The Most Important Decision for New Guinea Pig Owners!

Fact! The decision of where to get your guinea pigs can have a huge effect on your experience as a piggie owner. This video compares breeders, pet shops and rescues and the very real reasons why I always recommend adopting from a rescue! I hope this helps you decide if you haven't got your guinea pigs yet, or leaves you better informed when it comes to your future piggies.
Chapters:
0:00 Introduction
0:30 1. Your guinea pig's health
1:38 See inside a rescue!
2:22 2. Guinea pig genders
2:58 What can happen in pet stores...
3:29 3. But rescue pigs are traumatised?!
3:57 My experience with rescue pigs
4:29 4. Ongoing advice and support
5:33 5. Bonding can make a difference!
6:18 Pigs get their peaflakes
6:56 6. Lets be honest!
8:40 7. The Feel Good Factor is real!
9:34 How not going to a pet shop makes a difference
10:41 Your individual choice
Pedro's Tribute (the most amazing rescue piggie there ever was ❤): • A Tribute to Pedro: Lo...
Here are the Amazon Storefronts, where you can find all products I recommend for guinea pigs. I receive a very small commission from items bought using my storefront links (thank you!).
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WATCH NEXT:
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Which Guinea Pig Breed is Right for You?: • Choosing the Right Gui...
Callie's Adoption Vlog: • Baby Guinea Pig Adopti...
Vlogging My Decision to Adopt: • Are we Getting a New G...
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[@SqueakDreams]

Where have you got your guinea pigs from? The two sisters (Phoebe and Roxy) are from a hobby breeder, whilst Callie is from a rescue. I will always try and adopt from a in the future! Also just to say - this video is not here to judge anyone - it's to bring attention to some key reasons why we should consider the options carefully. 🌻 Thank you for watching! Love from Sarah and the girls ❤

[@MoonPack01985]

I got my baby a few days ago unexpectedly since she was out in the cold, using your advice to try giving her the best life I can.

[@user-xz6tp2lk4g]

miss there are no rescues in my place ; i need to move to another county to find one: what should i do.

[@melissatanksley9871]

I adopted my guinea pig from Petco the day after Mother's Day. He was only $5 and I felt so bad about his "story" behind making his way there. I did buy a Petco cage (I also didn't want to drive 3 hrs with him in a little box). I quickly realized he was deaf because he didn't respond to my dogs barking or cockatoo squacking. Also, he wasn't making sounds unless I picked him up. I had guinea pigs in the past, but never really researched about them because I just thought they were giant hamsters. When I got home, I started to do my research because I love animals (50+chickens, ducks, quail, 3 parrots, 2 dogs, and a mini horse). That's when I realized what they really needed. Luckily, I had tons of Timothy hay, already. I instantly let him have full access to my bathroom area for more space. I immediately bought an off-brand C&C cage 2x4 on Amazon for $25 (with a pvc liner) and attached the Petco cage as the hay holder, which I keep filled. When I said "story" it's because I no longer believe the story behind him. I just think they knowingly had him up for cheap adoption because he was deaf. But, he is the sweetest thing! He loves his cuddles and scratches. When he's done exploring, he runs up on my lap or chest. He's already figured out my normal vibrations as I walk into the room, so he doesn't always freak out and run into his hidey. When I can get to the nearest rescue (3.5hrs away and I require a driver), I will set him up with piggy dates. I absolutely LOVE him and he is such therapy for me (depression/PTSD). I feel the endorphins rush in when we cuddle. I am soooo glad I got him as a Mother's Day gift to me (all kids are out of the house)!! If I had more room, I would get tons lol ~California, USA

[@beckih85]

I for my two brothers from a local breeder. After a lot of chatting to her I knew she was all about the pigs welfare and I love my boys to bits

[@calicocookietv7994]

Pet stores are terrible. Both my piggies passed away cause I was dumb and listened to the petstore and thought they would give me the right care information and they didn't so I found this channel and will be doing better next time ❤️

[@myles8328]

We donate each month to Ayr Guinea Pig Rescue and follow numerous others on social media. We will get all of our future herd from rescues, wouldn’t consider any other source. Not to say some pet shops and certainly some breeders don’t care deeply for their piggies but we visit our local rescue, we know the work they do and we know they face an impossible task against a tide of abandoned and mistreated animals. Rescue the rescues, everyone! ❤

