Guinea Pig

I disagree with what some may say that Guinea Pigs are good pets for small children. If dropped, a Guinea Pig could easily break a leg and suffer agony before he has to be put to sleep. They do not like being mauled about by children. They need careful firm handling (they can jump and wriggle) and more care than most people realise, when they purchase these lovely little rodents for their children.

I have kept and bred these little creatures, initially I made the mistake of thinking they would make good pets for my then 12 year old. Kids unfortunately get fed up with cleaning them out, etc., and therefore if you are a parent thinking of buying one for your child, you must be prepared to take responsibility. They can also be easily forgotten if left outdoors in a hutch when it is cold and wet, but they need attention at least twice daily.

They also need extra protection from the cold winds of winter and should be kept indoors in a cage with hiding places or in a dry windproof shed or garage in their hutch. In summer they must not be kept in direct sunlight and again they need shade and hiding places. A good sized run is essential, move it around a grassed area and they will keep the grass down for you!

Do not buy a single Guinea Pig, they need company. Company of their own kind, therefore buy 2 same sex, if you must also have a rabbit, a Netherland Dwarf is probably best.

They must have Vitamin C added to their food or water, and be aware, they can catch the common cold off us humans and that can make them quite ill. Do not feed them rabbit food, it lacks the essential Vitamin C, a rabbit can eat Guinea Pig food but not vice versa.

They can also get mites, which is very irritating and needs veterinary care to try to get rid of them and by applying a special shampoo to the Guinea Pigs, rinsing well and thoroughly drying them. The mites can stay in their bedding and hutch, even after careful cleaning, so the Guinea Pig can become re-infected. Mites burrow into the skin of the Guinea Pigs, the constant irritation causes the Guinea Pig to scratch, inflicting lesions and fur is lost around the areas.

Providing you are aware these lovely little creatures need a lot of care, then buy them from a reputable pet shop, a shop who will give you the correct advice as to how to care for your Guinea Pigs. Make sure the eyes are bright and clear, there is no muck on their rear ends and that they are moving around the enclosure happily. Have their hutch, cage and run ready with food, hay and water before you go get them, obviously.

They will give you a lot of pleasure, you will get to know their little squeaks and squeals of delight as you approach them and feed them, but please take care if allowing children to handle them. They can grow to a good size, too heavy for a small child to handle correctly, best you hold them and allow the children to gently stroke them.

From the first moment I bought it, I fell in love. A guinea pig is a loving creature that will grow on you. It even got to recognise my voice, my smell and it made peculiar sounds whenever I passed by its cage. Had my pig for about 2 years before she died. Nonetheless, it was a great pet.

Guinea Pigs are so content, and they are lovely pets. They love cuddles, and at first require a lot of handling, so they are great for young children. They are easy to handle and low maintenance. Low Insurance costs (£3 a month). Great for the whole family!

I own two guinea pigs, one is young and friendly and the other is shy.

Guinea pigs are small animals that are good natured and they like to live with other guinea pigs or rabbits. They come in a range of temperaments. They are cute creatures that make loads of strange noises!

Guinea Pigs are very good as pets, especially for beginners. They are really nice, and they only have to be fed twice a day, two handfuls each time, and thats for 2 of them!