new to guinea pigs

[IAmNotACaterpillar]

Our beloved hamster died a couple of weeks ago. I've been really quite down about it, especially as the kids have gone back to school because even though he was mostly asleep (although was getting up more for a pee and a drink during his last few weeks) he was still there, and company for me (sad I know!)

Anyways, we're thinking of maybe, possibly in a few weeks, getting a couple of guinea pigs. I think they'd be better for dd(6) as she never really bonded with good old Fred-the-hamster because of him being nocturnal.

I'd want to keep them indoors and looking into cages/hutches came across this:

www.ebay.co.uk/itm/LARGE-R4A-R5A-R6A-ASTON-WARREN-RETREAT-INDOOR-RABBIT-GUINEA-PIG-CAGE-HUTCH-STAND-/300873706819?pt=UK_Pet_Supplies_Small_Animals&var=&hash=item460d786d43

and wondered if there are any experts on here who could advise. I do like the C&C ones, but not sure about keeping them on the floor (next door's cats think our house is an extension of theirs!) so I thought getting one on a stand would be good.

Also - I had a nightmare last night that we went to get a couple of piggies, but there were three and I couldn't bear to leave the third one all alone so I've told DH we have to have a cage big enough for three just in case!!

Pigs are lovely and would be great for your DD as they are easier to hold and cuddle and they never ever tire of being fed.

I would just say to get as big a cage as you can (I couldn't see the dimensions of the one in your link). My 2 indoor boys live mainly in a 5' x 2' cage, but I do give them lots of playtime where they either free range in the conservatory (I do have to hoover and wash the floor after) or go in their run. I have a folding indoor run for cold, wet days and a large outdoor run in the garden so they can mow the lawn for me. If you can give them grass time in the summer that's great as they love it.

Excellent idea to get guinea pigs . Baby pigs are sold from about 8 weeks old and IMO a bit small for a 6 yo to handle. I got my sows from an independent pet shop who had a mix of ages. Naughty was 3.5 months and Fatimus was 4 months old. They were still babies but not tiny.

Have a good look at the ebay link. There are several variations. The important thing to bear in mind is guinea pigs must not be caged on wired floors. Guineas have very delicate feet and would be terribly damaged on a wired shelf.

Good luck with finding your pets

Sorry to hear about your hamster

Was just about to say watch out for the wired floor on the cage but fortified got in first!

Also echo everyone else saying get as big a cage as you can and think about how you are going to give them run time.

I also went from hamsters to guinea pigs. Hamsters are gorgeous, but I love the way that pigs will squeak at you to demand food. I was also amazed that they can learn their name and come running up to you (well, they learn to associate a certain sound with food - but that's good enough for me!)

Good luck and enjoy!

YY guineas are the best of the Super Furries.
Awake in the day (unlike hamsters)
Pick-upable unlike some rabbits
Bigger than mice and gerbils and without the eek factor of rats (though I view the fact that GPs aren't as clever as rats a huge advantage )

They need loads more room than you'd imagine. Doesn't need to be all in one space. A big enough cage to sleep in (if indoors. Hutch outdoors).
Check on C&C cages for a guide but IME bigger is better.
Outdoor play area. Indoor play area.

Boars especially - loads of boar problems is down to lack of room.

They need hidey spaces and to be able to follow their natural instint to dig about in hay and go in and out of boxes and tunnels.

And yes, a young adult is probably easier to handle. If you get boars that are bonded you'll hopefully miss the teenage Kevin age. (Though loads of the boars on Gumtree that are looking for a new home and I think "Why"? .
Then I see the "huge cage" is a litter tray size and the boars are 5 months old. Question answered)

My GP3 was 6 weeks old when we got him (had to be a baby as a match up. I wouldn't ordinarily have got a piglet). He's a Rescue. He's as mad as a box of frogs
We all love him (especially GP1) but he's hard work.
It's a relief to give him to DD and cuddle the solid and slightly Victor Meldrew GP1 .
But he's settling down. Getting bigger, more mature.

They are fabulous animals.
DD just reminded me that GP3 is my guinea-pig number 15 since I was 9yo.

Would echo going down the rescue route to get the more mature pig.

70 - agree totally about intelligence - there is no way I want a pet that can out smart me and GPs certainly can't (except when I'm very tired)

Thank you so much. I had another look at that cage and can see what you mean about the mesh shelf. Spoke to DH and I think we are looking at the C&C ones on a stand, and get a lid. Although we are thinking with the colder weather coming there's less risk of the cats wandering in (we have to avoid leaving the back door open in summer, does my head in!).

Will definitely look into the rescue option too. I'm so excited, been feeling quite down so this is something nice and positive to look forward to!

Let us know what you decide and we will require photos of any new arrivals