Totally OT: anyone have/had guinea pigs?

Avatar for dana828
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Registered: 03-25-2003
Totally OT: anyone have/had guinea pigs?
7
Tue, 02-26-2008 - 3:48pm

My DD has 2 guinea pigs as class pets in her classroom, and DS' class used to have one until they got a new girl in his class who is allergic to everything (seriously, everything!). DD has been begging for a dog for years, but we're not ready to go there, and don't know if we will ever agree to getting a dog. But I'm thinking maybe a guinea pig might be fun for them. However, I know next-to-nothing about them, and how much work  & attention they require. DH is kind of against the idea, I think, but could probably be convinced (not like he'd be the one taking care of it anyway, since I'm the one who's home all day.)


So I'm looking for any input/opinions either for or against the idea!


 

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Registered: 06-29-2005
Tue, 02-26-2008 - 4:18pm
I had four guinea pigs growing up (the one we bought ended up being pregnant). One thing of note is they are not quiet. They chirp when they want something, they talk to each other and they squeal if they are upset. They also emit a kind of purr when you pet them. If you don't keep up with the cage, it *STINKS*. Feeding them can be as basic as kibble and a water bottle, but we gave ours celery and carrots every morning, which they loved.
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Registered: 10-04-2006
Tue, 02-26-2008 - 4:19pm

Well - we are animal people, and regularly have a "zoo" in our house, so my opinion may not mean much since we already have two cats, one dog, two fish and are looking into getting a second dog this summer.

My dd is most likely getting a guinea pig this summer (or possibly a ferret, she is kind of undecided and so are we - we've had ferrets before and LOVE them, but they are a bit more work) We haven't had guinea pigs, we've had rabbits and hamsters in the past though. I don't know if I would do hamsters again, both of mine were very nippy. Guinea pigs are supposed to be much more mellow. I don't know how old your dd is, but mine is 7 and I have put HER in charge of researching it. She has checked out a couple books on guinea pigs from the school library and we have read them together, and she has also read over a few web sites with me. There are some great websites out there on them with exactly what you need to know about supplies, nutrition, medical info, etc. - search for guinea pigs or "cavies". I want her to get an idea of exactly what is involved so she can make the decision as to what pet she wants (with our final approval of course). She is already in charge of feeding the cats and dog, getting them fresh water and helping with playing/walking the dog (which she doesn't consider a "chore" LOL!) so I know that she is responsible enough to handle a lot of the care.

Obviously I'm all for animals of any type, ours are part of the family (on the Christmas cards, sleep in our bed, etc.) and I couldn't imagine life without them - or not having my kids know what its like to make that connection with another being that loves you so unconditionally. Of course I probably have deeper feelings for my animals than for most people I know - but I am glad my kids get to learn about kindness, caring for other living things and develop that relationship. Dd wants to be a vet and is already dying to volunteer at the SPCA. I love seeing that caring, nurturing and kindness develop in her.

















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belizesig1
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Registered: 05-04-2006
Tue, 02-26-2008 - 4:40pm

I had a guinea pig as a pet as a child.

Avatar for dana828
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Registered: 03-25-2003
Tue, 02-26-2008 - 4:54pm

That's a great idea to have your DD research it--my DD will be 7 this summer, and that's definately something she could do.

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Registered: 05-08-2006
Tue, 02-26-2008 - 10:36pm
When I taught, our school kept Guinea Pigs in the hallway in a kiddie pool.
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Registered: 12-05-2006
Wed, 02-27-2008 - 11:33am
We have a guinea pig and they are great.

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Avatar for dana828
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Registered: 03-25-2003
Wed, 02-27-2008 - 1:39pm

Thanks so much for all your input, everyone! I think I will bring it up with DH and see if I can convince him. After seeing the 2 in my DD's classroom yesterday, I have decided that if we get one (or two) that I will find some kind of cage/setup that is solid at the bottom--with the cage they were in, they were throwing their floor covering stuff all over outside the cage! In DS' class she used to have it in a huge clear Rubbermaid tote, which was pretty cool and kept the mess contained. :o) I think I'll do some research...


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