anyone had guinea pigs before, are they alot of work?

Minicooper · 08-03-2006, 05:36 AM

SnuggleHam · 08-03-2006, 06:12 AM

I've never owned a piggy before but I did do some research a while ago when I was interested in getting one.

I do know that guinea pigs need allot of space. You really shouldn’t keep them in any of the cages you find in the pet store, most are two small. I’ve seen that popular cages are these home made cavy cages.. here is a link to pictures of them

http://imageevent.com/cavyspirit/cavyca ... ecoroplast

You custom build them how you like, but as you can see they are quite large.

I also know that Guinea pigs are social animals and require another guinea pig to house with. So getting a piggy means you need to get two. On top of that that are apparently very demanding for attention and need to be taken out quite a bit for play and exercise.

And of course count in any vet expenses. I suggest doing allot of research before you find a pair.

crystalwingsuk · 08-09-2006, 02:33 PM

i have had guineas for a long while they need no more care than a rabbit the only difference they are great for young children as they very rarely bit but they are asociable animal and need to be kept in pairs better to get two from the same litter as they rarely fight and they live for about 9 years so that has to be taken into consideration but they are lovely when you have more than one because unlike rabbits they talk to each other good luck with whatever you decide i will never be without guineas

Minicooper · 08-09-2006, 03:13 PM

I would love one but my parents wont let me have one.

Minicooper · 08-10-2006, 03:40 AM

everyone on hamster central seems to have quite a few hamsters or other animals because their parents seem to like animals but my parents seem to only let me have one hammie and no other animals even when they trust me and they know I love animals.

rhona · 08-10-2006, 06:27 AM

my mum is an animal lover my dad likes the dogs and rabbit but not the rats etc my dad however said as long as i deal with them and he doesnt have to work round them its fine lol

souffle · 08-10-2006, 06:27 AM

Not really minicooper. Many members only have one hamster for example matinee only has Tumble. That does not mean their animals are any less loved or important. Your parents are only acting in your best interests as you have already said you do not have much space for another animal. Many people are not lucky enough to have one pet so enjoy Hammis. When you are an adult and can make your own decisions then you can have as many pets as you can give full care and attention to as you wish. That does not stop you getting involved with animals and learning about them in other ways and that will help you in your job hopefully as an RSPCA officer. There is a lot of competition for that type of work so learn all you can now and you will streaks ahead of the others when you come to apply.

Minicooper · 08-10-2006, 08:05 AM

thanks for the info.

You need quite a few GCSE's to become a RSPCA inspector and you need to be able to swim 50m fully clothed which I can do allready so thats no problem.

Aswell the reason I might volunteer to help out at my local animal rescue centre is because you need to of had experience working with animals.

I have my heart set on it!

souffle · 08-10-2006, 12:21 PM

Go for it minicooper, go for it. It will be a great career and if your heart is in it you can do anything. Good luck and work hard for those exams over the next two years.

Minicooper · 08-10-2006, 01:06 PM

Thanks souffle, I can only try!!!!!!!!