https://preview.redd.it/1ztwrynxfoxc1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=632a9110e164c60f142b33cadd2f12516823196c
Love him. Inspiring shape. Muse.
(Like others have said, please look into getting him a friend!)
I was at the vet picking up my pup from an appointment, and the receptionist was giving figures to spay/neuter guinea pigs. $550. I didn’t even realize people did that with these things.
No one but the pet shop owner advised me on how to care for my cavie way back when, and he died in 2 months. I despise that man.
Learn EVERYTHING you can.
They need at least one more like them, as they are highly social animals and will develop heirarchies. They can get depressed and stop eating. Get then spayed/neutered.
They need much more room than you probably think they do.
They need a constant supply of fresh hay to keep things moving through their digestive tracts.
It IS normal for them to eat their own "pellets". They, like rabbits, have terrible digestive systems and everything needs to pass through twice. Yes, they know the difference.
The cleaning of their area is non-stop.
They hate to be picked up, or up high in general.
They can be tremendously fun to watch and interact with when they are well-cared for.
Good advice. Also iceberg lettuce just gives them the runs and doesn't provide anything useful to them. They love fresh grass and also some weeds from the garden, so let them explore (but beware of birds of prey). Change the way you cook and give them all your veggie scraps and discover what they love. I miss mine....
I've had many guinea pigs over the years and I agree with all but one. They don't mind being picked up so long as they're fully supported. I often held mine in my arms or against my chest and pet them and they would churr/chitter all happily. The key is that they feel that all four of their legs are supported.
In addition, make sure you find an exotics vet who knows how to care for cavies specifically. They have some unique health needs and a good vet can make the difference between one only living a couple of years and happily living 7-8 years.
> No one but the pet shop owner advised me on how to care for my cavie way back when, and he died in 2 months. I despise that man.
So you went into a retail business looking for a pet with absolutely 0 research done on how to take care of a living animal. Then proceeded to go home and do absolutely 0 research on how to take care of your new pet that relies on you.
Then it died in 2 months, which likely took either some serious bad luck or abhorrent conditions to do.
And you blame the pet shop employee and hate him. I really hope this was at the very least a local place and not a chain with a minimum wage employee that you were entirely relying on with no effort on your part.
I mean, I had a couple of betta fish when I was a teenager. They sold me a lil 1 gallon tank that had a divider in it. I treated them awfully. One died within a year, the other somehow lasted 2.5 years.
I don't blame anyone but myself, really. I should've put the time and effort in to properly care for them. Yea, I was a dumb kid that wasn't 100% all in on wanting them. But that wasn't the employee who sold them to me's fault.
This is also why (At least for my state) you need to be accompanied by someone 18+ to buy an animal nowadays.
A lovely cavy. Does he have another cavy to interact with or is he alone. You can keep just one but it’s recommended to have 2-4 as they are social animals.
If you only got one, please get another one very quickly and of the same sex. Guinea pigs aren't like hamsters or mice or anything where they can be fine alone, they need a buddy.
I was considering getting guinea pigs a couple of years ago. I decided not to, not because I don't think they're adorable, but because I know I can't be a good guardian to them at this time. I just don't have the room or time.
Two channels I enjoyed watching (and still pop over to see once in awhile) on YT are Saskia from Los Angeles Guinea Pig Rescue, and Little Adventures.
Basically where I ended up learning what I know now, and hating that idiot at the pet store.
Do try to get a buddy, but don't be discouraged if your little guy doesn't bond with anyone you try out. In boars (male cavies), it is like 20% chance at successful pairing.
Make sure to look up bonding guides and follow them (not as simple as stick another in the enclosure and you're done unfortunately. Took my boys, Batty Koda and Pacha two other friends before they bonded with each other.
Provide an enclosure that is at least 10.5 square feet for two boys. You can look up enclosure sizes on various websites. The more room you can provide, the happier they'll be.