[@daynapendergraft9413]

I took my piggie babies off the hands of a family that said they just didn't have the time for them.... So happy I did though because I absolutely love them

[@Kateeee5]

My 3 boys are all rescued, two from one rescue and the other from a differant rescue! It was the best choice I’ve ever made as a small small pet owner ❤

[@jarjar0653]

All my Guinea pigs ( 4 males) were abandoned by their owners for various reasons. They were previously all single boys living in tiny cages by themselves. Now at least they have large spaces and Guinea pig neighbours. ❤

[@fitzguineavision]

My mama Tokyo lives with her two daughters Lucy and Savannah, I adopted Lucy and Savannah first...then Tokyo was surrendered to me because she was becoming very depressed alone not eating etc. So I took her in too, the happy family was reunited at once. Then Eliza from a different herd joined their herd and they all live happily together.

[@Veertjevdv]

My first guinea pigs came from a pet shop. Now I have 7 piggies, some are from responssible breeders and some are rescues. I always look at the herd and what is needed to have a good harmony in the group. My Javanais died last week, she was 5. My group is getting older, so the herd needs some young blood. Also for me, I rescued older piggies who really needed a safe home, but now I cannot take in an older one, It would mean saying goodbye to a few in a very short time one after another and I think I cannot handle the loss. Normally I give meself time to grief over a lossed one, but this week I saw on FB that a rescue had a baby abyssinian born on 8 january 2023 that can soon leave her mummy. So I contacted the rescue to say I have a spot available in my herd for this baby girl.

[@empressnampreti1174]

So happy you are educating people about Pet Stores. I got my kids first guinea pigs at a pet store and three months later one of them became very sick and I spent a lot of money on it and it ended up passing away then I discover LA Guinea Pigs rescue and Saskia help me adopt a friend for my lonely pig. I adopt a baby and she has been thriving and my other guinea pig is so happy with her new friend. They do such a good job at the rescue, they have bubble baths and they have low cost clinics on the weekends.

[@rowanheart8122]

I got my piggies from my mom's boss, let's call her Michelle. Michelle has a lot of pets in her house, including rabbits, dogs, and cats. So when Michelle's kids weren't taking care of the guinea pigs(which aren't their responsibility bc the oldest is 8-9), Michelle wanted to rehome them. I'd been bugging my mom for the past few months because I really wanted to own a rabbit or rodent, so when I heard Michelle was rehoming hers I immediately volunteered to take them. I love my boys so much that I'm going to try to apply for them to be emotional support animals and take them to college with me.

[@melissag1703]

I just got into Guinea pigs (got one for my daughters 7th birthday). I got the first 2 from someone who was rehoming them, 1 baby from a breeder to go with my older boy and then getting 1 female from a rescue! All of this is within the past 15 days! Haha I dove right in!

[@katieengland9233]

I sadly got thrown into the guinea pig mom life...my kids grandma got one for my kids and they came home with him. She said "be happy you don't have 2, they lady was REALLY trying hard to sell us 2. We had the small cage, paper bedding and store bought food. Cinnamon was alone for 2 months, BUT I did do my research and got him a C&C cage and I knew that if we got another piggy it was big enough for 2. He was so small and looked unhealthy. But thankfully after extra veggies and getting the right food, he put on weight and now is healthy. Je is SO sweet and has been a mama's boy from the start. As I learned I found that when he slept with his eyes closed on me he felt safe and happy. When it come time to find him a friend, I was luck to find people who understood guinea pigs and bonding. They let me sit in a play pen with their 8 piggy's and I found the perfect friend for Cinnamon. They were best friends right away. And he too, loves his mama and hooman sisters.

[@Dressault]

My two boys came from a pet shop, but I still consider them rescued, as I have heard so many sad stories about piggies going to unfortunate situations. Your videos have inspired much of my care routine and my little guys are living the good life. Your "hay room" is a game changer! Thank you and my condolences for the sweet Pedro. Loved seeing him here.

[@mlzotter6405]

so nice to see you promoting guinea pig rescues ❤ we work so hard

[@barbarasperber1247]

My two girls were listed on a Craigs List type of site. My little boy Elvis passed away after 9 years. I wanted more and wanted two this time. I looked for rescues in my area. I ended up purchased them from two young girls who I think did not know how much care they required. I had their health and gender checked out right away. All turned out fine.

