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Post by CurlyCub on Jun 17, 2014 17:03:00 GMT
Since my hamster Dobby passed away just before Christmas I've really missed having another small pet. I got really use to having my own little animal to care for. Me and my sister both like guinea pigs and wondered if anyone that owns/has owned them could tell us some general information about them. I highly doubt I'd be allowed them but you never know, there's always when I'm a bit older  If I did get them, I'd get two and would have to pay for all the costs myself. Before I started secondary school my old childminder had two who were absolutely adorable and had lovely characters. I know the basics and I'm presuming a fair amount of their care; cleaning the cage/hutch, grooming etc is fairly similar to hamsters? Like I said, there's not much of a chance of me getting some but it never hurts to increase your animal knowledge  |
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Post by SarahHound on Jun 17, 2014 18:17:30 GMT
Guineas make great pets, especially indoors  They are easy to care for, not demanding really and more can be done with them compared to hamsters. They should really be in pairs as they are very social animals 2 girls are easier for first time owners in my opinion as quite often boys fall out at maturity. They need a cage of at least 4ft x 2ft x 2ft, and should have time out of their cage every day. Depending on the breed, grooming isn't essential. Smooth haired and Abysinnians are low maintenence. Peruvians have long hair and need regular baths, daily grooming and trims frequently. |
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Post by Roo on Jun 18, 2014 6:02:06 GMT
We have had many guineas, they do need regular cleaning out - their wee is a lot smellier than that of rabbits etc!
The downside I found is that once they know you give them food and nice things, they squeak. Every time they see you! :-P
They don't like to have ramps, they are not rabbits and don't have the bounce if they fell from a ramp.
We have only ever had boys together and no problem. But you must make sure that you have 2.
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Post by CurlyCub on Jun 18, 2014 17:13:14 GMT
Thank you for your answers I'm going to do some more research because why not  I don't know what it is about them, I just love them. They seem like such lovely pets. |
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Post by SarahHound on Jun 18, 2014 19:00:31 GMT
Thank you for your answers I'm going to do some more research because why not I don't know what it is about them, I just love them. They seem like such lovely pets. They are sweet. I should take a video of mine at veggie time. You can hear them a good few metres away, they love their veg! I actually find them to make better pets than rabbits, and much easier to care for too. But they do smell a bit more |
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Post by CurlyCub on Jun 19, 2014 17:22:20 GMT
Thank you for your answers I'm going to do some more research because why not I don't know what it is about them, I just love them. They seem like such lovely pets. They are sweet. I should take a video of mine at veggie time. You can hear them a good few metres away, they love their veg! I actually find them to make better pets than rabbits, and much easier to care for too. But they do smell a bit more I've heard that they're a bit stinkier haha You should take a video it would be lovely to watch |
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Post by milliepup04 on Jun 20, 2014 22:11:53 GMT
We've never had them before but last year got two long haired males. They get along really well and are so funny to watch! They are happy to come for cuddles and love all their vegetables! They are always squeaking and because they are long haired need fairly regular trims. They live in a hutch outside but they are inside in the winter and at night to make sure they aren't too cold and don't get attacked by a fox or something. They are great little pets, I hope you succeed in your quest for one!
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Post by CurlyCub on Jun 22, 2014 16:34:57 GMT
We've never had them before but last year got two long haired males. They get along really well and are so funny to watch! They are happy to come for cuddles and love all their vegetables! They are always squeaking and because they are long haired need fairly regular trims. They live in a hutch outside but they are inside in the winter and at night to make sure they aren't too cold and don't get attacked by a fox or something. They are great little pets, I hope you succeed in your quest for one! They sound so lovely I know about durning the winter keeping them indoors but I expect if I ever did get some I'd keep them inside throughout the year (I'd have a run outside for them of course). I hope I succeed too |
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Post by bubbles87 on Jul 11, 2014 6:59:50 GMT
Everyone is giving lots of advice but I will say there are lots of people looking to rehome their guinea pigs and lots in rescue so if you do get one have a look at these ones before going to a pet shop if you can.
I must say I love all the noises my 2 make, makes me feel loved lol.
Oh have a look at C&C cages my 2 have fair came out their shell since I changed from a hutch to this cage :-)
Best of luck lol
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Post by SarahHound on Jul 11, 2014 9:44:23 GMT
Everyone is giving lots of advice but I will say there are lots of people looking to rehome their guinea pigs and lots in rescue so if you do get one have a look at these ones before going to a pet shop if you can. I must say I love all the noises my 2 make, makes me feel loved lol. Oh have a look at C&C cages my 2 have fair came out their shell since I changed from a hutch to this cage :-) Best of luck lol Good advice, you're right, loads in rescues sadly. |
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Post by CurlyCub on Jul 23, 2014 12:22:16 GMT
Everyone is giving lots of advice but I will say there are lots of people looking to rehome their guinea pigs and lots in rescue so if you do get one have a look at these ones before going to a pet shop if you can. I must say I love all the noises my 2 make, makes me feel loved lol. Oh have a look at C&C cages my 2 have fair came out their shell since I changed from a hutch to this cage :-) Best of luck lol Trust me I know plenty about c&c cages, if I ever got some they'd have one of those for sure Also adoption would be where I'd get them from, I don't think it's fair buying from a petshop when there are so many needing homes. |
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If I did get them, I'd get two and would have to pay for all the costs myself. Before I started secondary school my old childminder had two who were absolutely adorable and had lovely characters. I know the basics and I'm presuming a fair amount of their care; cleaning the cage/hutch, grooming etc is fairly similar to hamsters?
They are easy to care for, not demanding really and more can be done with them compared to hamsters.
