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Marine Guinea Pig
This little guy's a crowd-pleaser - the Marine Guinea Pig is a super popular small mammal known for its gentle nature and low-maintenance care. They're relatively easy to care for, making them a great pet for beginners or families with kids. With their friendly demeanor and compact size, it's no wonder they're a favorite among pet owners. They're relatively quiet, don't take up too much space, and are relatively low-cost pets to care for. Plus, they're relatively low-maintenance, so you can enjoy having a pet without breaking the bank or dealing with a ton of hassle.
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My Guinea Pig Adventure: The Surprising Truth About These Cute Creatures
summarizeEditor's Summary
I'll be the first to admit, I was a bit skeptical about getting guinea pigs as pets. But after a week of research and browsing listings, my family and I decided to take the plunge. We ended up with a lovely pair - a smooth-coated boy and a girl who I think might be from the Abyssinian breed. They came with a little packet of fresh herbs and a small bag of food, which was a nice touch. But what really surprised me was how quickly they settled in and started to show their personalities. From their adorable little squeaks to their love of exploring their cage, these little guys stole our hearts. But before you bring one home, there are a few things you should know. First, guinea pigs require a lot of attention and social interaction. They need to be handled regularly and get used to being around people. They can be skittish at first, but with patience and gentle handling, they'll come to trust you. They're also relatively low-maintenance pets, which is great for busy families. They're easy to feed and don't require a lot of space to move around. However, they do need a lot of space to exercise and get some fresh air. A large cage or a guinea pig-proofed playpen is a must. They're also messy eaters and can make a bit of a mess in their cage. So, be prepared to clean up after them regularly. Overall, guinea pigs make great pets for families who are willing to put in the time and effort to care for them.
settingsSpecifications
Kararİyi
Eğitim9/10
Güvenlik7/10
Hassaslık8/10
Hey everyone, morning, afternoon, or evening!
We've all been there - our kid wants a pet, but after some research, we're not sure if we're ready for the extra responsibility. I mean, our current cat is already on a decent diet, and we're not sure if we're ready to take on another furry friend. So, after reading some reviews and weighing our options, we decided to look for a pet rabbit instead of a guinea pig. We wanted to make sure we knew what we were getting ourselves into, rather than buying a pet blindfolded.
We spent an entire week browsing through listings and scouring the internet for the perfect guinea pigs. We were so excited to finally find them, but things got a bit confusing when we realized we'd booked two instead of one! It turned out to be a good thing, though, as we ended up with a lovely pair - a smooth-coated boy and a girl who I think might be from the Abyssinian breed.
They came with a little packet of fresh herbs and a small bag of food, which was a nice touch. Now, let's get into the nitty-gritty of our guinea pig experience!
A Little Background:
Origin: These adorable creatures hail from South America, where they were domesticated around 5,000 years ago in the Andes. The Spanish and Portuguese brought them to Europe in the 16th century. The name 'guinea pig' has nothing to do with the animal's origin, but rather the long sea voyage they took to reach our shores.
A Brief Description:
I've had the chance to get up close and personal with pet pigs, also known as domesticated pigs or swine, and let me tell you - they're nothing like the wild boars you'd find in the forest.
They're super compact, typically ranging from 20 to 50 cm in length and weighing anywhere from 850 to 4,000 grams.
Their coats are covered in a thick layer of fur, which can be short or long depending on the breed. The color palette is pretty diverse, too - you've got your whites, blacks, browns, greys, and all sorts of combinations in between.
One thing that really stands out about these little guys is their big, round eyes and short little ears.
Their teeth are always growing, so it's essential they've got something to gnaw on to prevent them from getting too long.
The Essentials:
These guys need plenty of space to roam - a minimum of 1 meter in length is a must.
A hiding place is a must-have - a cozy little den or tunnel where your pig can retreat to when it needs some alone time.
A soft, absorbent bedding material is a must - think wood shavings or corn granules. Avoid using newspaper or regular old cardboard, as they can be toxic and won't absorb moisture well.
It's generally recommended to keep a pair of pigs of the same sex - they can get a bit lonely if they're left to their own devices.
Boy
Boy
Girl
I'll be honest, when we first got these adorable little piglets and their enclosure, I was a bit nervous about handling them. We'd heard horror stories from other owners, after all.
But, as it turned out, we got lucky and our pigs were surprisingly calm and friendly. The curly-coated one was like a little beggar, always asking for food, while the girl was super timid and took a while to warm up. We couldn't keep them in the same enclosure, as we didn't want to end up with a whole piglet family on our hands, so we had to make a difficult decision and rehome one of them. In the end, we kept the girl and passed on the more social boy to a new home.
