4 year old with guinea pigs?

[Sarah-sore]

I have a 4 year old niece (She just turned 4) and I don't know if I should have her near my girls or not.
I don't think I want to because before they came to me Rusty and Lillith were abused by a young child (there was all different age groups but there was one that was small like Keira.)
Keira's staying with us all weekend and when my piggies get floor time they get the whole living room/dinning room and now they have to be locked up in my little room.
I feel really really bad, I don't know what to do, what do you guys suggest?
Keira has recentally gotten a dog, that is here too, but she a complete and total brat (honestly I wish she didnt come :x:x:x) even my dogs are getting sick of her lol (My dog has the best patients ever shockingly.)
So once again I'm asking, what do you guys think is it a good idea?
Guinea pigs going into a small room that has about 5 by 5 foot of running space(had to block everything off) or trusting my niece and locking her dog in a crate...
Thanks for reading all of this lol. I might come off sounding like a bad guy but I do love my niece with all my heart and soul, but I also love my guinea pigs with all my heart and soul, their my babies.

 

[Zar-Zar]

Well, since it's just the weekend then I suggest you don't let your guineas out. I say this because the environment will be very stressful for them especially with their past of being abused by a young child (sooo sad! ;( ) Also, you niece may not understand and she will pick up the guinea pigs and squeeze them too hard (believe it or not, many guineas die from being squeezed to death my young children since most of htem don't make noise when it's happening) Wow, enough of the sad thoughts though xD. Don't worry, your guineas won't blame you and soon you'll be able to let them out again.

~ hope I helped!

 

[lauraboara]

I think a new dog and a four year old who is not used to piggies means that floor time for your guinea pigs is too risky this weekend. They will be fine to have less time out for a couple of days. It would be good to involve your neice in a positive way though eg she could help with feeding time, fill water bottles. etc. I have a 4 year old and she loves helping with washing food bowls etc - it does not have to be about holding them. Hope the visit goes well.

 

[vickie016]

I was going to suggest getting her to help with the guinea's by doing little jobs and also telling her all about how you look after a guinea. 4 year olds absorb a lot of information! That way, in years to come she may be less of a 'brat' and more caring about animals. Would be better for her to grow up respecting piggies (and other animals) than not x

 

[gizmo01]

why not train the 4 year old? seriously we let heather who is 4 play with the pigs on the under standing that a) she has to ask me or emma to pick them up B) she doesn't chase them around the run/playpen and C) she stays relatively quiet. kids are smart so shell get it why not get her to introduce her self to them with veggies

 

[Phoebe-PP]

I think it depends on the child, age isn't that much of a factor for me. My niece who has just turned three adores the guinea pigs and she's fab with them. They sit on her lap for hours and she's so gentle with them! She even told her baby brother off the other day for being too noisy and scaring the pigs I think you have to judge the child themselves to decide what's best for the pigs.

I'm sure they'll be content not having as much running around space just for one weekend.