Ok, so I'm thinking about the gp as a new pet. I already have 3 hamsters, but i want something that is more....i guess dog like so to speak. I want something that I can trust to leave in a room by itself (not for long of course) and not have to be caged. From what I have read, they even cuddle? I've yet to find one in a pet store that likes being touched. How hard, and how long would it take to tame one down to where you could carry it around, walk it on a lead...so forth. I let my hamsters out usually everyday in thier balls, and I always talk to them at least or pet them before i go to bed if i didnt have time to get them out that evening. (It's really rare for them to spend more than 48 hours in thier cage) The gp would be done the same way. Also, I know with the hamsters if I go away overnight I can just fill up thier food bowl, and water and leave them, are gp's the same way? Is it best to buy more than one so they have a friend? What are thier temperments like. Any info or help?
2007-02-27 17:43:14 · 3 answers · asked by Starbaby 1 in Pets ➔ Other - Pets
I love it when there are people like you! I'm a big animal lover also! Have had as pets: mice, hamsters, parakeets, rabbits, cats, and dogs. Guinea pigs are cute, but rabbits are a lot more interactive -- we had one that, while I was working in my office, would run around and even leap about 3 feet off the ground -- a riot to watch!! Then, after awhile, she'd get tired and would come over and falls asleep on the floor but with her head on my feet -- she was quite a special bunny! But, it sounds like you really are wanting a really good companion -- have you ever considered getting a cat? They're fairly maintenance-free and also can be left alone overnight. I only foresee one possible problem and that would be to make sure the cat can't get at your sweet little hamsters. Otherwise, try a rabbit (which, by the way, you can get a halter made for rabbits so you can take them outside for walks!.) Good luck!!
2007-02-27 18:06:42 · answer #1 · answered by Adios 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Guinea pigs do tend to b a bit "skittish," but if you are willing to spend a little time talking to them softly, they will let you pick them up after you earn their trust. (Can vary from animal to animal--could be a few days, could be a few weeks...)
Giving them a treat (they love fresh veggies!) when you speak to them will also help...
Mine got to know my schedule so well he used to wake me up before my alarm clock went off in the AM! I woud hear "MEEP, MEEP, MEEP!" until i got out of bed. He also learned the sound of the cupboard where I kept his food--and whenever he heard that particular cupbboard open, he woud "MEEP" at me some more!
Once you are able to pick them up, they will ususally be willig to sit on your lap, or in your arms while you pet them--they love it between the ears!
Keep in mind that it is very difficult to tell the males from the females--I learned the hard way when my 2 turned into 6! (And the adult males will eat the babies if they are not separated...) :(
I always enjoyed my guinea pigs more than I ever enjoyed my gerbils or parakeets--and the cats were fascinated by them! (But we always made sure the cats were supervised around the guinea pigs--they were ever allowed aroung the "pigs" unless a human was around! :)
Enjoy!
2007-02-28 04:27:08 · answer #2 · answered by vixeninavw 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
long and hard
2007-02-28 01:53:22 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