Their hair can be silky smooth or stiff with rosettes. Some guinea pigs have long velvet-like coats that will require grooming. When selecting a guinea pig, pick it up and inspect the eyes, ears, and nose, looking for any unhealthy discharge or scabbing. With your hand, gently brush the animal's hair in the opposite direction to check for parasites and to be sure that the coat springs back into place. Parasites should not be a problem, and if there are signs of them, then these animals have not been kept in clean conditions.
Animals get lonely too.
However, do not keep two males together as they will continually fight. Housing Guinea pigs can be kept indoors or out, but as a family pet, you may want to consider keeping yours inside. Guinea pigs can live peacefully with rabbits in outside hutches that are protected from the elements and predatory animals. Most pet stores have a wide variety of cages and aquariums to choose from. Cages are easier to spot clean, while aquariums are neater as shavings do not come out the sides.