Cute guinea pig

Many young children long for a pet of their own. For a family living in a small space, having a dog or cat running around can create problems. There are alternatives and one that some people choose is a guinea pig. Most guinea pig cages can fit into even the tiniest of homes and with one of these small, friendly and furry additions to the family, even the adults will come to embrace it.

Unlike hamsters and gerbils, guinea pigs generally don't fit into the palm of your hand. They are a little larger in size. This is the reason that it's not advisable to put your new pet in an old cage you may have saved from a hamster. Instead you should invest in one of the good quality guinea pig cages that are available.

One issue that some individuals seem to have to deal with when it comes to purchasing a home for their new pet is finding one. Unlike gerbil cages, guinea pig cages aren't as popular. One reason seems to be the size and that many pet stores simply don't have adequate room to keep them in stock.

The Internet is a great resource when it comes to locating one at an affordable price. Most are generally inexpensive to begin with, and as with many things online, guinea pig cages can be found for a fraction of the cost you may expect to pay. In fact, in some cases, you are apt to spend more in shipping than you will for the cage itself.

It's a good idea to consider the type of climate you live in when you are ready to add a guinea pig to the family. If you happen to live in an environment that stays warm all year, you can certainly purchase guinea pig cages that are designed for outside use. These normally consist of a large space that is covered as well as an area that allows for the sun to shine through. For a family considering more than one guinea pig, this is a really great idea.

Keeping the space clean goes without saying. If small children are involved in the care of this furry pet, you may want to have them help with cleaning the guinea pig cages. Everyone should wear latex gloves and the waste should be disposed of in tightly closed garbage bags. In addition to keeping the guinea pig cages clean, fresh water and food should be supplied on a daily basis.

A pet can really enrich the lives of every member of a household. Whether it's a puppy, kitten, fish or a guinea pig, taking good care of it and giving it a safe and loving home is a wonderful way for parents to teach responsibility to their children.