The guinea pig is getting more and more popular as housepet. It originally came from South America, where they used to (they also still do it) eat guinea pigs. The latin name for the guineapig is Cavia porcellus (a little pig looking thing). Now back to the history; the guineapig was brought to Europe by spanish explorers, and then the selling of them began. In old days only rich people could afford guineapigs, but luckily they have become cheaper by years.

If you wanna buy a guinea pig, you should make sure that you got space for it. And also, if you got kids tell them not to yell or make loud noises, because the guineapig got sensitive ears and they easy get scared like hell. You should have atleast 100 £. The guineapig itself costs 10-15£. A small / medium cage costs around 30-40 £. You will also need a drinking bottle, a bowl for food and a saltstone (a little round thingy the guineapigs licks on). You can get all these things for around 10-20£. You will also need hay and wood shavings for changing the cage. Thats around 6 £. Im usually buying lots of wood shavings from a woodcutter company, because they sell them for cheap prices. You can use the rest of the money for accesories.

The guineapig will also need some food. you can usually give it any kind of vegetables, and some guineapigs like fruits. Also, remeber to always keep their food bowl full with the mixed food packs you can buy in the stores. Some people say that the guineapig need Vitamin-C, so if you dont give you guineapig any food with Vitamin-C, you should buy some in the stores. Its like powder; just put a bit of it on their food. Actually my guineapigs have never gotten any Vitamin-C, and theyre doing fine!

In the summer halfyear the guineapigs can have a outside cage. Remember if you buy one; make sure its high above the ground. Then you piggies will be safe. You can also make your own home made grass cage, or you can buy one. Put the piggies in the grass cage and let them go around and explore for as long as you wish. IMPORTANT: Remeber to keep eye on them while they are outside. Also, make sure they got some shaodws to stay in or else they will die of heat.
In the winter halfyear, the guineapigs must NOT be outside. Its simply to cold for them.

Keep your pig healthy by taking it up atleast 1 day every week. Sit with it, let it calm down, massage it and talk with it. If it grow to long nails you will need to cut them. If you dont like to cut them by yourself, go to the vet and let him do it. Also, if you got a long-haired piggie make sure to cut the hair, when its too long. You can also brush their hair. If you wanna bath you guineapig, make sure to use shampoo without additives. Make sure that the pig dont get water in its ears; you will have trouble getting it out again.