Guinea Pig?

[Scumptiousjellytots]

Just to give some background information, I am a student at school for the moment and will be going to university at the end of september.

Well, I want to get one of my best friends for the past 3 years (who is a girl) something to remember me by. She has always wanted to have a guinea pig, so I was wondering whether to get her a guinea pig and name it one of her nicknames for me, so even when I'm 200+ miles away she still has something to remember me by and that a little bit of me will always be there with her...

I'm just wondering what other people think... or if there are any other things that might be better suited

Thanks in advance

[Nenya]

I think it's a nice idea but if she still lives with her parents then you should definitely check with them first. Also, be sure that she knows how to look after them properly, although is she's wanted one for a while I assume she'll have read about them already.

[Lizzie]

Guinea pigs can be a pretty big responsibility. There is a lot of upkeep involved, and if they are tight for money right now, I don’t know if that is the best thing to do. They do need fresh fruit and veggies daily, plus their pellets and hay. Their cages need to be cleaned daily as well, which means purchasing large amounts of bedding each month. They live about eight years, which is a really long time for a pocket pet. I mean I love my Guinea, but I didn’t realize how much goes into it. My Guinea is five and he just had surgery which cost us fourteen hundred dollars. So if the guinea you give her gets sick, you have to take them to a specialist which can cost a ton. If you think they have the money to spare, and have the time and effort for the upkeep involved, it would be a good idea. But really make sure they can take care of it properly before going out and buying one.

[~CourageousSurvivor~]

Guinea pigs are a lot of work. They need a special vet because they are classed as an exotic pet(and some vets don't really know what is best for them) they require fresh fruit and it is highly recommended that they have a companion. Guinea pigs are social animals and a companion helps them be a little happier. Also, your friend would need to build a special cage because the pet store cage is not big enough for a guinea pig at all. Another thing you should take into consideration is that if you buy from a pet store there is more likelihood that you would bring home a sick pig(who would need lots of medical advice) or a missexed pig who could actually be pregnant.

Here is a website that has information on the type of cages that would be needed; it also has a forum but the people in there can be a little harsh:

http://guineapigcages.com/


If you really want your friend to remember you why not keep in contact with email, phone calls, instant messaging and snail mail? It might be a better, less stressful alternative.

Hope this helped and best of luck

~Jenna~