Kids just love having pets, but unfortunately animals in the household can be a big headache for parents. Pets can be a nuisance, they make a mess, they’re expensive when you have to go to the vet, and what do you do with them when you go on holidays? But even so kids still love having pets. So if you’re a parent and you’ve had your children pestering you for a pet what options do you have?

Have you considered guinea pigs?

Guinea pigs make wonderful pets for the kids. They are small, not too messy, cute and cuddly, don’t get sick frequently and can be left outside. They don’t drop hair all over your carpet, they don’t chew your furniture and they don’t bark until the neighbors complain. They’re cheap to buy, cheap to house and cheap to feed.

A piggie is a wonderful pet for both children and parents. They have a lifespan of rarely more than 5 years so parents aren’t committing themselves to a pet ownership period of 15 years plus.

It is not difficult making your piggie into your best friend. They are easy to handle, even for kids, and rarely bite. If the children handle them regularly then they are very easy to tame and will very happily sit on the child’s lap while they are stroked or brushed.

However it’s also true, as with many animals, that you should supervise young children, even when handling guinea pigs. Guinea pigs do not take kindly to being dropped.

Guinea pigs are very social and like to be in the company of people. If you’re buying some for the kids it’s better to get two as they like to be together as well, but if you get one make sure you spend some quality time with him each day.

They are easy to feed and they are cheap to feed, however it’s important to understand that they require vitamin C in their diets or else they can, like people, get scurvy. They love vegetables and if you provide plenty of fresh vegetables you should be sufficient vitamin C. It is possible to get commercial guinea pig pellets as well.

However you need to give some thought to buying a good guinea pig hutch.

Housing your piggie is something you need to think about before you buy him. Most commercial guinea pig hutches sold in pet shops are too small. They need space to run around and exercise, as well as some space for toys to play with. It is not difficult to build your own hutch and it’s a good project for dad to share with the kids.

Or why not make one yourself? If you know one end of a hammer from the other and can source some simple outdoor timber, some wire, a few hinges and clasps for the door it’s not at all difficult to build the guinea pig hutch that will house a guinea pig in comfort. It is important though that you provide him with a covered and draught free nesting area where he can sleep in comfort out of the weather.

So if you’ve been wondering about what to do for a pet for the kids then it may be worth considering giving them a guinea pig. They will love their piggy and it’s a wonderful way to introduce kids to animals.

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