About Guinea PIgs. Do they HAVE to live in pairs? Is that optional?
Guinea pigs don't HAVE to live in pairs, although it borders on being cruel to just adopt one. This is because guinea pigs are herd animals by nature and as a result are very social. You can talk and cuddle 1 guinea pig all you like but in the end you are not their 24/7 like a cage mate would be and you can not talk in guinea pig language. Food: - Guinea pigs need a good plain pellet, unlimited grass hay and 1 cup of fresh produce twice a day - For the pellets and hay I would recommend either Oxbow or Kleenmama's Hayloft. - Vitamin c enriched fresh produce or kids chewable vitamin c tablets - Fresh water Where to get your pig: - Not a pet store - Not a breeder - But a rescue, the animals here need a loving home to go to. I have numerous links which I could give that would help you find a rescue near you if you wish. What to house your pig in: - A C&C cage is the best cage possible - Pet store cages are too small - Aquariums provide no/little airflow and are also often too small Bedding: - No cedar or pine - Aspen, kiln dried pine and carefresh are all options - Fleece is a relatively new bedding, is re-usable and as a result is effective and cheap Containers: - You will need 2 containers, one for the pellets and one for the fresh produce - I recommend clip on containers, these can be purchased at most exotic pets Toys: - Keep them simple, scrunched up newspaper balls, 4 inch diameter PVC pipes etc - You can get pet store toys but I have found that the girls do not use them - Avoid harnesses, leashes, exercise balls and wheels Guinea pigs in general: - Guinea pigs are great cleaners and rarely need baths - They have no natural odours - Guinea pigs can live up to 10 years old although the average life-span ranges between 5-8
Should I get another guinea pig? I got one recently from a friend who could no longer care for it. It came alone, but I’ve been told it is better to have them in groups. It’s been living alone for years now, but I’m scared that it’s lonely.
Should I get another guinea pig? I got one recently from a friend who could no longer care for it. It came alone, but I’ve been told it is better to have them in groups. It’s been living alone for years now, but I’m scared that it’s lonely.Thank you for the question. I do delight in receiving these sorts of questions.Congratulations, it is very kind of you to consider the social need of guinea pigs.Yes, I would definitely recommend that you do get another guinea pig. Keep in mind that nor all guinea pigs get along well.It it is a male, and you get another male as a companion, it might fight with another male, and become injured.Male guinea pigs usually get along if they meet, and bond as baby brothers, or meet as young babies weeks.Some male guinea pigs will get along well with another male guinea pig. if there is a very big age difference, of about three years, and their personalities are compatible.
Would my guinea pig be okay on his own?
A few days ago, one of my guinea pigs died. It was expected as he has never been healthy all of his life. My remaining guinea pig was always the dominant one in the pair and he is quite healthy and friendly. I am not planning on getting another guinea pig as it was quite expensive for us to buy all the supplies and toys when I had two. I never had much time due to school to clean them out as they got dirty more often, I was cleaning them out at least 3 times a week. I just think its easier for me to only have 1 as I know I will have more time for him now and the cage won't get as dirty as it has been. I have been playing with him these past few days and he seems fine, very alert, drinking, eating. But I do not know if I am just being selfish. I know I do not want another guinea pig but I'm worried about my current one being lonely. I'm at school all day so I want something to keep him occupied. His cage is in my room so I'm usually around to play and keep him company. My tv is sometimes on so he can hear it. I placed a small teddy in his cage to cuddle up to but I don't know what else to do. I want to at all means avoid getting another guinea pig as I do not want to keep them forever and my mum wouldn't allow me either. But I want my current one to live as long as possible. I love him very much and do not want him to be sad. Any help would be great x
Pros and cons of guinea pigs?do they make good pets, why or why not?
They don't bite. They don't smell. They aren't as quick as lightening unlike other rodents. They are the perfect size. I LOVE THEM!!! Honestly, get guinea pigs. You won't regret it! At first when you bring them home they WILL be shy and run away from you... but as they grow older they will squeak to you, stand still so you can pick them up and lick your skin. I have had over 50 (hehe, they ARE addictive!) and I've NEVER been bitten by one...so that goes to show that the other answerer who says they bite is LYING. I have had rats and rabbits also but they didn't beat guinea pigs. They are *hand on heart* THE best small pet. Hope this helped :)
Which pet should i get guinea pig or parakeet answer quick?
Guinea pigs require lots of your time, they are very social animals.. they do smell bad! If u have a room for them, great. Parakeet also make a whole lot of mess and need a large area, lots of cleaning to do with both.