If you are thinking of getting a small furry pet, such as a guinea pig, you have to remember that this is a long term commitment. Preparing yourself for the responsibilities of pet-ownership is the beginning of a very happy and rewarding time.
But what are the considerations? As this is a partnership and not a one-way relationship you have to consider whether you are suited to your chosen pet and vice versa.
When you are considering whether to offer a home to a guinea pig you need to think about the pets' needs. Think about the
Housing
Feeding and watering
Handling
Care
Topic of the month
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Is a guinea pig the right pet for you?
Guinea pigs are descended from the extinct wild guinea pig that used to live in the Andes mountains of South America. Guinea pigs were domesticated some 7,000 years ago and they are quiet, clean and very sociable animals. It is best to keep one guinea pig with another,in pairs or in small groups. Two males kept together will often fight, and if you are thinking of keeping a male and female guinea pig together, it is best to get the male guinea pig neutered to avoid lots of babies! They live for about 4-8 years, and can reach sexual maturity from 9 weeks old with males, and from as young as a month with females. The female has between one and six babies each time.
It is best not to keep guinea pigs with rabbits, although this was traditionally the way in the past. This is for several reasons. For example, a rabbit may bully a guinea pig, they have different dietary needs and there is a danger of cross infection. Bacteria that may cause no symptoms in a rabbit may cause serious illness in a guinea pig.
An adult guinea pig weighs between 750-1,200g, depending on breed and gender
PDSA estimates that a guinea pig will need at least half-an-hour's attention each day. Look after your guinea pig well, and it will reward you with hours of entertainment just by watching it and listening to it 'talking' to its guinea pig friends.
