Children once whined to convince their parents that pets can be classified as birthday presents, too.
Guinea pigs, along with dogs, cats, rabbits, and hamsters, are considered as some of the top-selling pets.
They are loved and adored by birthday boys and girls worldwide.
One can see tons of cute videos about these little pets and their cooing owners on the internet nowadays, as well as guide books on differentbreeds that explain how to possess a good hand on these burrowing cuties.
Youngsters are eventually inspired to get their own scurrying buddies because of these videos and books, but are these inspirations enough to guarantee happily bonded piggies and owners? So the first thing to put in mind before buying gifts is a working knowledge of your pet.
Oftentimes, children and parents are clueless about their pets care.
People wrongly think that these furry creatures are much easier to keep than dogs and cats because they are small.
If one thinks that keeping them in a hidden corner of the house will make them happy, one is wrong.
If you do this, chances are they will be in danger of being stressed out.
Just like any other pet, they need responsible owners who can show them extra care, love, and a sense of security.
So before thinking of opting for guinea pigs as birthday presents, parents and children should be acquainted with basic facts about these furry friends they wanted to take home.
Here are some useful facts that can give most ordinary people an upper hand about proper care:

• Do not feed them nuts and seeds.
  
• Encouraging them to play in a hamster wheel is not a good idea because they are not as quick-footed as hamsters.
  
• Guinea pigs need enough space for running and exploring, not a hidden corner in the house where they can get bored easily.
  
• They need some place to burrow, say a towel or a tunnel, since they easily panic and run for safety due to unfamiliar sounds and smells.
  
• Speaking of smells, guinea pigs identify their owners and other small rodents through scent.
  It is advisable that all piggies living together need to smell the similar so they will not be disregarded by the others.
  In case one of them is neglected, the owner must somehow put (or rub) his scent on the poor little creature.
  
• Guinea pigs need at least one companion or they will get bored, so buying them in pairs is recommended.
  

Moreover, owning these small furry critters is a rewarding experience so it is a must that future owners prepare for certain important supplies before bringing any new pet home.
Therefore, opting for guinea pig gifts doesn't mean just buying a pair of piggies and that's it.
It is like buying a birthday present for a birthday present! A great sense of responsibility comes with it.
Here are the items desired by these little guys to feel best at home:

• A cage with a steady bottom and a pet carrier
• Newspaper and bedding for waste management
• Bottle holder and food dishes that cannot be tipped or sat upon
• Storage containers for pellet, hay, and bedding
• Tunnels and shelters that cannot be eaten
• Medical kit that includes toenail clippers and cotton
• Squeaky toys and climbing toys that are not stacked high