First Pets:
The Guinea Pig
Written By Lynne Bertrand
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A Room of Pig's Own
- A spacious cage (no wire bottom; their feet can get stuck) will cost $50 to $170, depending on how elaborate and well built it is, and will require a thorough cleaning once or twice a week.
- He likes a fresh cardboard box or tubes for hiding in and for chewing, and some little bells dangling where he can ring them when he runs out of things to read.
- His bedding (paper pulp; never pine shavings or cedar — they're toxic to the pig) will cost $2 to $7 a week, depending on the brand.
Procuring a Pig
- The American Cavy Breeders Association (guinea pigs are sometimes called "cavies" because their Latin name is Cavia porcellus) recognizes 13 breeds of guinea pig. You can use their Web site, www.acbaonline.com, to find a breeder near you. Or look for a pet store or shelter whose cages are clean and fresh smelling, and that separates males and females so they don't breed.
- Pigs love company, so if you'd like to get two, go with females (males often must be neutered to share a cage, and they don't handle the operation well).
- When in doubt, choose a short-haired American pig. Step firmly away from the Rapunzelesque Peruvian pig. I don't even know you, but I can guess you don't want to spend 20 minutes a day grooming your guinea pig.
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