[@njdinostar]

As a kid I got my first guinea pig from a group of college students. They were doing guinea pig races as part of a festival and at the end of the day selling them. I secretly believe that my mom realized that this was such a bad place for the animals that she dragged me back there to get one (I wanted a bunny, I didn't know guinea pigs existed). That piggy lived with us for many happy years, and after that one, I fell in love with guinea pigs and wanted a new one. We got that one from the pet shop (probably because we didn't know about any other options - general animals rescues do not have guinea pigs, and we got to know this pet shop owner quite well over the years of buying supplies there - also, we clearly didn't know about keeping them in pairs or groups, but the pet shop owner did instruct us to get a large cage and made sure we gave them vitamin C). When I left home to study and travel I didn't have any pets, but now, since about 6 months, I get to enjoy guinea pigs again! This time I got them both from a rescue, and their enclosure is entirely inspired by your enclosure. I love the fleece bedding; such a good idea, dust free, reusable. The plexiglass in combination with the cage at table level is great to observe them, and easily interact with them without having to open the cage or anything. My husband never had pets and was a bit skeptical about getting them, but he bonded with the cuties too, and they are great companions and sources of joy in our house.

[@AFarmerCalledChicken]

My two girls, Nico and Niner are rehomed piggies! A teen girl owned them for 3 1/2 years, but realized she didn’t have the time to care for them since she was in sports. A woman in the town over has a rescue in her home and that’s where we got them. She’s super sweet, but doesn’t have a KZbin or Twitter account. Nico and Niner are the sweetest little ladies and I’m happy I can give them a good life full of treats, toys, and lots and lots of love!

[@EdwardKayeplus]

My partner and I have been watching a lot of your videos, as we just adopted two piggies from the SPCA last week and have been trying to give them the best home. We are watching from Victoria, BC in Canada, but I knew your accent was familiar. I was born in Harrogate and grew up around there and Leeds. Small world!

[@EvilBikerGangOfTheSky]

We just got 2, and I love the way you say piggies 🥰

[@randir.3080]

I got my boys from a Craigslist ad. Family was moving state and didn't want to take the piggies. I got the girls from a friend's neighbor that was neglecting them. I actually rehomed them to an amazing family after i had them with me for 1 full year!! And I took a guinea pig from Craigslist living in a fish tank! And got him a new home too with different friends. But I won't do that any more. I will leave it to the rescues. It's just so hard for me to see sad situations and leave them.

[@staufferfamily9629]

Aww that's awesome you did that! I'm sure they are happy piggies! I struggle with the thought of leaving neglected piggies too. That's how I ended up buying from pet stores.. Its just so sad!😢

[@bubblefish011]

As a kid my pigs were all from a local pet shop. Once they had all passed, we didn’t have any for about a year. Then one of my sister’s friends had a Guinea pig they could no longer care for so we took him in. He’s had many cage mates since then who have been rescues from people but not from a designated rescue/ shelter thing. His current cage mate is from a chain pet shop after searching for weeks to find a rescue from a trusted source, but had no luck. We checked at the local pet shop we had previously found pigs just to see what it was like and I genuinely cannot believe they have animals there at all. They had 3 Guinea pigs in one small pet store cage with a huge dog bowl full of pellets, filthy soiled wood shavings, one super dirty water bottle for all of them to share, and not a single piece of hay in sight. There were also flies everywhere and looked like they hadn’t been seen as anything but a way to make money. They also had all the worst things for animals in there including a plastic ball and those festival pellet mixes. Absolutely devastating. The place we got his current best friend was nearly an adequate sized cage with lots of hay and it was quite clean. We made sure to get health checks for both of them prior to bonding, but now they’re the best of friends and always cuddle up together.

[@erincoughlin8983]

My Guinea pig was found outside in my neighbor’s yard. I think she was unwanted and someone dumped her which makes me so sad. Didn’t know she was pregnant and she had 2 babies. They are girls so I kept the whole family together. I liked what you said about how sweet it is to have a mother daughter pair. I have mother/2 daughters! Loved this video, thanks for spreading the word about rescue. Your videos have helped me so much!

