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trollin !jIhNAR4/e.
So I'm getting a guinea pig soon, what the do I need to know besides they need vitamin C every day.

I've never seen a guinea pig outside of a pet shop, so I'm completely ignorant as to what goes into owning one of the fellows. So treat me as a complete idiot on this subject, I;d rather not go in unprepared and have a dead animal on my hands because I screwed up.
>> Anonymous
They're twitchy as hell and squeaky. Especially if they figure out what the fridge sounds like, the pigs that used to live here (not mine) used to go nuts when they heard the door open. They don't live very long, 5-6 years tops, for this one my brother had. His always felt sort of damp and smelled like piss, but I don't think he always kept the cage clean.
My sister had a cool one that she taught to ride around on her shoulder and you couldn't see the little shit because he was the *exact* same color as her hair- mouse brown with blond tips. She also taught him to "give kisses;" she'd make a kiss noise at him and he'd lick her mouth. He was actually a cool pig.
I don't care for them myself but I'd say go for it. They're not bad critters. You just have to keep the cage clean.
>> Anonymous
They're allright. Cute, but easily scared by every little noise. Not the most interactive pet in the world.
>> Anonymous
Oh, also get two of them. Technically because they're social animals, so it's best for them, but mostly because it's hilariously adorable to watch them try to steal food from each other.
>> Anonymous
>>283752

First n' foremost, keep in mind that these little guys do have their own individual personalities so don't assume your pig(s) is going to act any particular way.

Diet is big big big for these guys as you've already partially learned. The easiest way I've seen to supplement them with vitamin C is via drops in their water bottles. Pretty easy. Timothy hay should also be available at all times, stick with a basic pelleted diet, and you can offer things like some orange wedges as a treat.

As far as cages go, well... what pet stores offer as guinea pig cages are really not that great for them. They're awfully small for an animal that, when comfortable, really likes to get up and go, jump around like a retard, etc. Especially if you're looking at getting two. Check out http://www.guineapigcages.com/index.htm for an idea of what I'm talking about. If you're looking for a pet you can put in a cage and leave it there, guinea pigs are probably not what you want.

Also keep in mind that small animals like this have very delicate respiratory systems. Smoking is out of the question and drafty areas can sometimes pose a threat. Guinea pigs are also prey animals, and this is IMPORTANT! It's a really good way to understand why they act the way they do. A scared guinea pig is never going to be a fun guinea pig. However, once they're totally comfortable in their surroundings, they trust you, etc., your typical pig ends up being a social and affectionate little beast.

Just remember if you decide to get two (which you probably should), go for a same sex pair, preferably siblings, or be prepped to look into spaying/neutering. You don't want to deal with babies.
>> Anonymous
get a capibara instead
>> Anonymous
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Get long-haired ones, they're adorable. The one on the left in this picture has since grown hair that reaches the floor. It's so freaking cute when she runs around the cage and she bubbles and squeaks when I comb it or run my fingers through it.