How to Choose a Healthy Guinea Pig

When picking out a new pet, it's always a good idea to choose one that appears healthy. Some animals are pretty good at hiding illnesses (kind of a defense mechanism for prey-type animals -- never appear weak!) so even if you choose an animal that looks healthy on the outside it is no guarantee that health problems won't crop up. That said, it's easy enough to at least make sure your new pet doesn't have any obvious signs of illness. So, if you have decided that guinea pigs are the best pet for you, here are some tips to help you choose a healthy guinea pig by doing a quick health scan to rule out obvious problems. Notice the plural - if you like guinea pigs, you are best off getting a same sex pair -- they are very social and will be happier this way. Also, if you are in the market for a guinea pig, check local shelters and rescues as they often have guinea pigs up for adoption (or check on Petfinder.com).