[@tracypiggy_love1348]

What a wonderful video Sara. 💕 My first 2 piggies I got from a pet store but they weren't selling them because someone left them in a box in a shopping cart outside the store and my daughter worked there so of course she called me and wanted me to save them. This was about 7 years ago and now I'm a huge piggy lover. 💞💞

[@corinajs2]

We got our first 2 piggies from a pet shop, both developed upper respiratory infections, 1 never quite got 100% well and we had to let her go at 9 months, we then got a neutered boy from a local rabbit rescue.

[@BeanieKittybb]

My Guinea pig Oreo is from a pet shop but he was lonely and the only one in his cage. The other cage had a sick Guinea pig and he was not in that cage. I think he is healthy.

[@susaneileen2236]

I want to look into a local rescue for my next piggies. I did get two babies from my sister who is a responsible, caring breeder. She also shows her piggies. My male skinny pig came from another show enthusiast. My two female skinny pigs came from the local pet shop. Thankfully no health issues but I probably wouldn’t buy there again. 💕

[@elliesims195]

All my piggies are rescues! Meatball was rehomed to us from a place that didn't know how to look after him, he was living in a small cage with 2 other males, he's missing an eye and was poorly so had to be kept alone until well. Parmy we got from a pets at home rehoming centre I was told he would bond with Meatball but didn't as they was both dominant pigs. And finally I got cream-cheese and ragu that I rescued from the pet shop that I was working at at the time ( I thought I could make a difference from the inside but I couldn't the system is so broken!) Cream-cheese had a huge abscess that they refused to treat correctly so i took her and her sister home, I no longer work there, then the ladies fell out with each other like you mentioned could happen so now cream-cheese is living with Meatball and ragu is living with parmy

[@katharina2189]

I have got all of my piggies from different rescues and they are all great piggies! I only had one bad experience with a private rescue where I got our current boar from. The lady there didnt Seem to care about the pigs and she just handed the guinea pig to us, he didn't even have a name. He was really terrified of people and underweight. (It was not the normal Kind of skittish piggie but like absolutely terrified) He has lived with us for like half a year now and is still a shy little guy that hates to be touched, but he has learned that humans can be trusted :D. His favorite activity is running through tunnels while squeeking loudly and annoying the girls xD. But still, rescues are way better to get piggies than pet Shops.

[@topicz7791]

I got my two girls from a pet shop, I know probably wasn't the best option but I love them to bits and I fell in love with them as soon as I saw them. They did have some problems but I've helped them with that. I also felt bad they were living in a pet shop glass box so i wanted to get them out from there, I did wish I got the other two females but I didn't have the room :((

[@Alice_Gacha566]

I just rescued a baby piggy, she is 1 month old and her name is ~Joy~❤❤❤

[@BeatriseKrokforda]

Thease tips are so useful! I was a bit thinking about the health issues guinea pigs can have, but they will come and go. Started tearing up seeing Pedro in this video. But the girls seem happy together ❤️ ~Beatrise

[@SqueakDreams]

Thank you Beatrise!

[@elainefogleman8182]

I got all four of mine from a pet store. They are great, but a little skittish. But, if I have food or if they want food. They let me hear it. Now I want more guinea pigs. I have been wanting one of the ones that look fluffy or even a Peruvian.

[@Iwantaguinepig]

I am getting one from a pet shop, because there are no rescues near us. And I know by getting one from a pet shop is like saying “i approve of this” but I feel so bad for them in there living conditions.

[@valhrsx]

im thinking of getting a guinea pig and these videos help me out alot!

[@te6882]

I had a group of 3 rescue boars who all came from different places but they were all so friendly and docile I was able to take in a third. One passed of old age so now its just the younger two but they are still best friends!

[@riakruize7686]

I have my guinea pigs from a rescue.....bought the cage on Friday.( 2nd hand shop)....the piggies on Saturday...as if it had to be

[@poppyherbert1712]

I plan on getting my own place soon and adopting a pair of guinea pigs. After researching I found out there's a guinea pig rescue only a couple of miles from where I am which I didn't know about until now! I've had a look on their website and they have many pre-bonded guinea pig pairs ready for adoption. They seem very dedicated to rehoming guinea pigs to people who can provide suitable care - seems the perfect place to go!

