Why Guinea Pigs Make Great Pets for Kids
Guinea pigs, with their lifespan of 5 to 7 years, make a fantastic choice for teaching kids long-term responsibility. They’re gentle, love social interaction, and become wonderful companions for children.
At Happy Pet Place, we’ve found guinea pigs to be affectionate and friendly with kids. While they need daily care, it’s manageable compared to dogs and cats, making them a low-maintenance pet option. Moreover, caring for guinea pigs is highly educational, helping children learn about responsibility, empathy, and animal care.
Should I be getting Guinea Pigs as Pets for Kids
Guinea pigs are not just cute pets, they also teach kids important life lessons. These small animals need daily feeding, cleaning, and social interaction, which helps children learn about daily responsibilities and the consequences of neglect.
Taking care of guinea pigs helps kids develop a strong sense of duty and responsibility.
This daily routine not only teaches them about pet care but also builds important life skills like responsibility and empathy. If you want your children to learn these values while enjoying a loving pet, guinea pigs are a great choice.
How to Care for Guinea Pigs
Diet
Give your guinea pigs a healthy diet. Feed them good-quality pellets, fresh veggies, and plenty of hay. Always have fresh water available for them.
Housing
Make sure your guinea pigs have a clean, roomy, and safe home. They need a big cage to move around and explore. Keep their home clean to prevent sickness and keep them safe.
Healthcare
Take your guinea pigs to the vet regularly. Watch for any signs of sickness and get them treated quickly to keep them healthy.
Socialisation
Guinea pigs are social and love company. Spend time with them and, if possible, keep them with other guinea pigs. This helps them feel happy and loved.
Guinea Pigs
What Do Guinea Pigs Eat?
Guinea pigs need a diet rich in Timothy hay to help with digestion and keep their teeth healthy. They love fresh veggies like romaine lettuce, spinach, kale, bell peppers, and small amounts of carrots and cucumbers every day.
Give them high-quality guinea pig pellets with added Vitamin C, but avoid ones with seeds or dried fruit. Treat them occasionally with fruits like apples (no seeds), strawberries, and blueberries because they have a lot of sugar.
Since guinea pigs can’t make their own Vitamin C, make sure they get enough from their food or supplements. Always give them clean, fresh water, best served in a sipper bottle to keep it clean.
Choosing between Cages and Hutch for Guinea Pigs
Indoor Preference
If you have room, an indoor cage is usually the best choice. It lets you control the environment better, keep an eye on your pets easily, and avoid risks from predators and bad weather.
Outdoor Hutches
If you go with an outdoor hutch, make sure it
- Weather Protection: Keeps your pets safe from the weather.
- Security: Is strong enough to keep predators out.
- Shade and Ventilation: Offers enough shade and fresh air.
- Daily Interaction: Makes it easy for you to feed, clean, and play with your pets every day.
Combination of Indoor and Outdoor
Recommendations for Guinea Pig Playtime
- Create an adorable, safe play area or playpen where your guinea pigs can have fun without escaping or getting hurt.
- Remove any hazards like electrical cords or small objects, and set up a secure, enclosed space.
- Provide interactive toys like chew toys to keep their teeth healthy and tunnels and huts for extra fun.
- Encourage gentle exercise by setting up obstacle courses or placing food treats around the play area. For example, the Stretch n Snack is an enrichment tool that allows you to peg up your small animal’s favourite treats and greens.
- Teach kids to gently pet the guinea pigs, stroking their backs and avoiding their face and belly, and remind them to speak softly and move slowly to keep the guinea pigs happy and calm.
Visit Guinea Pig Pet Shop in Fremantle, Perth!
Adopt a lovable guinea pig today and give them a forever home. We also offer a wide range of nutritious food to ensure your new pet leads a healthy and happy life.
Come see us at the Guinea Pig Store in Fremantle and find your new furry friend!