What's better boy or girl guinea pig?

Generally speaking, guinea pig pet parents have found that male guinea pigs tend to be a little more confident or bolder than females. This can sometimes lead to training males and being able to handle them a little easier than their shyer counterparts.

What gender are guinea pigs more affectionate?

Many people choose the male guinea pig because it quickly bonds with its owners. It's often more outgoing, confident, and friendly. The male is more likely to let you carry it around or sit on your lap, but it is also likely to run off exploring when it gets the chance.

Do male guinea pigs smell more than females?

Smell - If you have a very sensitive sense of smell then it's worth bearing in mind that boy guinea pigs tend to smell more than the girls. That's because boars have a more active grease gland, which they use to mark their territory and can get a bit whiffy at times.

Are female guinea pigs friendly?

Female guinea pigs usually do well with other females. In the wild, females and their young pups live with other females. When you put two females in a cage, make sure there is enough space for them to move away from each other. Adding a male to the cage is a good idea if the females don't seem to get along.

Do girl guinea pigs have periods?

Female guinea pigs have estrous cycles in which they go into heat several times a year for several days, with different stages. However, they don't experience bleeding or periods as in a menstrual cycle. While they are in heat, they are fertile and go through spontaneous ovulation.

Choosing Your New Guinea Pigs: Males or Females?

Should I get 2 guinea pigs or 1?

Guinea Pigs Should Always Be Adopted as a Pair

It isn't healthy for them to be alone—they need a companion of their own species they can “talk,” play, and cuddle with. Companionship is so vital to their well-being that Switzerland has made it illegal to keep only one.

Is it OK to keep guinea pigs in your bedroom?

It is critically important to the long-term health and happiness of your guinea pig that you place its cage central to family activity or at the immediate periphery. Do not put cages in children's bedrooms. The guinea pig should be part of family life, even if it is designated as one person's pet.

Do guinea pigs stink up your house?

As already mentioned, cavies are clean little critters and don't usually give off an unpleasant smell. But when a guinea pig's environment isn't maintained correctly, or they are fed the wrong foods, these pocket pets can quickly stink up the room.

Do guinea pigs like to cuddle?

A healthy guinea pig is a happy guinea pig, and a happy guinea pig loves cuddles. So regularly grooming your guinea pig is an excellent way to keep an eye on its health, and of course, it helps build that all-important bond.

Are male guinea pigs aggressive?

Guinea Pigs are social animals and are usually happy living with other cavies, however, bust ups do happen. It's not recommended to house two male pigs and a female together as this can cause the males to become aggressive.

Can I potty train my guinea pig?

Guinea pigs can be trained to go to the bathroom in a litter box. Some get the hang of it quickly, while some never learn. That's just how it is. Just remember that it's not your guinea pig's fault if they poop outside the litter box - sometimes they can have accidents or simply forget.

Can I sleep with my guinea pig?

You should never share a bed with your guinea pig. Even if you don't mind waking up in a pile of guinea pig poop, it's way too dangerous for your little cavy.

How often should I hold my guinea pig?

Most guinea pigs love spending quality time with their owners, so handling them is enjoyable for all concerned. Once your guinea pig gets to know you, being hand-fed and petted become important parts of their lives. This means it's actually up to you how much you hold them - you can do so as often as you like.

Do guinea pigs like showers?

Guinea pigs don't enjoy being wet, and in cold climates bathing guinea pigs and not drying them off properly can give them chills, and make them feel very miserable at the very least.

Do guinea pigs need shots?

While guinea pigs do not require any vaccinations, it is recommended that you take your pet to a veterinarian familiar with guinea pigs at least once each year for a routine checkup.

Do guinea pigs need hay?

Timothy hay: Provide an unlimited quantity of fresh timothy hay every day. Guinea pigs need continuous access to hay to aid their digestion and limit the growth of their teeth. Fruit and vegetables: Fresh vegetables can be offered once a day and should be equivalent to about one cup total per guinea pig per day.

Is it OK to buy a guinea pig from PetSmart?

Guinea pigs are fun to keep around the house. They do require attention, love, and care like any other pet. However, they are gentle and easy for younger kids to take care of. PetSmart is a good place to buy a guinea pig from because of its Vet Assured program, but it's not the only place to get these animals.

Are guinea pigs noisy at night?

Anyone who has tried to sleep in the same room as a guinea pig cage knows that the little rodents can be noisemakers at night. While you may not be able to get them to match your sleep schedule, you can take a few steps to minimize their activity during the overnight hours.

Should I cover my guinea pig cage at night?

How Much of the Cage Should you Cover at Night? Covering the whole cage at night can create problems and affect your guinea pigs breathing. That means that you should only cover part of their cage at night. This ensures that the cage remains properly ventilated while still letting in some light.

Can you hold a guinea pig too much?

It is recommended to hold your pet for maximum of 10-15 minutes at a time, as it naturally needs to go to the bathroom: If held for too long, your pet will let you know if it wants to get back to its home (it becomes restless, starts whining and nibbling your clothes) It is normal for a guinea pig to poop on you.

Are guinea pigs expensive?

Guinea pigs can be much more expensive than you might have guessed. Although they're small, their food isn't especially cheap, and much like rabbits, they'll need a regular supply of bedding and hay. Between the bedding, hay, pellets, and fresh produce, you're looking at $40-$60 in monthly costs.

Are hamsters or guinea pigs better pets?

Guinea Pigs Vs Hamsters — the Verdict? Overall experts suggest that guinea pigs make the best pets for children due to their affectionate and active nature. They also live longer which means the there is more time for your child to bond with their pet.

Are guinea pigs noisy?

Guinea pigs also make noises similar to the “purr” of a cat – but this noise tends to sound a bit more like a grumble. Associated with happiness or contentedness in your pig, it's often heard when you're bonding with your pet, like when you're grooming or patting them.

Will my guinea pig pee on me?

Guinea pigs are known to produce a good amount of urine and feces, and nothing seems to be off limits as a deposit area, even food and water dishes. This being the case, it's not surprising that guinea pigs might pee on people.