While domestic guinea pigs (Cavia porcellus) are no longer found in the wild, there are some closely-related species that thrive in different parts of South America. Guinea pigs can be trained to follow commands and even to recognize your voice but the time it takes can range from a few weeks to a few months. Guinea pigs are a species of rodent that enjoys great popularity as an exotic pet. Guinea pigs are generally hardy animals, but they are subject to a few common health problems. They aren’t completely emotionless like turtles are, but at the same time, they aren’t as wildly passionate as dogs. Also, select a commercial pelleted food formulated for guinea pigs to feed each day. For this reason, guinea pigs are not recommended for children under ten years old. baby guinea pigs Pets and Animals in Maryland at AmericanListed.com classifieds. Always use a cage with a solid bottom and not a wire grate, as this can damage the feet of a guinea pig. This can result in them not being able to bite down properly and chew their food. If that’s the kind of pet you want, they’re perfect for the role. Craigslist has listings for pets in the San Diego area. These are typically very treatable conditions if you get your animal to the vet promptly. Male guinea pigs can sometimes get a bit rowdy, but there are measures to take that can prevent these instances. Some are treated as little more … PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — The Oregon Humane Society in Portland has taken in 250 guinea pigs from an overwhelmed pet owner. Some are treated as little more than oversized rats with more personality and less temper. Imagine your precious child established a great bond with a … The Pros & Cons of Guinea Pigs as Pets Guinea pigs have gained a reputation for being a “ starter pet ”, with many people believing that the animals can be self-sustaining with just a little food thrown in the cage every day. But, the bottom line is that they cost about $100-200 for all the initial supplies and then about $40-80 each month after that. Your Children Will Get a New Friend. They keep themselves clean too with daily grooming. For in any avenue of learning, one is bound to make mistakes and it would be cruel to sacrifice an animal simply for the sake of learning. Another common function of pets is to act as tools for teaching children how to be responsible. Expect to pay around $10 to $40 on average. Avoid cedar and pine bedding, which can irritate a guinea pig’s respiratory system. Also, add a small animal hideout or nest, which you can find at most pet stores, where your guinea pig can go to feel secure and rest. Their housing is fairly easy to set up and maintain, and their diets are readily available at most pet stores. Three children watched their 2 1/4 pound pet and nervously offered their questions. Being the owner of a pet means more than just taking care of an animal. It's best not to let your guinea pig interact with other pets in the household—especially any predatory animals like dogs, cats, and ferrets—as they can be easily injured. This sad reality has come about mostly as a result of ignorance perpetuated by the internet, unscrupulous breeders, and greedy pet store chains. Guinea pigs don’t require too much in terms of financial stability. They require hay, fresh water, fresh vegetables and a small amount … The eye might be red, swollen, and have discharge or crustiness around it. And its coat should appear clean and full without any missing patches of fur. They also need more space which is especially true for large breeds. Cats have a similar disposition. Guinea pigs are rodents, whose ancestors are originally from South America. Featuring a comfortable layer of fleece atop absorbent bamboo fiber, this cage liner is designed to draw liquid and mess away from your pet’s living area. The floor space is more important than the height, as guinea pigs generally don’t climb. favorite this post Nov 22 Male and female Guinea pig Craigslist has listings for pets in the Las Vegas area. Just make sure some is always available. While this is a great life lesson to learn, there are other ways to learn responsibility without endangering the life of an animal. Find Dogs, Puppies, Cats, most popular pet advertising site for pedigree and non pedigree dogs, puppies, cats, kittens and other pets. There are some health issues that specifically affect a guinea pig’s eyes. Others prefer to keep fish and turtles as pets in tanks and ponds. If you’re interested in similar pets, check out: Otherwise, check out these other exotic animals that can be your new pet. Find Small & Furry Animals for Sale in Tampa on Oodle Classifieds. Instead, they’re likely the domesticated descendants of a related wild species that originated in the Andes region of South America. Their ears are usually black.   While they're usually quiet pets, guinea pigs can make some fairly loud vocalizations, especially when they're squealing for excitement about a meal. If you are willing to give your guinea pig a good home with proper food, attention, living space, grooming, and veterinary care, you will be rewarded with a happy, healthy, cute, and fun guinea pig. Identifying what you need is the first step to finding a pet that fits your need; the right pet for you. in … Guinea Pig Musts: Must Have and Must Not Items, What to Know Before Getting a Pet Guinea Pig, Picking out a Healthy Guinea Pig to Be Your Pet, Five Hiding Spots For Guinea Pigs And Other Pocket Pets. Before bringing home a Guinea Pig, make sure you have considered the full impact of your decision. Your guinea pig also might be frequently pawing at its eye. One guinea pig should have a cage that is at least 30 inches by 36 inches. Guinea pigs are quite complex and delicate little creatures. They are small animals that grow to a maximum of approximately 10-11 inches long, and can weigh up to 2.5 pounds as a healthy adult.. They are kind, sweet, and mostly have a calm and collected demeanor. Like all pets, they require a certain degree of care, but a healthy guinea pig … Antibiotics can cause problems in guinea pigs’ digestive tracts, so your pet may not tolerate these medications. So if you notice a lack of appetite or weight loss in your guinea pig, have your vet check its teeth. The vet can trim the teeth if necessary and then suggest diet adjustments. If that is within your range, then a guinea pig is a good pet for you. Local vets may not be qualified to handle guinea pigs and you might have to travel far to locate one. Place the cage in a fairly quiet part of your home. Grooming a guinea pig is a bit different than that … Guinea pigs are classified as “exotic” pets; which means that vets charge a higher fee for standard services. And in addition to daily feedings, expect to spend time cleaning the enclosure at least once a week. In all, Guinea Pigs are excellent pets for kids 6-years and older. Join millions of people using Oodle to find unique used cars for sale, apartments for rent, jobs listings, merchandise, and other classifieds in your neighborhood. Choose a guinea pig with a round, firm body (not obviously underweight or overweight). Guinea pigs can sometimes be noisy but the volume of their wheeks and squeals isn’t that high. You can feed these at any point during the day, but they should not exceed 10% of the total daily diet. Home » The Pros & Cons of Guinea Pigs as Pets. Guinea pigs are active up to 20 hours per day and sleep only for short periods. A better choice of first pet for small children to learn responsibilities are birds and fish. Find a pet, pet care, or connect with other pet owners. Moreover, while they're typically active during the day, they occasionally wake up and move around at night. And while guinea pigs are legal in most areas, ensure that you don't have any local housing restrictions (such as rental policies) that might prevent you from keeping them. Bonded pair • Male • Adult • Short hair • Mixed breed Listed on: 12/20/2020 Situation: Desperate. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. All are permanent SPCA Tampa Bay residents. Stewart said that guinea pigs prefer warmer temperatures, more so than many other animals, and are susceptible to colds. Guinea pig safety tips. They've been well cared for, properly sexed, are not pregnant and are vet-checked. They each have their own unique personality, so let’s just say it’s for you to find out. Making the decision to become a pet owner means dedication, responsibility, and the kind of love that a parent gives their child. As pets, guinea pigs might be nervous at first, but they rarely bite. In fact, they also eat fruits and veggies so you’ll definitely be sharing for human food with them from to time. Guinea Pigs are not as delicate as rabbits and in general, are less timid than smaller pets like hamsters and gerbils. It means more than just ensuring that the necessities of life are met. The most common are the American (short, smooth coat), Abyssinian (short coat with swirls called rosettes), and Peruvian (long coat). There also are hairless varieties called skinny pigs. Add a 2-inch layer of paper bedding at the bottom. Guinea pigs have gained a reputation for being a “starter pet”, with many people believing that the animals can be self-sustaining with just a little food thrown in the cage every day. Largest Pet Adoption Facility in Tampa Bay: We adopt out canines and felines, rabbits, birds, ferrets AND pocket pets ~ guinea pigs, hamsters, mice and rats. But don't remove the water dish until you're sure your animal is consistently drinking from the bottle. Many owners put a day’s worth of pellets in a small bowl in their guinea pig’s enclosure in the morning and dispose of any uneaten pellets before the next day’s feeding. Guinea pigs are small pets, but they require plenty of space, time, effort, and human interaction. In fact, you’ll never know how long it will take an individual guinea pig to complete training. Are Guinea Pigs Nocturnal or Do They Sleep At Night. The pellets should be fortified with vitamin C, as guinea pigs cannot produce this vitamin on their own. Follow the package instructions for how much to feed. While hamsters and gerbils only live for about 2 – 4 years on the average, guinea pigs enjoy a nice 4 to 5-year average lifespan; with some living up to 8 years. Guinea Pigs Need Surgery, Too (Sometimes) Harvey peered at Doc Springer through the mesh in his carrier door. If you’re searching for a healthy and long-lasting guinea pig bedding option, the GuineaDad Fleece Liner 2.0 is well worth checking out. favorite this post Dec 10 Male guinea pig $40 5-Acre Farm Animal Sanctuary: Take a ‘Share Our Shelter’ tour and feed the goats, cow, horse and donkey! This aids digestion and helps to wear down their teeth, which grow continuously. Guinea pigs, unfortunately, will not be able to accomplish such a feat, but at least they do live longer than other rodents. Also, make sure the cage is out of direct sunlight and away from drafts. Many vets who are not trained to handle exotic animals are not familiar with all possible health issues and sometimes, it takes multiple diagnoses to finally find the cure. To supplement the hay and pellets, offer a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables each day in another small bowl separate from the pellets. Between internships, volunteering, and paid jobs over the last 4 years, I have pretty much-gained experience with domesticated animals. On the other hand, here are some factors other pet owners see as disadvantages of owning Guinea pigs: There’s almost no comparison when putting dog, cat, and guinea pig lifespans side-by-side. It is very rare for a guinea pig to bite, unlike hamsters, gerbils, and most especially rats – all of whom have been known to bite their owners for various reasons. They also sometimes make a deep purring sound when they're relaxed. Find a pet, pet care, or connect with other pet owners. More Largest Pet Adoption Facility in Tampa Bay: We adopt out canines and felines, rabbits, birds, ferrets AND pocket pets ~ guinea pigs, hamsters, mice and rats. Think of the large price tags that come with purebred dogs, cats, and even some fish. Make sure any seller houses male and female guinea pigs separately, or there could be a chance you'll take home a pregnant female.. This is the reason why it’s not recommended to allow small children to play with them. Exceptions can be made if there is a high level of supervision. Pet stores are a common source for pet guinea pigs. Look for a guinea pig that is active and alert. If the seller says it's tame, then ask to handle it. … They primarily only eat hay and drink water, so special concessions must be made in regards to their diet. Guinea pigs need as large of a cage as you can fit and afford, and many pet shop cages marketed for guinea pigs are actually too small. Some good options include romaine lettuce, kale, and cilantro, as well as carrots, zucchini, kiwi, and blueberries. And add some guinea pig toys for chewing and play, which also are available at most pet stores. Water bottles won't spill or become contaminated like a water dish can. Guinea pigs are easy to care for. Guinea pigs aren’t the hardiest or strongest pet available on the market. ... 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