I have to say, our little girl has been a real surprise. She's been sleeping through the night, munching on a moderate amount of grass, and hasn't made a peep – unless you start scratching behind her ears, that is. It's been a real treat having her around, and we're loving every minute of it. I guess you could say we won the piglet lottery, and it just goes to show that every animal is different, just like dogs and cats. You never know what you're going to get until you bring them home.
I've found this thing to be super comfortable to sit on for long periods, whether it's watching TV or just relaxing. It's great on my knees while I'm coloring with the kids or on the table. We picked it up at Fixe for a reasonable price and it's lasted a long time. We choose when to take it out for a walk, usually after dinner when all the important stuff is done.
Value for money and maintenance:
In the first few days, we got a hutch with a meter of wood shavings and a small bag of Little One food, plus a packet of hay the size of an A4 sheet. At first, I thought it was a lot, but the rabbits worked through it all in two days, even with us giving them a bit less than usual. But then I realized that two rabbits are expensive to feed, especially in the winter when there's not as much grass around. We'll have to rely on hay, which isn't cheap - a small bale lasts us only a couple of days and costs 200 rubles. The rabbits will eat any greenery, fruits, and veggies they can get their paws on, but not all of them. We can also feed them prepared food like Little One, which has pre-pressed hay, fruits, veggies, and grains - a small bag costs 240 rubles, while a larger one costs around 500-900 rubles. And we can also buy just the pre-pressed hay, which isn't too expensive - a kilogram costs around 150 rubles.
Food
What you can feed:
Small amounts of cucumbers and tomatoes, carrots, leafy greens, a bit of bell pepper, and zucchini, natural beets and greens, a bit of pumpkin, a bit of parsley.
Apples, a bit of watermelon, and cantaloupe - but not too much, as they're high in sugar.
Hay and fresh grass, including dandelions and reeds.
What you absolutely can't feed:
Dairy products, grains, avocados, sorrel, and other human food.
And don't forget the treats:
Additional treats include vegetable and fruit sticks, as well as pressed blocks - many of which crunch when eaten, but our pig isn't interested in them for some reason.
Since guinea pigs drink a lot, I recommend getting a 180ml or 230ml water bottle from the start. However, if you're feeding a lot of fresh greens, they'll drink less. It's also a good idea to use a ceramic water bottle, as they often lean against the edge when eating. We have a large guinea pig, and the current water bottle isn't ideal - it's not high enough, so we've opted for a smaller, shallower one instead. You can also get a hay feeder, but we don't use one, as our guinea pig can't reach the hanging feeder.
Litter is another recurring expense, and initially, it was wood shavings. But the white bedding turned yellow, and the wood shavings aren't great at absorbing, although they're only 75 rubles for a pair of liters. So, it's mostly doing its own thing. The first time I bought the litter, I got a pack of wood shavings and corn litter, which costs 160 rubles for 1 kilogram here. Overall, it's not expensive, but the absorbency is a 0. Then I thought, why not buy litter from Perekrestok for 90 rubles a pack? It's marked as suitable for small animals with a dense floor covering, and you can top it with wood shavings and bedding. It's relatively economical, and the granules that break down go in the trash, while the rest is cleaned as needed. There's also eco-friendly litter that's natural and clumping, but it's relatively pricey. Silica gel isn't perfect, but if you have marbles at the bottom, it can work. Many people use a mat, but for me, it's not very practical to leave it for a week or 3-4 days. Sometimes I put it in different places, but it's not ideal. You can also use the same setup with a holey mat that's sold in bathrooms. It turns out you need to clean the cage once a week or 1.5 times, and replace and remove the wet granules daily or every other day.
You can clean the cage with lemon juice if it's severely damaged by your rabbit's waste products, but if it's new, a surface wipe is enough. Don't use any chlorine-containing cleaners or other aggressive substances, like you would for cats.
Sweeping rake from MK for 40 rubles
Shavings
Bedding
A lot of people buy hammocks, beds, and all that jazz. I'm not a huge fan of that stuff - it all needs to be constantly washed and whatnot. Wheels for small animals aren't an option, our pigs have weak spines and legs, so we can't turn them over on their backs, and running in the wheels isn't recommended either. So, our little pig just lives in a nest, lies around, and takes it easy without any frills. In the end, we made her a hideout.
Expectation vs Reality:
I have to admit, I didn't expect them to eat so much, but if you've read up on the info beforehand, you'll understand that it's their mission on earth, no matter how silly it sounds. In the wild, this is exactly what they do to survive and eat, so they need access to grass and hay, either fresh or store-bought, water too, and their main diet is this, with around 30% being veggies and another 10% fruits. You can also add in some commercial food or just compressed pellets. So, be prepared for the fact that they're basically little veggie-munchers, and since they're eating greens and veggies, this is a constant process of eating and, ahem, 'business'. They're not to blame, their stomachs are just designed to make it a pretty much continuous process. So, that's something to keep in mind. Overall, it's brought a lot of entertainment, and I find myself sitting with her for some stretches of time, like a little cat. She won't rub against you just for food, but they do ask for it enthusiastically, piling on when you pet them, and that's really adorable. And, of course, where's the popcorn? She springs up if she's happy about something!