[@SqueakDreams]

This comment has made me day! Best of look adopting and giving some piggies their forever home 💖😃

[@poppyherbert1712]

@@SqueakDreams Thank you! You've taught me a lot about guinea pig care which I'll definitely be putting into practice ☺

[@piggyproductions6214]

My two were both from Pets At Home, and although I wouldn't change it for the World, I know for a fact that when I get my next piggie he / she will be from a rescue. I wasn't aware of the different approaches I could take at the time, but I don't like regretting things and instead learn from them. Amazing video as per usual, lovely to see Perdro in the video aswell. Hope you okay! 💗

[@arispoopy6900]

the closest rescue near me is in L.A. so it might take some convincing on my part to my parents. They said that they are still thinking about letting me get ONE.

[@mamaastr0561]

I adopted my 2 piggy babies from a friend I used to work at the spca with. She rescued a female from a hoarding situation and she turned out to be pregnant. I initially adopted one but was so in love that I did research and went back to adopt her sister a few days later. After a reintroduction, they're doing pretty well. Upgrading their cage to a C&C cage when they're about 4 months old. I absolutely love your channel!

[@ZeldaQueen64]

All three of my piggies are from a rescue. With the third 9ne, she was from one of the sorts of "traumatized piggy" situations -- she was neglected and didn't get along with her cage mates. She is also blind in one eye, so by the time she was at the rescue, she became very tense if another piggy came up on her blind side. The trauma in no way prevented her from bonding with humans, though. In facet, she's possibly the sweetest, friendliest piggy I've seen and just really always wants snuggles and attention. Since so much of her trauma tied to neglect, getting attention and cagemates she got along with helped her be very happy! With neglected piggies, a lot of time they never had a chance to learn how to interact with humans. With some attention and love though, they easily learn!

[@NailsfromAtoB]

The first two piggies that got us into guinea pigs were adopted from a local rescue and were a father/son pair. Later on I got a pair of sisters and a third bonded female from a coworker whose son could no longer care for them properly. Our most recent pair are mother/daughter who came from someone my brother knows. She had 3 females and and one was sexed incorrectly... Eventually she had too many and could no longer care for them properly so now mum (Maeve) and daughter (Maple) live with my brother!

[@shai0113]

What a pity that there are no guinea pig rescuers all over the world, I have not met such in my country 🥺😥 I saved my piglet from bad conditions. A friend had pigs, they have a whole menagerie there and there is no time and money to take care of them. I didn't plan to take guinea pigs at all, it happened spontaneously, but I did everything so that my pig lived in ideal conditions💕 I took the second pig in a private zoo, there were good conditions, a large aviary. The most affectionate rescued pig, but how else 😄

[@ily279]

this channel making my day again 🥰🤎🤍🖤

[@sunflowerstablesandschleic261]

Sarah you make soooo good videos! I got my first two guinea pigs last summer I was one of the most best days in my life! no I get a picture living happy and healthy in my Roos

[@SqueakDreams]

Bless you thank you so much!

[@sunflowerstablesandschleic261]

❤❤❤

[@sunflowerstablesandschleic261]

And sorry it was written a little weird the text changed itself in it and it got a little weird but it was supposed to say now they are living a happy and healthy life in my room😂

[@radradish1505]

I got my two baby boars from a guinea pig finder type website. It was a local guy who wasn't expecting a litter and couldn't afford the space for them. They're still pretty shy and the one I have noticed doesn't like peppers but the other (named Sir Beef Stroganoff) goes crazy for them! Still working on them nipping me a little, but Sir Beef lets me scratch his head so progress is being made.

[@SqueakDreams]

Would love to know what Sir Beef's brother is called 😃

[@carolion23]

My first two I adopted from the adoption section of Pets at Home, after someone dumped them on the shops doorstep, my third was an RSPCA adoption and my lasted three (over the last two years) all from Nevilles Nest. Love your videos!!!!

[@SqueakDreams]

Thank you!! Nevilles Nest is a fantastic rescue!

[@PernilleFromHansen]

YES!! I rescued my very first piggie last year from the local rescue and he is one of THE most wonderful piggies, I have ever had. Before you drop money in a pet shop, PLEASE check out your local rescue, first! :-D

[@SqueakDreams]

Thank you! Rescue piggies are so lovely!!

