Hello there! Welcome to our little corner of the world where we talk about guinea pigs, which, by the way, are not from Guinea or New Guinea, and they aren’t pigs either. They are adorable rodents belonging to the family Caviidae, which also includes Maras and Capybaras. These charming creatures hail from South America, far away from both Guinea and New Guinea. Because of this, many people affectionately call them cavies.
In Peru, we refer to them as Cui, and I’ve known many people who kept Cui, sometimes even thousands of them, but not as pets. If you’re here, it’s likely because you’re interested in keeping these delightful creatures as pets, and I think that’s a wonderful idea—if a guinea pig is the right fit for you!
To help you decide if a guinea pig is the best pet for you, we’ll evaluate them based on five categories: handleability, care, hardiness, availability, and upfront costs.
Handleability
Guinea pigs are social and chatty little companions. Generally, they are quite good for handling, similar to rats, but they are a bit larger. While rats are delightful to hold, guinea pigs are equally enjoyable. They do have some similarities with rabbits, but remember, rabbits are not rodents.
One thing to note is that guinea pigs, like other rodents, do poop frequently. Their droppings are not as dry as those of chinchillas, so if you’re handling them, you might notice this. Despite this, guinea pigs are really fun to interact with. You can pick them up, and they might even crawl into your lap. They tend to be a bit cleaner than rats when it comes to where they relieve themselves, but when they do, it’s a bit more substantial.
Overall, I would give guinea pigs a score of 4 out of 5 for handleability. They are almost perfect, except for that little issue. If you don’t mind a bit of mess, they are wonderful companions. Just remember, they need a lot of interaction and time outside their enclosures every day. Be sure to socialize them well when they’re young, and always approach them calmly and gently.
Care
When it comes to caring for guinea pigs, there are a few important things to keep in mind. First, they need friends and plenty of regular interaction. You are not enough for them; they really need at least one guinea pig buddy, but no rabbits, please!
They also require a good amount of space, and you need to ensure they don’t get too hot. Access to healthy food is essential, including citrus and other vitamin C-rich foods, as they eat all the time. And of course, what goes in must come out, so cleaning up after them is necessary.
I had a chat with my friend Jesse, who also keeps guinea pigs. He has two lovely girls named Pepper and Cinnamon. They are about a year and a half to two years old. Caring for guinea pigs requires daily upkeep, including keeping their cage clean. Jesse uses a wet-dry shop vac to make cleaning easier, and he recommends using fleece liners in their enclosure to help absorb messes.
If you’re not using fleece, you might have to resort to manual cleaning with a dustpan and brush. It’s essential to provide them with a constant source of hay, preferably Timothy hay, and a mix of fresh vegetables and fruits daily. They should also have fresh water available at all times.
Hardiness
In terms of hardiness, guinea pigs score a perfect 5 out of 5. They are generally very resilient, but there are a few things to watch out for. One major concern is keeping them away from rabbits, as rabbits can carry diseases that can be harmful to guinea pigs.
Guinea pigs also don’t handle heat well, so it’s crucial to keep them in a cool environment, ideally below 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Additionally, guinea pigs cannot produce their own vitamin C, so it’s vital to ensure they get enough in their diet to prevent scurvy.
Availability
When it comes to availability, guinea pigs score another 5 out of 5. They are widely available in pet stores, rescues, and even at mammal expos. If you’re looking for a guinea pig, you shouldn’t have any trouble finding one.
Upfront Costs
For upfront costs, guinea pigs receive a score of 4 out of 5. They are relatively inexpensive to care for, with most of the costs coming from their enclosure and furnishings. Providing them with a proper diet and ongoing care won’t break the bank, especially considering the joy they bring.
Overall, guinea pigs earn a score of 4.2 out of 5. If you’re looking for a cuddly, affectionate pet that needs love but won’t disrupt your life too much, and you don’t mind a little mess, then a guinea pig might just be the perfect pet for you!
Thank you for visiting our website, and I hope you find the perfect companion in a guinea pig!
