  Not Ranked. Helpful AND tactful post? : 0 Re: Common Misconceptions about Guinea Pigs and their Care | |
Guinea Pigs make great "starter pets" for kids
FALSE
Guinea pigs (as well as other animals such as rabbits) require a substantial amount of time, attention, and money. When parents buy guinea pigs for their children they are often misinformed about the level of care these animals need to stay healthy and happy. Even a responsible, mature child will have a difficult time remembering and keeping up with the cleaning, feeding, and socialization of their pets.
Children will often become bored with the pet and no longer care for them properly, leading many parents to abandon the guinea pig at a shelter or rescue. Unfortunately, it is always the animal who suffers.
Though guinea pigs may be small and considered "cheap" pets, they deserve the same level of respect, care, and commitment as a dog or cat.
Guinea pigs can make excellent family pets, but an adult needs to be the primary caregiver. Children can help out in the care of the pet, but should be supervised, especially when handling the guinea pigs. |