African (possibly not) pygmy hedgehogs or skinny pigs?

[kreecherlivesupstairs]

DD is desperate for a pet. I have said no to cats or dogs or tortoises or snakes or stick insects or anything else.
The two things I am considering are pygmy hedgehogs or hair free guinea pigs. Simply because both are so cute and daft looking.
advice please? she is 12.8 and fairly responsible.

If you have said no to cats, dogs, tortoises etc or anything else why are you considering a pet? Don't buy an animal because it looks cute. You need to read up on them thoroughly first. How long do they live, what are their basic requirements, will you clean it out and look after it until the end of it's life. The cost of vets bills, food, bedding, where it will live. Time spent playing with it. Is it meant be solitary or part of a group. IMO hedgehogs are not pets. A hair free guinea pig? Do you mean a bald guinea pig?

Please don't buyin to this skinny pig thing. Guinea pigs cannot do half the things guinea pigs love if they are hairless.

Banning genetically mutated animals because they are cute ought to be banned and their breeders ashamed.

Ok. The reason for guinea pigs is they don't live 25 years like a snake or 100 like a tortoise.
I have considered the cost of vets, boarding and food. I was just musing aloud I suppose.
The reason for hedgehogs is they were very popular when we lived in Malaysia (although I haven't seen any here). They are small, portable and apparently very affectionate.
Please don't think I'd go tearing off to buy something on the spur of the moment.
I take your point about skinny pigs though. The ones I saw, which I'd never be able to afford (£400 for the pair) looked like midget hippos.

As a Guinea-Pig Mum I wouldn't buy a skinny unless your DD was allergic to fur (but then she could be allergic to hay or their skin scurf)

I couldn't bring myself to buy one (too weird) and much higher maintenance than a regular guinea.

I've had smooths, Abbys, a Peruvian and now a Rex.
I (and this is my opinion) think they 'lose' a bit with each variation away from the prototype.

Our Abbys were lovely but they were all smaller in build and their noses are shorter.
Peruvian could've been a mop on legs but we kept her coat trimmed.

The new Rex is a huge solid boy, lovely coat and temper. But when we got him, the Rescue said he was Swiss (I was a prepared for alot more work, so I was relieved he turned out to be a Rex )

I'd imagine Skinnys are cuddly simply because they'd want to steal your warmth.

Pygmy hedgehogs are cute and amazing animals BUT it is a must that they are researched fully in order to meet their care requirements.
They need constant temperature monitoring as they need to be kept at a certain temperature or they will attempt hibernation which can be fatal as pygmy hogs do no hibernate. They need a lot of space and daily handling and not every hoggie likes being handled. They are nocturnal so thats something to think about mine only really like to come out at 11pm onwards i do have to wake them so sometimes they grump. Also care about their food as they have certain requirements also they eat live insects and to ensure right bedding etc. They are also quite pooey animals and some can smell strongly lol. Plus the costs arent cheap at all and finding a vet with knowledge can be tricky.
If they are researched fully and owner has the time daily needed then thats great. Hope I dont sound to negative but I am a carer for the rescue and theres lots of hoggies brought in because they are brought as they are cool but people havnt realised the care they need. But if you have any questions or need advice im happy to try and help. Ive got two hoggies of my own to so I know the many positives and negatives of owning them :)

Thanks for that advice. Looks like we'll be going to a rescue if I decide we can care for an ordinary furry Guinea pig properly.
I've gone off the idea of a hedgehog simply due to the temperature issue. I suppose I never considered it in Malaysia since it's always F hot.
I will of course get a pair (or more).