I'm very sorry you had to make the very difficult decision to surrender Thelmer. I'm sure it is very hard for you and hope she finds a loving home very soon.
I have never had a bunny, and so cannot make any comparison re: their care, but I do/have had guinea pigs. As with any pet, they require time, attention, love and commitment. They are HIGHLY social. friendly, gentle creatures that require their person to show them considerable one on one attention. If you cannot provide that, you must provide them with a piggie pal, but naturally not two of opposite sexes, unless one is spayed/neutered. Just walking by their cages and saying "Hi!" isn't enough. Unlike bunnies, guinea pigs can NEVER be left alone, out of their cages, to roam the house unsupervised. They require a minimum of one hour of "free floor time," real exercise, DAILY, in a safe, enclosed area, where they can be watched. (Not just "lap" time)
Unlike hamsters and other rodents, guinea pigs should never be allowed to "play" in a roller ball as their backs can be injured. They do have very weak spines, and a fall from even a small step can injure them severely.
And yes, their cages do require daily care. At a minimum, every day their "wet spots" and poops need to be scooped and replaced with fresh shavings....NEVER CEDAR! Every 2-3 days a complete change of shavings is required and once weekly, a thorough cleansing and disinfecting of their cages with a mild vinegar solution.
They are HIGHLY sensitive to direct sunlight, extremes of heat or cold and drafts as well. The diet of a guinea pig is not at all like that of a bunny and I hope you will visit one of the many excellent guinea pig forums for advice in all areas of guinea pig care before bringing one home.
They cannot produce vitamin C themselves and it must be supplemented in their diet. They are HUGE drinkers and require a fresh, full bottle of water daily and should be allowed to free feed on timothy hay (not alfalfa, unless they are babies, pregnant or ill) and a high quality, vit. C supplemented pellet... Ox Bow is an excellent brand. Their nails grow VERY quickly, and if you are unable to clip them yourself, you must take him/her to a vet to have them done every few weeks. And unlike bunnies, it may take some hunting, and driving, to find a vet experienced in piggie care.
I'd be happy to share some tips/advice should you decide to welcome a piggie into your home. And PLEASE do not buy a piggie from a pet shop. Every shelter I have ever visited has several needy piggies, at any given time, surrendered for lack of time/attention, waiting for a caring home. Good luck!
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