Guinea Pigs As Pets

Guinea Pigs have very docile personalities and love to be handled and loved. This makes them the perfect pet, especially for children that can respect their gentle nature. However, you will want to know a few things before you pick your pet.

1. Guinea pigs are really sociable and need a steady flow of attention. In today's busy world, you might find it difficult to give your pet Guinea Pig everything it needs to stay healthy in terms of attention. Children especially can fall short of handling their pets enough if they have busy little lives...as many children do these days. A good fix for that is to get two guinea pigs that can keep each other company. However, be extra sure that both of your pets of choice are the same sex or you might have a whole litter of these cutie patooties.

2. Keep in mind that these pets live about 7 years, so this can be a long term commitment. However, these pets can be a great way to teach children long term responsibilities about caring and loving. Just be sure that you are willing to supervise. Check in on your child's pets to be extra sure they are getting everything they need.

3. These little pets need lots of room in their cage. Most cages sold in the pet stores are much to small for a healthy guinea pig. It's okay to build your own cage as these pets don't try to escape their home! This can make for a much nicer home for your little piggie and less expensive as well.

Beyond selecting your pet you will want to know how to care for these gentle creatures. Visit the Guinea Pig Guide [http://www.guineapigguide.info] to learn more free tips for caring for your little piggie. It's worth a little knowledge to keep these easy-to-love pets in tip top shape. So click now to see the The Piggie Guide. (Some cute pictures too!)

Guinea Pigs: A Great First Pet

The sight of a guinea pig nosing around in a pile of fresh shavings is an image that brings a smile to both parents and children alike.

A large population of adults have fond memories of the guinea pig they raised as a child. It doesn't take a lot of encouragement before they are describing the way it looked and recounting the adventures they shared. Most parents who had these pets during their childhood are normally quick to make sure that their children have one of these animals to call their own.

Parents like the idea of guinea pigs as a child's first pet for a variety of reasons. Compared to cats and dogs, these friendly rodents are a cheap pet to maintain. Even rescuing a kitten from an animal shelter can cost more than fifty dollars. However, a young, well-cared for guinea pig can be purchased for around fifteen dollars. The average guinea pig doesn't need as much veterinary care as a dog or cat. These pets can be kept in the child's bedroom, lessening the impact on your furniture and shoes. In short, these cute creatures are a smart choice to teach a child about the responsibility needed to care for a pet.

One of the skills that children will develop when they are raising a rodent is pet grooming. Despite their diminutive size, these creatures, like dogs and cats, need to be groomed on a regular basis. Parents who are concerned that their child will be lax about grooming their pet should make sure that they purchase a short haired breed. The short hair will not tangle and mat like their long haired counterparts. Brushes that have soft bristles are the best for brushing guinea pigs, the soft bristles won't hurt his or her skin.

When your new pet comes home, teach your child how to examine its eyes, ears and nose, to make sure that they are clean and free of debris. Show them how to use a warm slightly wet washcloth to gently wipe any mucus that might be accumulating in the corners of their eyes.

Guinea pigs don't require a great deal of of brushing, and they shouldn't be bathed. They do need to have their nails clipped. This is an activity that the parent needs to supervise. Explain to your child that they are not supposed to remove the entire nail, that the only thing that is going to be removed with the nail clippers is the sharp tip of the nail. On a pet that has white nails you should be able to see the tiny blood vessels that run through the nails, explain to your child that the blood vessels represent a living part of the nail, that the goal is to trim the nail with hurting the tiny blood vessels. If your pet has dark nails, your probably won't be able to see the blood vessels. On dark nailed breeds, the rule of thumb is to trim approximately 1/4 of an inch of the nail.

The biggest problem with these rodent pals is that they can smell quite offensive if the cage environment is not cleaned regularly. The scent of an unclean guinea pig cage can quickly drive the entire family from the house. It is important to make sure that your child understands that it is extremely important to clean his or her pet's cage on a regular basis. Explain that the health of their pet as well as the family harmony depends on them keeping the cage clean and the bedding fresh.

