![]() Guinea pigs love to nap! They nap standing up, sitting down, lying down, in their hay, eating… They have active and restful periods similar to cats. They can be active for up to twenty hours a day, leaving them just four hours to sleep. ![]() If your life is in transition, a guinea pig may be more portable than a dog or a cat, but five years or more is still a significant period of time.Guinea pigs are not nocturnal and also don’t sleep for long periods like us humans. This lifespan is longer than many other small pets such as hamsters, gerbils, mice or rats, all of whom only live up to a few years. Guinea pigs live an average of five to seven years. More About Allergies to Pets Consider lifespan If you've never lived with a guinea pig, test the waters by visiting a household that has one or spend time handling adoptable guinea pigs at your local humane society or rescue group foster home-you might meet your new best friend in the process! Hay and wood shavings can also cause allergies. These allergies are a reaction to proteins in the animal's saliva and urine (contrary to popular belief, the culprit isn't hair or dander, although they often transmit these allergens during handling and close contact). Preventing a solitary guinea pig from becoming lonely and bored is a tall order, even for someone committed to spending a significant amount of time with their animal every day. Guinea pigs are social animals who do best with the companionship of another pig. Bedding material. Paper bedding is better than wood, as wood shavings can give off volatile compounds-especially when overly dirty-which can cause respiratory and foot problems.Īre you prepared to spend at least several hundred dollars a year on your new friend (not including regular veterinary costs) if your guinea pig needs to be treated for a common condition like mites or requires emergency veterinary care?Īre you willing to hire a pet sitter or board your pig when you go on vacation? Are you willing to adopt a second guinea pig?. ![]() The initial purchase of equipment and supplies is likely to include: The adoption fee for a guinea pig is typically small, but there are significant startup costs and ongoing needs. ![]() Guinea pigs require a gentle touch and may be easily startled by sudden movement and loud noises. Young children often lack fine motor control and self-restraint, which means they may inadvertently drop a guinea pig, squeeze them or scare them into biting. If you have other pets, how will you ensure your guinea pig will get enough attention?.Are you willing to shoulder responsibility for your pig's care if your children drop the ball?.Can your son or daughter incorporate pet ownership into a busy after-school schedule and evening and weekend commitments?.If you're getting a guinea pig for your child, consider how this animal’s care will fit into your family's schedule over the long haul. If you don't enjoy the smell of a dirty cage, consider how your guinea pig-who spends nearly all of their waking hours just inches above their bedding-feels about stinky living quarters. Shorthaired breeds can be maintained with a once-a-week brushing while longhaired breeds require daily grooming.Ī guinea pig's cage should be thoroughly cleaned on a weekly basis and spot-cleaned every few days. Guinea pigs need to be groomed regularly. Whether this time is spent stretching their legs and exploring new environments or cuddling in your lap, daily interaction and attention are essential for a guinea pig's well-being. Guinea pigs need time out of their cage every day. Instead of creating more demand for guinea pigs by purchasing one from a pet store, please visit your local animal shelter to adopt one-or better yet, two! Most shelters accept small animals who need new homes and you will have the satisfaction of saving a life. Here are some important questions to consider before adopting a guinea pig: Where should you get a guinea pig? Like all companion animals though, they require special care and attention. Guinea pigs have a lot of appealing qualities: They're small, gentle and personable, just to name a few.
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