Veterinarian Greenville South Carolina

Here are some places that my Greenville South Carolina veterinarian suggested that I look, when buying my pet guinea pigs.
Pet stores: only if the store/staff are knowledgeable about guinea pigs, keep them in appropriate, clean housing with a good diet, and handle the guinea pigs regularly. Look for stores that house males and females separately, to avoid a surprise litter.
Breeders: best option if looking for a show quality pig or a specific type, but also good for finding pet quality pigs. A good breeder will make sure the babies are socialized well and handled from an early age.
Shelters: guinea pigs often end up in shelters or rescues and this is a great place to give a guinea pig a second chance at life. Guinea pigs from shelters might be a little more skittish at first if they were not handled much when young, but most will settle down in their new homes once a routine is established.
My Greenville South Carolina veterinarian also told me that whichever source I chose, make sure the guinea pig appears in good health and condition, and is well socialized and easy to handle.
Try to avoid guinea pigs that are panicky when handled, especially if they do not relax quickly, and also those that are overly quiet and calm (may be ill). The guinea pig should be alert and active.
Avoid guinea pigs that are overly skinny or grossly overweight. The body should be firm and rounded. The nose, eyes, ears, and rear end should be clean and free from discharge. The coat should be full and soft. Check the skin for flakes or redness, and be on the lookout for any signs of parasites such as lice.