How much care/time do a pair of (indoor) guinea pigs need?
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jonny2510
Posts: 671 Forumite
My DD very much wants guinea pigs for her 8th birthday. We were all up for it, until I read this article stating they need at least(!) two hours a day (cleaning, feeding, playing with etc.). I just wanted to do a spot check with others who already keep them to see if this figure is accurate?
For those who do keep guinea pigs, how much time do you spend:
If an average of 2 hours per day is required - then I suspect guinea pigs aren't for us at this time (which is fine by me, though DD will be heartbroken), in which case we may wait until she's a little older and can take on more of the responsibilities for their care.
For those who do keep guinea pigs, how much time do you spend:
- playing with/supervising them (each day) - the article said at least 1 hour per day?
- preparing food?
- Other maintenance tasks etc?
If an average of 2 hours per day is required - then I suspect guinea pigs aren't for us at this time (which is fine by me, though DD will be heartbroken), in which case we may wait until she's a little older and can take on more of the responsibilities for their care.
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How much actual interaction has she had with guinea pigs so far?
I ask because at that age my lads were desperate for pets: rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters. So we pet-sat for their best friends - and they wouldn't interact with the animals at all, didn't want to stroke them, have them on their laps, or anything. So no pets for us.
We used to have lots of guinea pigs in my family, and they are my favourite of the three I mentioned, but they would sometimes scratch and occasionally bite if upset by something.Signature removed for peace of mind0 -
We have 3 guinea pigs, and they do take up quite a lot of time - preparing veg, cleaning them out, socialising, playing, etc.
Why not take your daughter to a rescue centre and see some pigs, and have a chat with the staff there about how much time each pig will need. Some will like a lot of attention, others not so much.0 -
We have 3 guinea pigs, and they do take up quite a lot of time - preparing veg, cleaning them out, socialising, playing, etc.
Why not take your daughter to a rescue centre and see some pigs, and have a chat with the staff there about how much time each pig will need. Some will like a lot of attention, others not so much.
Could you give me an idea/breakdown of the time you spend on/with them?
I daren't take her anywhere else with guinea pigs, in case it gets her hopes up too much :sad:0 -
Why are you thinking of getting them if not to spend a reasonable amount of time with them?
What is the point of them just being there so to speak.
Sorry if that seems a bit harsh.0 -
POPPYOSCAR wrote: »Why are you thinking of getting them if not to spend a reasonable amount of time with them?
What is the point of them just being there so to speak.
Sorry if that seems a bit harsh.
The reason for my post is that I'm trying to find out what 'a reasonable amount of time' is!
That way we can determine what's to be expected when keeping guinea pigs, and come to a decision as to if that would fit in with our family, and whether or not a guinea pig would be happy in our house.
As to the 'point' of having GPs - it's entirely for my daughter (who really wants them).
P.S. No need to apologise - I anticipated someone would ask!0 -
We had guineapigs er decades ago, they had an outdoor hutch & we went ' cuddled them as we wanted to. Mucking out was half an hour a week, & mandatory for us daughters. No big deal.
Indoors might need more frequent mucking out more often, but by being indoors, they are more involved in family life.0 -
Hi OP.
I have two male, indoor guinea pigs.
Firstly - they take up a lot of space. And I mean a lot. The cages you see in pet shops are far too small. The RSPCA provides guidance on sizes. Mine have a two storey cage with a permanently attached 1m2 run.
Secondly - they take a lot of time. I sit in the run with mine for about 30 mins every evening, and each also gets about 20 minute lap time a night. Add to that daily cleaning out, plus feeding, then washing the bedding (if you use fleece) or changing the sawdust and hay. Then you have weekly nail clipping/grooming and occasional bathing if needed.
There's a great website called The Guinea Pig Forum, worth joining for advice.
Also, go to a rescue and talk to them about the pigs' care - they will be far more honest about what they need than a pet shop who just want to sell them.
I've had my boys nearly three years, I have insurance for them, which is another thing to consider. But had I known what I know now about what it takes to keep them, I'd have thought a lot harder and longer about it! I love them to bits now, but my whole routine had to change to accommodate them!0 -
Also, consider what you would do with them when you go on holiday, want to go away for a weekend etc.
They need company and stimulation and have only you ( as in the owner) to give it to them.
Any pet is a commitment in time and money.
You need to consider how much help an 8 year old will need to look after a pet and the responsibility will fall to you ( her parents).0 -
:rotfl: However tempted the OP is, I do NOT recommend Peruvians! I'll leave you to google, they are really cute and fluffy, but that hair takes a lot of looking after! (Sibling used to breed and show Peruvians and Abyssinians! You take the Peruvians to a show in their curlers, so their hair doesn't get dirty!)Wannabe2018 wrote: »Then you have weekly nail clipping/grooming and occasional bathing if needed.Signature removed for peace of mind0
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