Guinea pigs are small furry animals that are very popular as pets with kids of all ages. They are gentle, friendly and fun to play and interact with. If you are planning to keep guinea pigs as pets, you should know all the facts about these cute little animals so you can take care of them better and form a lasting bond. If you have been toying with the idea of getting guinea pig pets, maybe you have already done your due diligence and asked ‘Are guinea pigs good pets?’
Caring for Guinea Pigs
Guinea pigs are gentle animals, and when you bring them home they may be quite shy or nervous at first. They may shy away from you, seek refuge in sheltered spaces and generally avoid interaction. However, if you handle them carefully and stroke them gently, over time you will see them becoming friendlier and more and more approachable. If handled with care, guinea pigs become tame very quickly, and make charming company for those long, idle afternoons!
So, are guinea pigs good pets? It’s hard to see why they wouldn’t be. They are exceptionally friendly with humans they know and trust, and they rarely bite, even when threatened or stressed. That being said, it’s always a good idea to supervise kids handling guinea pigs, especially soon after bringing the animals home for the first time.
Diet and Sources of Vitamin C
An interesting fact about guinea pigs as pets is that it’s one of the few pet species that cannot produce their own vitamin C. That means their diet has to have adequate amounts of vitamin C if you want to have a healthy pig with a strong immune system. For guinea pigs, a good quality diet is composed of many different types of greens and fresh foods that are naturally rich in vitamin C. They love fresh fruits and vegetables, such as apples for example, but you should be cautious. First do a research are apples safe for guinea pigs. Many pet owners also rely on artificial sources of vitamin C, such as tablets or supplements. For most types of guinea pigs, tablets are a more effective way of administering the supplement, as opposed to adding vitamin to the pets’ water.
Where to Buy Guinea Pigs
Caring for guinea pigs can be a warm and fulfilling experience. The animals are gentle and friendly, and if raised with love and care, can live long and happy lives. If you are thinking about getting guinea pigs as pets, check with rescue centers before looking for places where to buy guinea pigs. You can get in touch with local rescue centers or shelters to find out whether they have any guinea pigs that are up for adoption. Many families give up their pet guinea pigs for a multitude of reasons, and it should not be hard to find one that is in need of a permanent home. You can buy a guinea pig from most pet stores, if your local rescue center does not have any for adoption.
So, are guinea pigs good pets? Yes, as long as you make sure they are provided for, given love and affection, and taken care of properly.
