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Pros and Cons of Guinea Pigs

There are a couple of prominent reasons why everyone wants to have Guinea pigs as pets. They are super cute and also super friendly. The tiny form of beavers is always loving and makes you want them to cuddle with you. Guinea pigs are small, rodent-like animals that make popular pets. They are social creatures that enjoy the company of other guinea pigs, so it is generally recommended to keep them in pairs or groups. But beware, the little ones may also lead to a huge mess. Therefore, it’s imperative to go through the pros of cons of Guinea Pigs before you choose your favorite buddy. Let’s have a look at what experts have to say about them.

What are the Pros of Guinea Pigs?

Following are the main pros of guinea pigs and the reasons why people choose them next to canines and cats.

1. They are calm and safe for Kids

They are generally very calm animals. This makes them good pets for kids who may not be able to handle a more active pet like a dog. They are also safe for kids because they are not known to bite or scratch. They are also vegan, so you don't have to worry about them eating your child's food.

2. Loads of Affection is one of the main pros of guinea pigs

Guinea pigs are fond of hearing the voice and feeling the touch of their owners, which is a positive indication that they are happy. These tiny creatures may bond with the entire family, becoming a great source of interest in the house. You'll most likely keep these small animals in a cage, but you can play with them, snuggle with them, and form bonds.

Guinea pigs dislike being stroked, yet they enjoy the company of their owners and peers. A single guinea pig may become lonely and depressed because of its kind disposition. Guinea pigs are excellent pets for young children who can learn to care for animals by observing how attentive they are to their charges.

3. They can be trained

Yes, you read that correctly – guinea pigs can be trained. With a bit of patience and some tasty treats, you can teach your guinea pig to do tricks like come when called, jump through hoops, and more. They may take time to learn things that can vary from half a month to a couple of months.

4. They make great pets for kids

Guinea pigs are an excellent pet for kids because they are gentle creatures that are easy to handle. They are also small enough that children can easily carry them around which is among the commendable pros of guinea pigs. Just be sure to supervise young children around guinea pigs, as they can be easily injured.

5. You can take them anywhere

Guinea pigs do not require going for a walk as dogs do. You can take these tiny pets with you almost everywhere, however. As a result, if you're thinking about going on vacation, you won't have any problems taking your guinea pigs with you. Everything is perfect for them as long as they stick to their feeding and sleeping patterns and are near you.

6. They have a long lifespan

Guinea pigs typically live for 5-7 years so that they can be a long-term commitment. However, their lifespan can be even longer if they are well cared for. According to the Guinness Book of Records, the oldest known guinea pig died at the age of 14 years and 9 months.

What are the cons of Guinea Pigs?

Of course, while there are several pros, there are also several cons of guinea pigs. You must consider everything from potty training to keeping them odor-free before deciding if a guinea pig is a suitable pet for you or not.

1. They are cute but vulnerable

Even though you can avoid health problems in your guinea pigs by providing them with a nutritious diet and adequate cage hygiene, their bones are delicate and can be easily damaged. As a result, pay attention when children under the age of six ask to hold them. Guinea pigs must be handled with care and security. If you neglected to lock their cage as an accident might occur, be careful not to step on them.

2. Daily essential care is among common cons of Guinea Pigs

Guinea pigs are susceptible to allergies, especially dust which are hazardous for their health. Yes, guinea pigs may be allergic to dust, so you should pay attention to the quality of hay you're buying for your pet and their bedding, which should also be dust-free. Ensure their cage is cleaned regularly and that their water bowl or water bottle is changed regularly.

3. They can be stinky

Guinea pigs are also known to be smelly creatures. The males, in particular, tend to mark their territory with urine, which can make the cage stink. To avoid this, you should get your guinea pig neutered. Guinea pigs don't have an unpleasant smell on their own. The absence of cleanliness in your pet's cage is what smells terrible and generates odors in your house. Aside from routine cage cleaning, you may use bedding to reduce the odor of your pet's hutch. However, if you don't invest enough time keeping a guinea pig's hut tidy, these won't work well.

4. A couple of opposite genders is hard to keep inside a cage

Female guinea pigs can get along well together and keep each other company. However, keeping male and female guinea pigs in the same cage unless you plan on producing some baby guinea pigs is not a good idea. When two males are kept in the same hutch with females, there's a lot of potential for conflict. Be prepared for such cons of Guinea pigs if you’ve already bought a pair of opposite genders.

5. They need a highly Balanced Diet

Even if they are vegan, you have to be very careful with what you feed your guinea pigs, as they have a very delicate digestive system. They require a diet high in fiber and low in sugar, fresh vegetables, and water. A lack of vitamin C can also lead to health problems, so make sure their well-rounded diet.

6. Guinea pigs may be a prey for other pets

Keep in mind that guinea pigs are not the only animals that think they're delicious. If you have other pets, such as cats or dogs, they may view your guinea pig as a tasty snack. As a result, it's essential to keep an eye on your guinea pig when other pets are around and ensure their cage is secure.

Conclusion on the pros and cons of Guinea Pigs

Guinea pigs make great pets for a variety of reasons. They are small and easy to care for, and they can be fun to watch and play with. However, there are also some disadvantages to owning a guinea pig. They require a lot of attention and can be messy, and they may not be the best choice for everyone. So before you decide whether or not have one for you, it's essential to consider all of the pros and cons of guinea pigs.

Pros and Cons of Guinea Pigs

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the cons of having a guinea pig?

They also waddle about, which necessitates a larger area, and as a result, they may become irritable with time. Guinea pigs of all types are delicate to mites, worms, and various other diseases.

Are guinea pigs a good pet?

Rats are active for a long time, so that you may enjoy them longer than other rodents. They have distinct personalities and are pretty vocal, making it simple to identify their individualities and become attached. They're lots of fun to play with and full of life.

Are guinea pigs cuddly?

Guinea pigs are unquestionably adorable and cuddly pets that enjoy human lap time. However, maintaining a guinea pig takes effort and patience, much the same way it does with all awesome things. But, and here we're speaking from experience, your perseverance will be rewarded in the long run.

Are guinea pigs smelly?

Guinea pigs are generally clean, tidy animals that groom themselves regularly. While they might have a faint stench, it should never be overpowering or distressing.



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