Guess who's the most docile--and vocal--of all companion rodents? She's not
a pig and she's not from New Guinea, but she'll love to sit on your lap,
and has been known to squeak with delight when her favorite human enters
the room. Could there be room for this cuddlebug in your heart and home?
Guinea Pigs as Pets
South American natives, wild guinea pigs were first domesticated by the
Indians of Peru, who raised them mainly for food. They've been bred for the
pet trade, however, in a variety of colors, from brown spotted and black
banded to pure golden and snowy white. As for hairstyles, there are
shorthaired and fluffy tufted guinea pigs, as well as a breed with long,
silky locks that flow to the ground. (The latter, by the way, is known as
the Peruvian, and if you opt for this little piggy, he'll need to be
groomed daily.) Guinea pigs can weigh a couple of pounds, and have an
average lifespan of 5 to 7 years.
If you're thinking about getting a guinea pig, it's smart to start thinking
about getting more than one. These social animals love to be with their own
kind, and if you keep two or more together, they'll become great friends.
Experts recommend two females for first-time guinea pig caretakers,
as adult males tend to fight. If you want to keep males and females
together, please have a veterinarian neuter the male and spay the female.
And while it's an excellent idea to keep more than one guinea pig, please
make sure you have enough room for them! These critters require a large
cage with a minimum of two square feet per pig.
Why Do Guinea Pigs Make Good Pets?
You may have the space, but have you got the time to properly care for
guinea pigs? These aren't the kind of pets you can feed, water and
passively watch through the bars of a cage. Guinea pigs are readily tamed
and will need playtime out of the cage every day. They usually haven't got
the excess energy that, say, hamsters do, and may be quite content to sit
on your lap during their time out, enjoying just chilling out and being
gently stroked. If this sounds good to you, you may have found your perfect
pet!
Has this gentle fellow met your criteria so far? A guinea pig may be right
for you, but how about the other members of the family? It's ideal if
everyone is involved in the decision-making and caretaking. And if you have
children in the family, keep in mind that guinea pigs are excellent starter
pets. Their larger size makes them easier to handle than other companion
rodents. Also, guinea pigs are not into scratching and clawing, and they
rarely bite.
Got your heart set on a pair of piggies? We suggest getting yours from a
reputable breeder or, better yet, adopting from a shelter or small-animal
rescue group. Search on websites like www.petfinder.com for guinea pigs in
need of good homes.
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