Despite what some people might think, guinea pigs have unique personalities and frequently bond with humans. As pets, they have much more to give than most people realise. They also have specific care needs, so it is important to learn about them before adopting one.
Although not the most conventional choice for a pet, guinea pigs can be ideal for some people because they require much less space compared to dogs and cats, and they are relatively easy to care for – so long as you do not have too many.
In May 2023, about 130 guinea pigs were surrendered to RSPCA SA by their overwhelmed elderly owner, who unsurprisingly was not able to keep up with their care.
Amidst this group were eight-months-old Baz and Smudge, who were adopted by Kylie Schooley as an 18th birthday gift for her son Samuel.
Samuel has been fond of guinea pigs from a very young age.
Samuel is no stranger to caring for guinea pigs. He first fell in love with these inquisitive creatures almost 11 years ago when his parents, Kylie and Mick, took him and his sister Nicola to visit a children’s farm. While Nicola developed a liking for the farm’s bunnies, Samuel was drawn to the guinea pigs.
Soon after, Kylie and Mick decided to surprise their children one Christmas by adopting a bunny and a guinea pig. Kylie believed that getting small pets for her children would be great to instill a sense of responsibility in them from a young age, as well as giving them a sentient creature to form an unbreakable bond with.
After returning home from a family holiday, a friend who had cared for their pets while they were away told them that their guinea pig, Goldie, had bonded with another rescue guinea pig Flash, who she had been fostering at the time. The friend suggested that the Schooley’s adopt Flash too.
This was a good idea because guinea pigs are extremely social creatures and it is much better for their welfare to keep at least two of them together, although check that they are the same sex unless they have been desexed – guinea pigs are prolific breeders!
“A pair or a large group of guinea pigs is more likely to bond with their owner because they are happier,” said Abbey Rivett, RSPCA SA Animal Care Officer at the West Lakes Adoption Hub.
“A lonely guinea pig is less happy and therefore less interested in being friends with you.”
Over the years, Samuel grew more and more attached to Goldie and Flash. When they passed away within months of each other a few years ago, it was a big loss.
Baz and Smudge have become Samuel’s new best friends.
Samuel’s love for guinea pigs did not fade at all with time. In fact, he pleaded with his parents for over two years to adopt guinea pigs again. Finally, Kylie and Nicola visited RSPCA’s West Lakes Adoption Hub one day while Samuel was at work, and came home with two guinea pigs for him.
When Samuel returned from work, he was welcomed by the cutest surprise.
“I was just feeling so excited that I kind of forgot about everything else and was so focused on picking them up and giving them a cuddle,” Samuel recalled of that happy first meeting.
“I really did not believe it because I had been asking to have some new friends for so long that I did not think I was actually going to get some.”
Samuel decided to name them Baz and Smudge after his favourite AFL and cricket players, Bailey Smith and Steve Smith. Both of them reside in Samuel’s room, and he is the one who looks after them, daily responsibilities that he thoroughly enjoys.
“A lot of the time, I bring them onto my bed with me and let them run around while I am watching TV or doing school work,” he said.
Just like true siblings, Baz and Smudge are the cutest frenemies!
While the family had previously owned two guinea pigs, this was the first time that they had brought two as a bonded pair, and Kylie admitted that she did not know what to expect.
She recalls one time when Baz and Smudge started fighting with each other in the cage, and if it was not for the helpful staff at RSPCA, she would not have known that it is best to give them some time apart in these instances. She took Baz with her to her office where he spent the day watching her work, while Smudge enjoyed his alone time in their cage.
However, most of the time they are cuddled up with each other, and Samuel believes that they share a special bond.
They have quite differing personalities, according to Samuel. While Baz is pretty animated, scampers around the cage and always seems to have something to say, Smudge seems relaxed most of the times, and just likes to sit and watch Baz do his thing. One thing they both enjoy is a good scratch along their backs and under their chins.
Everyone in the Schooley household adores Baz and Smudge.
Samuel is not the only one in the Schooley household who enjoys having Baz and Smudge as part of the family. Kylie enjoys spending time with them while she works, while Samuel’s Dad, Mick, is sometimes found sitting with the pair on the couch, giving them lots of pats. Even Nicola’s boyfriend, who was previously unsure about guinea pigs as pets, now asks to play with Baz and Smudge whenever he comes over.
“They are Samuel’s babies, but are loved by the entire family,” said Kylie.
The only ones who are not fond of Baz and Smudge is the family rabbits, and the feeling is mutual. This is probably for the best as the advice is to not keep guinea pigs and rabbits together – they are very different creatures with diverse care needs.
Guinea pigs make great pets!
Samuel believes that guinea pigs are the ideal pets for him because, while they have specific needs (like all animals) to stay happy and healthy, they require less maintenance than some animals.
“They are pretty easily pleased! Other than needing to fill up their water and food bowls and clean their cage frequently, it is pretty straightforward,” said Samuel.
“Lots of pats and putting a few old boxes in their cage for them to hide under and chew on is about what it takes,” he said.
When given time, these affectionate and loyal creatures can develop an enriching bond with their owners and become their best friends.
According to Abbey from the RSPCA adoption hub at West Lakes, all the guinea pigs that the team has cared for have “oozed personality”.
“They have so much cheekiness and make a variety of cute expressive noises,” Abbey said.
“If you spend a good deal of time with them, like most companion pets, you will start to see their little quirks come out.”
If you are eager to adopt some of these fur babies but have little knowledge on how to correctly care for them, you can find lots of excellent information on the RSPCA Knowledgebase.
When adopting through RSPCA SA, information is also provided in the adoption pack, and the RSPCA team is on-hand with expert tips to help your new furry friend/s settle into their fur-ever home.
If you are considering opening your heart and home to a rescue animal, please visit our adoption page to see our available animals.
