Pets can teach your toddler important lessons about responsibility and concern. This is why they can be an important part of child development if they are so willing. Do remember, however, that children’s interest can change in an instant thus it is important that you will supervise your child with the pet he/she may choose.
With that said, one of the best pets for kids are those that he can’t hold that much until you are present. One of the leading candidates are guinea pigs.
Guinea pig is a favorite term to describe experiment animals. This is because it is a low maintenance pet and does not bite people. It was the first rodent to be domesticated and one of the first mammals to be launched in space. Although they may look like a rat, they are more of the porcupine variety than that of the rats.
Domestic guinea pigs usually range around 10 to 12 inches in length and weigh around two to three poungs. The possess short legs, stocky bodies and no tails at all.
They require a great amount of good housekeeping which may become the responsibility of the parent. Toddlers can come in and feed their pets in regular intervals and watch them - but mostly the maintenance would have to fall on the parent. This is ideal for young children because all they would want to experience is observing how the guinea pigs move by themselves.
November 10th, 2009 at 9:55 am
Actually, guinea pigs (cavies) are best suited for children about 8 and up. Guinea pigs can be skiddish and need to be handled carefully, and they CAN and DO bite. Don’t underestimate cavies, their teeth are very sharp and strong, and my guinea has gotten me a couple times when he gets real moody (YES they get moody). I would NEVER get this animal for any child younger than 7. For any kid old enough though, guinea pigs are great pets!
April 24th, 2010 at 10:12 pm
i am 13 years old and i own a guinea pig named Ramsy. these are ideal house pets in my eyes. you have to keep their cages clean are the room their in will start to smell bad. They poop alot and shed fur. you have to give them timothy hay and chewing toys to keep their teeth short and cut their nails. other than that these are awesome and cute pets to have they will amuse anyone of any age!!
May 20th, 2010 at 11:57 am
Guinea pigs are very good pets but can I just say that this guinea pig is OBESE!!! I dont know what or how much it’s been fed but it is not the right amount. Maybe a photo of a normal sized guinea pig would be better?
If you do buy one please dont let it get so fat (like this)
July 22nd, 2010 at 9:14 pm
I also own a guinea pig. Yes, guinea pigs are wonderful pets and like any other pet
They require not only the proper nutrition(guinea pigs cannot make vitamin c on their
Own and need it in their diet everyday or they can develop scurvy),they also need to be Handled, brushed and socialized by their pet parent everyday to ensure they bond and trust them. Guinea pigs are a big responsibility and should not be taken lightly. Toddlers are active and may hurt a guinea pig while playing. No amount of supervision can stop a mistake from happening. Also,Not all guinea pigs are the same. They have their own personalities. Before choosing a guinea pig as a pet, try going to your local animal shelter and spending time with the piggies. Bring your child along to see how they react towards the guinea pigs. Maybe within a couple of visits you will have your new family member:)Don’t forget, guinea pigs can live for 6 to 10 years so don’t rush into owning one without serious consideration!