Guinea pigs are ideal pets

Aug 27 2008 by Wendy Scott, Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser

GUINEA pigs can make great pets, being a bit bigger they are a bit more robust and with lots of appropriate handling they will be happy to be picked up and cuddled.

This is probably due to the fact that they are very sociable creatures.

In fact, guinea pigs would naturally live in groups mainly consisting of females wandering around eating grass and other vegetation, whilst taking shelter in vacant burrows left by other animals.

As such it is unadvisable to keep a lone guinea pig, generally ideally a few females together with a neutered male would be good.

Males can be okay together if they have enough living space, are introduced at an early age and there are no females present.

Guinea pigs come in many various colours and coat lengths and texture so there is plenty of varieties to choose from for the family.

They will often groom one another and can enjoy being groomed by humans too.

Guinea pigs can be prone to vitamin C deviancy so a proper diet is absolutely vital to keep them healthy.

The most endearing thing about them is the lovely noises they make.

And they can also be taught to respond to their owners whistle.

For suitable companions to guinea pigs degus would be best as they have the same dietary needs and similar behavioural traits.

This is due to being closely related to them and chinchillas.

Degus have similar social structures and require companionship using grooming to bond with one another, even their human companions.

They can enjoy being out of their cage running free and sitting on your lap being part of the family, though care should be taken that they are not put in danger in the process.

They do have strong borrowing and gnawing instincts so suitable housing must be provided.

And owners should also be careful with the plastic housing or toys which they supply as these can cause damage.

Guinea pigs should be provide with fresh vegetables such as broccoli and carrots for them to gnaw on (maybe a good way to encourage your kids to eat them too).

Degus are prone to diabetes so like all mammals the appropriate diet must be adhered to.

Next week we will discuss rabbits.

For training, classes or private sessions contact Lynn Allardyce on 01236 830822 or petbehaviourscotland@msn.com or visit the web site at www.petbehaviourscotland.co.uk