[coci4]

So I did the research on ferrets and such as pets.
I know I do want another fid but it would have to come from a rescue---so when the right time comes- the fid will come.

But I thought of a guinea pig . I have done a bit of research and them being awake during the day is good for us

They are rather calm compared to a ferret

Ofcourse it also varies by each individual.

I research their cages-- and they are lovely--- they can be open and accessible to us so the cavy can be very much a part of the family while still being in its cage.

Can anyone add any ups or downs to having a guinea pig?

I appreciate any advice.

[jujusaffiemom]

they are really neat pets my boss had one. If you check craigslist they always have some on there. I know where I am there are 2 with everything for FREE.

[AnnJ]

I raised them in my classroom one year. They make great pets, but they do require a lot of cleanup. Fortunately I had students that helped, but when I decided no more...I really decided, no more. They do not get very attached to people, and prefer being in the cage to anything else. This is just my take...it is a bit like owning a rabbit.

[coci4]

I think that would be perfect. Play time will be fun for my kids and they won't be miserable when it is not playtime. I am picturing a puppy running around behind me yelping for love.

Ofcourse we will interact with the cavy but I don't want all the attention away from the fids.
Thanks .

[TariAngie]

They need a lot of room and do best if you get two. They don't really show true cavy nature when you just have one.
I love when mine popcorn. lol
I have a large open top cage. I use fleese and towels for bedding. They are messy and smelly though.
This is the plan I used for my Cavy Cage only I used ties so I can fold mine down to move when cleaning. And I have a tarp for the bottom.
I have had Peanut and Buddy for over three years now. Peanut is a brown with the swirly hair? Forgot with that is called and Buddy is a hairless.
Cute guys but they were both over 6 months old when I got them and never learned to enjoy being touched they don't bite just fight me when I pick them up.
I too well never have these again when they are gone. Ill get a couple rats or mice instead.

[Reds Parront]

Everyone in my family when I was growning up had one at one time or another. They are great.. my sister still has a couple.

When my son was about 3, he was given a baby guinea pig by a friend of mine, and I know some of them don't get really "attached" to people, but that one (his name was Woody, from Toy Story) was super attached to my husband, because he always gave Woody carrots.

Everytime Mike would come home from work, Woody would screech over and over and over until Mike went into the kitchen and got him a carrot. He was super lovable and snuggly. I cleaned the cage about twice a week, and the smell was never that bad. I only used cedar chips... those to me worked better than anything else on the keeping the smell down.

Normally I would suggest a rehome/adoption on pets... but for guinea pigs, if you want to be able to handle him/her, it's best to get a baby. All of the babies I've been around love to be snuggled, and if they get it alot when they are younger, they continue to like it as they get older, in my opinion.

Good luck

[Casey's Mom]

I LOVE Guinea Pigs! We bred them for a while and they are just the cutest! I love their little squeaks!

We went over to a friends house last week, she's fostering a Mommy guinea pig and her babies after they were found dumped in the garbage. We went over to help her sex the babies and I realized how much I miss having them in the house! I would love to get another one sometime...

I'd recommend a baby too, there is a very good chance you could find a baby at a rescue. Guinea pigs are good natured though so even an older one would probably still make an awesome pet (the same lady is also fostering older ones and I was able to hold them all without any problems and they were not handled a lot before arriving there.)

Pros: friendly, fun to watch and play with, cute little squeaks, and eats all your left over fruits and veggies!
Cons: like any animal their cage will smell quite quickly so they should have a quick cleaning each day to keep the smell down.

Good luck with your decision.

[coci4]

I am really excited about getting some- probably two. But I am going to wait until next year when my daughter turns 3. I should be working and see how my schedule goes. If I am too busy I probably won't get them until things slow down. I really want them to be a total part of the family. Plus I would love to adopt them. See if I can get in touch with a rescue and get babies through them. Thank you guys.

They need a lot of room and do best if you get two. They don't really show true cavy nature when you just have one.
I love when mine popcorn. lol
I have a large open top cage. I use fleese and towels for bedding. They are messy and smelly though.
This is the plan I used for my Cavy Cage only I used ties so I can fold mine down to move when cleaning. And I have a tarp for the bottom.
I have had Peanut and Buddy for over three years now. Peanut is a brown with the swirly hair? Forgot with that is called and Buddy is a hairless.
Cute guys but they were both over 6 months old when I got them and never learned to enjoy being touched they don't bite just fight me when I pick them up.
I too well never have these again when they are gone. Ill get a couple rats or mice instead.

The cage link you gave is exactly what I had researched. Now I know it is a great choice. THanks.

[coci4]

I thought your avatar was a bunch of worms tangles together
I just realized that they are candy canes. Can you tell it is the early morning for me.

[Movedonandhappy]

I think those little pigs are so cute!

[TariAngie]

I thought your avatar was a bunch of worms tangles together

I know it is a little early but....

[Nestling]

I had a guinea pig as a pet. I called him Furbee. I had a large guinea pig cage for him and used pine bedding. I supplied him with a wooden house (2 so I could change them out every week) and only had to change him once a week. I would change out any really wet pine shavings during the week to keep him dry and smelling good. I also gave him timothy hay every day along with his ration of guinea pig food. They learn to drink from a water bottle quickly. You can buy a see through ball for yours with air holes and watch him or her run the ball all over the house and not get poops on your floor. I would not suggest 2 if you want it to bond with you as a family pet. Mine was an only child an loved to be handled and was very tame. If I would ask him if he wanted a carrot he would squeal. It was so cute. Some one was rehoming another piggy so you know me, I took it. Big mistake. Furbee lost interest in me and wanted only the company of his furry friend. In the end I rehomed the new addition and Furbee finally passed away about 2 years ago. I miss that little squirt.
I might add that you should provide your piggy with alot of things to chew on. That is how they keep there teeth trimmed for they are always growing. They are great pets for children.