I was wondering if it is OK to have a single Guinea pig. I am getting an absolute minimum cage and even that takes up a lot of space in my room. If it is ok, any suggestions as to how to keep the pig from getting too lonely?
HI and welcome!
It is great that you are doing your research beforehand! Looking after a feeling, living being is a lot of responsibility, and you want to get it right.
In view of your space restraints, you would be better off getting a hamster if you really want a single pet that doesn't need a lot of space; hamsters live as singles and they can get by with a minimum guinea pig cage (as which hamster cages are often advertised as)! Although even hamsters like to have as much space to gambol around in as you can afford to give them!
Guinea pigs are ground roamers that are wired to live in groups in which they graze their way round a surprisingly large territory. They need as much as space as they can get in order to stay healthy and they depend on the company of others round the clock for constant stimulation and happiness; they have actually a very complex and differentiated social life.
You wouldn't knowingly want to keep a pet that is bascially living for 5-7 years in solitary confinement in a tiny cell, completely dependent on you for company, exercise and mental stimulation for several hours every single day, whether you feel like it and have the time or not, would you? That is quite a long term commitment - can you plan that far ahead?
You will also have to take into account that in that time your guinea pig very likely needs to see a vet. This can quickly cost you several hundred pounds or dollars, especially in the US, where vets also demand upfront payment. Before you get a pet, you need to have a serious talk with your parents/the adults responsible for you about how to save up and be able to cover the cost in case of an emergency - which is what you are usually facing, as guinea pigs are very good at hiding illness until it is nearly too late, and they can go downhill quite quickly. Pet illness can put a huge strain on the whole family when the money is not there and your pet is dying miserably because of it; we see that often enough when distraught teenagers come onto the forum because their parents don't want to shell out for a vet visit.
Guinea pigs make great pets when you have the space and time for them to keep a couple. I hope that the right time will come some time for you!
Quick Information Bundle For Wannabe Owners
Companionship
No, sorry. One guinea pig is NOT okay. They are gregarious animals and thrive with company of their own kind. A lone guinea pig is a sad guinea pig. If you only have space for one, then best not get any at all.
and may not have much left to live then i would say yes but you must spend loads of time with it. Piggies are just like us we need people there, and people cheer us up when we are sad or alone. so if you piggie is younge then YES they must be with there own kind but if your piggie is old and may not live for long then dont get a piggie but spend time with it. If you get a piggie and the old one dies then your gonna be stressing about getting a piggie. So if its old then if it dies then get a 2 piggies togetherxxxxx
