Initial Costs:
* Guinea Pig: $10-$50 (pet stores, shelters, breeders)
* Cage: $50-$200 (size matters, consider a 2-tiered cage for two guinea pigs)
* Food & Water Bowls: $5-$20
* Hay Rack & Water Bottle: $10-$20
* Bedding (Aspen, Timothy Hay, Fleece): $10-$20
* Litter Box: $10-$20
* Toys (chewing toys, hideouts): $10-$30
* Nail Clippers: $5-$10
* Grooming Supplies (brush, shampoo): $10-$20
* Vet Check-up: $50-$100 (initial visit)
Ongoing Costs:
* Food (Hay, Pellets, Fresh Veggies): $20-$50 per month
* Bedding: $10-$20 per month
* Vet Care: $100-$300 per year (routine checkups, vaccinations, potential illnesses)
Total Estimated Costs:
* Initial Set-up: $150-$400
* Monthly Costs: $30-$70
Other Considerations:
* Second Guinea Pig: If you get two guinea pigs, double the costs for everything except the initial cage purchase (you can usually get a larger cage for two).
* Special Needs: Some guinea pigs may have special needs that require additional care and costs.
* Location: Prices can vary depending on your location.
To get a more accurate estimate:
* Check local pet stores and shelters for guinea pig prices.
* Look at online retailers for cage and accessory prices.
* Contact a local veterinarian for an estimate of initial and ongoing vet costs.
Remember that guinea pigs can live for 5-7 years, so this is a long-term commitment. It's important to be prepared for the financial responsibility before bringing one home.