Guinea Pigs

[wellies]

My dd would like a couple of guinea pigs for her birthday. I have never had any pets other than cats so have no idea what to expect with GPs - please tell me things I ought to know as we consider adopting some.
Thanks :)

[Mogz]

The first thing you need to know is that as keen as your dd seems now you will be the one cleaning, feeding and socialising with them six months down the line, so if you're going to get them you need to want them.
Other than that guineas make lovely pets, very social, full of character and not too complicated.
Make sure you have a good vet near by.
Research suitable diet.
Buy the biggest hutch and run you can afford.
Remember to flea and worm them.
All breeds should be brushed to be used to human contact but long haired breeds will need this more often and more thoroughly.
Make sure you know what you will do with them when on holiday.
You will get ridiculously attached to them and their cuteness!

[wellies]

Thanks. Dd is almost 13 so pretty good about the rules regarding care if we go ahead. I do expect I will be doing the lions share though and having recently spent two weeks looking after friends guinea pigs I've become rather fond of their little squeaks etc so imagine they're easy to become attached to.

There is a lady locally who has some baby GPs so we'd probably go for a pair from her. I don't know how long GPs live or how expensive they are to keep. Can you keep them outside all year? I've read conflicting reports on this.

[Gingerbics]

Hi wellies, there's a wealth of guinea knowledge in the super furry animals section next door, come on over!