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Daily fresh vegetables are a crucial part of their diet. Two pigs can eat $25/$30 per week of fruits and veggies.
Quality hay and pellets can be bought in bulk and cost-wise, this is a
better choice. Up front it may seem like more money, but it will be
cheaper in the long run.
Vet bills for sick pigs can run anywhere from $100-$600 or more,
depending on the illness and/or surgery. Yearly well-visits are
recommended. These can run $45 or more, depending on the vets in your
area. Not all vets can treat exotics so find a cavy savvy vet before you
need one.
Guinea pigs should be weighed weekly. This will often catch an
illness before the pet becomes symptomatic. Sick pigs should be weighed
daily.
Nails need trimming regularly. If left to grow they will corkscrew
and grow into the feet. Needless to say, this is very painful for the
pig.
Guinea pigs live, on average, 5-7 years. Are you, as a responsible
parent, willing to commit to this pet for that long? Children may be "in
charge" of the feeding, watering and socializing of their guinea pigs
but ultimately an adult needs to supervise the daily routines, making
sure they are done and done properly.
Guinea pigs are NOT toys and should not be thought of as disposable
once a child outgrows them. Unlike the toy building blocks and dolls,
these are living creatures that can not be sent to the local charity or
put out at the neighborhood garage sale.
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