Popcorn Time - it's a bunny's joy, delight, and fun. When a bunny pops up, twirls around, kicks its rear, and generally expresses its joy with wild and silly movements, this is called popcorn time. It's called that because it looks just like the popcorn that's popped in a machine, with kernels flying everywhere.
I've had the chance to get up close and personal with pet hamsters, and let me tell you - they're nothing like the wild hamsters you'd find in the forest.
When you think about it, a pet hamster is more suited for kids or adults who are aware of the responsibilities involved. They need regular care, plenty of space, resources for buying food and supplies, and time for cleaning their cage, feeding them, and planning for when you're away and who'll take care of them. On average, hamsters live for 6-10 years, but some can live up to 8-10 years. It's essential to understand that they don't form strong bonds with humans like cats do. Our hamster, for instance, doesn't care who feeds her – as long as she gets fed, she's happy. But if a kid is caring for her, she'll snuggle up, and if I'm handling her, she'll get a bit agitated. Some hamsters can be a handful, though – they might bite, scream at night, or be generally difficult to handle. Luckily, ours is a peaceful one, so we don't have to deal with much noise.
One thing to keep in mind is that hamsters are a relatively low-cost pet, but they still require special attention – not just to the animal itself, but to its environment. You'll need to spend time and resources on their care, which might mean sacrificing some of your own time or enlisting the help of your family members. The payoff won't be the same as having a cat or dog, so it's crucial to think carefully about whether you have the resources to provide for a hamster's needs.
live_helpFeatured FAQ
Are guinea pigs good pets for families with young children?
While guinea pigs can make great pets for families, they may not be the best choice for young children. They require a lot of attention and social interaction, and can be skittish if not handled carefully. It's best to supervise interactions between children and guinea pigs to ensure everyone's safety.
How often do guinea pigs need to be fed?
Guinea pigs need to be fed a high-quality pellet diet, as well as plenty of fresh veggies and hay. Aim to feed them at least twice a day, and make sure to provide fresh water at all times.
Can guinea pigs be trained to use a litter box?
Yes, guinea pigs can be trained to use a litter box. Start by placing them in the litter box after meals or playtime, and reward them with treats when they use it correctly. With patience and consistency, they should be using the litter box like a pro in no time.
How long do guinea pigs live?
Guinea pigs can live up to 5-7 years with proper care and attention. Make sure to provide them with a healthy diet, plenty of exercise, and regular veterinary check-ups to ensure they live a long and happy life.
Can guinea pigs be kept in pairs?
Yes, guinea pigs can be kept in pairs, but make sure to introduce them slowly and under close supervision. Start by keeping them in separate cages and allowing them to get used to each other's scents and sounds before introducing them to the same cage.
How much space do guinea pigs need?
Guinea pigs need a lot of space to move around and exercise. Aim for a cage that's at least 7.5 square feet in size, and make sure to provide plenty of toys and accessories to keep them entertained.
Can guinea pigs be kept in small apartments?
While guinea pigs can be kept in small apartments, they require a lot of attention and social interaction. Make sure to provide them with plenty of space to move around and exercise, and consider getting a larger cage or a guinea pig-proofed playpen to give them plenty of room to roam.
How often do guinea pigs need to be cleaned?
Guinea pigs need to be cleaned regularly to prevent the buildup of bacteria and odors. Aim to clean their cage at least once a week, and make sure to disinfect all surfaces with a pet-safe cleaning solution.
check_circlePros
- •Their behavior is super entertaining, and they're always up to something interesting.
- •You don't have to take them out for walks three times a day, which is a big plus.
- •They're really unique and have some pretty cool quirks.
- •They can be trained to do some pretty cool tricks.
- •They're relatively low-maintenance pets, which is great for busy families.
- •They're just so adorable and loving - it's hard not to fall in love with them.
- •They're social animals and love to interact with their owners.
- •They're relatively easy to care for, especially if you're willing to put in the time to learn about their needs.
cancelCons
- •They can be a bit skittish and take time to get used to handling.
- •They can be expensive to care for, especially if you're not prepared.
- •They can be messy eaters and make a bit of a mess in their cage.
- •They require a lot of attention and social interaction, which can be overwhelming at times.
- •They have sharp little teeth that can be a bit of a hazard if you're not careful.
- •They need a lot of space to move around and exercise, which can be a challenge in small homes.
- •They can be prone to health issues if not cared for properly.
- •They may not be the best choice for families with very young children.
