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Original poster

Guinea Pigs what do i need to know ?

42 replies

Beauregard · 07/11/2007 19:57

I am thinking of getting dd1 some for her birthday this month but i have never had one before.
Do they smell if kept indoors?

I know they can be very sensitive to the cold but if i change my mind and don't want them in the house can they go outside in a playhouse?would it be warm enough?

I read that they need vit c ,where would i get this from?

Thanks

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Dottydot · 07/11/2007 20:06

They're a bit smelly, but not too much. They do very tidy poos and tend to eat them. They squeak a fair bit and can live outside - we used to put carpet over our hutch in the winter and ours was fine. Never gave ours vit. c.

BroccoliSpears · 07/11/2007 20:06

From my VAST experience of having one guinea pig once...

Yes, they do get cold easily. Would need heating outside in winter I would say.
They're very sociable and like to huddle together for warmth, groom each other etc.
They're quite nice pets for children.
Not particularly smelly.
Guaranteed to widdle on your lap.
Love fresh veggies. I fed mine on Gertie Guinea pellets and lots of fresh fruit and veg.
They like a nice adventure playground with tubes and dark places to hide and hay or something to nest in.

CarGirl · 07/11/2007 20:09

They are sociable so 2 sisters would be a good idea! They are very chatty and will want to part of the family. A properly insulated external hutch covered with thick carpet in the winter should be okay especially if lifted into the play house overnight/into the house. You could have an indoor hutch for overnight only.

Make sure they don't get dropped or have the opportunity to fall from heights.

They love grass ours had access to an outdoor run whenever they wanted.

Fab pets

Dottydot · 07/11/2007 20:10

Yes they loves tubes to run through and can eat all the spring greens you can chuck at them. Dandelions as well. They squeak when you come to see them - very cute (don't tell dp though 'cos I'm not having another one!).

Original poster
Beauregard · 07/11/2007 20:13

Do they get on well with boisterous toddlers?

Where would the cheapest place be to get a hutch or indoor cage?Does anyone know online?

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Original poster
Beauregard · 07/11/2007 20:17

Cargirl-I was going to ask which sexes would be the best to live together.

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meglet · 07/11/2007 20:52

Piggies are fab. they do need vit c, only humans and piggys can't make their own vit c fact fans! I think all piggy food is fortified with it.

Two boys is not a great idea as they will fight, although I've had 3 sets of boys and they settle down after a few nasty rucks. 2 girls is ok, but they might still argue a bit. I currently have a snipped male and a female, he does seem to boss her about a bit.

Mine have been in the house for years but we moved then into the shed today as we have to clear out the spare room to make room for baby no.2 next summer. I am praying they will be ok! They might smell a bit indoors, just make sure they have a run in the garden that you can chuck them into every day. I put mine out even when its bit snowy, only for 5 mins mind you and they have a hutch to snuggle in.

Original poster
Beauregard · 07/11/2007 20:58

Thanks meglet-so 2 females is better then.
Your guinea pigs,are they just in a normal hutch in the shed?

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RubyRioja · 07/11/2007 21:00

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Original poster
Beauregard · 07/11/2007 21:17

Thanks for that Ruby
Where would i find a decent breeder?
Tbh i hadn't given that much thought,just thought of going to pet shop.

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RubyRioja · 07/11/2007 21:47

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Original poster
Beauregard · 07/11/2007 21:51

Thanks for the link.
I didn't even know you could get different sorts of guinea pigs
Bog standard pig will do us

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RubyRioja · 07/11/2007 22:04

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Original poster
Beauregard · 07/11/2007 22:07

Bless em.

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cadelaide · 07/11/2007 22:10

oh they are lovely.
Lots of good advice here already but you do need to know......they are lovely.

cadelaide · 07/11/2007 22:12

No No No, not those skinny pig things!
I meant the usual kind.

RubyRioja · 07/11/2007 22:14

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Original poster
Beauregard · 07/11/2007 22:19

How often would they need cleaning out?

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Original poster
Beauregard · 07/11/2007 22:46
Smile
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RubyRioja · 07/11/2007 22:59

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Original poster
Beauregard · 07/11/2007 23:07

found this ,how cute cute

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Original poster
Beauregard · 07/11/2007 23:09

Thanks for that Ruby,so when you say a tidy up just like change food and water and clean up any bad mess?

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CarGirl · 08/11/2007 13:18

They tend to poo in one place/corner so you can change that bit every day to reduce any smelliness. I really miss my pigs I'm too allergic to hay now to have one. BTW you must use hay for their bedding not straw as straw can damage their eyes.

meglet · 08/11/2007 13:57

yes, piggies are in a two storey hutch in the shed. I am relieved they survived their first night outside last night. I put a couple of blankets over the hutch and gave them lots of food. Pets at home hutches are pretty good, but again don't buy piggies there!

Original poster
Beauregard · 09/11/2007 20:36

Females are proving very difficult to track down

What would the chances be of someone being allergic to them?

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