Where to buy your Guinea Pig from?

Pet Store, Guinea Pig Breeder or Rescue home?

I personally recommend finding a rescue home, my experience of Pet Stores is not very good. I brought my Guinea Pig's from a pet store. I felt I was rescuing the second one as she was far too tiny and I didn't like to think of her in a home with small children pulling her around.

A Pet Store is a business and there to make profit. They hire cheap staff who have no idea how to keep all the different pets, also the conditions they keep these animals in is terrible. (I am not saying ALL Pet Stores work to this rule however experience has taught me a majority do.)

You will find Pet Stores keep Guinea Pigs in with Rabbits. This is totally wrong. Rabbits will try and mate anything and also have strong legs they may kick Guinea Pigs.

Another thing I have found is some Pet Stores, they keep mixed sexes together (I don't know if a lack of animal education is to blame here or just the fact they really do not care about the animals needs).
I have heard many stories of people who have brought a sow only to find out weeks later she's pregnant. So the one or two Guinea Pigs they initially brought can turn out to be 6! Not only does this add to the ever increasing unwanted Guinea Pig population but its dangerous for the sow. If she isn't much more than a baby herself when she get's pregnant, this can cause her extreme stress and possible complications as she is still growing herself.

Guinea Pig rescue sanctuaries will tell you stories of so called breeders who really just end up with lots of unwanted babies due to improper housing. So in my opinion your best move is to contact the rescue centre and ask them where you can get a Guinea Pig from, they will have contact numbers for local responsible breeders.

A lot of people will want to have a baby Guinea Pig for their first Piggy. However if you really don't mind the age then the first place you should consider getting a piggy from is your local rescue. The money you pay them for your piggy will get used to care for further Guinea Pigs they rescue. Also you will get the satisfaction of knowing you are giving the poor mistreated piggy a new life in a good home!

Pictured on the right is Little Mikey! He is 15 months old and has gone to live with one of my friends after being rescued. I don't understand how somebody could of neglected him. His fur was in a mess and his nails were over grown. Look at him now after a good bath!

Where to find your local pet rescue

You can always find these by either looking in your local free paper for animal rescue groups or contacting your local RSPCA.

They could have a piggy there that you will just fall in love with. I have spoken to many Guinea Pig rescue ladies and they have around 30 in at one time.
They would be more than happy for you to go along and take a look through the poor abandoned / previously mistreated piggie's who need somebody to give them the love they deserve. If they don't have what you are looking for, they will be able to put you in contact with somebody the does.

If you choose a breeder

When first speaking to them you should be able to tell about their knowledge of breeding Guinea Pigs. Also when you go to pick up your new pet you should insist in viewing the Guinea Pigs with their mum.

You will be able to see the overall fitness of her and the rest of the litter. Also you will get an idea on how these pets have been looked after.
Check the parents eyes, ears, nail length and general condition of its fur. If its dull looking then this is a sign the piggy has bad health. You should be welcomed to view all of the other Guinea Pigs. As I am sure this breeder would be proud of all their little Guinea Pig family!

From this viewing you should be able to make up your own mind if they are responsible and you will know if you feel comfortable buying from this source.