Are you interested in getting a pet but think that a cat or dog will not fit into your lifestyle or living space? Then perhaps a pet like a guinea pig is just what you are looking for. Guinea pigs are friendly and outgoing but there are a few things you need to know before you can be sure they will be a good fit for your home and your lifestyle.

They make good pets but what makes them such good companion animals? Their size is neither too large to fit into a small space nor so small you cannot handle them safely. Their personalities are friendly and adaptable. Their ease of care: a standard diet of readily available ingredients. However, before getting one you should look at finding out as much as you can so that you can provide them with the safest and healthiest living environment possible.

Although guinea pigs are rodents and most rodents are nocturnal you will find that the guinea pig has an activity cycle which is very adaptable to those around it. Although they are nocturnal in the wild, and will always be more active at night they will slowly change to be more active when their owners are. This means that they are awake and interested in what their owners are doing no matter what time of day you are up and about.

They are also larger and longer lived than most rodents. This makes them more of an ideal pet than some of the smaller rodents. Hamsters, gerbils and rats can often be too small and fragile for smaller children to handle. Although all children need to be monitored when they are handling an animal, the guinea pig?s larger size makes them easier to handle. As well, their outgoing personalities are often a hit with children who respond better to a more social animal.

Guinea pigs also live longer than most rodents. They can live up to eight years although they are more likely to live four to five years. They are also fully formed at birth and are able to run around when only a few hours old. If they are handled correctly from an early age they can become very used to people and these are the guinea pigs which will make the best pets. They should not be removed from their mother until they are six weeks old but if they are exposed to people as babies this will help make them friendly and affectionate adults.

If you have ever heard a guinea pig you know how loud they can be. They have quite a large vocabulary of different sounds which range from squeals and chirps to purring, clicking and squeaking. They will make very specific noises that their owners will come to understand and often are quite demanding vocally if they know that their owner is nearby and there are treats to be had.

Guinea pigs do have some specific needs. They require a diet which contains vitamin C. They can receive this either from supplements, from pellets with added vitamins, or from a diet containing a variety of fruits and vegetables. Making sure that they have a good supply of pellets, hay and fresh water can help to make sure that your guinea pig is getting the balanced diet that it needs.

You must be willing to do your research and give your pet guinea pig what it needs to thrive and flourish. If you make sure that you do, you can find yourself with a gentle and outgoing rodent that will give you entertainment and fun for years to come.

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