Guinea pig as pets

[LonelyAutisticPerson]

Are guinea pigs as pets okay for autistic adults? Asking because I have been thinking about getting a pet if my parents agree because I struggle with loneliness and a couple of pets might help me and I don't want to commit to 10 or more years of looking after a cat or dog,

 

[tree]

Check out some lifespans of animals.
https://pethelpful.com/pet-ownership/Pet-Life-Expectancy-The-Lifespans-of-Popular-Pets
variety

https://mom.me/pets/19191-animals-short-lives/
small animals with short lifespan

A rat, for instance, is old at 3 years.

 

[Tom]

You would have to read up on Guinea Pig care to see if you are up to it. My daughter and friend have some. But they seem to die fairly easily. More fragile then hardy. The lifespan is supposedly 4-8 years.

 

[GrownupGirl]

When I was a teenager I had two guinea pigs that I loved very much and had them for quite a few years. I think they make great pets. But you still have to know how to take care of them. I've watched a number of YouTube videos on caring for the piggies, just for fun.

 

[Graphin]

As i saw, neurotypicals often tend to not consider the lifespan of their pets. It's refreshing to see somebody else to think in those angles. Also with something like a cat they would have a much easier time freeroaming in your home (and outside), which also makes pets imo much better.

 

[Ezra]

A guinea pig is a good pet for someone with autism. I was thinking of getting a rabbit and the pet shop person said guinea pigs are actually more friendly and easier to deal with. He said it's best to get a baby one if possible so that it will be even more friendly with you when it gets older.

Here's a good thread about them as pets:
http://www.vetstreet.com/our-pet-experts/10-reasons-why-guinea-pigs-make-great-pets

 

[whitewyrm]

I currently have seven guinea pigs. They're a bit like pringles. You can't have just one. I find they're wonderful pets and I wouldn't be without them, I also suggest doing a little bit of research before fully committing to owning one. At first I had two huge set ups for my piggies (C&C cages are brilliant!) but then decided to redecorate my bedroom and as my parents were complaining about the smell. I loved them outdoors.

Just remember that piggies need to live in pairs together as they end up very lonely on their own and if you do wind up with a herd like I have you have to have one male and the others female. Vet bills can be quite costly too. But there's a bunch of friendly guinea pig groups based in the UK on facebook I've joined that have given me loads of advice etc.

Hope this helps a little bit

 

[Horsegirl]

I can say from first hand experience guineas are great! But you need to be willing to commit to them. I had an 8 year old guinea before she died. My current guinea us only 6 months so she has her entire life ahead of her.

 

[Butterfly88]

I had guinea pigs as a teenager and did well with and liked them. Like Tom said they can live 8 years though.

 

[TSN]

Are guinea pigs as pets okay for autistic adults? Asking because I have been thinking about getting a pet if my parents agree because I struggle with loneliness and a couple of pets might help me and I don't want to commit to 10 or more years of looking after a cat or dog,

 

[TSN]

Sounds a nice idea. I wonder if you can rescue them from a sanctuary....