Are guinea pigs the perfect pandemic pet? Not quite, experts say

Guinea pigs only digest their food when more is coming, says an expert. Therefore, hay and water must be constantly available. — dpa

They can whistle and squeal, are very sociable and you never get tired of watching them use their teeth to mash up food: Guinea pigs are considered rather uncomplicated pets. And the pandemic seems like the perfect time to get one.

In Europe, demand for guinea pigs has definitely been on the rise. "Many families have time now. The kids are home more often and need to be entertained," says guinea pig specialist Andrea Gunderloch, who works for a guinea pig shelter in Germany.