Guinea pigs are a great first pet for kids. We have had several different pets, and guinea pigs are definitely our favorite. There are lots of reasons they make wonderful starter pets and are a good match for kids.
Thinking about getting some small company that doesn’t take up much space and keeps your kid occupied? Think about getting a guinea pig!
Both of our kids have guinea pigs, and it has been a great experience. They love their pets.
Here are some of the top reasons guinea pigs are wonderful pets:
1. They are cute
Kids are drawn to guinea pigs because they are so cute and cuddly! They can be active, but they can also be a cuddly friend in your lap, and most of them don’t bite. I don’t think I have ever met someone who didn’t think our guinea pigs are cute. We even taught our guinea pigs to squeal for food when we whistle.
2. They are a good size
Guinea pigs are a great size, and they don’t run away like smaller animals (such as hamsters). They are comfortable to hold in your lap, and usually don’t run off. (Most guinea pigs run when you go to pick them up, but that is normal). We have owned numerous hamsters, and they are always on the move and a bit fragile compared to guinea pigs, and we found that their small size did not make them cuddly.
3. They are easy to care for
Guinea pigs are fairly low maintenance, and you can even leave them home for a few days if you go away for a weekend. Guinea Pig HQ explains that they do need a roomy cage, but most often a cage can fit in your child’s room or common space.
Guinea pigs require a food to forage on (such as this one), hay, water, and fresh veggies. In general, they are pretty easy to care for.
4. They teach responsibility
Guinea pigs are a great way for kids to learn responsibility for a pet. There are times we have to remind the kids to clean their guinea pig’s cages, but it is part of the process. You can pick a day of the week that your child should change the cage, and make a guinea pig chore chart as needed.
Check out our other guinea pig blog posts:
Why Guinea Pigs Make Great Pets for Kids
Basic Supplies for Guinea Pigs
Guinea Pig Food: What We Feed Our Piggies
Guinea Pig Foods to Avoid
Our Guinea Pigs Favorite Treats
Tips for Using Cage Liners for Guinea Pigs
Pros and Cons of Guinea Pig Fleece Cage Liners
How to Grow Grass for Guinea Pigs Using Seed Sprouting Trays
Ways to Save Money as a Guinea Pig Owner
Gift Ideas for Your Guinea Pig
Fun Guinea Pig Toys for All Ages
My friend’s guinea pig ended up dying because they didn’t file down the pig’s teeth. I had no idea that could happen.
Guinea pigs were my first pets ever. I loved them. Easy to take care of. Might get one for my daughter.
guinea pigs are super cute, but my husband has a “no rodent” rule because we have a dog and cat lol
This is perfect because my oldest has been begging us for one. She is 5, and we weren’t sure what a good age was.
Yes, we have two guinea pigs who are awesome. My daughter takes good care of them. They live in her room!
I have thought about getting guinea pigs before but never made the leap. They are such adorable creatures, and I know their temperament can create times for snuggles and outside the cage play. This post is making me want a couple!
Your guinea pigs are very cute! My older sister had guinea pigs and they were awesome pets. I love the sound they made when we opened the refrigerator to get them fresh veggies.
I haven’t had a guinea pig before. When I was a teacher, we had one in our class for a week. The kids really loved it!
Oooh guinea pigs, that’s such a great idea! I remember we had a hamster when I was maybe 4 years old but he learnt how to open his cage door and went missing a couple of times because he was so tiny.. A guinea pig could be a good idea for a pet when my kids are they’re older.. But not until our dogs have passed away.
We used to have guinea pigs back in my hometown. We had three of them. They were the cutest and I loved watching them eat. 🙂
My kids have been begging for one! My only concern is I have heard people can be allergic to them and I have a son that is allergic to a lot of animals.
My kid wants a pet and I don’t know what to advice him. Thanks for this suggestion!
I’m so scared o Guinea pigs but let’s see what my son thinks when he gets older. I was thinking of getting him a bird.
I used to take care of a couple Guinea pigs back then. Simply because they are so cute..! And I love it when they jump on their cage.
We had one for a bit when I was a kid
My daughter has been bugging me for a pet and yes, I agree with you that guinea pigs is a great choice for pets since they are low maintenance and they just eat veggies.
Great post! I have two male guinea pigs and they are honestly so cute and sweet.
We had a guinea pig as a class pet in my classroom, He was awesome for helping kids feel comfortable in class at the beginning of the school year!
I LOVE guinea pigs! I think they are so cute and so much fun! I used to have two of them. Now we have a dog and a cat, so guinea pigs would be harrassed non stop, but I agree that they’re great pets for kids!
Guinea Pigs are adorable! I would definitely get one as a pet for my kids. I grew up with lizards and hamsters (teddy bear breed are so much sweeter), but have always wanted a Guinea Pig. It is such a great way to teach kids about responsibility! I may have to convince my husband to get a few, now! Thanks for sharing.
Guinea pigs are so underrated, they’re so lovable and cute. My parents gave me one when I was a kid, but we had to give it away because we moved overseas. I’m thinking about getting my kids pets this summer, I’m just not sure if they’re ready for it.