Why you shouldn’t get a guinea pig?

Why you shouldn’t get a guinea pig?

Because they are fragile. They are faddy eaters and need a constant supply of hay, vegetables, and vitamin C or their complex digestive systems will stop working. Two: they hate temperature change. Anything warmer than 80 degrees and they can boil to death; anything colder than five degrees and they will freeze.

Do guinea pigs stink?

Guinea pigs are fastidiously clean creatures that love to groom themselves and stay tidy, but if pet waste builds up inside the cage, it's going to smell — and get in his fur. … Scrub out the cage once a week. Even with daily scooping, smells can build up in the cage, and you have to clean it thoroughly.

Is guinea pig urine harmful to humans?

Lymphocytic choriomeningitis (LCM) is a rare viral disease that can be transmitted through the urine, droppings, saliva, or cage material of infected wild and domestic rodents, including hamsters, guinea pigs, rats, mice, and other small rodents. … Human infections with LCMV are rare, especially from pet rodents.

Is it OK to have just one guinea pig?

Yes, It is ok to have one guinea pig. In fact, males are solitary in the wild, while females enjoy being in the company. If you have enough time to dedicate to your guinea pig, interact and play with them then it is completely fine to own a boar. Else you should go for a pair or more of Sows.

How long does a guinea pig live as a pet?

Short answer: In captivity, guinea pigs live an average of five to seven years. This makes them way longer lived than other popular pet rodents like hamsters, gerbils or mice, which rarely grow older than three years. However, there are a number of factors that affect how long a guinea pig is going to live.

How do you bond with guinea pigs?

Guinea pigs clean themselves, so baths are rare. Certain ailments make a bath necessary; otherwise you might bathe a guinea pig if its long coat is particularly soiled or if you're showing the pet for conformation. Bathing a rodent can pose health risks.

Do guinea pigs like to be held?

Guinea pigs are fun pets and become tamer over time. However, they do not like being handled too much or too often, especially when they first enter your home. When you do start handling them, you should know the right way to hold your guinea pig to keep her safe and happy.

Do guinea pigs bond with their owners?

Do guinea pigs recognize their owners? The answer is yes, they do. Not only are they social with one another, but also with their owners. Special types of noises and showing affection is a couple of the many ways in which guinea pigs show that they infact recognize their owners.

Why guinea pigs are bad pets?

Four: they get mange mites. Your fluffy pet will become bald and scabby overnight and become prone to seizures. Five: their teeth are another hazard – if they get too long, they can grow together and the guinea pig will starve to death. Six: guinea pigs get stressed.

Is a guinea pig a good pet for a 10 year old?

Not as fragile as rabbits and generally less skittish than smaller rodents like hamsters and gerbils, guinea pigs are wonderful pets for elementary-school-age kids and older. But remember, younger children should always be supervised around guinea pigs, just as with any other pet. 4.

Do guinea pigs get cold?

Guinea Pigs like temperatures of between 18 to 23 degrees Celsius. If it drops below 15 degrees your piggy can get chilled. … When a Guinea Pig is cold the blood flow to the skin reduces to conserve heat.

Is 5 years old for a guinea pig?

Guinea pigs, also known as cavies, can live between 5-8 years. Living past the age of 5 qualifies the guinea pig as a “senior citizen” who doesn't behave as vibrantly or bounce back from illness as quickly as he or she once did.

Are guinea pigs cuddly?

Guinea pigs are cuddly because they are calm and docile as compared to other small animals like hamsters and chinchillas. Guinea pigs are more social and usually warms up to their owners quickly if given the right care. So, that makes the guinea pig a lovely, cuddly pet.

Do guinea pigs have periods?

Guinea Pig Heat Cycles. Female Guinea pigs have a uterus like every other female mammal that hasn't been surgically altered. Although they may have the same body parts as humans, dogs, and other species that bleed during their estrus cycles, bleeding during heat is not normal for guinea pigs.

What do guinea pigs like to play with?

Play Ball. Many animal companions may enjoy batting around a ball from time to time and guinea pigs are no exception. A ping pong ball or cat-sized ball can provide entertainment for guinea pigs. Tennis balls may also work, but they may not be as fun as lighter, smaller balls that are easier for them to push around.

Why do guinea pigs squeak?

Whistling: Guinea pigs will often let out a high pitched squeal or whistle, and this noise means your furry friend is excited, perhaps about feeding time or playtime. … A deep, relaxed one means your guinea pig is content, while a higher pitched one is more likely a sound of annoyance.

Can guinea pigs fart?

Yes, of course, guinea pigs can fart. … If you've heard a quiet or even a loud fart coming from your guinea pig cage, that's probably your guinea pig farting.