Would a Guinea Pig be good for me?

Question

I get very emotionally attached to animals, I have several cats and a dog, I was looking at adding a guinea pig to my family and I want to know how long they live. I had a teddybear hampster and I was devestated when she died at 5 years old. Our vet said I should stay away from short lived animals and our animals tend to live a long time. (All of our cats and dogs we have had in the past have lived into their 20's)

Answer 1

Guinea pigs are wonderful animals. A guinea pig is often thought of as a good pet for children, and this is true, but as with all pets, parents must make sure the child is old enough to be gentle with the animal and mature enough to care for it properly. A guinea pig is a sociable animal and needs a home where it will receive attention and affection. Being left in a cage and ignored is a harsh life for the guinea pig. They are affectionate animals that love to be held, and owners should be prepared for this. A prospective owner should get a good book on guinea pig care and read it carefully. A guinea pig’s needs are not elaborate, but include a roomy cage, safe bedding, a ceramic food bowl, a water bottle with a sipper spout, guinea pig pellets and timothy hay. These are the basics. Some people put a little plastic or wooden shelter inside the cage, but this is not recommended for the first week or so at home. The guinea pig may retreat inside the shelter and refuse to come out, except to eat. A shelter should only be added after the guinea pig has become accustomed to its environment. If you are wondering about the general lifespan of a guinea pig, an average lifespan is 5 years, but they can live longer, sometimes 6-8 years, when properly cared for. The basic equipment you'll need for a guinea pig are: Cage, food dish, water bottle, guinea pig pellets, vitamins, timothy hay, salt spool, and pine bedding -- ONLY! Guinea pigs can be kept as singles or in groups of two or more. Two females are good, but two males will fight. Remember that guinea pigs are prolific animals and a male and female kept together will most likely result in babies at some point. Many people say that more than one guinea pig will be better for both of them because guinea pigs are social animals and when the owner doesn't have enough time to give one of the guinea pigs attention, the two or more guinea pigs can give eachother amusement. Guinea pigs are very popular pets because of their availability, docile temperaments, tendency not to bite or scratch when handled, and relatively clean habits. They are not long-lived, which can be disconcerting to owners (especially children). Many parents, however, believe that having their children experience the relatively short period of companionship and subsequent death is a meaningful way to expose children to the "ups and downs" of life. Overall, guinea pigs are wonderful pets and are easy to care for if you have the time. If you think about it carefully, guinea pigs can live pretty long with the proper care.

P.S - I read the answers at the top and please, DON'T GET YOUR GUINEA PIG A PLASTIC BALL TO RUN IN!

Answer 2

Guinea Pig are very noisy and cages need to be cleaned often. The life span is not that of a dog or cat. I would do a little research before adding this pet to your family

Answer 3

Thats the same with me. When my grandma died i didn't cry much, but when a wild cat died on out fron't porch i went into a forest and buried it. I cried so much.
I am just like you.
I would say no, because when our class guinea pig died and it was so sad. I cried in front of my entire class. It was just still for a couple days and didn't eat any food or drink any water. It is really sad and they only live 5-10 years.
I recommend getting another dog or another cat.
I am going to get one soon.

Answer 4

Guinea pigs live 6-8 years on average.
They need more care and attention than hamsters, but can make very good pets.

Rabbits live about 8-12 years, but they are very demanding. More like caring for a cat than a caged animal.

Just research your choice in pets to make sure they are right for you

Rabbit Care
http://www.rabbit.org
Guinea pig Care
http://www.cavyspirit.com/care.htm

Answer 5

we had 3 guinea pigs and now have 1 rabbit. they require about the same amount of care. the rabbit is living in the guinea pigs' old cage and using their water bottle and food dishes. if you take good care of them (either one) they can live quite a while. no matter what you get, death is part of life. the only thing that will live longer than you is a parrot or other exotic bird.

Answer 6

Guinea pigs can live on average 5-7 years. They make wonderful pets, but they require a degree of active care from their owner, as well as patience and knowledge of guinea pig care.

Answer 7

Well a Guinea pig can be rather fun if you are able to keep up with it. get it a platsic ball to run around in a wathc it run in to things.(haha) But to the point they make a good over all pet.

Answer 8

Well all i know is that it takes a lot of bonding to get them used to you. Seeing that you are an animal lover, go right ahead!!