2006-10-06 11:22:03 · 13 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Other - Pets
Guinea Pigs, or cavies, are fabulous little creatures. Though they're not known for extreme intelligence, they are extremely docile making them fabulous first pets for children. They can be timid when first brought into a new home but will quickly warm up with a little time and patience, and unlike other small "pocket pets" (as they're frequently called) they tend not to bite during this taming process. When tamed they become highly social and bond closely with their owner, as a result they should receive daily interaction and handling in addition to time outside of the cage to run.
Guinea pigs do not have a strong natural odor, so as long as their cage is cleaned regularly you will not have a problem with smell. Unfortunately, pet store cages are generally too small (there are a few larger Marchioro brand cages that are adequate for one pig) and as a result the small space is quickly soiled which is what results in the smell. I personally recommend building your own homemade cage, it's is easy and actually less expensive than a store bought enclosure. You can get instructions on how to build a cage (and great design ideas) at cavycages.com
2006-10-06 11:36:13 · answer #1 · answered by Colleen S 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Guinea pigs are my favorite animal.....favorite rodent anyway =) I just got a new guinea pig in June and she couldn't be spoiled more! My last guinea pig died in May. They really are the most lovable animals and for the most part, they are the best animal to have for kids because they love nothing more than attention. And they DO NOT smell horrible if you take care of them correctly, a bath once a week is all they need and a clean cage.
2006-10-06 13:40:54 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I love my pigs! I have three - one of which is probably pregnant. I find them very skittish, especially compared to rats, but they're polite and although they are jumpy they're sweet critters who can tolerate a lot of handling even when scared. They say the more you handle your pigs the less jumpy they are. I don't handle mine as much as I should, besides the occasional scratch and trimming my male. The long haired pigs need their hair cut like a long haired dog needs to be cut. If you have time for it, no problem! Be warned, those Peruvians can grow three inches of hair a year. I've got to trim my male once a month or he gets pine shavings and mats. Long hairs also need to be groomed a minimum of twice weekly. Maybe once a week if you don't have shavings as bedding. I find they don't chew as much as other rodents which a definate plus.
My biggest complaint about them is that their cages need to be big and it can take up a lot of room. The up side about the big cages: the bigger the cage the less smell and urine can be cut with a mixture of vinegar and water.
They make a lot of noise! I have birds and my piggies can out 'wheek' a cage with cockatiels budgies and a pair of Green cheek conures! I find them harder to catch because they're lacking a convenient handle (err... tail) like rats when you need to capture one.
I'm thrilled to have my guinea pigs. They've got a lot of personality and it's sooooo cute when they hear you with the food bag and they all start begging! And watching a pig 'popcorn' when they just got a treat is a hoot to watch! Personally I love grooming and trimming my Peruvain male. I'm always shocked to see how much hair he has. I swear. He grows enough to make another long haired pig!
2006-10-06 12:05:56 · answer #3 · answered by white_ravens_white_crows 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Guinea pigs are wonderful! Sure they require a little more work than cats, but they are so cute! This is my second. My first was a female, my current one is a male. Males tend to have more spunk. They have great personalities and are energetic. Very friendly as well. Mine has never bitten anyone. I love when they "popcorn"!
2006-10-08 13:54:36 · answer #4 · answered by Jungleliza 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They are great pets, and I was amazed how loving they are and smart. My first one would follow me, he would cry out when he heard my voice and he loved to snuggle. They are very social animals and thrive on attention. They do not stink if you clean their cages and take of them. I clean my cage once a week and you could not tell I had one. They are the best small pet.
2006-10-06 12:26:32 · answer #5 · answered by TritanBear 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They sure are cute. Their personalities very greatly, though, like with all pets. Some are very timid. Some are very cuddly...
They don't stink as bad as ferrets!
2006-10-06 11:24:38 · answer #6 · answered by Laurie Jennifer 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think they are pigs..
2006-10-06 11:25:52 · answer #7 · answered by nathan_pal 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Mine can make websites.
http://www.secondstarillustrations.com/threepigs.htm
2006-10-07 17:22:30 · answer #8 · answered by SecondStar 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
they are so cute and i love them i had one !!
the name was Eugenia and Estela !!
2006-10-08 10:04:05 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think that there horrible and they smell
2006-10-06 11:24:27 · answer #10 · answered by karebear 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