Think you know all about guinea pigs? Find out from our experts what’s true and false.
There are many common misconceptions about adopting guinea pigs, so we’re keen to dispel some of those and make sure everyone understands what brilliant pets they are – and also what you’ll need to do to ensure they’re properly looked after.
Myth 1: Guinea pigs are great starter pets for kids
While Guinea pigs make great family pets, adults should always take full responsibility for them with help from children where appropriate. Guinea pigs are prey animals and therefore naturally quite skittish. All handling should be supervised by a parent and kept to a minimum in order to prevent stress and protect their fragile bodies.
Myth 2: Guinea pigs don’t need a large living space
Although many pet shops still recommend a single hutch for guinea pigs, this is not appropriate for enabling your guinea pigs to live enriched lives. They need plenty of space to romp around and play with other guinea pigs. Many people now house their guinea pigs indoors, such as in a conservatory or secure shed. As a minimum, living space with a run attached should be at least 4ft X 2ft, with additional space for pairs or groups.
Myth 3: Guinea pigs and rabbits can be housed together
Guinea pigs are extremely social creatures, and should always have the opportunity to be around other guinea pigs. While guinea pigs and rabbits have similar care needs, they should not be kept together for several reasons:
- A rabbit kick could seriously injure a guinea pig and bites could easily become infected or transmit diseases.
- They have different dietary needs, such as the pellets they should eat. They also require different amounts of various foods.
- They communicate differently. While both species are social, guinea pigs are more vocal whereas rabbits are more tactile and rely on scent and body language to communicate with one another
Watch the video below for more details
