Guinea pigs for Christmas?

[LingDiLong]

I don't generally approve of the idea of pets for Christmas but we have had guinea pigs before and our last one died a few months back. We've been discussing getting some more but had decided to wait as we're hoping to sell our house. However, I know the kids would be delighted if we surprised them by getting some for Christmas! Is this a really stupid idea? The only thing that worries me is, we'd like to get them from a rescue local to us but I wonder whether they would allow that?! And how would we 'hide' them beforehand? Has anyone else done something similar for Christmas and how did you sort out the practicalities?

Oh, also, if I got three piggies how big a cage would I need?

Our two boy pigs were Christmas gifts for DS1 and DS2 a couple of years ago (though like you I knew I'd be doing the actual work in taking care of them).

We made little 'gift vouchers' for the boys to open on Christmas morning-a picture of a guinea pig with wording along the lines of this voucher entitles you to a guinea pig of your very own etc etc.

We then took them to choose their pigs in early January.

Whilst the idea of having actual guineas there ready for Christmas morning is lovely, bear in mind that a reputable petshop or rescue are likely to refuse to sell/rehome to you over the Christmas period because it's a busy hectic time and therefore potentially very stressful for new pets. A voucher type gift is quite a good compromise though.

Oh that's a fantastic idea! Why didn't I think of that? Thanks so much! That would be a perfect solution. I think we may need a bigger cage so I could always get the cage and wrap it up with the vouchers inside...

Love dietcoke's voucher idea

I have 3 sows that live in a 5 foot 'outside' wooden hutch that is permanently in the living room.

If it was me I would get the cage after Christmas. I imagine if I was a kid unwrapping an empty cage would be disappointing.

Voucher sounds like an excellant idea .But before the pigs come along, a trip to buy tunnels, bowls, bottles etc for them
A pet for someone else -they need to choose themselves (though my DD has never had the choice, her boars were Rescue and needed a home.She wanted boars so they fit the bill. GP3 was chosen by GP1. GP4 and GP5 were also 'fit the bill' - adult,non-Rex stroppy sows )

Cage size recommendations for 3 adults is 5'x2' minimum (but they'll have run time too)
My guineas have grown like goldfish to fill their house space though .

What you can do before Christmas though is phone a couple of Rescues and find out if they have some piggies that sound like what you're adter. Depends if you want boys/girls/piglets/pigs
Good Luck