Guinea pigs are more than just cute and cuddly pets. Their distinct characteristics, behavior patterns, and personality traits set them apart from other rodents, making them a great choice for families with kids. But, while owning a guinea pig can be fun, it also requires a lot of attention and responsibility.
Are guinea pigs good pets for kids? As you weigh the pros and cons of adding a new furry friend to your household, let me help you learn what it takes to keep a happy and healthy guinea pig.
Table of Contents
Discover The Pros
Calm Character
Looking for a pet that won’t cause mood swings or chaos in your home? Look no further than guinea pigs!
These furry friends have a naturally easy-going, gentle, and quiet temperament, making them the perfect companion for your kids. Kids who are nervous around animals will love their docile nature.
Additionally, unlike other pets that require plenty of exercise, guinea pigs prefer to laze around. Their easy-going temperament and compact size also make them ideal for kids who live in apartments or those with limited outdoor space.
As a bonus, guinea pigs are social animals and love to be with their owners, which means they’re perfect for kids looking for a companion to talk to or play with. Overall, the calm character of guinea pigs makes them a fantastic pet choice for kids of all ages.
Can Be Left Alone For A Short Period Of Time
One of the great things about having a guinea pig as a pet is that they can be left alone for a short period of time. While they do need daily attention and care, guinea pigs don’t require constant supervision like some other pets. This is because they won’t roam around the house getting into trouble. As long as they have plenty of food and water, as well as a clean and safe living environment, guinea pigs can be left alone for a few hours at a time.
However, it’s important to note that you should never leave a guinea pig alone for an extended period of time, as they are social creatures and need interaction and companionship. Even if you can’t be there with your guinea pig, consider having a trusted friend or family member check in on them and spend some time with them while you’re away.
All in all, guinea pigs make a good pet for kids whose schedules may be unpredictable.
Guinea Pigs’ Inexpensive Food Collection
Guinea Pigs´ diet is quite easy-to-learn and inexpensive.
These small little fellows’ main diet is hay and they also require a daily dose of 10-20 mg of vitamin C (pregnant, nursing, young, and ill guinea pigs need more).
Pellets with fortified vitamins and minerals (including stabilized Vitamin C) are an easy and delicious way to make sure your guinea pig stays healthy. For an extra treat, they love fresh fruits, veggies, and leafy greens. Best of all, their vegan diet won’t break the bank.
Note! Not all fruits & veggies are created equal. Make sure to make a list for the kids to see what suits them best.
For more information on piggies’ diet, you may also want to take a look at my blog posts about vitamin C-rich foods or how much hay guinea pigs need.
Don’t Shed Much
If you are worried about shedding and allergies, the good news is that guinea pigs are one of the best pets for kids in that regard. Guinea pigs don´t shed much and they produce less dander and oils compared to dogs or cats. They have short hair, and there’s even a hairless guinea pig breed called the skinny guinea pig.
However, guinea pigs still need to be brushed occasionally to keep their coat healthy and free from tangles.
Pro Guinea Mom Tip: I love using a soft baby brush to brush my piggies! They love the gentle sensation and I’ll have an easier time keeping their fur looking flawless.
All in all, guinea pigs are the perfect choice if you don´t want to deal with fur all over your furniture or clothes.
Long Lifespan
Looking for a small pet with a longer lifespan? Guinea pigs may just be the perfect fit for your family!
Unlike gerbils, hamsters, or mice, these adorable creatures live an average of 5-8 years. That means your kid will have plenty of time to develop a strong and lasting bond with their new furry friend. However, it’s important to understand that bringing home a guinea pig is a long-term commitment. You’ll need to provide excellent care for your pet throughout its entire life.
Discuss this with your family before deciding to add a guinea pig to your household. With proper care and attention, your child’s guinea pig can become a beloved companion for your child, providing a source of joy, comfort, and responsibility for many years to come.
Entertaining Interaction
These adorable creatures have charming personalities that can bring joy and laughter to their owners. They are social animals that enjoy spending time with humans and other guinea pigs.
At its best, guinea pigs are cuddly and affectionate, and they show their feelings without reservations. You can hear and see them interacting with you and your kid by making funny voices (wheeking, chutting) and “popcorning” when they´re happy (springing into the air).
They make the best company! All in all, their amusing and playful nature makes them a fantastic addition to any family with kids.
Discover The Cons
You Need To Take At Least Two Guinea Pigs
If you’re considering getting a guinea pig as a pet for your child, it’s important to know that guinea pigs are social animals and thrive in pairs or groups. This means that you should consider getting at least two guinea pigs, rather than just one.
