SherriB

DD has a guinea pig and she is the cutest little thing. She is probably about 5 months old. We have had her for about 3 months or so. She is still skittish at times but doesn't seem to mind being held, esp. by DD.

Miss Piggy makes kind of like a purring noise when she is petted. We kind of hope that means she likes being petted and getting her back scratched. We have looked for books on guinea pigs but haven't found any with much info.

DD keeps hay in her cage for her. And gives her a piece of romaine lettuce every day (her favorite). She is not much on carrots or other fruits/veggies, even though the books we read said they love them. We also keep chew blocks for her to chew one in her cage. DD also has a playpen type thing she puts in the floor for Miss Piggy to run and exercise in.

If you have any stories or advice, I would love to hear it. We are hoping Miss Piggy will have a happy home with us for many years.

Dolphyngyrl

I really miss my guinea pigs, had to give them up when I was pregnant, I was too weak to care for them and play with them. Make sure to handle them alot, and they love fresh fruits and veggies, they are a must. If not played with often they must be kept in pairs as they are social animals and get depressed if alone. Other than that they are quite fun and amusing. My cat used to love watching them as they played.

cjomomma

We used to have guinea pigs. We had them for a few years but had to give them away when we moved from Ca to Ky. I was afraid that the long trip would be too stressful for them.
Mine were picky eaters too. They loved to be put down in the grass and they run around and play. You just have to keep a close eye on them or they disappear. Mine loved to sit on the shoulders while I walked around but if I stopped they would get mad a pee down my back. I still loved them.
You do have to bathe them regularly or they can get mites and skin disease. Keep the cage nice and clean this will help too. When they are happy they will make a purring or a quiet chirping noise. When they are upset or hurt that chirping can get very loud.
And yes they like lots of attention.

emerald46

We had a guinea pig when the kids were little. I was allergic so hubby had to keep cage clean. "Gizmo" knew when the fridge opened he was getting veggies or fruit. He got to the point whenever anyone walked in the kitchen he would just chatter like crazy sitting up by cage door waiting for his treat. They are fun and very entertaining. Enjoy.

bodie358

Best site ever for everything you want to know about guinea pigs. You may be surprised at what you will learn - how to make your own cage (the ones at the pet store are always too small), what to feed them, why they should be kept in pairs (they are social), etc.

http://www.guineapigcages.com/

valsma

I used to own guinea pigs when I was a kid. Got my first one when I was in the second grade from the second grade teacher at the end of the school year. My mom wasn't thrilled but she let me have them. I loved them so.
As I got older I graduated to rats. I liked them to.

dogsgod

yes purring is a happy noise, we were told at the national western stock show that we shouldn't give our piggies lettuce as it can cause indigestion, all other b]veggies were good though. Ours loved green peppers and apples, plus the vitamin c is good for them, they need vitamin c

moonwork42029

My sister had one when she was 40...and then got another one. They made a "weep weep weep" sound when they were being petted and while they dozed in your lap. These 2 would ride around in your shirt and peek out the tops (guess they really were sitting on my boobs, lol, now that I think about it). Everyone was "comforted" when holding one of them.

sueisallaboutquilts

Awww, they are so cute!! :D

earthwalker

I had guinea pigs as a child, and when my boys were small kept them again. I still miss having them, but with 2 cats and 2 dogs....not the best housemates. Lots of good advice from everyone. Just give her lots of love and attention as they do usually live in groups...also, lettuce is not very good for the majority of small domestic animals, it can upset their digestive system. We used to have an outside run (escape proof and protected from predators), they loved grazing on the lawn (also their droppings are excellent fertilizer for plants and really great for the compost bin). Oh, I forgot, I used to have a salt/mineral lick for mine as well as putting their water in a dripper bottle (it's easier for them to manage).