Jonathan Hook own Bow Meow Pet Care Centre in North Bay, Ontario. Much more information about dog care and general pet care is available at www.BowMeowNorthBay.ca

Guinea Pigs and Children! Definitely a Happy Combination

When it comes to finding a pet for children, guinea pigs are top of the list. They are naturally curious and energetic creatures that can provide tons of entertainment for even young children. Watching them play in their cage is enjoyable and often comical. At some point, your child will want to hold their new pet, and most guinea pigs are happy to be held. Of course, parental supervision is necessary because they can bite if threatened or frightened.

As a parent, you should become acquainted with your guinea pig before your child does. You will notice that they make different noises which indicate how they are feeling. If they squeak or squeal, you can bet that the little guy is frightened. Care should also be taken when you remove them from the cage. Make sure that your children learn how to cup the entire animal in their hand, rather than grab them as they would a larger animal. This ensures that your child doesn't accidentally injure their pet. Have your child sit down with their new little friend and pet them gently. Remind children that while their new little friend is getting used to them, they must remain calm and quiet so they don't scare him.

One aspect of having a guinea pig that makes them a great match for children is that they crave attention. they really aren't happy by themselves and your child will find that their new pet actually react happily when they come in the room or play with them. For the most part, they are very gentle as can be, and can even be snuggly friends. They like to play and run, and will often do 'tricks' in order to get attention. Remember if your child loses interest in their little furry friend that you might want to consider getting the pig another one to keep it company, as they thrive having friends.

One thing to watch is that many children tend to over feed them. This can be very dangerous. Make sure that the adults in the home over see the feeding and care of the guinea pig so that a child doesn't accidentally feed them something wrong or in excess. Children will want to please their pet by offering unlimited treats. Instead, educate your child about how to take care of them and how important it is to refrain from overfeeding them.

these little lovable fellows don't take up much space. They can live happily in your child's room offering them a close friend and they are much easier to take care of than a dog. However, you have to realize that a well taken care of guinea pig will live quite a while. With a lifespan of 7 years of so, you may be the one taking care of the little guy for the long-term.

Guinea pigs make great pets for children. Even young children while supervised can learn to be caring and soft when it comes to their pet. One thing is for sure, they are extremely fun animals to own and become more lovable as time goes on.

You need more information on Guinea Pigs, You can get it by visiting my website at
http://www.TheGoldMineForGuineaPigLovers.com You learn about choosing the right Guinea Pig, Bringing your new pet home, Tips on health, breeding and grooming your new Guinea Pig, Information that is a Gold Mine for The Guinea Pig Lover

Guinea Pigs As Pets

Is the guinea pig a good pet for a young child? When a young child expresses the interest to have his or her own pet the guinea pig, along with other rodents, is often thought to be the ideal first pet. But are guinea pigs really the best pet for young children to have?

Guinea pigs, also called 'cavies', originally come from South America and live in grassland in small herds. For this reason if you do buy a piggy you ought to get a pair as they prefer to live with others of their kind. They are often recommended for children's pets due to their gentle temperament and them being very social animals.

Guinea pigs are also fairly easy to look after; this being an advantage for a child's first pet. Of course children shouldn't be solely responsible for a guinea pig by themselves and an adult should also check the piggy is being looked after correctly, for the sake of the pig's welfare.

To keep a guinea piggie you will need a cage or hutch. It is worth browsing through guinea pig hutches and cages to find one that is sturdy and well made and that will last at least four years. You should also check you have a suitable place to situate the pig's home before you buy it or the pig. Cavies can be kept outdoors or indoors provided the conditions are OK for your furry friend.

Cavies will, like any other animal, need daily care. This involves feeding and grooming, checking their health and letting the pig out in a run for exercise. At least once a week the pig's hutch or cage will need cleaning out.

In their diet piggies will need to have dried food, hay grass and a range of vegetables. There should always be an unlimited supply of hay or grass, due to cavies in the wild being grazing animals. Fresh, clean water should also always be available.