[@crystaldavis6494]

Prior to finding this channel I didn't even know guinea pig rescues existed. Now that I do, and having met Pedro The Magnificent, I'm definitely going to look into that when I'm ready to get piggies again. Thank you Sarah!😊❤️🥰

[@gailreda1224]

Thanks for sharing your knowledge and I appreciate really appreciate new information 😀 😊 👍 🙂

[@staufferfamily9629]

2 of my piggies, Daisy and Missy were from Petsmart. And my third piggy Shelby I bought and kind of rescued from my local hardware stores pet department. It's nice because a lot of the animals there are pets people are rehoming. That was the case with Shelby, she was somebody's pet that they couldn't care for anymore so that's when I got her! And she is loving her new home with my other two! I definitely will look into actual rescues when I get any future piggies though, because I know they definitely need the support.

[@V3Music23]

Our 2 girls are from pets at home, one was a rescue and one was from a breeder but they bonded them at the shop. We tried to rescue at the time but there were no suitable piggies in our area ☹️ The next time we look at growing the herd we would look to rescue and we have found more rescues around us since then from when we were looking to donate some of the things we brought for the babies that they grew out of 💖

[@skippykachu1840]

My 2 girls come from a breeder. I avoid petshops! I wish I could have a rescue piggie but in france (south west where I live) we have no rescues 😅

[@Smiles853]

Hello hiii it so good to see you updated us

[@johnc.3791]

Great video! We got our piggies from a wonderful rescue organization in San Antonio, Texas. A mother and daughter bonded pair. I'm thinking of adding a neutered male to our little herd. I think the ladies would love it! 😀

[@cosmic1981]

My two came from a pet store, I bought one and took over ownership from my nieces with the other one. I am thinking of getting a third one and have checked into rescues, but in the state I live in there is only one. Also, their prices are almost double then the pet store. What is a fair price for a piggy? Memories and cuddles are priceless but when you don't have a lot of money to spend you want to invest wisely. I feel that the prices the rescue in my state is more for profit and not for rehoming. (I understand there are up keep, vet care, ect... but the price should still be reasonable). Thank you for the tips here.

[@arianaescobar4074]

I got my little arlo and milo from a pet store because my dad didn't locate a rescue center but in the future I will get maybe 3 piggy from a rescue center and I will probably get 2 girls and 1 boy like you,and I will do my research how to take care of them again like now☺️🐹🐹🐹

[@jumeauxelaine3960]

Love this channel!! I'll definitely be rescuing my first guinea pigs - there's so many adorable guinea pigs available for adoption! Even learning to sew while our C and C cage parts arrive 😊

[@justcami1221]

hi rachel! i wanted to give the great news that just today I adopted my new baby guinea pigs! thanks to you I was able to get all the supplies and info i needed and ellin and norween are very happy in their new home! thank you!

[@SqueakDreams]

That's fantastic, congrats on adopting! 😍 Also it's Sarah btw 😅😊

[@justcami1221]

@@SqueakDreams ah i must’ve gotten you confused with someone else i’m sorry! but thank you!

[@DJbradee]

Yes! A new video!!!

[@MoonEditzstuff]

I'm so early by four minutes I lobe ur videos after a long school day ✨🎉🌍 My two guenie pigs are so cute and callie is so cute

[@SqueakDreams]

Thank you!

[@meganboskey]

my baby girls are from cherished cavies in iowa They rescue and breed guinea pigs my girls are pedigree teddies

[@meganjacobs6285]

Another fantastic video Sarah. Such fab content. It was down to your other videos that mentioned rescue centres that led me to find my local rescue centre and adopt my boys. They have been with us a month now and are settling in well 😊

[@andreamoore1539]

My first guinea pig came to me after a woman tried to bring it back to the pet shop because she could no longer care for it. I took her, OMG, it was the best thing I did. I love my Penny! She is the sweetest piggy ever. She loves cuddling and attention. She is absolutely spoiled by my family. My second piggy I got from a pet shop, not knowing there were guinea pig rescue places. She's a good girl, too. If I were to get another one, I'd go to a rescue.

[@SqueakDreams]

Thank you for sharing! 😊

[@kaushalyanegi3462]

I have researched a lot trying to find a rescue group near me and found lots of them for other domesticated animals but none for guinea pigs. My only choice now is a pet shop.

[@eternallyinsecure]

this was super helpful! i am getting 2 guinea pigs this summer and i had no idea where to buy them. So this was very informative! ❤

[@SqueakDreams]

You're welcome! I hope you can find a local rescue! 🧡

[@mncara]

We got our two pigs from local humane societies. But we are looking to get involved as fosters for a nearby rescue.