Having two guinea pigs not only provides companionship and social interaction for each other, but it can also improve their overall health and well-being. In fact, some countries even have laws in place that require guinea pigs to be kept in pairs or groups.
So, you should remember that when you add guinea pigs to your family, you’re not just taking one guinea pig but two at a minimum.
A Lot Of Responsibility
Taking care of a guinea pig is not a responsibility to be taken lightly. These little critters require daily cleaning and care in order to stay healthy and happy. This includes changing their bedding, cleaning their cage, providing fresh food and water, and giving them plenty of exercise and attention.
Additionally, guinea pigs have specific dietary needs and are prone to certain health issues if not properly cared for. While they can certainly make great pets for kids, it’s important to ensure that your family has the time and resources to properly care for them before making the decision to bring one into your home.
With a little bit of extra effort and attention, however, taking care of a guinea pig can be a fun and rewarding experience for the whole family.
Guinea Pigs are vulnerable
Guinea pigs are considered to be healthy pets that do not contract any medical conditions thanks to their strong immune system. It´s their fragile body instead that requires a lot of extra care. Their bones can easily get injured. So, make sure you assist your kid when catching it, and make sure your kid holds the little furry gently and firmly. Ensure to get them to the vet if you find any disability!
Remember that guinea pigs are prey animals always ready to guard themselves. Usually, they hide and burrow when being picked up so it is vital to assist your kid when catching a guinea pig.
If you want more information on how to catch a guinea pig, you can check out this blog post.
Bound to their Habitat
It’s important to consider guinea pigs’ natural behavior and habitat requirements. Guinea pigs are social creatures and need ample space to run and play. With that being said, they are bound to their habitat – meaning that their range of exploration is limited. This can be frustrating for kids who may want to take their guinea pigs on walks or have them explore different areas of the house.
Additionally, guinea pigs are sensitive to environmental changes and can become stressed if they are constantly moved to new areas.
When it comes to your vacation time, you will have to go the extra mile with the guinea pig. It is not just the pet that you will have to take but his entire belongings that need to be transported. It is because these little creatures feel much safer in their own living space.
Overall, while guinea pigs can still make great pets for kids, their bound-to-habitat nature may not be the best fit for families who want a more active and adventurous pet.
Costly Start-Up Costs
When considering getting a guinea pig as a pet for your child, it is important to take the start-up costs into consideration. Remember that guinea pigs are very social animals so you always have to buy at least two guinea pigs to avoid them getting sick or depressed.
While guinea pigs themselves are not necessarily expensive, the initial costs of purchasing a proper cage/enclosure, bedding, food, hideouts, water bottles, and other necessary accessories can add up quickly. A suitable cage alone can cost upwards of $100.
You may also want to take a look at my blog posts about C&C Cages.
Additionally, guinea pigs require fresh vegetables and fruits daily, which can also be costly. For families on a tight budget, these costs may prove to be too much of a financial burden. It is important to consider if your family is able to provide the necessary financial resources for a guinea pig before making the decision to bring one into your home.
On the other hand, compared to larger animals guinea pigs are budget-friendly creatures when it comes to their healthcare and food.
Patience needed
Never expect a newly bought young guinea pig to be an outgoing friendly pet to your kid. There are, naturally, personality differences but most guinea pigs are timid and shy before settling in. Unfortunately, some guinea pigs might never learn to trust people and don’t like to be picked up or held by humans.
Cavies can be trained and they can learn tricks but it all takes a great deal of time and energy.
So, prepare yourself and your kid to give your guinea pig enough time to show their true personality.
To Sum Up!
Guinea pigs are one of the most underrated pets out there – some people just don’t know how amazing they are! These adorable, kind-hearted creatures are sweet and easy-going, and love nothing more than a loving pat from their owner. Plus, they’re the perfect pet to teach kids patience, responsibility, and affectionate pet ownership skills. Trust me – bring a guinea pig into your family, and you’ll never look back.
Parents play a significant role in guiding and teaching kids proper animal caring and handling skills. After all, guinea pigs are small and delicate animals, so it´s crucial to teach the kids to handle them correctly. Handling them without squeezing or chasing them will lead to a mutually affectionate relationship for years to come!
Before adopting a new furry friend, it’s crucial to factor in your family’s daily routine, motivation, and unique personalities. After all, your new pet deserves top-quality care every day.
I´m always happy to help fellow pet owners make sure their animals are happy and healthy. For more information on guinea pigs and how you can be the best pet owner possible, make sure to check out my blog for more updates! It would be awesome to hear from you! If you have any questions or comments whatsoever, please let me know in the comments below. I will be more than happy to help you out
