I would get a young one if you can, so, they can get used to being handled easier. They are usually really timid at first, and, you have to catch them quickly. Ha ha, but, my RB guinea pig, Angus, was a total love bug. He was really nervous at first. I just made sure to hold him as often as possible, to get him used to people. I let a lot of different people hold him, too. He would chirp at us when he heard us enter the room, and, stand up on his hind legs to let us know he wanted out of his cage. He was so awesome, I loved him and miss him a lot, still. He was a great pet, and, died at about five years of age. Very cuddly little guy, and, pretty low maintenance as far as pets go. Just give them as much attention as possible, water (if I remember correctly, you have to add Vitamin C to the water), guinea pig food, alfalfa, and, some fresh veggies daily. They don't climb a lot like a rat or hamster, as far as my experiences go. I don't know that many of them run on wheels, but, I do know they'll run in a big rodent ball if you introduce it to them early on (again, only going on my experience). But, we used to just let Angus run around a safe area where it was open and he couldn't hide under or behind anything, and, we made sure there wasn't anything he could chew on, like electrical cords and things like that. And, we'd just play with him on the floor, he used to run laps around the area we had blocked off for him, popping straight up in the air (I've heard it called "popcorning") and bucking like a wild bronc. He was hysterical! Anywho....let us know if you get one! I think you should get two, though, I've heard they enjoy company. You do have to bathe them once in awhile, brush them regularly and cut their nails. But, if you get them used to it young (just like with puppies and kittens), it's not that hard later. Good luck!