There are a lot of misconceptions and myths about guinea pigs, their nature and their needs. But unfortunately these myths prevent them from finding good homes for them. I am here to tell you about many myths which needs to be debunked.
1. HAVING TWO GUINEA PIGS MEAN THAT NEITHER OF THEM WILL BOND WITH HUMANS :-
Well, how guinea pigs bond with their owners, totally depend on how much human interact with them. If you will interact with them daily then you can have a strong bond with more than than four guinea pigs. Guinea pigs are quite social animals, so if they live with at least one of their kind of species then they will be more healthier and happier. When you’ve a pair of guinea pigs, then you will have active bright pigs who engage with the whole world around them. Remember that lone guinea pigs are more likely to get into depression as you can not be available to them for twenty fours in a day, they will still need a companion, no matter how much time you spend with them.
2. GUINEA PIGS ARE INACTIVE SO THEY DO NOT NEED A LOT OF CAGE SPACE :-
Guinea pigs can be very active when they have an interesting and spacious living space which allows them to explore and play. They will be much healthier and happier if you will give them big and interesting environment to live in. Recommended cage size for one guinea pig is 30”x33” ( 7.5 square feet ), and if you have two pigs then the minimum size of the cage should be 30”x50” ( 10.5 square feet ).
3. TWO OR MORE MALE GUINEA PIGS CAN’T LIVE TOGETHER :-
If there is a female guinea pig in the cage then two or more than it, cannot live together in the same cage. Having a female with more than one guinea pig can cause fight between the males because of the alpha male status and also for seeking the female’s attention. As a result, one of the male guinea pig gets hurt. However not every male pigs fight like this, it depends on their personalities only like any other species, some pigs mix well with others while some do not. In order to prevent this problem, you can neutered your pigs, so good luck!
4. GUINEA PIGS CAN’T BE SPAYED OR NEUTERED :-
This myth is not true at all, as both of these procedures can be performed by veterinarians who specializes in exotic pets. The surgery of female guinea pigs are more intrusive and this procedure is usually reserved for the time when there is a life – threatening situation with reproductive – system. So if you want to keep both female and male guinea pig together then spaying male pig will be a better option as a female pig with neutered male guinea pig amicable long – lasting match.
5. THEY ARE LOW MAINTENANCE PETS :-
No, as they need special bedding, quality guinea pig chow, quality timothy hay, these items might or might not be available at your local pet store. They will need their fresh produce twice daily, they need their water bottles, hay, their cages should be cleaned partially daily and should thorough a cage cleaning once in a week. You will also have to make sure to let them safely play out of his cage and you will have to clean up after the floor – time. This will go on and believe me this is a lot of work to do even for a motivated adult.
6. GUINEA PIGS ONLY LIVE THREE YEARS :-
Their life span depends on many factors which includes quality of living conditions, quality of care, genetics and breeding, inappropriate or poor diet, improper living environment ( too drafty, too warm or too cold ), dirty living conditions and other products of negligent care which can lead to illnesses, infections, dehydration and malnutrition which can endanger a guinea pig’s life. The genetics of the family line might create a higher chance for diabetes, arthritis, cancer or any other conditions. Improper breeding can lead to inborn problems with about any part of pig’s body. Guinea pigs can actually live up to eight years and an average life – space of them is usually four years.
7. A GUINEA PIG IS A GREAT STARTER PET FOR CHILDREN :-
A child is very immature, and there is a lot of work to do if you are going to have a guinea pig, as i already said above (point no. – 5 ) that they are not low – maintenance pets and no child is gonna be able to do all these things Any mistake in care means that the little guinea pig is going to be affected. Yes, children needs to learn responsibility but not at the cost of life of a guinea pig or other living creatures. Also you should not leave your child alone with them as they might hurt them.