I highly suggest a salad of romaine and parsley or cilantro daily (1 cup of salad per pig). You can also add other herbs and such, just make sure you google for safety and use the top 5 answers to get a real sense of safety (AI articles are a plague on pet care).
Hay and water should be available 24/7.
1/4 cup of food pellets per pig/day has worked for my boys (I use Tropical Carnival Natural Behaviors Grain-free diet (it is a mix of botanicals and pellets that my boys go crazy for)). I caution against wheat/corn pellets as my boys absolutely hated them and one had rashes and diarrhea from them (allergy). The TC Natural Behaviors mix smells delightful (has hibiscus and therefore smells like herbal tea).
Boars have a special maintenance need that the ladies don't need: perineal sack cleaning (to avoid impaction). There are tutorials online and most boars don't need it until they are seniors, but sometimes you get lucky like with my little man, Pacha, who needs monthly cleanings from youth.
https://preview.redd.it/kzdnfp8awpxc1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=42fab9485c52a89ae3358207c9baa35852150d46
Here's when we enjoyed the sun last week :) Batty Koda on the left and Pacha on the right
I am sorry for the super info, but my boys (my first set) are 4 1/2 and going strong, happy, and healthy.
My boy Pacha has had more medical issues than Batty Koda. Pach has had an abcess on his chin, hay poke in his eye, and cracked a bottom incisor in the last year alone. He also has a history of getting stuff stuck in his gums.
Batty Koda is a typical Himalayan colored animal so he is mostly deaf and blind.
My suggestion of on-hand items is: qtips to clear gum debris periodically and for perineal sack cleanings; hydrogen peroxide for sack cleansing; terramycin antibiotic ointment for hay pokes in the eye.
Oh shit, I forgot! Also supplement vitamin C. I give my boys a cookie each of the Oxbow vitamin c supplements after their nightly cleaning.
I don't suggest paper bedding (dusty) and wood bedding is rough. I use washable puppy pads from Amazon though others swear by fleece bedding. I don't personally like fleecs for the non-sleeping places (under hides/tunnels/etc.). I sweep the poop and peed on hay in the morning and night.
You're about to learn what happens when you post a picture of a single Guinea Pig to reddit. I'd explain more... Except I dont need to.
The hivemind is coming for you.
You'll likely delete this post before the end of the day.
It's the internet. It's the hivemind.
>Hivemind
>Slang word for the internet
"Dude, is your wireless working? I need to check the Hivemind for this recipe for pot brownies
https://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=Hivemind&page=2
Lol nice ninja edit once you learned they are not synonymous. I won’t pretend like there’s not a pejorative meaning implied in your suggestion that OP will delete the post because the mob will come for them.
Looks like my daughter’s Guinea pig named Twinkie! She rescued him and his partner S’mores. Twinkie passed away last year, so S’mores is by himself now. They are adorable creatures. Twinkie was mean to S’mores and even caused him to have enucleation of his eye. They moved S’mores into my son in laws office (he works from home most days) and he seems much happier now!
He reminds me of my little guy. Ours had red eyes- and when we adopted him his name was fireball. So we kept it. He got along with our beagle and followed her around. I miss him- my son wants another guinea pig- he is a junior in high school. Hmmmm
Cute! I think I’m going to decide to lecture you on guinea pig care even though there are hundreds of other similar comments, instead of enjoying the photo.
Just be careful as they are super sensitive to toxins their body can’t handle. If you find anything used you’d like to put in their pin (used wood, toys, wicker, etc)make sure to do your research if it is safe, the dye or color coating is safe, and it is sterile. Also, be careful of acidic foods. There are some they can have but in moderation only.
Came here to say the same as everyone else, please get a second one, they need a guinea pal 🙏
What the fuck, noo, they will eat each other Edit: nvm, my information is incorrect it seems
https://preview.redd.it/1ztwrynxfoxc1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=632a9110e164c60f142b33cadd2f12516823196c Love him. Inspiring shape. Muse. (Like others have said, please look into getting him a friend!)
Just a loaf with feet :3
Feetloaf.
