Guinea Pig owners please help with advice

[snowball22]

We were thinking of getting a dog for the kids but dh just isn't going for it. We are now thinking of guinea pigs. We have done the hamster thing. Do guinea pigs live longer than hammies? What are the pros and cons with the guinea pig? Thanks everyone.

 

[Keli]

Guinea pigs make great pets. They do live much longer than hamsters and are a lot less trouble in my opinion because they can't climb very well so they aren't constantly getting out of their cages. They are also aware of the different people in their environment and respond to theme accordingly. Our guinea pig could whistle (I've read that some don't though) but he would only whistle at people he knew. We'd have vistors go past his cage and he'd remain silent and then have dd walk past and he'd start whistling for all he was worth. It was really funny. He was a great pet and we were all sad the day he died.

 

[yoopermom]

for an early bday present, and I have to admit the little critter is amusing. Make sure you buy him from a reputable shop/breeder. Ours is only a month old, and the breeder told us that since we got him young he will bond better with DS (which he has already). Be prepared for more expense then you'd have with gerbil/hamster initially, because they need a bigger cage, more bedding, etc. Our vet said that g.p. tend to be fairly healthy, often live 5-7 years, but are vitamin deficient (C, I think, she gave us some to add to his water, at any rate). Have to watch out for drafts, too, so we drape his cage at night with a blanket. Last thing I'd mention is that if you have cats or dogs with strong prey drive, they *will* want to eat poor lil g.p., so be prepared to keep them separated! Enjoy yours, we do ours!
Terri the Yoopermom

 

[ennazus]

Here are a couple good guinea pig boards:

for newbies:
http://www.acmepet.com/club/bboard/guineapig/index.html

http://www.cavyspirit.com/
and sister site
http://www.cavycages.com/

 

[Teejay32]

We have two. They're the strangest little things I ever saw. They chirp, whistle, hoot, jump straight up in the air and wiggle...ours also like to snuggle with people and nibble on their hair. My DD insisted that Santa was going to bring her one in '00 (which he did) and then after a while that one was 'lonely'. So here they both are. They are very easy to care for.

The cats seem to be both horrified and fascinated with them, and have rebuffed all g.p. attempts to be sociable. lol.

 

[Dizzy-Disney4]

We have two. Hermoine (yes named after the one in Harry Potter) and Emily. They are nicknamed Hermy and Emmy. I just have two things to add. Get two, as one seems so lonely we started with Hermy and she just seemed lost, so we went to our local shelter and get Emmy...two females are best from what we were told. Also, be sure they have a small "house" that they can hide in. Guinea pigs are not nocturnal, so they will sleep at night unlike gerbils and hamsters. Ours aren't very friendly, nervous yes, but we have a very noisy house with daycare children, a dog and a cat running around, so I'd be nervous too. They will snuggle if its quiet though. Good luck.