Choosing the Guinea Pig for You!
Choosing the guinea pig for you:
Guinea pigs are are not 'easy first time pets' like some may think. This is a common misception, however guinea pigs require cleaning out, grooming and constant stimulation.
After deciding that you have the time, money and space for guinea pigs, you need to ask yourself the following questions.
Boar or Sow?
The correct term for a male guinea pig is a boar, and for a female, a sow. So which is best for you?
The first thing to remember is that guinea pigs are very social so buying a pair is best.
Boars are harder to bond than sows so we reccomend you buy two from the same background (eg brothers, or father and son) who are already bonded.
Unless girls are on the scene, boars generally won't need to be nuetered. However if you choose to keep a boar with a sow, it is essential to have him castrated to avoid unwanted pregnancy.
Boars generally require more time in the long term, as they need regular baths - once every few months - to clean the area around their grease glands. So if you can not give your guinea pig this extra time, then please consider buying sows instead, as unless they are long haired, they won't need baths!
Boars can be kept either in pairs, or one boar with a sow (or multiple sows).
Girls tend to get on very well, we keep ours in herds- mostly around 5- so if you have lots of space, sows can be a very rewarding pet! It is lovely to watch all our girls out on the grass together!
When buying sows from different places, it is important to bond them correctly and watch closely over the next 24 hours to make sure there is no fighting.
Dominance is asserted through small nips and sometimes mounting, however as a general rule, don't remove unless blood is drawn, as they are just establishing a pecking order.
What Breed?
There are many breeds of guinea pigs, and rumours about corresponding personalities, but in all fairness, it really is down to the individual. No certain breed has a set character.
If you have a lot of time on your hands, then a long haired breed (such as a peruvian) could be your pig! However if you do not have time to groom daily and bath several times a year, a shorter haired breed would be more suitable (for example a Dutch).
Some stunning breeds that we have fallen in love with are abyssians, shelties, peruvians and coronets. Have a look online and see if any of these breeds are for sale near you!
Read our blog posts on breeds to give you a better in-sight!
Adopt or Shop?
It is brilliant if you can adopt a guinea pig from your local rescue centre, however we understand this is not always possible. At Swilkinsons, we firmly believe that any guinea pig deserves a loving home, wherever it has come from. We have guinea pigs from pet shops, individuals who can no longer look after them, and rescue centres, and our aim is to give any piggy that comes into our lives a happy, forever home.
Please do look online at your local rescue before going to see a pet shop. Rescue centres will provide you with any information you need, and usually neuter all their small animals- saving you the time and money.
I hoped this helped you decide on gender, breed and where to get your guinea pig! Please email us at swilkinsons@yahoo.com for further tips on bonding/ guinea pig care!