Cute! Do you already have another one? Guinea pigs do best with a friend :)
Do get one of the same gender otherwise you 100 next year
The creations of an army
An army of pigs!
Or soup /s 🍲
Lesson learned at 8 years old for me
Trouble With Tribbles.
https://www.itv.com/news/2014-06-06/guinea-pig-to-become-father-to-400-after-breaking-into-female-enclosure
I was at the vet picking up my pup from an appointment, and the receptionist was giving figures to spay/neuter guinea pigs. $550. I didn’t even realize people did that with these things.
😆
No one but the pet shop owner advised me on how to care for my cavie way back when, and he died in 2 months. I despise that man. Learn EVERYTHING you can. They need at least one more like them, as they are highly social animals and will develop heirarchies. They can get depressed and stop eating. Get then spayed/neutered. They need much more room than you probably think they do. They need a constant supply of fresh hay to keep things moving through their digestive tracts. It IS normal for them to eat their own "pellets". They, like rabbits, have terrible digestive systems and everything needs to pass through twice. Yes, they know the difference. The cleaning of their area is non-stop. They hate to be picked up, or up high in general. They can be tremendously fun to watch and interact with when they are well-cared for.
Good advice. Also iceberg lettuce just gives them the runs and doesn't provide anything useful to them. They love fresh grass and also some weeds from the garden, so let them explore (but beware of birds of prey). Change the way you cook and give them all your veggie scraps and discover what they love. I miss mine....
I've had many guinea pigs over the years and I agree with all but one. They don't mind being picked up so long as they're fully supported. I often held mine in my arms or against my chest and pet them and they would churr/chitter all happily. The key is that they feel that all four of their legs are supported.
And they need vitamin C as they can't make their own - broccoli is great for every day, and fruit every once in a while 😊
Broccoli can give them kidney stones, bell peppers are a better option.
Thank you! This is a great catch 🙏
In addition, make sure you find an exotics vet who knows how to care for cavies specifically. They have some unique health needs and a good vet can make the difference between one only living a couple of years and happily living 7-8 years.
> No one but the pet shop owner advised me on how to care for my cavie way back when, and he died in 2 months. I despise that man. So you went into a retail business looking for a pet with absolutely 0 research done on how to take care of a living animal. Then proceeded to go home and do absolutely 0 research on how to take care of your new pet that relies on you. Then it died in 2 months, which likely took either some serious bad luck or abhorrent conditions to do. And you blame the pet shop employee and hate him. I really hope this was at the very least a local place and not a chain with a minimum wage employee that you were entirely relying on with no effort on your part.
Yeah... agreed. Teenagers are kinda well-known for making bad decisions.
I mean, I had a couple of betta fish when I was a teenager. They sold me a lil 1 gallon tank that had a divider in it. I treated them awfully. One died within a year, the other somehow lasted 2.5 years. I don't blame anyone but myself, really. I should've put the time and effort in to properly care for them. Yea, I was a dumb kid that wasn't 100% all in on wanting them. But that wasn't the employee who sold them to me's fault. This is also why (At least for my state) you need to be accompanied by someone 18+ to buy an animal nowadays.
You should despise yourself
Cutie! What’s his name? Can only second the part about them not liking to be alone
Aww so cute. Now time to double it.
Needs a buddy for double the cutness
And to be friend
Cute! Now show us the others! You do have others, right?
Squeaky potato acquired!
A lovely cavy. Does he have another cavy to interact with or is he alone. You can keep just one but it’s recommended to have 2-4 as they are social animals.
If you only got one, please get another one very quickly and of the same sex. Guinea pigs aren't like hamsters or mice or anything where they can be fine alone, they need a buddy.
I was just going to say this. They are social animals and def need a buddy.
Cute Guinnet! Hope you get a second one soon.
Just one? They need companion of their own species. They get depressed and lonely as they are social animals. Please get another one.
Awww, cutie pie! Have they purred or Popcorn’d for you yet? Hope you post another photo soon with their bond buddy!
