Have you ever considered a guinea pig as a pet? Guinea pigs are often classified as pocket pets, small pets which do well and live the majority of their lives in cages or pens. You may be surprised to know that these rodents make excellent companions. If space is an issue or you have allergies to dogs and cats you may find that a pet guinea pig is an ideal option.
They make good pets but what makes them such good companion animals? Their size is neither too large to fit into a small space nor so small you cannot handle them safely. Their personalities are friendly and adaptable. Their ease of care: a standard diet of readily available ingredients. However, before getting one you should look at finding out as much as you can so that you can provide them with the safest and healthiest living environment possible.
Other rodents such as mice, hamsters and gerbils are firmly nocturnal. This can make it difficult for them to fit in with the activity cycle of most families. A guinea pig will adapt its activity to be more compatible with that of its environment. This can lead to increased interaction with people and make it a more desirable pet.
Their size is also an asset when you are considering one for a pet. Although any young child should be closely supervised if they are handling an animal the larger size of a guinea pig makes them easier to handle and somewhat less fragile than other rodents like hamsters, gerbils or rats. Guinea pigs can be ten inches long and often weigh several pounds.
Guinea pigs also live longer than most rodents. They can live up to eight years although they are more likely to live four to five years. They are also fully formed at birth and are able to run around when only a few hours old. If they are handled correctly from an early age they can become very used to people and these are the guinea pigs which will make the best pets. They should not be removed from their mother until they are six weeks old but if they are exposed to people as babies this will help make them friendly and affectionate adults.
A guinea pig is quite a vocal animal and their cries can be heard at a fair distance. They have a range of different noises, including chirping, burbling and purring. A guinea pig that is very used to its owner will often emit a loud noise when they hear their owner approach, or they think there are treats to be had. If you keep more than one guinea pig in the same cage, it can be quite entertaining to listen to their chirps and squeaks as they interact.
Although guinea pigs seem like easy animals to keep there are a few things you need to keep in mind. They have some specific nutritional and health requirements in order to keep them healthy. They need a diet that is rich in fibre and vitamin C in order to keep them in top physical shape. A balanced diet that features a variety of fruits and vegetables, good quality pellets, hay and clean, fresh drinking water will help to keep your guinea pig healthy and content.
If you do decide to open your home and your heart to a pet guinea pig, you should know that you are gaining a loyal companion for the next four to five years. These large rodents can be a fun and friendly addition to your family life.
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