* If responding to a Craigslist ad meet in a public place, or go with a friend. Google the phone number of the poster to ensure it matches the name he or she gives *
LISTING EXPIRED. Taggy is a three year old gal near Fairfield, NY. She is a gray and white cutie, healthy, friendly, and sweet. Taggy is vocal and gentle. She comes with her cage, food bowls, toys, food, water bottle, and some guinea pig care books. This is all for a small adoption fee.
I really want to encourage this post on the grounds of Adopt a Senior Pet month. Even though that would be like giving a forty year old a discount at IHOP, but still. That is to say, guinea pigs can live up to nine years old with proper care.
Speaking of proper care, there are a couple of things in the Craigslist post I disagree with. The poster says Taggy would make a perfect first pet. This may be true, but ensure that you have an exotics or cavy savvy vet in your area. Fewer people specialize in guinea pigs than in cats and dogs, and so guinea pig owners often wind up being told they should put their pets to sleep when treatment could be done. This is obviously very difficult for all involved.
The poster also says Taggy would be a perfect companion for a young child. Here's an example of why I don't think that's true.
Guinea pigs are also not low maintenance, requiring only food, water, and a clean cage. They require unlimited hay, pellets, three servings daily of appropriate veggies, a large cage, daily floortime, daily lap time, weekly weighing, a companion, annual vet checks, etc. etc.
helpful links: Quality Hay and Pellets in bulk & Pampering your Pig & Cheaper, Larger Cages & Bedding & Essential Guinea Supplies & Proper Diet & Cavy Savvy Vets & "What's Normal? What's Not?" & "What is Rescuing and Adopting?"
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