First pet

[bomi]

I have 2 little girls (6&4).

They are incredibly loving and I know they would absolutely adore a little pet.

Ideally, we would have something that is low maintenance, friendly and doesn't cost a lot in terms of vet bills etc.

I was thinking perhaps a Guinea pig as I recall them being gentle but also fun and being all excitable when they see you!

What are your suggestions for children of that age?

Guinea pigs are sweet but they aren't low maintenance (tbh I don't think any pet is)
They need constant hay, vit c, veggies and they are classed as exotic so they won't be cheap in vet bills if you need it but they are cheaper than a cat or dog

They are nervous to begin with so it takes alot of patience for them to trust you they can be scatty. They poo alot so be prepared for that. I've had some lovely ones but i dont miss the poop. They are adorable tho. If I were you I'd look into a rescue if you can. I find older pigs alot calmer and easier to hold especially by your children.

If you're getting guinea pigs please get two or more as they are social animals and if alone will become depressed. They also should be kept indoors and on fleece rather than sawdust. They need plenty of space too and and outdoor run for when the weather is nice.

This ☝️
Guineas need to be kept in pairs. Ideally 2 girls as boys are more likely to fight once in adolescence.

Guinea pigs are not low maintenance though. They need a lot of cleaning out as others have said.

Please don't get 'a guinea pig'. They need a great deal of care and attention every day, must NOT live alone and need far more space than people realise. Children very quickly get fed up of all the messy and time consuming jobs pets require and lose interest. Then it'll become your responsibility for years and years. Maybe when they're a bit older and can understand the enormity of the commitment?

I must also add, NO pet is low maintenance. Quite the opposite, and owning any animal is a serious financial responsibility. One of my guinea pigs recently needed eye treatment and it came to over £260 for 2 appointments and all the medication.

Caged pets aren't low maintenance. Cats are less maintenance than guinea pigs! One of my rabbits recently racked up a £1k vets bill, fortunately he's insured.

As a family, you need to decide what you consider "low maintenance". Caged pets will need daily spot cleaning and vets bills can be...surprising. They can be much more of an issue if you want to take holidays as well, finding dog/cat sitters is far easier than finding small furry sitters.

Hello - I volunteer in rescue and we won't rehome "small furries" (mice, hamsters, gerbils, rabbits, guinea pigs etc) to children under 8 years old. I understand your girls will have the absolute best intentions and are incredibly loving, but sometimes younger children are unintentionally clumsy and small pets are extremely delicate. Would they be able to wait a few years, or maybe consider a cat which is larger and could be handled? No caged pet is low maintenance and and as mentioned many must be kept in at least pairs or small groups with only the exception of Hamsters which are territorial and must be kept alone. In German speaking countries it's illegal to keep one guinea pig. I can tell you from experience that Guinea Pigs are hard work and need constant cleaning and space. Gone are the days of hutches and Guineas must be kept indoors in very hot or cold weather in C&C setups which take up lots of room. Personally I specialise in Gerbils, which require large set ups (mine are in a 165cm long tank) which most pet shops won't sell. They are very much a watch pet, not a cuddle pet, and I wouldn't recommend them for young children.

My honest advice would be to wait a few years until they are older or consider something larger like a cat. As I say to all parents that either relinquish pets or rehome through rescue "This is 100% your pet to care for, and if your children take any continued interest then that's a bonus".

Whatever you do please consider rehoming through a rescue where a lot of these pets end up.