Guinea pigs make great first pets for children
Many may not realize Mission Viejo Animal Services Center takes in many animals other than dogs and cats. The center recently received a number of guinea pigs that are now available for adoption.
Why do guinea pigs make great pets?
- Guinea pigs are relatively easy to care for and are hardy little animals. They require hay, fresh water, fresh vegetables and pelleted food formulated for guinea pigs. They also need a fairly large cage lined with paper-based bedding. The cage needs to be spot-cleaned daily and completely cleaned weekly. Add some daily attention, and they are good to go.
- Guinea pigs are great first pets for children. They are not as fragile as a rabbit and generally less skittish than hamsters. Guinea pigs can be an excellent way to teach kids the responsibilities of pet care while enjoying the company of these furry little creatures. Of course, like all pets, children should always be supervised when interacting with their guinea.
- Guinea pigs are adorable! They make the cutest little squeaking sounds and even purr when they are happy!
- Guinea pigs have personalities. No two guineas are alike - some are calm and quiet, while others can be bold and outgoing. They also bond with their people and become quite excited when they see their family.
The adoption fee for guinea pigs is only $25. If you’re interested in learning more about them or if you would like to adopt one of the cute little piggies, call 949-470-3045 or visit cmvas.org.
Comments
Good evening, We are looking…
Good evening,
We are looking to find a new home for my daughter's guinea pig. She will be leaving for college and I am unable to care for the guinea pig when she goes to college.
Does your organization take in guinea pigs in situations like this? If not, can you let me know who does?
Please let me know if you are able to assist me, and what other information you need from me.
Thank you,
Leah Dehnke
As a Educared Guinea pig…
As a Educared Guinea pig owner i can certainly say that guinea pigs are NOT easy, they are work and certainly not a childs responsibilty check(under 13). When children are young they move on like a snap of a finger and parents will be stuck with them. Usaully giving them bad care because they were not prepared and not educated either.
Unless your child is doing there research, saving up money, and continuesly showing there want towards this animal i would not. If your child actaully wants guinea pigs (they need to have two) your child will do all the research in the world to prove it to you. These furry little creatures arent toys. they are LIVING BEINGS and they lives should be your kids responsibilty test.
I must say that I rescued…
I must say that I rescued two guinea pigs and I wouldn’t recommend them for children at all- and definitely not as a first pet. In the first 3 months, I have spent over $700 in vet bills- mostly due to digestive issues. When they get diarrhea, it’s an instant emergency. You have to go to a vet that specializes in Guinea pigs (exotics). Let me tell you- finding an emergency vet that sees Guinea pigs is an be difficult and costly. Mine are now on probiotics and digestive tablets daily. The produce bill is very expensive with rising food costs. I make sure I buy all the vet recommended treats, pellets, and hay to keep their tummy issues at bay best I can. The know not every experience is like mine, but just in case, I would really contemplate if you’re up to to one similar to mine if that should be the hand you’re dealt.
That all being said, I love my little guys to the moon and back and they bring me so much joy. But I don’t let my kids mess with them very much. They can be fragile and are prone to seizures.
