Guinea Pigs - Tell me about them...

[kag]

My kids have started asking for a guinea pig. They're cute, but other than that, I know nothing about them.

What does it take to maintain a GP?
Are they expensive?
Are they friendly family pets?
Do they need vaccinations?

Any information would be appreciated.

Thanks!

[FlowersFromMyHome]

I can tell you about my guinea pig, Ernie. I rescused him 3 years ago and he is adorable. they are very social and need human interaction. they do not want to be left alone so they need to be in a traffic area in your house. Yes, they do need a lot of care - special cages, special hay, special food, treats, and special bedding - special for guinea pigs that is. the cage needs to be cleaned weekly and can get smelly because they poop a lot - just like bunnies. they must have water at all times. Ernie also gets raw veggies since they can't make their own vit C.
If you are willing to invest possibly 7 years and are willing to care for them correctly, than go for it. they are too cute to ignore.
BUT - NEVER BUY FROM A PET STORE. there are lots of rescue groups and lots of piggies needing homes. Lots of piggie lovers on the forum so you will get all the advice you need to make your decision.

[kag]

Do they do better with a GP friend or are they ok as an only GP?

[FlowersFromMyHome]

Mine was alone when I adopted him but if he were raised with another that would have been good. Check out petfinder and the guinea pig rescue. There is another place where I got ernie, that is in Richardson that I could look up for you. just let me know.

[melmax]

I had them as a kid running around in our side yard...each of them died because I did not know how important the Vit C was...don't feed rabbit food, it's not the same thing.

[Tex-Bex]

We adopted our piggies from http://theguineapigrescue.com/

There is a lot of good info on their site!