Would a Guinea Pig Make a Good Pet for You and Your Family?

Picking a pet can be a tough decision

Picking a pet can be a tough decision. There are lots of things to consider, including whether you can spend enough time with it, how often it needs to exercise, and whether it will fit in with your lifestyle.

If you are thinking about getting some guinea pigs, but aren't sure whether they're the best pet for you, here are a few essential facts to help you decide.

Size and Weight

Whereas most other rodents tend to be quite small, cavies are quite big. An average fully-grown guinea pig is roughly 20-25 cm (8-10 inches) in length, and weighs 700-1200 g (1.5-2.5 lb).

Having a large pet can be a good thing - they are less likely to wriggle through your hands when holding them, and they will have a harder time squeezing into small nooks and crannies, saving you the hassle of trying to coax them out again!

However, their weight and size can be an issue for small children, who can find them difficult to handle. For this reason, it is best to place the guinea pig on your child's lap, and let them play with them that way.

Age

An average cavy will live to between 4 and 5 years old. This is considerably longer than many other small pets, meaning that they do require more of a commitment.

This is especially important if you are buying cavies for young children. They often become bored easily, so you should seriously consider whether they will still be interested in a few years' time.

Personality and Character

Some small animals are very energetic, and spend much of their time scurrying about, particularly when you get them out to play. Cavies are quite different, and are often happy to sit on your lap relaxing or being petted.

On the other hand, guinea pigs do still need regular human contact, and really enjoy being taken out of their cage for some exercise and some petting. It is crucial that you have the time to do this regularly.

Would a Guinea Pig Make a Good Pet for You and Your Family?

By: Pete L Matthews

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