Little Bunny replied: "First of all, your piggy can live by itself, that's perfectly fine. As for what you'll need, I'll give you the run down. Most people start looking into buying a pig, but don't know how much of an investment they are making! These guys can be on the expensive side. Guinea pigs CANNOT produce there own vitamin C, therefore, it will always be necessary to provide it to them. This is in a combination of water drops, vitamin snacks, and fruits and vegies like oranges and collard greens. This in itself can be an investment. The biggest thing you will have to consider is the cage. Guinea pigs need A LOT of room. True story, I worked at petsmart and assisted a customer with buying a cage. She became angry with me when I pointed out a cage that was claimed to be for a guinea pig but I told her it was the inappropriate size. Be weary of cages that claim to be big enough for a guinea pig. I would suggest one that is big enough to house a chinchilla. Guinea pigs do this thing, where they will jump up in the air and flip- which is called "popcorn", in some of these cages, they cannot jump- so you will never witness it. The cage can be as little as $75 and up. You will need to buy them a house big enough for them. If you are getting a baby, know they will get much larger and buy appropriately. Guinea pigs, normally don't really need a wheel. You want to provide something for him to chew on at all times, because his teeth will continue to grow his whole life. As for the bedding, I recommend two types, Carefresh, or Aspen wood chips. Any other wood is bad. The contain aromatic oils that go into your pets lungs after they defecate which can cause a respiratory infection in your sensitive piggy. Just know, they are going to kick it all over the place. So be prepared. They also need timothy hay. Stay away from Alfalfa, it is very rich and unnecessary. It should be given more as a treat. They need a food bowl, and a water bowl- or bottle. I like bowls better because I've had issues with bottles before- but to each his own. That pretty much gives you the basics of what you need. And you must have everything he needs before you take him home. All in all you could spend up to $200 on everything. Be sure to choose his cage well, I believe the cage is the most important thing you will buy, next to the vitamins and food. You have to give guinea pigs guinea pig food because it provides vitamin C that is not provided in other rodents food. Here is an example of a cage that I would say is unexecptable for a guinea pig: Hope that helps you understand what you will need and have to provide for a pet guinea pig."

mumo4 replied: "Piggies aren't especially expensive pets. They need lots of fresh veg but ours tend to get peelings etc from the families veggies, so no additional cost. I use Gertie Guinea Pig dry mix (Don't know if this is available outside UK?). Whatever you use make sure it has added vitamin C. We have 2 piggies and they get through £4 worth of mix a week. Bedding and hay comes to around £5 a week all in. Having 2 piggies costs little more day to day than one piggy and they do like to have piggy company. Go for two girls or two neutered boys or maybe brothers."