Yay!! am getting a guinea pig bu..

Brief：
Answers: Guinea pigs are herd animals by nature thus why the do better in pairs, you should really consider purchasing 2, you would be suprised about .. 

Answers:

Guinea pigs are herd animals by nature thus why the do better in pairs, you should really consider purchasing 2, you would be suprised about the effects that having 2 has on each of the guinea pigs.

Short haired guinea pigs cost about $20, with long haired guinea pigs cost about $50. An outdoor cage costs more for obvious reasons, about $170, compared to a cubes and coroplast cage (probably the best indoor cage that you can get), it costs about $30. Pellets cost about $5, loose hay $5. For bedding I use aspen - the middle size bag costs about $12. Fleece however is becoming increasingly popular and is cheaper in the long run. Long haired guinea pigs need to be groomed and bathed more often but this can be done with resources from home; washing up liquid, water etc. Fresh produce needs to be given twice a day, they eat just about all vegetables (look into it before feeding it) so you just need to buy more than you need when you are grocery shopping.

In terms of where to buy. Guinea pigs can be brought from rescues, shelters, breeders or pet stores. Those from a rescue or shelter don't often cost as much but they are older (which for most people is ok, but some prefer a younger guinea pig), those from a rescue or shelter are very healthy and in need of a home. People say that guinea pigs brought from a pet store are sick, this is true in many cases but in the case of my local pet store it is not. They take great care for their guinea pigs. Guinea pigs purchased from a breeder are very healthy too, my local breeder takes time out of each day to spend time with each of her guinea pigs and does not treat them like a mill would. In the end it comes down to personal preference.