Guinea Pigs Make Wonderful Pets

This is a guest article from Paul.

Guinea pigs are some of the most sociable and lovable rodents around. Yet, as lovable as they are, there are reports of Guinea pigs being abandoned. In October 26, 2009, a filthy abandoned apartment was found to house some 300 Guinea pigs left to fend for themselves in Aachen, Germany. Neighbors had been complaining of the smell emanating from the place only to discover the neglected creatures. A search of the apartment showed that there were droppings at least 10 centimeters high.

Recently, during February of this year, six Guinea pigs were left inside a box at Powys, UK and found to be suffering from lice infestation.

Abandoning animals in such a way that suffering on their part is the result is a criminal offence according to the RSPCA in England. If one is not prepared to handle the responsibility of taking care of pets like Guinea pigs, for example, they should at least be brought to animal shelters and not abandoned and left defenseless instead. Guinea pigs do not survive easily when set free out in the wild, especially those that have been domesticated already. Animal shelters do not judge people for not being able to take care of their pet. They want people to do the right thing by bringing their pets to them should the responsibility be too much for them to bear.

Wooly Willie

This little piggy is looking for love. Not just human love but a little Miss Piggy. You can find Wooly Willie right now at Metropolitan Guinea Pig Rescue, along with lots more adorable little critters.

You should be prepared for long-term ownership with guinea pigs as they can survive for about 5 to 7 years. They also breed very easily. Female Guinea pigs can get pregnant at 2 months of age. This is why a lot of Guinea pigs end up being abandoned so, in order to prevent pregnancy, male Guinea pigs are usually neutered.

Guinea pigs are good pets for kids as they are resilient, and they are very sociable. Taking care of them is not hard, though there are a number of things you should know before bringing your pet home.

Other resources:

Gadgets, Gizmos and Guinea Pigs In Need

“Lots of people talk to animals ……. not very many listen, though …..That’s the problem.” ~ Benjamin Hoff, The Tao of Pooh