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Family Pets -- The Guinea Pig
For as long as I can remember, I have
had guinea pigs as pets. My first "piggy" was known as Pixie. My Dad gave
him to me when I was six years old. He was so lovable and friendly, I'll
never forget him. Now my children have guinea pigs as their family pets.
You may have never even heard of guinea pigs, or perhaps you've seen them
in your child's classroom. If you've been considering a guinea pig as your
next, or even first family pet, you'll be pleasantly surprised at how gentle
and social these little creatures are.
Why a Guinea Pig?
These small animals, members of the rodent family, are docile and quite social.
Their gentle and friendly nature make them a joy to hold and care for, especially
for children. They rarely bite, making them great with kids. Because they
are a bit nervous by nature, they should be handled with care until they
are accustomed to you, so as not to frighten them.
Where Do I Get One?
Most pet shops carry guinea pigs, or cavies as they are known from their
origin in Peru and Brazil. Prices will vary according to your location, but
a common price can range anywhere from $15.00-30.00. Another option is to
contact a Guinea Pig Breeder. Call your local pet shop to see if they have
any contacts, or do a search on the Internet for breeders in your area.
Selecting a Guinea Pig
These adorable creatures come in many different colors, from solid white
to multicolored calico types. Their hair can be silky smooth or stiff with
rosettes. Some guinea pigs have long velvetlike coats that will require grooming.
When selecting a guinea pig, pick it up and inspect the eyes, ears, and nose,
looking for any unhealthy discharge or scabbing. With your hand, gently brush
the animal's hair in the opposite direction to check for parasites and to
be sure that the coat springs back into place. Parasites should not be a
problem, and if there are signs of them, then these animals have not been
kept in clean conditions.
Note: Guinea pigs are quite social animals and it is highly recommended that
at least two animals be kept together. Animals get lonely too. However, do
not keep two males together as they will continually fight.
Housing
Guinea pigs can be kept indoors or out, but as a family pet, you may want
to consider keeping yours inside. Guinea pigs can live peacefully with rabbits
in outside hutches that are protected from the elements and predatory animals.
Select a cage that is large enough for your guinea pig(s). A nice size is
36 inches in length, 15 inches deep and 14 inches high. Most pet stores have
a wide variety of cages and aquariums to choose from. Cages are easier to
spot clean, while aquariums are neater as shavings do not come out the
sides.
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Your guinea pigs cage should be cleaned
weekly, or more often if necessary. I clean ours twice weekly. Most cages
have slide out removable trays where the dropping will fall from the mesh
floor above. Guinea pigs tend to use the corners of the cage as their toilet,
so pay close attention to those areas when cleaning to avoid possible parasite
infestation. Clean up is simple if you line the bottom of the tray with a
couple of sheets of newspaper and sprinkle it with some cedar shavings or
cat litter. I use Feline Pine because of it's absorbency and it's ability
to fight odors. Change the bedding inside the cage at the same time. You
can use shredded paper or newspaper, or guinea pigs also enjoy alfalfa, cedar
chips, and straw.
Feeding
There are special commercial pelleted foods made just for guinea pigs. These
foods often contain most of the essential nutrients your pet will need.
However, an important thing to mention is that guinea pigs are not able
to manufacture Vitamin C within their bodies. Therefore, feeding a guinea
pig a solid diet of rabbit pellets will ultimately result in illness in your
furry friend. Be sure to purchase guinea pig food instead.
Vitamin C can be easily provided by feeding the animal(s) green food such
as celery leaves and stalks, leafy lettuce, and best of all, grass! Guinea
pigs love to graze on your front lawn. Fresh air is good for you, your children,
and your pets. Why not enjoy it together? Guinea pigs also enjoy apples,
so be sure to toss them your cores instead of throwing them away. Other
delicacies include potato and carrot peelings and ends, and believe it or
not, dandelions!
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Be sure that your animals have a steady
supply of fresh water. Pet stores carry plastic and glass water bottles that
hang from the side of your cage. At the end of the bottle is a metal spout
with a ball bearing that the animals licks, thus expressing the water. Water
bowls should be avoided as they can become littered with shavings and
feces.
Children and Guinea Pigs
As mentioned earlier, guinea pigs and children go quite well together,
considering you have taught your child to properly handle the animals. Children
should always be taught to treat animals with care and respect and to handle
them gently. When teaching very young children, practice with a small toy,
such as a bean bag type animal. Show the child how to pet the animal gently
and with the grain of the hair, not against it. Always supervise young children
with animals! Do not leave your children alone with your pet to avoid injury
to either one.
Encourage older children to help the younger ones learn how to treat their
new pets with love and kindness. While guinea pigs rarely bite, they will
nibble a little if children stick their fingers into the animal's mouth.
After all, they are wondering what it tastes like! Teach your children to
keep their fingers out of the animal's mouth to avoid frightened children
and pets.
Children can also get involved with their local 4-H Association and begin
showing their pet guinea pigs. Shows are usually conducted at county and
state fairs and are tons of fun for your kids.
Owner's Manual
 It is always a good idea
to purchase an "owner's manual" so to speak, to go with your new family pet.
Stephen Nelson's book, "Guinea Pigs as a New Pet" can be found in most pet
stores, or can be seen online by clicking here.
It's a wonderful reference for beginner and advanced owners. You may even
wish to purchase one of these books before buying a guinea pig, to make sure
this is the pet for you and your family.
Other recommended titles include:
The
Proper Care of Guinea Pigs
Guide
to Owning a Guinea Pig: Housing, Feeding, Breeding,
Exhibition, Health Care
Aspca
Pet Care Guides for Kids: Guinea Pigs
All
About Your Guinea Pig
The
Guinea Pig: An Owner's Guide to a Happy Healthy Pet
Guinea
Pigs: A Complete Pet Owner's Manual
Your
Guinea Pig: A Kid's Guide to Raising and Showing
Author's Note
Enjoy your guinea pigs as I have mine. They will give back the love you provide
and are easy to care for. I encourage you to purchase two guinea pigs rather
than one to avoid loneliness and provide a happy, healthy environment for
your pet. As always, and with any animal, please be sure that you are ready
for a pet before purchasing one. Do your homework and you'll enjoy the
companionship that much more.
What's Related: Litter, Bedding and Nesting Material for Your Small Pet
About the Author
Amanda Formaro is the
entrepreneurial mother of four children. She and her husband live in southern
Nevada. She is also the owner of FamilyCorner.com Magazine at
http://familycorner.com
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