Dd2 wants some guinea pigs - good idea / any advice?

[ElectraInExcelsis]

The only thing I know about them is that you should get two because they otherwise get very lonely...

Anyone have them? I had hamsters as a child but don't know about humane ways to keep guinea pigs, etc which is important to me. Dd2 is 5. I don't mind cleaning them out for her etc.

Any advice? TIA...

Re lino/smooth shiny surfaces

Not too good for gps normally, mine stay well clear as it it too smooth and slippery for them (although easy to clean for us!)

Mine run about on the carpet in the hall every evening - They have never wet the carpet, although they do poo occasionally they generally retreat to the cage for such things

When I first had them I put a fleece blanket on the carpet just in case they wet it but I found it wasnt necessary

HTH

I line the waterproof table cloth with fleece when they are in the run - tbh without it they wee and poo on it and it goes mushy [grim]

It's this one Yurtgirl. I can't find any decent pix, but it is easily big enough for two of them (probably more) and they can't squeeze out.

I thought the net top would be essential as our two cats find the gps extremely interesting. So far, though, the worst that happened was the kitten shoving her paw through the wall and trying to tap the big cardboard box we'd put in as a hiding place.

We had a picnic blanket which is waterproof on one side so we've put that down. At the moment, the whole thing's set up indoors by their hutch, but in the spring they and their equipment will go outside.

I don't think the net top is necessary actually, but I'll bow to your experience.

What's the best website for gp toys and things?

Hi all - hope you're all ok and your pigs!

We've had our pigs for 2 weeks and I've finally got the hang of cleaning out just part of their cage each day instead of all (it's the little things that make me happy).

They still run away when I pick them up but am persevering.

As far as exercise though they don't seem to be keen on their run and just huddle together in the corner. It's on the floor inside as been far too cold and wet to try them outside yet. Maybe they just don't like laminate floor under their feet?

And all they do is eat! Not too sure if I'm overfeeding them as I am putting 2 or 3 pieces of fruit and veg in the cage each day, plus their food.

Sorry whispy, I'm obviously one of those annoying people you pass in the street and when you say 'how are you?', I actually tell you instead of saying 'fine'.

Hi TTTT (too tired!)...

Well, all five of mine are now living in the kitchen...after a major move around including the fridge/freezer and the table! I did have two up in DD2's room (which is a huge room) but was always having to take their bottles off the cages at night cos they kept DD2 awake and the smell of hay/wee was a bit too over-bearing for DD2 to cope with. Now, all in the kitchen, makes life a lot easier to keep clean/feed and they seem a lot happier watching what's going on! Fortunately the kitchen is quite big so not a problem keeping them all downstairs but DH is calling the kitchen the 'guinea pig hotel!'

How many cages do you have?? Your kitchen must be huge!

I'm liking your guinea pig hotel - shame you're not closer to me, I would make a booking for my holidays .

My cage is in the hall (still searching for a base to it though), and it seems to take over the whole house! I am enjoying them though.

I've got four cages....the girls are in together. I love having them. Up until a few months ago they lived outside in hutches but I made the decision to bring them indoors. Yes it does look like a guinea pig hotel but considering the fact both the dog and cat live in the kitchen too it could double up as a zoo!

@ 4!!!

Yea well, I like them to have plenty of room! I bought all new runs for them last year too so come the warmer months and they'll be outside enjoying the sun! Mad as this may sound but I quite enjoy cleaning them out too! Saddo aren't I?!!!

I couldn't possibly say!!!