It doesn't mean that you should choose the prettiest guinea pig you can find.Other things are more important.Getting your pet from an ethical source, assessing the health and fitness of potential pets, and deciding what kind of guinea pig you want are some of the things that should be considered when choosing a pet.You have a better chance of getting a wonderful, long-living pet if you take the time to gauge more than a guinea pig's looks.
Step 1: An adult guinea pig can be adopted from a rescue.
If there are any guinea pigs in rescues or shelters in your area, check online.You can use general pet adoption websites, such as Petfinder.com, or you can search the websites of your local shelters.The adoption network for guinea pigs can be found in your area.
Step 2: If you want to find out if there are any guinea pigs for adoption, call the shelter.
If you don't see any of the animals on the shelter's website, you're wrong.Many shelters don't list their exotic animals for adoption online.
Step 3: If you want to find a new home for a guinea pig, look in your local newspaper for online classified websites.
Beware of back yard breeders who post there.They will usually charge more than $20 for re-homing a baby.There are a lot of healthy, perfectly social Guinea pigs on the internet.Many backyard breeders breed solely for money and look at little to no regard for health, longevity, or temperament of the animals they are producing.
Step 4: If you have bad breeding situations, avoid them.
Pet stores and backyard breeders are notorious for selling sick guinea pigs.Pet stores get their animals from pet mills that are similar to puppy mills.They get sick animals in stock.Before you buy a guinea pig from a breeder, be sure to check them out.Do online research on them.They should make sure their pigs are bred ethically and with the best interests of the animals in mind.It's a good idea to visit several breeders.Pick the one that you're most confident in.
Step 5: Pick the sex of the pig.
Males tend to be more active than females.The sex you choose is a matter of preference.
Step 6: Decide what type of pig you want.
There are many different types of guinea pigs.If you want a long-haired pig, you have to decide if you would like a short-hair pig.You will be able to narrow down your choices.The American guinea pig is the most common pig.It has a smooth coat that is easy to clean.It will take a bit more grooming to get a long-haired guinea pig.They need to be brushed on a regular basis.When it comes to breed, you may not have much choice if you are adopting from a rescue.If the breed is important to you, you may need to go to a specialized breeder.
Step 7: Consider other factors.
If you already have a guinea pig, you need to make sure that it doesn't breed, since male and female guinea pigs get along well.If you already have male guinea pigs in a cage, it's not a good idea to introduce a female.There can be fighting between the males.
Step 8: Take a look at the physical characteristics of a potential pet pig.
You want to make sure it is healthy and doesn't have any hereditary problems.The guinea pig is moving.It should be able to run and walk.There is a shape of a pig.Make sure it's not too skinny or fat.Look at the pig's legs and feet to make sure they aren't swollen or bleeding, and that the legs are straight along the bone.Look at the skin.There should be no bald spots.
Step 9: Make sure the pig doesn't get sick.
Look at it with its eyes, ears, and nose.The discharge in the ears, nose, and eyes of a guinea pig could be an indication of an illness.If the pig doesn't eat, it might be sick.It should eat frequently, even if you don't see it for a while.
Step 10: If you already have a pig, make sure to check the sex.
You need to inspect the genitals to do this.They are over six weeks old and not pregnant.
Step 11: Do you know the personality of your potential pet?
A healthy guinea pig doesn't mean it has the personality to be your perfect pet.You can gauge the personality of the guinea pig by playing with it.
Step 12: Ask the person you are getting the guinea pig about the history of the pet.
Ask if the pig has ever been sick and if its parents are healthy.It is always better to ask if they will tell you the truth.