[@MelancoliaI]

Alright I am just chiming in to say that if there is a Guinea Pig Rescue within reasonable distance of you, that is the best choice. Not only will you save money but the person running the rescue will be a source of valuable knowledge in the future. Oh, and you'll get to feel good by giving a good home to one or more loving cuddlepuffs

[@princesskristan]

I was looking into finding piggies just for fun and to set a goal for myself, and turns out there's so many in/near my small town that I can adopt. It's nice to know that I don't have to travel far/rely on pet shops to get piggies

[@SqueakDreams]

That's great to hear! Piggie rescues are definitely out there, just people don't realise! Thank you for sharing 😃

[@kimberlysmith5683]

I love your videos

[@JFLATTERMANN]

I really love the advice you are giving. When I got my Henni (aka Johannes Flattermann) there was not much information to have and internet did not existed -yet. Hi, showing my age here😅. It was in the 1980ies and I actually didn’t purchase him but my late older brother did it. Henni came from a pet shop and as soon as I had gotten him home, he came down with mites. I search in all the local book shops until I found a small paper back dealing with Guinea pigs and how to care for them. Henni was a boy and not castrated (then they didn’t do that on such small animals) so I was told to keep him as a single pig. I know, how shocking but that was the advice they gave in those days. However, I regularly share my small student nook of eight square meters with him, letting him run free and he even learnt how to climb out of his home. We travelled together on weekends to my family home, which he always was excited about. I have thousands and thousands of fond memories of him. And I know he is now living his best live in Guinea heaven.❤

[@SqueakDreams]

Times have certainly changed! Thank you for sharing and it sounds like sweet Henni was very special to you, as I'm sure you were to him! 💖

[@jessicax5851]

Thank you so much for posting this new video! 😊 It is so relatively relevant and is just directly dedicated to me ❤️ Over a year ago, I have bought my 2 piggies (which are sows) from a Pet Shop and they seem to be a bit bizarre as one of them constantly makes noises whenever I take her out and the second doesn’t like to be pet. I am thinking of buying a third piggy to make them a bit more sociable and friendlier; with your advice, I am now definitely considering to be getting her from a rescue centre ❤️😊

[@SqueakDreams]

Thank you that's so great to hear! You could contact a rescue and ask about piggie dating - where they can help find a good companion for your girls 🥰

[@jessicax5851]

@@SqueakDreams Yes I may do that, thank you for your convenient advice once again. Have a lovely weekend 🥰

[@ryleeharrington1025]

Ok my pigs don't seem to be too interested in fresh fruits and vegies. I have finally gotten them to eat some lettuce and bell pepper. Does anyone have any recommendations??

[@bigislandchickens6747]

I JUST found a local guinea pig rescue, after we bought our new girl Rowan. But now when it's time to repair Rowan with a new friend I know where to go. I'm very lucky that my local pet store is run by compassionate, observant individuals. But I would much rather rescue.

[@SqueakDreams]

Thank you for sharing!

[@flute1234555]

I got my current trio from a family that posted on kijiji saying they longer have time for them. The trio fit everything I was looking for, relatively young (less than a year), bonded group, comes with a good size c&c cage. Had them for 2 years now!

[@SqueakDreams]

That's lovely and sounds like they were the perfect match for you!! 😍

[@mariapaz2789]

Sorry Phoebe you are the protagoinst now 🤣..Great video ,when we got Gaia we (my daughter and l ) had little idea about piggies ,now thanks to you Sara ,Scottie and Saskia we get the idea and we also adopted Liris 😅...Now lm also a full piggy mum !!! Loved to see our dear Pedro on the video too💞 I went to buy food for my cats and saw Gaia alone so l brought her 😪and Liris we adopted her from a rescue ) they are happy and healthy and l feel like l rescued Gaia and gave her a better life )

[@SqueakDreams]

Haha yes she is!! And that's so lovely to hear you were able to adopt Liris 😃 💖

[@lauramathews6897]

Important! I have just got a c and c cage with homemade liners. I have a piggie who loves chewing sticky tape now he is chewing the fleece and waterproof base!! Not good for his tummy or the longevity of the liners. What do I do?