Before you decide to get any pet for your child make sure that you will be able to financially look after it. Also make sure that you are prepared to physically look after it or find it a new home if your child looses interest in it.

With many children you will need to keep reminding them to feed their pet and look after it; remember they've probably never been responsible for their own pet before so it may take a while for them to get used to the idea of themselves as an owner.

So what makes a cavy a better pet for young children than other animals such as rabbits?

There are several things that can make guinea piggies better pets for young children than rabbits. For a start there are far less health problems associated with piggies than with the majority of rabbits, and guinea pigs need to have far less injections and vaccinations, if any at all, than most rabbits do.

Guinea pigs are great animals to cuddle as they will sit quite happily on your lap for ages, mostly without getting bored.

There are different guinea pig breeds that are recommended for different children. In general, a short haired, smooth coated cavy would make a better pet for a young child than a long haired pig, as the latter will need a lot of daily attention to their fur to keep them in pristine condition.

At some point, many children are likely to show an interest in wanting to keep a hamster in their room. Cavies make much better pets in my opinion due to them being diurnal, like us, and won't keep you awake at night like a nocturnal hamster is likely to. And piggies can even be kept in a child's bedroom provided the conditions are correct.

So, the answer to the question is yes; guinea pigs can make good children's pets.

Find out how to care for a new pet guinea pig at: http://www.guineapigland.com/

Guinea Pigs As Pets

Is the guinea pig a good pet for a young child? When a young child expresses the interest to have his or her own pet the guinea pig, along with other rodents, is often thought to be the ideal first pet. But are guinea pigs really the best pet for young children to have?

Guinea pigs, also called 'cavies', originally come from South America and live in grassland in small herds. For this reason if you do buy a piggy you ought to get a pair as they prefer to live with others of their kind. They are often recommended for children's pets due to their gentle temperament and them being very social animals.

Guinea pigs are also fairly easy to look after; this being an advantage for a child's first pet. Of course children shouldn't be solely responsible for a guinea pig by themselves and an adult should also check the piggy is being looked after correctly, for the sake of the pig's welfare.

To keep a guinea piggie you will need a cage or hutch. It is worth browsing through guinea pig hutches and cages to find one that is sturdy and well made and that will last at least four years. You should also check you have a suitable place to situate the pig's home before you buy it or the pig. Cavies can be kept outdoors or indoors provided the conditions are ok for your furry friend.

Cavies will, like any other animal, need daily care. This involves feeding and grooming, checking their health and letting the pig out in a run for exercise. At least once a week the pig's hutch or cage will need cleaning out.

In their diet piggies will need to have dried food, hay grass and a range of vegetables. There should always be an unlimited supply of hay or grass, due to cavies in the wild being grazing animals. Fresh, clean water should also always be available.

Before you decide to get any pet for your child make sure that you will be able to financially look after it. Also make sure that you are prepared to physically look after it or find it a new home if your child looses interest in it.

With many children you will need to keep reminding them to feed their pet and look after it; remember they've probably never been responsible for their own pet before so it may take a while for them to get used to the idea of themselves as an owner.

So what makes a cavy a better pet for young children than other animals such as rabbits?

There are several things that can make guinea piggies better pets for young children than rabbits. For a start there are far less health problems associated with piggies than with the majority of rabbits, and guinea pigs need to have far less injections and vaccinations, if any at all, than most rabbits do.

Guinea pigs are great animals to cuddle as they will sit quite happily on your lap for ages, mostly without getting bored.

There are different guinea pig breeds that are recommended for different children. In general, a short haired, smooth coated cavy would make a better pet for a young child than a long haired pig, as the latter will need a lot of daily attention to their fur to keep them in pristine condition.

At some point, many children are likely to show an interest in wanting to keep a hamster in their room. Cavies make much better pets in my opinion due to them being diurnal, like us, and won't keep you awake at night like a nocturnal hamster is likely to. And piggies can even be kept in a child's bedroom provided the conditions are correct.

So, the answer to the question is yes; guinea pigs can make good children's pets.

Find out how to care for a new pet guinea pig at: http://www.guineapigland.com/