2007-03-14 09:20:04 · 11 answers · asked by joe 2 in Pets ➔ Other - Pets
No. Children loose interest in pets very quickly. A guinea pig will live for several years after your child gets bored with it. What would you do with it then? Dump it at the animal shelter? If you decide to get a guinea pig, YOU have to want it too because YOU will be taking care of it. Your child is too young to care for the guinea pig himself. You will be the one cleaning out its cage and feeding it.
Just be patient...in a week or so he will forget about the guinea pig and will be wanting something else :)
2007-03-14 09:27:02 · answer #1 · answered by gobanana516 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Well, a giny pig is not really a good choice as a child is often too rough - and these pigs easily brake their bones when dropped!
They usually live 2-3 years, so it's quite a while YOU would have to take care - it's really up to you.
And: the pigs should not be kept alone, rather 2 or 3 - and the living area should be 10 sq.ft. if possible (or 1 m2).
If possible, I rather would recommend a cat or even better two.
2007-03-14 16:29:43 · answer #2 · answered by swissnick 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Absolutely NOT!
A GUINEA pig is a living creature. It is not a toy, to be played with and abandoned or killed with neglect.
Get an animal that YOU like and want to take care of, and let your child HELP you! Little lessons for a little person.
At 9-10 most kids are responsible enough to care for a living thing. If not, make them earn it.
Think about what you will teach a child by letting it get an "toy" to kill, or nagging him continually to take care of. Think about teaching your child that nagging mommy for things DOES NOT WORK!
You might want to read up on pets and what a pain they are to keep.
If you must give in, my best suggestion is a lab mouse. They live about 1 year TOPS!
Then you get to talk to your child about death and losing someone you love, and how to have a meaningful funeral. You might even be able to discuss why "God" does this to innocent miceand their people. Pets can teach you and your child a LOT!
2007-03-14 16:40:22 · answer #3 · answered by Lottie W 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
They make good pets as long as you get one that isn't skittish or bites. The 4 year old will need help taking care of the pig, but if you don't mind helping it will be fine. BUT what do you mean for a while? Once you take on the responsibility of a pet it is your responsibility till the end!
2007-03-14 16:24:46 · answer #4 · answered by lcritter55118 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Guinea pigs are wondeful pets for small children. They are usually very calm, and will not bite unless provoked. You'd have to keep a close watch on your little boy whenever he plays with one, though. Guinea pigs are very fragile and can easily be injured or killed. They're also very smart, and, with a little patience and training, can learn to jump small obstacles or run short mazes.
As long as you can supervise your child's play with his quinea pig, I'd say go for it.
2007-03-14 16:28:16 · answer #5 · answered by Ren 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Not a good idea. A four year old doesn't know how to properly care for an animal. They like to hold and squeeze them which puts the animal in danger of being killed or maimed.
2007-03-14 16:29:14 · answer #6 · answered by Suzy 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It will need its cage cleaned (by you). You will need to feed it, brush it, check its water to make sure its fresh. Piggies can be timid, so if he's too rough it might bite. I wouldn't buy a child that young a pet. If the family pets aren't enough, they'll just have to wait until he's old enough to take care of it himself.
2007-03-14 17:38:53 · answer #7 · answered by nokhada5 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
according to the stats that i looked at only one in 400 guinea pigs bites so you really don't have to worry about that. as long as you supervise him while the guinea pig is out it should be just fine. my son is almost two and he just loves his guinea pig.
2007-03-14 18:40:47 · answer #8 · answered by MommyCaleb 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If your up to taking care of it, you can't expect a 4 year old to be that responsible.
2007-03-14 16:23:28 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
If you took care of it. A four year old couldnt take care of it. But put it in their room and let them feed it sometimes but you clean it and let them watch. explain how y ou take care of it so later they might be able to help when there older. also let them handle with your supervision.
2007-03-14 17:03:57 · answer #10 · answered by devin s 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