There are several things that you need to take into consideration when choosing a guinea pig. Consider each one carefully to ensure you make the correct decision for yourself, your family and your new pet.
Breed
Your personal and family circumstances will play an important part in your decision on what breed of guinea pig to buy. Long haired guinea pigs will require a great deal of grooming, and some guinea pigs are more suited to families with children than others. You should research the many different breeds of guinea pig to ensure you choose the correct one for you and your family.
Male or Female
If your guinea pig is just going to be a family pet and you are not buying one for breeding purposes, it doesn't really matter if you get a boar (male) or a sow (female). However, it is important that when you go to choose a guinea pig, they must be separated by sex. If they are not or the seller cannot tell the sex of the guinea pigs, then they should be avoided as you run the risk of buying a pregnant sow.
Selecting a Guinea Pig
When you have decided that you are going to get a guinea pig and where you are going to get it from, then all you need to do is choose it!
When choosing a guinea pig you should look at all the guinea pigs in the cage and make sure that they all appear healthy. The cage should be clean, there should be plenty of food and water and the guinea pigs should be well cared for.
Make sure the guinea pigs are alert and active and that they have a firm, rounded body. Their coat should be full and soft and their nose, eyes, ears and back end should be clean. Avoid guinea pigs that are very thin or grossly overweight, those that show signs of ill health and those that are very panicky when handled.
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