Guinea pigs can make a number of sounds, including a high pitched noise described as a cross between a squeak and a squeal. Allison Eastman, 15, also shows with the 56 Ranchers 4-H.

Guinea pigs and hamsters are two domesticated animals that are typically seen as starter pets. MajaArgakijeva/Getty Images "However, a child should never be the sole carer of any pet.

Our reasons for using children as human guinea pigs, sweet canaries in well-decorated classrooms, are varied. We say that the kids are bored, and they miss their friends.

The guinea pig, Peanut, has a unique style. From doing cartwheels during basketball practice to devouring banana pancakes on their birthday, nothing stops Peanut from being Peanut.

"I won't be sending my children off no matter what," said Sandra Andersen, the founder of a Facebook group called 'My kid is not going to be a Guinea Pig' that has more than 40,000 followers.