Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Is it OK for my daughter to hold her guinea pig all day? she is 3?
Answers:
No. Guinea pigs are prey animals and to be handled ALL day would be stressful for them. I know how rough 3 year olds can be with animals (not on purpose, but they aren't aware), I babysit for a 3 year old who is ever so rough with her dog. She doesn't realise she is being too rough. Thing is.. you cannot be watching your daughter with the guinea pig all day so you cannot be sure how she is treating it.
I had my first guinea pig when I was 4 years old and I used to play with them, like dollies. I tried putting nappies on them and held them on their backs like babies.
So not only would it be bad for your guinea pig (they have to eat dry food, hay and veggies regularly throughout the day, and drink) but it would be very tiring for the guinea pig.
It's probably ok for your daughter, maybe not so much for the little guinea pig. He needs to get down and exercise sometime.
I guess as long as she washes her hands before she puts them in the mouth and the guinea pig doesn't get squashed or manhandled or pee on her...
... then it's probably fine. But if it shows signs of like distress - then just put it back...
If your daughter is not harming the animal or being rough with it, and if the animal is kept clean I don't see why there would be a problem. However, there might be an attachment issue there.
I know that personally... my animals all run in terror from my toddler (lol) but all children are different. I would just make sure that it does not cause undue stress to the animal, or undue attachment to the child.
no probably not and also one day she might hurt the guinea pig by accident
no. the piggy needs quiet and down time. a three year old needs to be supervised with any pet.
its probably a good idea to give the guinea pig a brake every so often so it can rest some times wen animals get tired they will bite
As long as your daughter is not holding her piggy tightlly and isn't scared that it would use it on her.
i think she is a little 2 young
Seems like an affection for the guinea pig, a confidant that won't betray her. Does she call the guinea pig mr. guinea pig or mrs. guinea pig?
I wouldn't be surpirsed to learn than some children who have been involved in child porno or some act against them, whether they consented to it or not, could cause a child to seek comfort with a pet that did no harm to them.
Not saying you were into that; but, just wondering if she isIIeally liking the guinea pig because it is so new to her or if she was punished for some reason and it attaches her to the guinea pig more so.
Is she possibly confused about something and needs the guinea pig for her own safety and security and to maintain her stability?
Is she hurt somehow?
Is she an only child and needs a playmate?
Is it that simple?
Is it as simple as not finding anything good enough on television to watch to keep her away from the APA ADHD diagnosis boredom purveyors?
no the poor pig will want to run around eat wee and poo he needs to be free to do piggy things.also i reccommend you get another pig for the pigs sake they are social creatures and dont like to be alone.we have 3 they are more fun as a group they run around coo to each other and squeel if i come in with food telling each other...she's here dinner time oh they are so much better in pairs at least.look at guinealinx site google it.its great
No its not ok, for a 3 year old to hold a piggy all ay. Why is this child not outside playing, or you teaching this child other things? All small creatures are fun to hold and cuddled with. but piggy needs to be down in its cage to eat and sleep, and do what all animals like to do best. Now if piggy decides to take a bite off this little girl, are you gonna do away with this animal, because it did harm to your child? Think about it, would you like to be held all day long with no food, water or a snack? I think not. Give your child something else to do, and tell her the piggy is tired. Dont let the animal be the babysittter here, while your doing something else. Get involved in your childs life.
Which one is three, your daughter or the guinea pig?
You daughter would be fine, but the guinea pig wouldnt. he needs to eat in his cage, and drink, and rest! guinea sleep during the day! alsao he would pee all over her!
She can hold it for like an hour or 2, just enough for it to get some exercise. but dont hold it all day the thing needs to eat and sleep a little. just make sure she washes her hands befor and after tuching it.
It's good that the guinea pig is getting handled, because lack of handling can make it shy. But it does need to run around and get it's own exercise, eat, and sleep. I think short times of petting and feeding of carrots lots of time through out the day would be best, but to much holding can tire it out. Also, make sure your daughter is supervised as she holds it. It's possiable that the guinea pig might be dropped or squished by accident. You can teach her to treat the guinea pig gently and respect it, instead of using it like a stuffed animal.
Hope you enjoy the awesome pet!
No thats very stressful to your guinea pig. Just let her hold the guinea pig for about 15 min. It's also really boring sitting there so no longer than that but you should let her play with her guinea pig instead of holding it.
It is ok, but not for all day... the guinea pig needs to move for a bit. she also needs to be careful because the guinea pig MIGHT bite or she might hurt the guinea pig
no why would anyone hold a pet all day?
Be sure neither your daughter nor the piggie have ringworm. It's highly contagious. No animal is going to be happy and healthy if held all day, so please encourage her to put it away sometimes.
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