[@sierrabostedo6765]

I got my Guinea pig from a pet shop a few months ago, I had no idea Guinea pigs needed friends (I’m working on getting more) and because I got him so young I was looking for a female and I found out he’s a boy

[@meneerple]

A couple months ago we got 2 guinea pigs: a mother and a daugher from a rescue. The mother was 5 months old and the daugher was 6 weeks old. The daugher was born in the rescue, and is fully bonded with us, but the mother is still scared and we still have trouble touching her and petting her in the cage. Any tips?

[@EstefanyD]

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@aleswitch]

Yay! New vid!! 🥳 I agree. Adopt - Don't Shop!!! 😊👍❤

[@SqueakDreams]

Thank you for tuning in! 😃

[@donieguiney404]

Thanks for all the great videos. Do you have any advice regarding what to do with Guinea pigs that are still ( after 1 year!) too nervous to catch or even stroke…how does one cut their nails? I don’t want to terrify them by grabbing them in some way but they really are still nervous about being held or picked up. They haven’t had their nails cut in a year since we got them- however, their nails are still not very long ( definitely not curling) as I put a stone brick in their cage between their food and bed and they constantly climb up and down from it which helps to wear their nails a bit. The store owner said just to grab them- but I don’t want to see them be terrified and so have never forcefully caught them ( I guess if they had been raised by being grabbed it may have contributed to them being nervous).

[@SqueakDreams]

Hi there! For some guinea pigs taming does take well over a year, but I think you do need to take the plunge and practice picking them up. Experienced owners make it look easy, but 99% of guinea pigs will still run away when they see the hands coming for them! I did a video last year with some useful advice and different techniques for handling - including for cornering and catching them: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nGHKeIZ-gaaHpbM Once you get more confident, you'll get better at it and your guinea pigs won't have the chance to get stressed out. And it will mean you can try lap time, which will help with taming. I do also have videos on nail clipping with different methods to try out 😊

[@donieguiney404]

Great! Thanks so much for the detailed advice and all the excellent videos.

[@akuaowusu923]

Oh i have an idea 💡 for your next video could you review PetSmart guinea pig care guide

[@bigmac5378]

I don't have a rescue near me unfortunately. My options are a pet store do you think I should proceed with them?

[@pinkscorpi75]

I know you’ve said to have females together and males together. Can you pair F & M together if they’re fixed?

[@addictedtoguitars4948]

I have two females and two males, all of whom came from a rescue.

[@professorslendy2431]

I have rescued a female guinea pig from the human society im trying to bond her with my younger guinea pig but not having much luck any tips

[@olwynbowden5193]

I took my piggie (Buttons) to rhe rescue to chose his own friend Teddy.

[@charlottejohnson6233]

😊❤xoxo

[@SawyerCrowley]

is petco a good place to get a guinea pig?

[@ZahraaHussein-tx2ez]

i Got my Guinea pig from a pet shop. But she is so she was pretty scared when I brought her. My name is Opal

[@kimberlysmith5683]

I got my guinea pigs at a pet shop they are so sidish and we have tried everything they have an opened cage they have a play pin all they like to snack on is carrots and their food

[@SqueakDreams]

Pet shop piggies can be more skittish if they've not had much human contact, but keep up with trying the tame them and they will improve, especially once they are fully grown 😊

[@kimberlysmith5683]

The problem is they are fully grown

[@ashleyleavitt6219]

I sent you an email via your website. I just had a question, and wasn't sure how to talk to you directly.

[@denny66ify]

Most of my guinea pigs have come from the pet store

[@lauravu6567]

How much do Guinea pigs cost at a rescue bc the ones at perch are 70$

[@lauravu6567]

I mean at petcp

[@lauravu6567]

Petco

[@lauravu6567]

So how much do you know?

[@SqueakDreams]

It varies but usually cheaper than pet stores. The initial cost of a guinea pig is nothing compared to what you need to spend to give them a good life though (especially considering vet bills!). If money is short right now I would wait until you can budget for keeping them properly 😊

[@lauravu6567]

@@SqueakDreams so I have a cage in my room and occasionally my dad goes in after I clean it but then he tells me that it stinks and tells me to put it in the garage or throw it outside or give it away what do I do

[@denny66ify]

Hey 7 out of all my guinea pigs seven of them were we're from either animal shelters that couldn't handle that couldn't have them and I took them all my guinea pig stay on my bed with me when I'm home I can put a guinea pigs on my bed male and female nude stay right next to me they won't do anything until I move off my bed

[@zhanglxdw]

Can Guinea pigs eat fruit?