There are basically four places to get guinea pigs -- from a
     breeder, from a pet store, from an ordinary guinea-pig owner who
     has had a litter of small guinea pigs, or from an animal shelter.
     There are advantages and disadvantages to each, but a detailed
     discussion is not in the scope of this faq.  To be brief --
     reputable breeders often sell high-quality pets but they cost
     slightly more.  Try to get recommendations from other guinea pig
     owners, or by asking on the net, before choosing a breeder.

     Pet stores are somewhat cheaper, but depending on the pet store,
     the guinea pigs are more likely to have caught a disease and may
     have been improperly cared for.  Most people do not recommend
     purchasing animals from pet stores.

     If you can find an acquaintance giving away a litter, or selling
     them at a reasonable price, by all means go ahead -- this way you
     can be fairly sure of getting a healthy, well-treated baby, while
     probably not paying too much.

     Do check out your local animal shelter to see if they have guinea
     pigs -- you may be able to find a lovable pet and save a guinea
     pig at the same time.

     Whichever route you choose to go, make sure you choose a healthy-
     looking, energetic guinea pig with no signs of disease.  If you
     go to pick him (or her...) up and he shows very little interest
     in the procedure, there's something wrong-- a healthy guinea pig
     will usually either run away from your hand or investigate it.
     Spend a few minutes with him before taking him home, to make sure
     the two of you get along and aren't allergic to one another.

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