Guinea Pigs
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Originating from South America, guinea pigs are intelligent, friendly and fascinating and although there are eight species, only one type is kept as a pet. Be sure that you have the time and commitment before taking in a guinea pig as they live between four and eight years on average. They do need to have company of their own kind and should be housed within groups of the same sex or in pairs. They should be at least six weeks old before taking home and it may be worth buying directly from a reputable breeder. Your guinea pigs should also never be allowed to breed as there can be distinct problems with the female being unable to give birth so avoid keeping mixed groups.
Naturally curious, guinea pigs enjoy seeing what is going on around them and they can be kept indoors or out, they do enjoy quieter surroundings though, so if your household is fairly noisy, then it is better to keep them outside in a predator proof hutch and run. Guinea pigs like to have a private sleeping area so that they can retreat out of sight for a while. They are susceptible to extremes of weather so their location needs to be considered before making a decision.
Food should be a quality guinea pig mixture available from all good pet stores, but they also like to eat some fruit and vegetables for the vitamin C. Fruit and vegetables safe to supply are:
- Oranges
- Melons
- Kale
- Cabbage
- Spinach
Fresh water must be available at all times and this should be in a bottle attached to the hutch and not stored in bowls on the floor as these are likely to be tipped over.
They make great pets for adults and children and because they are active during the day, it can be interesting to watch them as they communicate with each other. They are gentle creatures but because of their potential lifespan, children could outgrow their original interest in looking after them, and often guinea pigs have to be re-homed because of this reason.
Never be tempted to house guinea pigs and rabbits in the same environment as rabbits can mercilessly bully the guinea pig with some disastrous results.
<< Previous Gerbils | Back to Pet Rodents | Next >> Hamsters
Naturally curious, guinea pigs enjoy seeing what is going on around them and they can be kept indoors or out, they do enjoy quieter surroundings though, so if your household is fairly noisy, then it is better to keep them outside in a predator proof hutch and run. Guinea pigs like to have a private sleeping area so that they can retreat out of sight for a while. They are susceptible to extremes of weather so their location needs to be considered before making a decision.
Food should be a quality guinea pig mixture available from all good pet stores, but they also like to eat some fruit and vegetables for the vitamin C. Fruit and vegetables safe to supply are:
- Oranges
- Melons
- Kale
- Cabbage
- Spinach
Fresh water must be available at all times and this should be in a bottle attached to the hutch and not stored in bowls on the floor as these are likely to be tipped over.
They make great pets for adults and children and because they are active during the day, it can be interesting to watch them as they communicate with each other. They are gentle creatures but because of their potential lifespan, children could outgrow their original interest in looking after them, and often guinea pigs have to be re-homed because of this reason.
Never be tempted to house guinea pigs and rabbits in the same environment as rabbits can mercilessly bully the guinea pig with some disastrous results.
<< Previous Gerbils | Back to Pet Rodents | Next >> Hamsters