How to Surprise a Kid With a Guinea Pig

At some point most kids reach an age when they develop the need to nurture and crave a new pet of their own to take care of. There are endless choices for pets and kids can come up with some quirky ideas, like bats, ferrets and tarantulas. Their imagination may leave parents motivated to surprise them with a pet that is more reasonably suited to their home environment and resources. Guinea pigs often become parents̵7; pet of choice as they are quiet; don̵7;t need much space; require little upkeep; and they enjoy petting, cuddling and contact with kids. According to the Humane Society of the United States, they are personable, communicative and often live for 5 to 7 years.

Things You'll Need

  • Habitat
  • Bedding
  • Water bottle
  • Food dish
  • Food
  • Vitamins
  • Chew toy

Instructions

    • 1

      Find a pet store or local humane society online or in the Yellow Pages of the phone book. Call and ask them if they have a guinea pig for sale or adoption. Most pet stores carry guinea pigs and habitats, as they are a popular pet. Once you have located the right store or adoption facility, visit them while your child is not home.

    • 2

      Ask the store clerk, or humane society employee, important questions about what the guinea pig will need to eat and drink. Find out if he needs vitamins or chews for his teeth. Discuss habitat and bedding options that are healthiest for him. Learn all you can about him and purchase a book about guinea pig care if they sell one -- you can also do research on the Internet or at a library.

    • 3

      Purchase the guinea pig, habitat, bedding, food, food dish, water bottle, chews, vitamins and anything else reasonable you're likely to need. Place your surprise safely in your vehicle and go directly home.

    • 4

      Set up the habitat with the bedding, food dish and water bottle. Find a place to put it that is optimum for the guinea pig -- out of drafts and direct sunlight, for example. You may choose to allow it in your child̵7;s room or perhaps a family room where the guinea pig will have a lot of entertainment and company.

    • 5

      Revel in the joy on your child̵7;s face when he comes home and finds his surprise pet guinea pig. You may want to take a picture, or just enjoy the moment, as there will likely be many more guinea pig and child photographic moments in the future.

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