How much do Guinea Pigs cost? And what should I budget for before becoming a Guinea Pig owner?

Introduction – So how much does it cost to keep Guinea pigs?

As with all pet ownership, it is very important to assess how much do guinea pigs cost before acquiring your new buddy. You will want to ensure you understand the financial commitment prior to acquiring your new pet to ensure you can meet the demands on your wallet as well as your time!

Outside of the cost of the Guinea pig itself, there will be an initial outlay such as a new home for your Piggy, plus the ongoing recurring costs such as food and fresh bedding.

Expensive one-off costs such as vet bills should also be factored in prior to embarking on your Guinea pig Journey to avoid any nasty surprises.

We have gone through the expenses in this article, which should give you a good idea of what it costs to own and look after a healthy and happy Guinea pig!

can I afford to own a Guinea Pig?

This is a question that we hope to help you with here!

After reading this blog, you should be able to add the costs to your monthly budget planner and see if you can cover the extra expense without taking on additional work or asking for more pocket money…

How Much are Guinea Pigs to buy?

How Much do Guinea Pigs cost? We estimate the cost of a baby Guinea pig to be around $25-$40. This is, of course, dependent on where you go to get your piggy, and what breed you go for.

Pet shops, on the whole, are cheaper and tend to price all their piggies roughly the same. Breeders tend to be more specialized and charge extra for pedigree specialist breeds.

If you are on a budget, you might want to consider adoption. It’s always good to look out for Guinea Pigs who may have become unwanted, or if unexpected litters are being rehomed for free. check your local classifieds regularly, for notifications. Craigslist or gumtree are also good places to check for upcoming adoption opportunities.

Additional Start-up costs or your new guinea pig

So you have found a Guinea Pig either at a pet shop, breeder or through adoption. what else do you need to prepare for before bringing your new little furry pet home? we have gone through the basics below, plus a few additional extras if you are looking to spoil your new addition from the get-go.

Essential Items for your new Guinea Pig

Somewhere to live

A cage or Hutch is obviously a good place to start. Dependent on the breed and available space, you should endeavor to get the biggest cage (by footprint) possible. Guinea pigs aren’t natural climbers so focus on the available floor space above all else.

How much does a Guinea Pig cage cost? You can expect to fork out between $100-$200 for a good quality cage or hutch of adequate size. we’ve reviewed some of the market leaders here for your research.

If you are handy with the tools, making your own cage or hutch can be an inexpensive way of providing top-quality living space at a fraction of the price of a shop-bought model. We’ve not built one, but this list of DIY cages and hutches here looks pretty awesome!

Guinea Pig Water supply cost

Your new buddy will need a constant supply of clean and fresh drinking water. The focus here should be on a vessel that is large enough for your thirsty little fellow, with a reliable dispenser so you can rest safe in the knowledge that your cavy has access to his water at all times.

You can expect to pay in the region of $5-$15 for a good quality, reliable bottle.

Again, we have done the hard work for you and reviewed the market-leading water bottles here.

Guinea Pig food bowls

Guinea pigs love to eat. They love nothing more than chowing down on a big bowl of pellets and fresh fruit and veggies.

You will need a good-sized bowl, or even 2 if you are intending on serving his fresh fruit in veggies in one too! look to spend no more than $8 on a hygienic ceramic bowl, or slightly more for a stainless steel model.

Guinea Pig Hide-out

Some say this is not essential, yet we think it is an important addition to your piggies’ home straight away. A hideout provides a space where your Guinea Pig can enjoy some well-earned peace and quiet away from their humans. You can spend anywhere from $5-$100 on somewhere for your pet to hide out. Many cages also come with them as standard, as described in our best Guinea Pig cages guide. If you are feeling handy, you could also make a house from some old scrap wood if you have some lying around the garage.

Bedding

How much does Guinea Pig bedding cost? Again this varies on the material being used. Some owners prefer a fleece liner as opposed to a disposable bedding material. They range from anywhere between $15 – $60 for really good quality. Obviously, you will have additional costs for washing and drying the liner.

Hays and other wood shavings should set you back about $20 for a 60L pack. which should last for 3-4 changes depending on the size of your Guinea Pig home and the number of pigs, of course.

Hay

Guinea Pigs love chomping down on their favorite hay blends, and can do so for several hours a day! this is going to be one of the biggest ongoing costs other than food. We have compiled a guide on the best hay for your guinea pig, which has all the facts and information you will need, as well as reviews of some of the leading brands available online.

Food

How much does Guinea Pig food cost? Well, this is a question that can vary a huge amount. Our guide on the best food for your Guinea pig has a good source of information about what you should be feeding your Guinea pigs, and our Guinea Pig weight guide goes into more detail about controlling your Guinea pig’s diet for optimum heft.

Optional Items for your new Guinea pig

Grooming equipment and supplies

If you are the owner of a long-haired guinea pig, then you will need to invest in a good quality brush for keeping your pet’s coat knot free. The price of brushes ranges from anywhere between $5-$15.

Toys and games

Keeping your Guinea Pigs entertained during playtime should be pretty easy. They are naturally very inquisitive and will run and explore even the most mundane space! Having said that, who can resist spoiling our little friends with a treat now and again? toys can range in price depending on the type, size, and durability. You can even make some of your own toys and games to keep the cost down!

Chew sticks

Guinea Pigs have open-tooted teeth, which means they continuously grow. So it’s a good idea for them to have plenty of things to chew and gnaw to keep them to a comfortable size. Guinea Pig chews tend to range from about $3-$5 per pack

Hay Rack

Guinea pigs love hay. They can happily chew on their favorite blend for hours a day, so it should be in constant supply. Keeping their hay in a rack ensures their favorite snack is kept away from the floor of their cage, and not in contact with any contaminants or soiling.

How much do Guinea Pig hay racks cost? This varies with the size, shape, and material of the hay rack, so be sure to find one suitable for your budget as well as your Guinea Pigs requirements. On average, we think around $10-$15 is more than enough to spend here.

Guinea Pig pen or Run

Guinea Pigs love to run around and explore. It’s a good idea to have an enclosure where they can do this safely, away from any household dangers such as other family members or pets! we have compiled a guide on the best Guinea Pig runs for your convenience.

Monthly recurring costs