Rabbits & Guinea Pigs should NEVER mix

Guina Pigs are social animals so they need the company of another Guinea Pig.

How many Guinea Pigs?

Guinea Pigs are social animals take this into account when you are planning to keep them. The only number not to consider is one. However do make sure the cage/hutch you choose if big enough for the amount of piggies you choose. Make sure you know the piggies you choose are the same sex. I have lost count of the number of times people take two piggies home believing them to be the same sex and to find out months later when the pups arrive that this wasn't the case. A good breeder will never make this mistake and here at Grosvenor Guineas is no exception.

G Force shouldn't mean Cavy Neglect

"Poop in his hand, poop in his hand!"

Although this movie is cute, please be responsible and if this movie somehow influences you or your kids to go out and get a guinea pig, please be responsible and take care of them throughout their ENTIRE life! It is not fair for a movie to inspire newbies to all go out to the pet stores and buy a piggie and then neglect them after the movie's newness or fad wears off!

Not to alarm anyone, It's just that I am concerned there will be a huge influx of guinea pig purchases throughout the influence of this movie only to find a few months later many to be abandoned at the doorsteps of the very pet store they were "adopted" from! or rescues crammed to the rafters with no longer wanted Guinea Pigs.

Please pass this on to anyone thinking about getting a guinea pig! They are easy to take care of but you need to research and understand their quirks such as, they have a sensitive digestive system and are subseptible to upper respiratory infections.

"I want a guinea pig mummy like on the movie!" should result in first purchasing a basic care book or reviewing dependable and excellent sources about guinea pigs online such as this forum

After all, even the G-force went through very strict research and training!! 
Thank you for your consideration.

Older Guinea Pig Consideration

Older pigs can sometimes get over-looked in favour of young guineas when a potential owner is choosing a new pet. Older Guinea Pigs are calmer and better to handle than youngsters especially for young children. They will not wriggle as much and they will also sit still on a child lap enjoying the attention and will never usually nip like a youngster might.

Consider Boars (Males)

Some people think Sows are better pets than Boars but in truth both make excellent pets. Some people also think Boars will fight but I have several pairs of boars that live very happily in the same cage and even get upset if they are seperated for any length of time. Some people think boars smell more than sows but this is also not true. If they are kept clean they have little or now smell at all so they make great pets for keeping indoors. Boars can be very cuddly, calm and tame. Given a little time and encouragement they can eat from your hand come when you call and even lick you or give you piggy kisses which is very rewarding.

Where to purchase your new Guinea Pig.

There are loads of places other than pet shops to buy your piggies. Breeders, Shows and of course Sanctuaries and Rescues are much better places. A good place will never let just anyone walk away with a Guinea Pig without telling them how to look after their new pet and making sure it has everything it needs to be healthy and happy e.g. proper housing, food etc.

What to look for in your new Piggy.

Clean bright eyes
Glossy coat
Lively and alert
Eating well

It is important to choose a healthy animal, I know it is tempting to take home the runt of the litter or one who is huddled in the corner but unless you have plenty of funds to take them to the vets please don't choose them. I know it's hard but in the long run it's best even if this seems harsh and uncaring. If you see any animal in distress or suffering the best thing to do is contact the R.S.P.C.A.

5 Reasons why Rabbbits & Guinea Pigs should never mix.

Rabbits and Guinea Pigs should never share a cage for many reasons but these are the 5 most important ones.

1. Rabbits can be carriers of a bacteria called Bordetella which does not cause any illness in the rabbit but causes pneumonia in guinea pigs.

2. Rabbits can cause injuries to Guinea Pigs as they have very powerful hind legs that can kick a Guinea Pig causing broken bones and even death.

3. Rabbits and guinea Pigs have very different dietry needs. Guinea Pigs need vitamins C and they need lots of vitamin rich veggies. They can eat lettuce or cole family vegetables such as cabbage, kale, kohlrabi, brussels sprouts, cauliflower, or broccoli. However rabbits can get enteritis and possibly die if they eat these.

4. Some Rabbit mixes and pellets are bad for Guinea Pigs as they contain antibiotics that can make them very ill or even cause death.

5. Rabbits will burrow, and if placed on grass outdoors will soon escape by burrowing under the hutch. Guinea pigs do not have this burrowing instinct, but will be quite happy to use any tunnel provided by an obliging bunny.