Because it is rare for a guinea pig to bite, they are considered excellent first pets for small children. They are a medium-sized rodent, making them easier to handle than many other varieties. There are several varieties of guinea pigs in the United States which make excellent pet material. Happy pigs gurgle and grunt loudly with pleasure. Guinea pigs are also highly trainable animals.
Male pigs are slightly larger than females and are generally more active.
Guinea pigs thrive on routine, and need to be fed and handled at the same time each day. Properly cared for guinea pigs are social, loving and playful animals. Guinea pigs should never be housed in cages with wire bottoms, as they easily break legs after getting their feet trapped in the wire mesh. Houses or cages which have removable bottom pans and hinged tops are optimal. Such cages provide for easy cleanup and care of your new pet.