Vital Info before getting a Guinea Pig

3. Know which breed you like

As stated earlier, there are different types of guinea pigs around. Try to look for pictures of each and see which one you prefer. This way, when you go to a store, you as sure of the type you would like to take home.

Guinea pigs can be bought from different sources. Get pet guinea pigs for sale at your local pet store. Guinea pigs are but common, but sometimes, certain species of them are not. So if you want the most exotic kind, you must be prepared to go from one store to another and hunt for it. Aside from pet shops, you can also get guinea pigs from shelters. Some owners may be faced with the need to give up their pets for some reason, so don't fail to check them out. Lastly, try to know of any breeders of guinea pigs in your area. There surely will be one or two around. It is best to buy from them, because they surely know to care for guinea pigs.

How to Take Care of Guinea Pigs

1. Provide them with the right type of housing
   The care of guinea pigs starts with giving your pet the right cage with proper ventilation and space. These animals should be able to move around and flex their muscles. Make sure that your cage is big enough for two. Remember, you cannot take care of just one guinea pig. They always come in pairs
2. Give them comfortable bedding
   Treat your pet guinea pigs nice by giving them the most comfortable nest box to lie into. Also, make sure that they have adequate supply of fresh litter so that they won't get messy or smelly. Make it a point to change the litter on a regular basis.
3. Provide your pets with the right food
   Just like with other pets, care and feeding guinea pigs should be done properly. Always provide them with clean fresh water. They need this to live. As for food, you have to realize that they could be picky eaters. Given them food pellets coming from the store. You can also give them different fruits and vegetables if you wish. Just observe which kind they love munching on and the ones they ignore so you won't end up with a pile of uneaten food.
4. Groom your pets
   Part of taking care of guinea pigs is grooming them. Make it a point that you bathe them every six months at least. Never do it too often though, or their skin may break. You also have to cut their nails and check their teeth. If their teeth grow too long, you might need to have it filed, as it can be fatal for them. For guinea pigs with long hairs, comb them every once in a while. Do it very gently and buy the kind of comb made especially for them.
   
   If the proper care and feeding of guinea pigs is not followed, they are going to be ill eventually. The most common problems encountered with pet guinea pigs are respiratory problems. These pets are very prone to pneumonia. And if left untreated, it may die. Know how to care for guinea pigs and enjoy a longer life span with your pet!