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Guinea pigs - can some one tell me about them?

18 replies

numptysmummy · 29/01/2008 14:39

Ds1 who is nearly 8 wants one. He has been on about it for a yr. Should i? Don't expect him to do everything but i know he will help. Have been offered 3 brothers that are 6mnths old. Is it a good idea? Will they be better than a rabbit? Etc etc!

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Jaynerae · 29/01/2008 14:54

We have Rabbit and two Guinea pigs (kept seperatley) so can give POV on both. Guinea's are easier for DC's to handle - Rabbit does not like being picked up. GP's make cute funny noises and really easy to look after. They require no injections - Rabbits do - so expense there. Rabbits very prone to fly strike which can kill, and have delicate digestive systems. If they get upset tum - difficult to treat. Vets recomend Rabbits are neutered.

My DC's are 8 and 4.

binkleandflip · 29/01/2008 14:56

we have two male guinea pigs and a male rabbit who all live together. Easy to look after, very cute, very squeaky and noisy!!

Threadlice · 29/01/2008 14:58

We have two males living together. They squared up to oneanother a bit at first, but without doing any harm. Now they are friends. They make lovely pets. Ours belong to my 8yo son. He does all the work of caring for them, with our help and reminders!

numptysmummy · 29/01/2008 15:01

Are they likely to fight? It's a breeder i know and they are surplus stock. She is mad on her animals so they have been well handled etc. Anything else i should know? How bigger a cage etc. Thye will have a grass run of course. Lo's are 10,7 and a half,3 and a half and 18mths. From what i remember they are less flighty than rabbits.

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Hassled · 29/01/2008 15:05

As long as you handle them a lot from the start they are very friendly - they make good pets but do poo an astonishing amount so be prepared for some regular cleaning out - makes good compost, though. They also seem to breed like rabbits - do not do what I did and give in to pressure to get a boy and a girl and let them have "just one set of babies" - months later it will be completely out of hand .

Threadlice · 29/01/2008 15:06

Their poo is rather charming.

numptysmummy · 29/01/2008 15:07

God,def no mummys and daddys - can still remember the yr my mate had 2 and ended up with about 30 of them!

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numptysmummy · 29/01/2008 15:08

Oh,and used to clearing up poo - 4 kids,5 dogs,a cat and chickens coming in march. Full of shit,me

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OnACaffieneHigh · 29/01/2008 15:09

Be prepared to move their grass run at least once a week if they are in it all the time as they will eat it all

They're adorable.

OnACaffieneHigh · 29/01/2008 15:09

The grass that is!

bubblagirl · 29/01/2008 15:27

as long as all are sme age they will be fine i have to boy guinea pigs and they are fine together

they are easier for the children and only pet who's urine doesnt smell as long as cage kept clean

i love my litle piggies easy to keep love being groomed not very expensive to keep

just google them and you will find all you need to know on how to care for one

numptysmummy · 29/01/2008 15:52

Thanks everyone. I'll break the happy news to d.h when he gets home. He'll be so happy

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ROSEgarden · 29/01/2008 15:55

theyre lovely, check they dont fight together tho, but guinea pigs are much calmer and cuddly than rabbits(had both as kid)

Earlybird · 29/01/2008 16:44

On a tangent: which make better pets - guinea pigs, hamsters or gerbils?
Preferable to have males or females with regard to temperament?
Are they happy on their own, or is it best to have two (of same sex) for companionship?

DD hassling for a pet, so am considering how to proceed....

ROSEgarden · 29/01/2008 20:04

guinea pigs definatly!..hampsters get out and hide..forever..im sure similar to gerbils and are ickle and wiry and wily..guinea pigs are bigger and cuddlier and soooo cuuuute

BeMyLilBaby · 31/01/2008 12:50

I have two boys, and i can honestly say they are great pets, mine ahve even been trained not to pee on us, but they do poop alot, it isnt all that messy tho

CoffeeCrazedMama · 31/01/2008 13:41

Ooh yes, get guinea pigs. They are totally adorable. My vote is for girlies (we have two sisters - they are totally devoted and squeak in terror if separated). Probably the least smelly of any pet, but must be cleaned out at least once a week.

You won't believe how much you will love them!

Radley · 31/01/2008 13:55

With regards to pigs foods, the basics are

They can eat ANY vegetable except potato
They can eat most non acidic fruits
Don't put vitamin drops in water as it will change flavour
Fresh straw for food is needed every day so that they get their vitamin c which is essential
They love acidic fruit like oranges, but give half once a week otherwise the acid will cause blisters
Guinea pigs go mad for parsley so this is a fab treat every once in a while
Dont give them iceberg lettuce as this can give them tummy ache
In summer months they love dandelions and dandelion leaves and will eat these in abundance.

The best food you can give them is 'Guinea Excel' it comes in a bright orange bag.

Other pointers are

In the summer when it is hot a house brick in the cage is great for them to lay on (try and rub corners down if you can)
Check their claws every week, some grow more than other
Let them have somewhere to hide, whether it be an old box or a proper house
In summer months if you can let them run about on the grass, they will love the fresh air and amount of grass they can eat (make sure its covered so cats, dogs, birds cant get them (I lie at the side for an hour and read the book)

Main things

If a guinea pig lives outside, the estimated age is 3-5 years
Inside it is 4-9 years as they are protected by the elements

In summer if I'm nipping out and I know it wont rain i put them outside in their cages (i have 3)

Any questions feel free to ask

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