I always wanted a guinea pig when I was younger. They seemed much more cuddly than the mouse-like gerbils and hamsters that my brothers had. I never got one though. I’m not really sure why. I still look at them every time we’re at the pet store. Maybe one day I’ll come home with one. My cats and dog would love that, I’m sure.

There are three common types of guinea pigs: American, Abyssinian and Peruvian. The American guinea pig has short hair and a smooth coat. The Abyssinian guinea pig also has short hair, but the hair swirls in what is known as rosettes. The Peruvian guinea pig, or long-haired guinea pig, is my favorite. All three types come in a variety of colors and color combinations.

Adult guinea pigs are approximately 10 inches long and weigh 2 to 3 pounds. They have no visible tail. Guinea pigs generally live 5 to 7 years, so having a guinea pig, like any pet, is a commitment.

Guinea pigs are social animals, so it’s best to get two of them if you can. Two females are best, unless you plan to breed them. If so, you can get a male and a female. Two males together is ok, but they will have a tendency to fight. Guinea pigs need a large cage; a minimum of 5 square feet per guinea pig is recommended. The cage should not have a wire floor, but the side bars can be a maximum of 1 inch apart. Ramps and ledges are good, but a guinea pig does not need a lot of things to climb on. They do need a place to hide however, so providing them with a tube or box is good. Your guinea pig will also enjoy toys such as plastic cat or rabbit toys.  Guinea pigs are active night and day, so if you give your guinea pig toys, you may not want to give them noisy toys.

For bedding, use aspen shavings, hay or recycled paper bedding. Food dishes should be heavy, and it’s best to use a water bottle instead of a water dish. Guinea pigs drink a lot, so change their water daily. Guinea pigs need a lot of vitamin C, so vegetables high in vitamin C, such as leafy greens, are good. Most commercial guinea pig pellets are also produced with vitamin C added. You can also feed guinea pigs fruits such as apples, grapes and oranges. Hay is also a necessary part of a guinea pigs diet. Introduce new foods gradually to avoid upsetting your guinea pig’s tummy.

When picking a guinea pig for a pet, choose one that is not nervous or panicky when handled. But, you don’t want to get one that is too calm and quiet either. That could be a sign of illness. A good guinea pig should be alert and active. Their body should be round and firm, but not fat. Their coat should be soft and their eyes should be clear.

A good, healthy guinea pig should give you years of enjoyment.