About Guinea Pigs, Guinea Pig Hutches And Happy Children

Kids just love having pets, but unfortunately animals in the household can be a big headache for parents. Pets can be a nuisance, they make a mess, they’re expensive when you have to go to the vet, and what do you do with them when you go on holidays? But even so kids still love having pets. So if you’re a parent and you’ve had your children pestering you for a pet what options do you have?

Have you considered buying your children a guinea pig?

Guinea pigs can be the perfect solution for parents looking for a low maintenance pet for the kids. They’re small, they usually live outside, they won’t bark at the neighbours, they don’t get sick very often, they’re cheap to feed and if they poop on the carpet it’s not a problem, you just pick it up.

In fact you can’t get a better pet for children or parents than a guinea pig. They don’t live so long so you’re not committing yourself to pet ownership for more than 15 years. In fact a guinea pig usually lasts no longer than 5 years.

It is not difficult making your piggie into your best friend. They are easy to handle, even for kids, and rarely bite. If the children handle them regularly then they are very easy to tame and will very happily sit on the child’s lap while they are stroked or brushed.

However they do not take well to being dropped, particularly from a height, and so young children should be supervised when handling them.

Guinea pigs are very social and like to be in the company of people. If you’re buying some for the kids it’s better to get two as they like to be together as well, but if you get one make sure you spend some quality time with him each day.

They are easy to feed and they are cheap to feed, however it’s important to understand that they require vitamin C in their diets or else they can, like people, get scurvy. They love vegetables and if you provide plenty of fresh vegetables you should be sufficient vitamin C. It is possible to get commercial guinea pig pellets as well.

But before you buy your first guinea pig you need to understand a few things about housing them. They must be housed in a good guinea pig hutch.

Housing your piggie is something you need to think about before you buy him. Most commercial guinea pig hutches sold in pet shops are too small. They need space to run around and exercise, as well as some space for toys to play with. It is not difficult to build your own hutch and it’s a good project for dad to share with the kids.

Or why not make one yourself? If you know one end of a hammer from the other and can source some simple outdoor timber, some wire, a few hinges and clasps for the door it’s not at all difficult to build the guinea pig hutch that will house a guinea pig in comfort. It is important though that you provide him with a covered and draught free nesting area where he can sleep in comfort out of the weather.

So if the kids have been pestering you for months to buy them a pet give some serious consideration to getting them a guinea pig, and even spending some quality time with the children building your piggie a great guinea pig hutch.