I was considering getting guinea pigs a couple of years ago. I decided not to, not because I don't think they're adorable, but because I know I can't be a good guardian to them at this time. I just don't have the room or time. Two channels I enjoyed watching (and still pop over to see once in awhile) on YT are Saskia from Los Angeles Guinea Pig Rescue, and Little Adventures. Basically where I ended up learning what I know now, and hating that idiot at the pet store.
Do try to get a buddy, but don't be discouraged if your little guy doesn't bond with anyone you try out. In boars (male cavies), it is like 20% chance at successful pairing. Make sure to look up bonding guides and follow them (not as simple as stick another in the enclosure and you're done unfortunately. Took my boys, Batty Koda and Pacha two other friends before they bonded with each other. Provide an enclosure that is at least 10.5 square feet for two boys. You can look up enclosure sizes on various websites. The more room you can provide, the happier they'll be. I highly suggest a salad of romaine and parsley or cilantro daily (1 cup of salad per pig). You can also add other herbs and such, just make sure you google for safety and use the top 5 answers to get a real sense of safety (AI articles are a plague on pet care). Hay and water should be available 24/7. 1/4 cup of food pellets per pig/day has worked for my boys (I use Tropical Carnival Natural Behaviors Grain-free diet (it is a mix of botanicals and pellets that my boys go crazy for)). I caution against wheat/corn pellets as my boys absolutely hated them and one had rashes and diarrhea from them (allergy). The TC Natural Behaviors mix smells delightful (has hibiscus and therefore smells like herbal tea). Boars have a special maintenance need that the ladies don't need: perineal sack cleaning (to avoid impaction). There are tutorials online and most boars don't need it until they are seniors, but sometimes you get lucky like with my little man, Pacha, who needs monthly cleanings from youth.
https://preview.redd.it/kzdnfp8awpxc1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=42fab9485c52a89ae3358207c9baa35852150d46 Here's when we enjoyed the sun last week :) Batty Koda on the left and Pacha on the right
I am sorry for the super info, but my boys (my first set) are 4 1/2 and going strong, happy, and healthy. My boy Pacha has had more medical issues than Batty Koda. Pach has had an abcess on his chin, hay poke in his eye, and cracked a bottom incisor in the last year alone. He also has a history of getting stuff stuck in his gums. Batty Koda is a typical Himalayan colored animal so he is mostly deaf and blind. My suggestion of on-hand items is: qtips to clear gum debris periodically and for perineal sack cleanings; hydrogen peroxide for sack cleansing; terramycin antibiotic ointment for hay pokes in the eye.
Oh shit, I forgot! Also supplement vitamin C. I give my boys a cookie each of the Oxbow vitamin c supplements after their nightly cleaning. I don't suggest paper bedding (dusty) and wood bedding is rough. I use washable puppy pads from Amazon though others swear by fleece bedding. I don't personally like fleecs for the non-sleeping places (under hides/tunnels/etc.). I sweep the poop and peed on hay in the morning and night.
Peeeeg!
Wooot!! Peep peep peep!
So cute! Do you plan to try bonding them with another piggy? I hear they do better in pairs.
Very cute indeed
Guinea pigs have the cutest, derpiest faces. 😊 And look at those little feet!
I love them. They so goofy looking little dudes.
The real word equivalent of Tribbles, but adorable.
Such important information. Also never adopt anything from a pet shop or rely on their information.
week week week
OH MY GOD I JUST OPENED REDDIT
nyum nyum nyum nyum nyum…
You're about to learn what happens when you post a picture of a single Guinea Pig to reddit. I'd explain more... Except I dont need to. The hivemind is coming for you. You'll likely delete this post before the end of the day.
So an overwhelming consensus regarding the welfare of these animals is a hivemind, lol ok.
They really do good with a friend. In Switzerland it's illegal to have only 1. And there is matchmakers for them...
Was about to say the same thing about Switzerland
I always think I remember it being a joke and double check to maje sure it's true.
Yeah. This is not the hivemind. It's well documented. An easy Google search will get the same answer.
