Guinea pigs, pictures on page 2 1-18-07

[sanford8916]

We are try to figure out what rodent would be best for my daughter. She is 6 years old, very good with all animals, and very responsible. She is saving her own money to get whatever rodent we decide on, she will have to buy the cage and toys too. We have 2 dogs and 2 cats and I have a daycare in my home. It will be easy to put the dogs and cats in another room so the rodent will be able to get out of the cage and get attention and excersise. Does anyone have any of these and which one do you think would be better for a child to have. I have had guinea pigs and hamsters in the past so I know how to teach her to take care of them but I am not sure which critter has a better record with kids. Thanks for any input!

[Pawsitive Thinking]

My first pet as a child was a guinea pig - a bit more robust than hamsters and mice as there is a bit more of them to handle! However, all of them require lots of looking after

My daughter's first pet as a piggie too.....

[BitsyNaceyDog]

I'd put hamster at the bottom of that list. They are great pets, I absolutely adore them, but I wouldn't recommend them for a 6 year old. They can often be nippy and hard to hold. They are also nocturnal and will be most active when your daughter is asleep.

Mice are great and have been one of my favorite rodents to own. They too are small though and can be hard to hold. I've never had a problem with them being too nippy though.

Guinea pigs would probably be best choice from what you have listed. They are larger and easier for a 6 year old to hold and play with.

Something not on your list that'd I recommend is a pair of rats. They are great rodents and a lot of fun.

[Genny]

I've had hamsters, 1 rat, guinea pigs and mice.

I enjoyed my little hamster, Munchkin,the most; he never bit me once, but he was an exception. Most hamsters can be snappy. They'll bite you when you reach in to get them and they aren't expecting it. I wouldn't really recommend one of them for a little girl, because some of them can try to egt away too.

My rat, Bengi, was a sweet heart. I had lots of fun with him! He enjoyed playing in the water, walking around, playing with toys. He wouldn't run from me if he got on the floor. He came when I called him. I recommend a rat for her, because they are easy to handle and they hardly ever bite.

I loved my guinea pigs, but they seem to be a little more trouble than rats or hamsters. My GPs' cages needed cleaning out every 2 days. They are messy! Sometimes they nibble. Both the ones I ever had would nibble on me from time to time. It didn't hurt, but it might scare your little girl.

I had a few mice before, but they didn't seem to want to interact with me at ALL! They try to get away and they are very fast if they get on the floor.

I guess the rat or guinea pig would be what I would pick for her.

Good Luck! I hope she loves what ever you guys decide to get!!!!!!

[Chilli]

Out of the ones listed, I'd agree with a guinea pig. Like all animals, they'll take work, but they seem less flighty and more willing to sit on a kid's lap. =]

I agree with what has already been mentioned. A pair of rats would be great! In most cases, they're much more calm than mice or hamsters, plus, most of mine just like to cuddle (as in snuggling up to my neck while I walk around the house or to snuggle into the pocket or sleeve of a hoodie).

Good luck!

[Christmas_Hamster]

Hmm I think the guinea pig is the best choice :/ Hamsters can be nippy, mice are very nervice and well Guinea pigs are harder to loose.

[JuniorxMyxLove]

quinea pigs all the way. They don't try to run away[as much as my previous hamsters], they're bigger[and harder to lose] and LOVE to cuddle[well...mine always did!] you would have to clip their toenails, give them baths, and give them LOTS of vitamin C though...theyre great pets, though[even if they do dirty up their cage FAST]

[GreyhoundGirl]

and they hardly ever bite.

I did not know that! I thought that rats would be the rodent which was most likely to bite. You learn something new at PT everyday.

[sanford8916]

Thanks for all the responses. My husband says no rat! So it looks like we are going with a guinea pig. We are going to first look at resues for one. I am waiting to hear back on two right now. So I have a few more question right now, I am reading alot that the cages from the store aren't big enough and alot of people talking about C & C cages, this are just the organizer things you can buy at Wal-mart, what are people using for the bottoms, it almost looks like it is that board that is foam/plastic coated presentations board stuff???? Is that right? What kind of cages do you guys use and where did you get them and how much do they cost??? Also I have read that you should get guinea pigs in pairs, do you have to if you interact with them several times throughout the day or are they truely happy with a friend to play with all the time? Thanks for any help!

[Christmas_Hamster]

It is called cloroplast I think. try www.guinapigcages.com for more info on the C&C cages

[TamanduaGirl]

zip ties and square shelving, used from thrift store

you could get a fridge tray from home dept for a bottum

[DrKym]

Something not on your list that'd I recommend is a pair of rats. They are great rodents and a lot of fun.

I agree totally with this! All my kids had rats as pets, wonderful rodent !Smart,clean,affectionate, and I have found very seldom nippy. They tolerate well little hands and sometimes a bit too energetic squeeze with aplomb. If you are open to expanding the list They are certainly worth a look into for her.

[Zippy]

I would go with a guinea pig.They are easy to hold.I think hamsters,rats,and mice would be so small for a 6 year old to hold.Plus guinea pigs come all differnt coat types.Guinea pigs are really messy and need there cage cleaned a lot.They also need fresh veggies everday.

[xVelvet_FuzzButtx]

PLEASE, please, please research their dietary needy! its alot more complicated than Hay and some veggies. Okay? lage C & C cages are perfact, Longer is better an when measuring floorspace the second level doesn't count. http://www.guineapigcages.com/cubes.htm

I think this is a forum you should join! People will help you with any questions, and theres lots of stories and photos. It would be great to have support, as you will be doing alot more care than you may think. http://www.cavycompendium.com/

Guinea pigs vet bills are expensive. we learned the hard way, after being told they weren't! However I still agree they will be a wonderful pet.

[JuniorxMyxLove]

Hmm..I got a big, comfy cage from Petsmart for my piggies! yes, you should get them in pairs, they're happier that way. I use pine shavings for bedding, I know there is another type of wood that can give them diseases but I can't remember whatis was called. Also, do not get your piggies a raised floor, it can give their feet sores[ouchie!] For food, they get timothey hay[alphalfa works too] guinea pig pellets, and lots of fresh fruit/veggies for vitamin C. They need a lot of vitamin C, or else they can get scurvy. You need to clip their nails about once a month[youmight want your vet to help you? if you cut them too short they bleed] and you need to give them a bath once a month. Use lukewarm water with either baby shampoo orguinea pig shampoo. Anything else is too strong for their skin.
You would need togive them ahouse of some sort[the plastic igloos at petsmart work great] and something wooden to shew on so that their teeth do not overgrow.

http://www.2ndchance.info/guineapigcare.htm - thats a great website for guinea pig care.

guinea pigs are great pets. I hope your daughter likes them, if you end up getting one or two!