guinea pigs

[malibu-sioux]

We are going out tomorrow to get a guinea pig for my daughter is their any preferance to temperament between a male and female also how long would it take to hand tame if not already,he/she will be an indoor one,can they live alone cos we don't really want 2,cheers!!!

[Genesis]

I don't wish to seem rude, but maybe you should have bought a book and/or sought advice a little sooner than the day before going out to buy an animal.

[CLOWN TICKLE]

Had Guinea Pigs for years, both sexes very friendly all of them, the female lasted for 6 - 7 years, enjoy

[Cats_R_Cute]

The temperament is usually the same with both breeds. To hand tame a guinea pig it really depends on how much you handle it. If you handle it every day it will eventually grow to like you. I really hate it when people come back saying their guinea pig scratched their little daughter etc because they didn't hold it!

They can live alone but they will get a bit lonely. I would advise a companion, BUT NOT A RABBIT! Rabbits have a powerful kick and to an animal smaller than a rabbit (Such as a guinea pig) it is potentially fatal!

[malibu-sioux]

Genesis,we HAVE read two different books,both contradicting each others advice so i thought i would ask on here BEFORE getting one,to see what advice these good people would have,Clown Tickle & cats-r-cute, thank you!!!!!!

[Misty P]

Good Choice of pet malibu-sioux!

One will be fine on its own, although as they are pack animals, plenty of interaction from your family will be required- as it'll be indoors I doubt that would be a problem. They can be quite timid animals at first- they must learn to trust & feel safe around their human family- loud noises are not good, so avoid housing him/her near a tv or stereo - at least until they are used to things.

One other piece of advice- find yourself a proper vet who can specialize in cavies & rodents etc. In the past I have found some regular vets to be under qualified. (Apologies to vets- don't wish to judge you all the same- it's just my own personal experience)

Have Fun, they are fantastic pets - mine keep me amused for hours!

[malibu-sioux]

Cheers Misty P,I doubt he/she would get lonely with the kids making a fuss of him/her,so gonna go look again 2 morrow!!