I want to buy my kids a Guinea Pig. I need advice and info.

Question

My kids are 7, 4 and 1. I have always wanted a guinea pig also. I know that they are a commitment and want to do this right. I have read about the C & C cages so I know a little about that. Where did you buy your panels for the cages? Should I definitely do 2 levels to the cage? Do you recommend getting 2 pigs or just one? Any other things I should know before I make a decision on buying these?

Answer 1

Well, just make sure you don't put any of the responsibilities fully on the children. The guinea pigs should be considered your guinea pigs, really. Have the kids help you out with the care, but always supervise them near the guinea pigs. Guinea pigs don't make good pets FOR children, but most do get along WITH children. You can get the cube panels at Walmart, Target, or Bed Bath and Beyond.  You don't need two levels, but of course you could if you can make the bottom level large enough. You should definitely get two guinea pigs, they get very lonely when housed alone and don't make great pets because they are unhappy. Guinea pigs are time consuming and can get expensive. They have long lifespans for rodents so you can assume you'll need to go to a vet a few times in their lives, which can be costly. If you can devote some time daily to their care, then you're fine. Also, check out http://www.petfinder.com to find guinea pigs up for adoption near you. Guinea pigs at petstores are never healthy. Good luck!

Answer 2

They like a little levels, so if you can, you should add and extra level. DEFINITELY get two! Otherwise, they will get very, very lonely! Even if you can hold them a lot, still get two! Good luck!

Answer 3

First of all, THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU for researching and asking questions BEFORE you buy a guinea pig. I work in a pet store, and you wouldn't believe the amount of people who seem to just decide to come buy a pet on a whim and then expect it to be simple. I'm so glad there are still responsible people out there willing to learn before they buy a live animal. :)

Anyway, you should definitely get two if you can manage it, from the same group so you don't need to bother with introductions. Guinea pigs are social creatures, and are much happier with a cagemate. It's a myth that males can't live together, also.

C&C Cages are great! 2 levels is an individual decision. Some like them because they see it as more space, and others dislike it because of the chance that the guinea pig will fall. They're not good with perceiving height, so it's a risk to have another level.

Guinea pigs can be pretty skittish, especially with young children. Once you get them, let them settle in for 2-3 days before trying to handle them.

They need places to hide so they can feel comfortable. Something like those plastic igloos they sell at Petsmart and Petco would be just fine. They also like to chew!

Guinea pigs need a steady supply of Timothy hay, make sure they've always got some available. They eat a diet of timothy hay pellets. Oxbow is widely considered one of the best brands to feed them. They also benefit from fresh vegetables each day, dark leafy greens are great. Romaine lettuce, a bit of parsley, things like that. There are plenty of lists online with "good food" and "bad food" for your piggy. Don't bother with the vitamin C drops in the water, they don't do much. If you get high quality pellets and feed them lots of veggies, they should be good with vitamin C. You can give them an orange once per week if you like, but no more than that because the acid may hurt their lips.

Obviously you know that you'll be the primary caregiver, since you have young children, and I'd recommend always making sure they're seated when they hold them. As I said before, guinea pigs are skittish and may be injured falling out of their hands. They very rarely bite, which makes them a bit better for kids than hamsters, but they are easily frightened. Just make sure your kids aren't loud around them and don't chase them around the cage trying to catch them too much, since that can be stressful.

As for the coroplast, here's a site that will help you find a place that sells some for you. http://www.guineapigcages.com/where.htm

You can usually find the cubes at places like Target or Wal-Mart.

Good luck with your new pets, I'm sure you and your children will get lots of joy from it. Guinea pigs can be real sweethearts!  

Answer 4

guinea pigs are social animals so you should get 2

get a large airy cage for them and some soft bedding

and when your kids are handling them you should place them on a towel because ive been peed on by a guinea pig and not very pleasent

you should definetly get them though because their brilliant animals for young kids

good luck

Answer 5

Having kept rabbits and guinea pigs for a number of years I can say that pet shop animals are NOT unhealthy and get on very well with children-I've had one since I was 7 and am now 13.They are highly socialble creatures that adore attention and affection and nibble,l**k and purr when happy.I would advise to get two same s*x Guinea Pigs from the same litter a lonley Guinea Pig is a miserable one.My pets have a hutch which they retreat to at night and apen for daytime play and exersize.Buy a handbook to give to your kids so they know more about their pet too.Best of luck and have fun with the new family members!