Considering getting a family pet but don’t want the duty of a cat or a dog? How about a guinea pig? March is Adopt a Rescued Guinea Pig month, so what better time to obtain a brand-new pet and also help save a life?
10 Reasons Why Guinea Pigs Make Great Pets
Guinea pigs, or “cavies,” are short-tailed, rough-haired South American rodents (family Caviidae). Guinea pigs have actually constantly been among the unique family pets I suggest most, especially for households considering a pet for the first time. Why are guinea pigs among my favorites? Here are 10 reasons guinea pigs make excellent pets:
1. Guinea pigs are fantastic family pets for children. Not as fragile as rabbits and typically less skittish than smaller rodents like hamsters and gerbils, guinea pigs are terrific pets for elementary-school-age kids and older. However keep in mind, more youthful children should always be supervised around guinea pigs, just as with other pet.
2. Guinea pigs are easy to look after. They need hay, fresh water, fresh vegetables and a percentage of pelleted food created for guinea pigs, plus a vitamin C supplement every day. They also require a fairly large cage lined with paper-based bedding. The cage has to be spot-cleaned day-to-day and completely cleaned up weekly. Include some everyday attention and they are good to go. Just remember, unless you want to end up with several little extra guinea pigs, you’ll need to separate males from females even prior to they are a month old!
3. Guinea pigs prefer to pop. “Popcorning” is a distinct behavior more commonly seen in young guinea pigs when they more than happy or ecstatic: They jump up directly into the air over and over. Some guinea pigs run forward and backward rapidly, while others at the same time toss out their front and back legs. Many pigs likewise squeal all at once. Popcorning is distinct to guinea pigs and is an enjoyable behavior to watch.
4. Guinea pigs are sturdy. When cared for and fed effectively, guinea pigs are typically very healthy animals. Like other family pets, they can be vulnerable to specific illness– for instance, dental disease and bladder stones in their case– but these conditions may be prevented to some degree with appropriate nutrition and regular medical checkups. Likewise, because guinea pigs are from cool environments, they do not do well in hot, humid conditions. Keeping them inside decreases the probability that they’ll get too hot and/or dehydrate.
5. Guinea pigs make fantastic first pets. Offered their low-maintenance care, overall sturdy nature, strong capability to bond with their owners and typically long life expectancies, guinea pigs make great first pets for families who want an animal that is loving and gratifying however cannot offer the degree of care that a cat or dog needs– no have to walk a guinea pig!
6. Guinea pigs like people. People who haven’t been around guinea pigs frequently do not think this, however these friendly little animals really do acknowledge and respond to their owners. Many screech with pleasure when they see their owners or try to go up the sides of their cage to greet them. They are as interactive and friendly as dogs and cats.
7. Guinea pigs are distinct. Lots of people do not realize this, but guinea pigs have a lot of personality. Some guinea pigs are shy; others are strong and dominant. Even if two guinea pigs look the exact same does not mean they’ll act the exact same. Prior to picking a guinea pig, make sure to engage with her to make sure that her personality fulfills your expectations. For example, if you’re searching for a cuddly family pet, you’ll want an outgoing, friendly little pig.
8. Guinea pigs live long lives. While the majority of hamsters, gerbils and rats live just 2 to 3 years, usually, the majority of guinea pigs live 5 to seven years and some have even lived into their teens. This longer life-span is important for families to consider if they are thinking of embracing a guinea pig, as you have to be prepared to care for your pig after the kids have matured and vacated.
9. Guinea pigs purr! Just like cats, guinea pigs make a peaceful yet audible vibrating noise when they enjoy, typically when they are petted gently. Many people who do not own guinea pigs aren’t familiar with this charming noise. In addition to purring, guinea pigs make a number of other sounds including “wheeking” (screeching), “rumbling” (a sound made by a male courting a woman), and teeth chattering (when they are mad or aggressive).
10. Guinea pigs are colorful. Short-haired, long-haired, even hairless– guinea pigs can be found in different breeds with fur of all lengths, colors and patterns. Inning accordance with the American Cavy Breeders Association, there are 13 breeds and 10 fundamental colors of guinea pigs.
So, now that you understand all about guinea pigs, what’s stopping you from bringing a charming brand-new buddy into your loving home?
