Guinea Pigs
Guinea pigs are members of the rodent family which are commonly kept as pets. They belong to a family including capybaras and maras. These adorable little critters commonly live to be 5-8 years old (with some living as long as 10-12 years), and eat an herbivorous diet comprised primarily of hay.
To read more about guinea pigs and their care, please visit our care guide.
Kids and Guinea Pigs
All too often, we are asked if guinea pigs are appropriate for homes with children. Because guinea pigs are prey animals, they tend to be very timid and shy. This means that unlike a dog or a cat, guinea pigs typically don't enjoy being picked up or petted. This can be very disappointing for some children, and can lead others to try and 'chase' them to catch them or drop squirming guinea pigs who are scared to be up in the air.
Because of this, we feel that guinea pigs are typically more appropriate for older children who can understand that their new friends may also be scared of them. With careful parental supervision, laptime with treats can be rewarding for both guinea pigs and children alike.
Additional Resources
In addition to our care guide, linked above, please find more information about guinea pigs and their care on the following websites:
Ready to adopt?
Get more information on our adoption process here, and then check out our adoptable guinea pigs!