you can see, buying a guinea pigs needs some careful consideration. Be mindful of the factors we have mentioned above and you are off to a splendid start.