Owning Chinchillas and Guinea Pigs

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DawnStar

Well-known member
Joined
Jan 7, 2020
Messages
46
Location
Missouri
If you have both , please tell me if you have a daily, or weekly routine to juggle both ?

Any cons? For example; stretched too thin?

I'm finding a lot of info from children on guinea pigs and a lot of pro cons that is just the differences of species .. not owning both :) anything appreciated !
 
I used to have chins and guinea pigs, as well as a bunch of other rodents growing up. The guinea pigs tended to be awake more then the chins during certain parts of the day, so we would play with the guinea pigs when the chins were sleeping. The chins would normally come out later in the day or evening, we had a closed in stairway that the chins would play on while we sat and did our homework. We set aside time once a week to clean all the cages, but daily we still had to vacuum around the cages to keep up on the mess.

I guess it would depend on if it's just you taking care of them, what your life is like, and how many you have. Growing up I had two sisters and my mom that also helped with caring for them. Now that I am an adult and moved away from family I had a guinea pig and then when he passed I got my current pair of chinchillas, I didn't have both at the same time. I also have cats and dogs that need care and attention too.
 
I used to have chins and guinea pigs, as well as a bunch of other rodents growing up. The guinea pigs tended to be awake more then the chins during certain parts of the day, so we would play with the guinea pigs when the chins were sleeping. The chins would normally come out later in the day or evening, we had a closed in stairway that the chins would play on while we sat and did our homework. We set aside time once a week to clean all the cages, but daily we still had to vacuum around the cages to keep up on the mess.

I guess it would depend on if it's just you taking care of them, what your life is like, and how many you have. Growing up I had two sisters and my mom that also helped with caring for them. Now that I am an adult and moved away from family I had a guinea pig and then when he passed I got my current pair of chinchillas, I didn't have both at the same time. I also have cats and dogs that need care and attention too.
Thank you so much! This is the insight I was looking for . I'm not alone but don't have kiddos. I currently have two dogs and two chinchillas . I have all the space in the extra bedroom just being used to house chinchillas cages. They don't play in that room. When I get them out they play in the guest bathroom or other guest room while I'm folding laundry or something. They get tired after 15/30 mins <3

My chins are funny lol . They don't want to have anything to do with anyone for a day or so after they get play time, unless it's for a treat or when tidying up foods. They're very content to stay in their cages even when offered to come out lol (1 per double FN - we made wood shelves and took the middle divider out). Basically my chins are not taxing lol 😄 let me love you!!! "No" haha

I've never had guinea pigs 🐖 but would like to have a little critter I can hold every day and love on but I love my chins and won't trade them for the world.
 
If you have both , please tell me if you have a daily, or weekly routine to juggle both ?

Any cons? For example; stretched too thin?

I'm finding a lot of info from children on guinea pigs and a lot of pro cons that is just the differences of species .. not owning both :) anything appreciated !
I love guinea pigs! I've had 2 growing up!(I'm 13) and they are fun to play with! They are kinda skittish. You can hold them but mine DID NOT prefer it!😂 they are not as odor free as I've heard chins are. They really stink. I'm getting a chin next month. Super exited! I'm not saying don't get a pig! Not saying that at all!! Just be aware. I loved my babies!!!🐖
 
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I love guinea pigs! I've had 2 growing up!(I'm 13) and they are fun to play with! They are kinda skittish. You can hold them but mine DID NOT prefer it!😂 they are not as odor free as I've heard chins are. They really stink. I'm getting a chin next month. Super exited! I'm not saying don't get a pig! Not saying that at all!! Just be aware. I loved my babies!!!🐖
Thank you! I am a little concerned with the smell to be honest. I'm supposed to pick up baby 1 of two next weekend :) my chins won't get less attention but I'm excited for the new endeavor .

Good luck with your chin ! Remember patience is key . They are not high maintenence in my opinion.
 
Thank you! I am a little concerned with the smell to be honest. I'm supposed to pick up baby 1 of two next weekend :) my chins won't get less attention but I'm excited for the new endeavor .

Good luck with your chin ! Remember patience is key . They are not high maintenence in my opinion.
Just make sure to clean their cage often and it shouldn't be too bad. Guinea pigs are not high maintenance really. They just don't smell like sweet perfume either! Lol. I wouldn't focus on the smell though. They are great otherwise!

Thank you! I trying really hard to get only high quality stuff!! Hopefully he does good!
 
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