Do you keep guinea pigs?

[Rose65]

Are guinea pigs a good option for older folks? I understand it is necessary to keep two together for their good well-being. We had them years ago when our children were young and I remember them being very lovely pets.

I need some calming animal companionship, small pets to love and take care of. Due to health and mobility concerns a dog is no longer possible, even a cat could be be too much to manage.

Any advice welcome please.

 

[IrishEyes]

They can be fun to watch and pet but their home takes care to not become smelly.
If you can manage that, it's well worth trying.

 

[Messy]

I had 2 with 4 rabbits. They were very sweet and not a lot of work, but the stench.

 

[IrishEyes]

If I had to choose a pet after my dog is gone, I'd probably go with a bird.

 

[jujube]

I had one, then two bunnies.

One thought he was a cat and acted accordingly. He had the run of the house and was litterbox trained. Lots of personality and was quite affectionate. Pretty intelligent for a bunny.

The other one was....well...a bunny. Nothing special. He didn't train, so only got out under supervision. He was a beauty, though.

 

[robin416]

If I had to choose a pet after my dog is gone, I'd probably go with a bird.

I was thinking the same thing. Some of the small parrots can be real characters and if hand raised from hatch can be very human friendly.

 

[IrishEyes]

I was thinking the same thing. Some of the small parrots can be real characters and if hand raised from hatch can be very human friendly.

I had a Quaker Parrot for many years, she gave kisses, talked of course, walked through the house and got back in her cage
by herself. When I had to re-home her she was easier to find a loving home for than a cat or dog. Only thing I had to be
careful with her was if she was on the floor I trained her to know if I said "Gonna pick you up" before touching her, she
wouldn't startle and nip me. She learned it fast, even said to me when she wanted to be picked up.

 

[MACKTEXAS]

During my wife's illness, we looked into several types of pets, including guinea pigs. We decided against them because they require hay and fresh vegetables daily, and some are resistant to being held. Also, they are susceptible to respiratory infections which can require special care and antibiotics. In our small community, regular veterinarians do not treat guinea pigs, as they are considered exotic animals.

 

[Messy]

I was thinking the same thing. Some of the small parrots can be real characters and if hand raised from hatch can be very human friendly.

I had an agapornis. He wanted 24/7 attention. He either played with his mirror or he'd go sit on my or one of the kids' phones or laptops and then peck until you put up a video from him or a video from an aviary.

So I bought him a friend. I don't have much room, so I bought another male, so I thought. I noticed it immediately. That was not a male. Then they both bothered the rabbits and guinea pigs. They'd go ride on the guinea pig's back. So funny. They were stuck together like glue the whole day through.

Then they wanted to make a nest and ate all my wall paper. Noooo not a nest! I have no space for a whole family! My sister's budgies had just died a few months earlier and we went on a holiday and they stayed with her in her big yard in a big aviary for 2 weeks. She immediately started to lay eggs there. My sis said after the holiday: We'll keep them. Now they are with 20 or so.

 

[robin416]

I had an agapornis. He wanted 24/7 attention. He either played with his mirror or he'd go sit on my or one of the kids' phones or laptops and then peck until you put up a video from him or a video from an aviary.

So I bought him a friend. I don't have much room, so I bought another male, so I thought. I noticed it immediately. That was not a male. Then they both bothered the rabbits and guinea pigs. They'd go ride on the guinea pig's back. So funny. They were stuck together like glue the whole day through.

Then they wanted to make a nest and ate all my wall paper. Noooo not a nest! I have no space for a whole family! My sister's budgies had just died a few months earlier and we went on a holiday and they stayed with her in her big yard in a big aviary for 2 weeks. She immediately started to lay eggs there. My sis said after the holiday: We'll keep them. Now they are with 20 or so.

Caiques are my favorite. But they'd fall into that same issue of needing/wanting constant attention. I'd do it if I didn't have the 4 dogs. Two of which would hunt them so they'd not be able to be free ranging the house.

 

[katlupe]

I have had many different types of pets. This is my opinion only, and I loved all my pets dearly, cats are the easiest. If you do not want a real active one that gets into things, adopt an older one. I never thought I would be living without a cat but here I am almost 8 years and no cats. Older cats are just happy sleeping with you. Kittens are a whole other story........

 

[jujube]

My great-granddaughters have a guinea pig. She doesn't like to be picked up but will get into your lap if you sit on the floor.

We had guineapigs as kids...lots of them. My dad would bring a couple home from the lab and we'd have two, then six, soon 18. They procreate fast. Then we'd have to find homes for them.

I got a skunk (de-scented) for my 12th birthday. Skunks aren't all that smart but they can be affectionate. I leash-trained her and would take her for walks. They are a bit...well...skunky-smelling.