First Pets:
The Guinea Pig
Written By Lynne Bertrand
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The good news: Pigs are considered the gentle rodent. Occasionally, a pig may mistake a child's finger for a carrot and act on bad information. This sort of pinch can be avoided with a brief explanation either to the pig or the child; the latter is more effective. Even a well-mannered guinea pig will, however, bite a child who is rough with him. Your pet will appreciate your vigilance on his behalf, and so will the child.
Day in, day out, a guinea pig is grateful. He relishes exactly what a young child can offer: his pellets, water, good hay, and fresh vegetables. Soon he'll be squealing "Wheek!" when the refrigerator opens — it's his enthusiasm for greens — and purring when he is out for his half hour of rug time. His young owner will be proud to be such a capable animal specialist, to know (as she likely will) what all his comments mean — "Pig wants to watch television," or "Pig is sad he has to go to bed." He will come out every day, try the ramps she builds for him, check out any new toys, eat some parsley. Pig depends on her for everything; she needs to live up to her duties.
For you, the pig's spartan requirements are a boon. You will not find an aisle's worth of authors at Barnes & Noble struggling to define the inner life of the guinea pig. (See "Cats," next aisle.) Pleasure, in the form of food, is the pig's life. He does not waste time carrying on about things he cannot change. You are already raising at least one complex creature; if you're voluntarily bringing in another, make it an easier one.
Reality check: Although the child may be the official owner of the guinea pig, the truth is, the buck stops with you. You will have to remind her every day to feed and hold Pig — way more work than if you did it yourself. (Resist.) At least once a week, you'll be involved in cleaning his living quarters. If you go away, you'll have to arrange for a pet sitter. Plus, in welcoming any animal into your home, you open your hearts to both love and sorrow. Guinea pigs generally live three to four years. While some of us use the passings-on of our animals as opportunities for healthy previsiting of the big questions in life, I use them mainly to mope around the house and eat starch. Your choice.
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