Guinea Pigs Make the Best First Pet for Kids
How do you find the perfect first pet when you have a child that is terrified of every animal in existence? Well that is the problem I am having with my four year old daughter, Which is a huge adjustment for me considering I was raised on a ranch and my son the same but my daughter didn't get that lifestyle due to I moved away from that life before she was born and she is terrified of every animal known to man.
I tried everything to show her that there is nothing to fear but I could not convince her so I went in search of a pet that was quiet and did not move fast and finally I found it a Guinea Pig. They make very little noise, easy to care for, they very rarely bite, and easy for a child to hold.
If you are thinking of getting your little one a Guinea Pig here are a few tips that will make the decision a little more easier. These are social animals which means they enjoy having company so if you are planning on adding this pet to the family plan sometime in the near future for another and remember to get same sex unless you are wanting to run your own Guinea Pig farm. :)
Their pen size does not have to be huge but I do recommend that it be big enough that they can get plenty of exercise and a place for their house and food to be separate from where they would go to the potty. You wouldn't want that for yourself so don't put your pet in the same situation.
A guinea pig's diet can be a little tricky sometimes for they must get plenty of vitamin C in their diet but no worries. Always make sure you buy Guinea pig food do not substitute with rabbit food for it does not carry all the vitamins that they need. They will also need Timothy Hay. NOT alfalfa hay. Timothy hay provides nutrition for the digestion system and helps keep their teeth maintained.
Guinea pigs require constant water you can also give them fruits and vegetables that naturally carry water like, cucumbers and grapes. They are generally not picky eaters when it comes to fresh fruits and veggies just remember too much of one thing is not good for them. Just like you and I like a variety in our diet so do they.
Try some of these to start your little piggy out on.
Fruits, Guavas (Excellent source of Vitamin C), Grapes, Watermelon, Cantaloupe, Strawberries make sure all fruit is clear of any seeds for it could make your piggy sick.
Veggies, Carrots, Broccoli, Cucumbers, Spinach, Potatoes, Cauliflower, and Beans.
Always remember mom and dad when it comes to your little ones handling their pet to always wash their hand before and after holding. If they have a food smell on their hands while it's rare for these little guys to bite it's only natural for something to smell good to want to eat so wash their hand with soap and of course wash after holding due to they do shed and you don't want hair all over your food or in the kid's mouth.
You should clean their pen no less than twice a week to help prevent odors and sickness of your pet. Just about any bedding can be used I use newspaper cause it's cheaper and easier. Also you should trim their nails every 4 to 6 weeks to prevent them from curling under and causing them any pain.
That's basically everything to get you started with your very own Guinea Pig. Everyday hold them, Love them, talk to them, and enjoy the very best pet this mom has discovered in a long time.
