How can I care for a Guinea Pig?

Question

My parents are divorced and I go to me dad's one week then my mom's the next and so on. I really want a guinea pig but how could I care for it becuase I know they need lots of attention.

Also please no rants on how to care for a guinea pig I have done research for the past 3 months and know about the beddding, hay,pellets,c&c cage, and all the rest. My mom said maybe and so did my dad if I get one I know where I'm going to put the cage and every thing.

Answer 1

mayeb you should buy a cage for each house!!  i know its more expensive, but especially in the first months of having a guinea pig, the more you handle him, the more he will get used to you and love you.  i deff recommend 2 cages, you can easily transport him back and forth..  they are pretty much comfortable wherever they are!   oh, and dont forget the vitamin C!  they really like grapes and cherries :)  good luck!

Answer 2

I used to have 2 male guinea pigs...and let me share my experience. Firstly, I am sorry to hear about your parents' divorce...you will definitely feel better with a pet that can cheer you up. Guinea pigs are social animals, but that doesn't mean they cannot live alone, although they can be lonely without a friend. You might want to consider getting 2. but think again. 2 guinea pigs can be really costly, just like mine. So, always think about it carefully. Having and caring for a guinea pig is not as easy as you think. If you cannot have 2, 1 is fine, but be sure to play with it everyday so it will not feel lonely.

Always remember: A pet is a lifetime commitment!

If you still need any help, feel free to contact me at: [e-mail]

Good luck!

Answer 3

If you know all about guinea pig care then I don't understand your question.  If you are going to spend a week with each parent then you are going to have to take the guinea pig with you each time you go to a different house.  You can't just be with your guinea pig every other week.  They need daily interaction with you.

Answer 4

what they said

Answer 5

Firstly, let me say that guinea pigs CANNOT live alone. They are social animals and in need of at least one other guinea pig friend. Having one deprives it of its social needs, and you are basically neglecting it. Make sure they are same sexed though!

For your situation, guinea pigs would not be the best of pets. Unless your parents were to agree to take them out every day, you cannot only have them living in one house. But at the same time, taking them to a different place each week would be stressful.

I think in your case, you should build two identical cages for each house. To avoid the moves being too stressful, keep some of their used bedding, and bring thier accessories (like food bowls, hiding boxes etc) with them so both cages smell the same. Guinea pigs also need daily time out of the cage to exercise. I suggest you buy a playpen, and use it in both houses so thier exercise time smells familiar as well, and they feel more comfortable.

Answer 6

I would go with the cage in each house suggestion. If you're worried about cost, try to get second hand hutches - put out an ad or ask around - just make sure you scrub them out well and disinfect before putting your pig(s) in. 4 out of my 5 cages are second hand.

I really wouldn't worry about having identical cages - my guinea pigs (and i've had many over the years, and they've multiplied :-P) change cages every week as i find the wood gets damp and it's best if the cage has a bit of time to dry out before i fill the cage again otherwise mould grows or the wood rots. It's doesn't seem to have done my pigs any harm.

Guinea pigs are sociable creatures so if you can afford to have two, then do. Two females is best - two males might start fighting as they get older, and i think you can figure out what will happen if you have one of each!

It will probably help your pig if you get it really used to handling so that during moving you will be able to reassure it rather than freaking it out more. I know this sounds weird but it might also help if you make the cages smell a little similar - perhaps take a handful of the used bedding from the first cage with you and put it in the second cage for the first couple of moves until your pig gets used to the smell of it's new cages and new homes (and makes them smell of it!).

One other thing to think about - if you live somewhere where winter means frost or snow - is there somewhere inside that you can put the cage? not everyone brings their pigs in in winter but it is possible for guinea pigs to freeze to death occasionally.

anyway, i wish you the best of luck and if you've done reading, i'm sure you'll be fine :-) hope i've been helpful.