Hey everyone, I am a stay at home mom of two and we decided to start an adventure with a new pet (or two). Despite my husbands dislike of the idea
I had guinea pigs when I was younger and thought they were a better choice than a hamster or gerbil for my oldest girl who is 3.5. Young, I know, but I will be doing much of the care and she will help. We held a few different animals while at the store, and the guinea pigs were the only one she wasnt afraid of, so sadly no ratties for me ):
So I Have two boys, a tri color and broken chesnut. Dont know the exact color names, just know what they'd be called if they were a rabbit
So obviously much to learn on my part still!
Okay...so for some questions.
1. I know their store bought cage is too small for now, but it was the only opton at the time. I am familiar with c&c cages with rabbits, but not with guinea pigs yet. I read also, that they need a lot of room. Is there a way to make a cage that does not take a large lentgh of room? My husband would have a cow if I told him the pigs needed the lentgh of a wall! And also, they would have plenty of out time everyday, the room would be blocked off and theyd have most of the day out except for cleanup and meal times, and of course bedtime
2. Are guinea pigs as desctructive with carpet and wires, ect as rabbits can be?
3. I buy hay by the bale, so is free-feeding hay ok? Or do they need to be limited?
4. Does nuetering help with the smell the boys get later on?
5. How much is the average nueter?
6. Last night I had the tri-boy out (who my daughter wants to call poodle or horse-but that is so not gonna happen!), and was wrapped in a blanket watching tv and he just hunkered down and laid down there on my lap, and if I quit petting him he nudged my hand. Is this a good sign?
7. Is there any medicine you can give for fleas if for some reason they get into the house, I use revoluton on my bun since he goes outside a lot.
8. Is apple tree branches ok? I get them off the farm for my bun, and just want to make sure their ok for the guine pigs, too.
9. If I wanted to litter box train, would I start now (8ish weeks) or wait untl after puberty?
10. Do I need to suppliment vit. c to make sure their getting enough?
Thank you in advance for the replies, I am very excited to be here and I know me and my daughter will learn a lot from everyone here! Thank you so much!!
I had guinea pigs when I was younger and thought they were a better choice than a hamster or gerbil for my oldest girl who is 3.5. Young, I know, but I will be doing much of the care and she will help. We held a few different animals while at the store, and the guinea pigs were the only one she wasnt afraid of, so sadly no ratties for me ):
So I Have two boys, a tri color and broken chesnut. Dont know the exact color names, just know what they'd be called if they were a rabbit
Okay...so for some questions.
1. I know their store bought cage is too small for now, but it was the only opton at the time. I am familiar with c&c cages with rabbits, but not with guinea pigs yet. I read also, that they need a lot of room. Is there a way to make a cage that does not take a large lentgh of room? My husband would have a cow if I told him the pigs needed the lentgh of a wall! And also, they would have plenty of out time everyday, the room would be blocked off and theyd have most of the day out except for cleanup and meal times, and of course bedtime
2. Are guinea pigs as desctructive with carpet and wires, ect as rabbits can be?
3. I buy hay by the bale, so is free-feeding hay ok? Or do they need to be limited?
4. Does nuetering help with the smell the boys get later on?
5. How much is the average nueter?
6. Last night I had the tri-boy out (who my daughter wants to call poodle or horse-but that is so not gonna happen!), and was wrapped in a blanket watching tv and he just hunkered down and laid down there on my lap, and if I quit petting him he nudged my hand. Is this a good sign?
7. Is there any medicine you can give for fleas if for some reason they get into the house, I use revoluton on my bun since he goes outside a lot.
8. Is apple tree branches ok? I get them off the farm for my bun, and just want to make sure their ok for the guine pigs, too.
9. If I wanted to litter box train, would I start now (8ish weeks) or wait untl after puberty?
10. Do I need to suppliment vit. c to make sure their getting enough?
Thank you in advance for the replies, I am very excited to be here and I know me and my daughter will learn a lot from everyone here! Thank you so much!!