Cheapest Guinea Pig To Keep as a Pet

Where to find the cheapest guinea pig (Cavia porcellus), also called a “cavy” for short is a common question of potential guinea pig owners on a budget. The American guinea pig ranging from where purchased between $20 – $50 is the hands-down winner. Otherwise, other guinea pigs are over the $50 price range. The initial purchase of the guinea pig(s) may be in your thoughts, but the overall care-taking and maintenance is the long-term expense to note. When deciding to add a guinea pig to the family, the full spectrum of guinea pig breeds available can be daunting to consider.

Where Can I Purchase A Guinea Pig?

Quick cost snapshot to note. Guinea pigs can either be purchased at a pet store or breeder, but are also available for adoption at an Animal Rescue. If you go to an Animal Rescue you will get the best overall price for guinea pigs, but they may be older guinea pigs. Some animal rescues are even guinea pig specific (i.e. The L.A. Guinea Pig Rescue or Asheville Guinea Pig Rescue). In general, there is a possibility guinea pigs are there and available if you call around to local animal rescues. Looking for a possibly free option? Check out Petclassifieds.com, a potentially free or low-cost option for guinea pig adoption or purchasing. A breeder or a pet store usually has younger guinea pigs for sale as a primary option. The guinea pigs they sell are usually not non-spayed/neutered, the owner will need to have a vet do and are more expensive.

The Importance of Pairing and Bonding

Guinea pigs are naturally herd animals and work better as a pair or in multiples. If you purchase multiple guinea pigs that are already together, they are most likely already paired and bonded. Adding a new guinea to an existing herd bonding will need to be done and is not guaranteed. Prepare to keep your guinea pig(s) healthy and entertained as you start the guinea pig journey.  Multiple guinea pigs will entertain each other and will provide a more elongated enriching life in a herd as a whole.

Can I Mix Various Types of guinea pigs?

As herd animals, the different species of guinea pigs generally mix well together. They do better long-term in pairs or more. keep in mind that a younger guinea pig can be introduced to an older guinea pig for easier bonding. This is especially important if looking for a friend to add with another pre-existing guinea pig. The issue that may come into play is the purchasing cost.

American guinea pigs are the least expensive guinea pigs to keep.

The full spectrum of guinea pig breeds available can be daunting when you first start looking closer. Hands down the cheapest guinea pig to to keep is the American guinea pig. Once again, it generally costs between $20 – $50 depending on where you’re getting it from. A guinea pig also has a 5-7 year life span. Specifically an American guinea pig is:

• Easy to take care of and is a good first guinea pig to have.
• Has a plentiful population in the United States.
• Has a vast color variety.
• Is very sociable with humans.
• Has a good disposition.

What are some of the other breeds to know?

A focus on the purchase costs associated with most of the guinea pig varieties available. When thinking of the cost factor, you may want something more, and it’s always good to know. Other guinea pigs besides the American guinea pig range from $50-$275. They are listed from a low to a high price.

1. Peruvian and Abyssinian guinea pigs have long silky hair and require a little more maintenance on the coat. They have fiery but intelligent temperaments. They are not as common but still in a general range starting at $50.)
2. Other long-haired guinea pig breeds include Texal, Himalayan, English Crested, and Shelti guinea pigs. (General price range starting at $50).
3. The Skinny Pig and Baldwin guinea pigs are hairless guinea pigs. They are known to be very docile and have a low price range of $175 to a high range of $275).

Guinea pigs make great pets and are incredible all in their own right. Guinea pigs are also long-term pets popular within families and school environments as well. Find the most cost-effective guinea pig as you get started when a budget is the mindset. Make sure you have a good guinea pig setup in place to start with before getting the guinea pig(s) and know the guinea pig cost doesn’t have to break the budget but will vary. Before committing other costs associated with the guinea pig(s) during their lifetime will be the bulk of the long-term life span.