Caring for a Guinea Pig

Thanks to the growing popularity of pet ownership, today's parent has a wide variety of animals in which to choose from. But, how does a parent know which pet is the right one for their child? If this is the family's first pet, a guinea pig is a great animal to purchase.

Guinea pigs are very cute and fuzzy little creatures. You can choose from the short or long haired variety when purchasing one. They come in a wide array of colors, ranging from all black to brown with white spots. Generally, these small pets like to be held and thrive on attention. Additionally, guinea pigs will tolerate a good deal of activity. Most guinea pigs even enjoy a warm bath in the sink. For further grooming, the long haired variety will tolerate having its hair gently brushed and put up in a small pony tail. An important thing to know is that they don't bite. Many people who buy hamsters for their children can be dismayed to discover that they have a tendency to bite. Guinea pigs can even be walked out doors on a harness. Guinea pigs and all caged animals need exercise and activity to stay healthy and happy. With a harness purchased from any pet store, you can take a guinea pig on walks in your yard or in the neighborhood park. They love to eat grass and clover.

Guinea pig care is very simple. Start up costs are minor compared to most other animals. All that a guinea pig really needs initially is a cage with enough room for it to move around in, food, a water bottle, chew sticks, and hay or another filler for the bottom of the cage. An important consideration is that guinea pigs are highly allergic to cedar chips. If you put cedar chips in your guinea pigs cage, you risk it catching an infection or causing sudden death. Clean out the guinea pig cage every day and provide clean water and food. The only draw back to guinea pig ownership is that guineas pigs do have a strong odor. However, this can easily be kept under control by daily cleaning of the cage with a pet odor eliminator (available in the small animal section of most larger pet stores). Never, under any circumstances, should you use Lysol or another household disinfectant. These are poisonous to the animal and will cause death. Frequent bathing of the guinea pig will also help to keep odor down.

Full grown guinea pigs only weigh about 3 pounds. The general life span for a guinea pig is 5 - 8 years. With proper care your child's guinea pig will be an excellent first pet providing a life time of memories.