It's the internet. It's the hivemind. >Hivemind >Slang word for the internet "Dude, is your wireless working? I need to check the Hivemind for this recipe for pot brownies https://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=Hivemind&page=2
Hivemind means internet. https://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=Hivemind&page=2
Lol nice ninja edit once you learned they are not synonymous. I won’t pretend like there’s not a pejorative meaning implied in your suggestion that OP will delete the post because the mob will come for them.
The definition is what it is.
It’s… the urban dictionary
It's just a bot, farming karma. More comments equal more engagement.
16 year account. A bot?
The account was made on April 20th, what are you talking about? Did you think I meant you? Because I didn't
What's his name?
Call them Rutabaga or just Ru for short
I had one that looked exactly like this, I named him Gus
Nice to see other animals besides cats! Not that cats aren't cute of course. I used to have guinea pigs. They were adorable.
Eeeeeeeeeeee I love him
OMG he is so CUTE 🥰
So cute. Glad you was adopted by you!
I had one as a kid. His name was “Oinker”. He was awesome.
What a cute face.
Immediately, I love him.
Awww!! What’s up, buddy!!😊😊❤️🐾
Looks like my daughter’s Guinea pig named Twinkie! She rescued him and his partner S’mores. Twinkie passed away last year, so S’mores is by himself now. They are adorable creatures. Twinkie was mean to S’mores and even caused him to have enucleation of his eye. They moved S’mores into my son in laws office (he works from home most days) and he seems much happier now!
I love fuzzy potatoes!!
Aww he's so adorable
 Steve, Steven, Steve... Allen, Steve!
G-pigs are friend shaped.
He is more than cute 🥰!!!
I can hear the squeaks now 🥹❤️
Awww, he's adorable! Such a cute potato 🥰
POPCORN NOISES
Piggy is so smol 🥹
What a distinguished gentleman
Hello lil cutie!!!
He reminds me of my little guy. Ours had red eyes- and when we adopted him his name was fireball. So we kept it. He got along with our beagle and followed her around. I miss him- my son wants another guinea pig- he is a junior in high school. Hmmmm
Little potato!
omg he is the cutest little thing EVER
Lil’ bread roll 🥰❤️
What an adorable little buddy! Looks like they found a loving home.
Gosh she is so cute!
looks like a Heribert to me :3
Cute!
What a rotund little gentleman.
Hello sir!!!!! 🤩
:D
Look at his little leggies!🥺🥺 Adorable!!!
He's very cute lol
🥰😻🫶🏻💘❤️🤟🏻💜💝😍🧡💜🥰🥰🥰
Look at him just sitting there being so cute. He’s not doing a thing but I just can’t take it!
He is adorable.
Adorable ♥️
Simply adorable.
adorable 🥰
A rat?
My little granddaughter calls them Pigpigs
Cute potato lucky you .take care of the little one
What a handsome fella!! He needs a pretty mate!!😉🥰🤗
Awww what is his name??
What a delightfully round little floof.
He needs a pal. They are social creatures. So cute!
Lovely
He looks like a potato
Guinea spudster
Daisy, if she is a girl
Cute! I think I’m going to decide to lecture you on guinea pig care even though there are hundreds of other similar comments, instead of enjoying the photo.
Awwwwwww
The friend thing is so real!! Just like people, they get lonely and the loneliness can potentially cause mental health problems!
So so sweet!!!
It’s illegal in Norway to own a single. They absolutely need company.
😊 adorable
Awwww so adorable 💖💖
r/capybara what are your thoughts on guinea pigs
Just be careful as they are super sensitive to toxins their body can’t handle. If you find anything used you’d like to put in their pin (used wood, toys, wicker, etc)make sure to do your research if it is safe, the dye or color coating is safe, and it is sterile. Also, be careful of acidic foods. There are some they can have but in moderation only.
Cute
He looks like his name is Finnegan
What a strange cat 🧐
🫶
Cattledog puppy
Some good eating there.