Guinea Pigs as Pets: Care Guide

Guinea pigs may well be the gentlest of all animals. Happiest in small groups, these rodents are delicate however reasonably simple to look after.

Guinea Pigs as Pets: Care Guide

Guinea pigs, likewise known as “cavies,” are rotund rodents from South America. They are affectionate and mild, and appropriate for homes with children. Nevertheless, as true herbivores that are very short on the food chain, they must be kept away from dogs, cats, ferrets, and rats.

Also, they can not jump more than a couple inches into the air. Make sure they are not in danger of falling off the edges of tables, beds, stairways, or other hazards.

NECESSARY EQUIPMENT

Guinea pigs don’t require much equipment:

  • A cage or hutch;
  • Pet-carrier
  • Food and water meals
  • Bedding
  • Nail trimmers and a brush
  • A safe piece of fruit wood to chew
  • A hidey hut to finish the photo.

WORKOUT

Cavies need to not use exercise wheels. Ever. Workout wheels lead to damaged backs, hurt feet, and normally unhealthy Guinea pigs. Neglect the picture of the beautiful wheel on the cavy cages.

Rather, supply a clear little floor for the Guinea pigs to just run around. You might even think about a play pen or an empty plastic wading pool. Some people have actually even started teaching their Guinea pigs to leap over extremely brief toy horse oxers.

FEEDING

Cavies are messy. Be gotten ready for them to nasty their food and water dishes. A water bottle held on the side of the enclosure is a good back-up for the water bowl.

Fresh grass hay need to be available at all times, and excellent Timothy-grass-based Guinea pig pellets should be the main part of your animal’s meals. Why Timothy specifically? Your other option is generally alfalfa, which is much expensive in calcium. Fresh veggies such as carrots, broccoli leaves, and radish greens will complete the diet. Vitamin C supplements are a smart precaution, due to the fact that the vitamin C in the pellets loses its effectiveness rapidly. Simply sprinkle the powder over the veggies.

GROOMING

The nails on all the feet have to be trimmed routinely, every month or so. Many individuals use nail clippers that are designed for human beings, for this purpose. For the first trim, it is typically most convenient to take the piggy to the veterinarian, and have the veterinarian or technician demonstrate the appropriate technique. In reality, some individuals take their cavies to the vet for each trim.

Guinea pigs have fur coats. These coats have to be brushed. How often this brushing is needed will depend on what kind of Guinea pig you have. The gorgeous long-haired Peruvians need to be brushed once or twice a day. The other, much-shorter-haired breeds are brushed less frequently. A “Finishing” brush meant for program felines of the proper fur length is rather perhaps the best devices for this job. A fine comb might likewise be required, particularly for the Peruvians.

HOME ENVIRONMENT

Cavies neither climb nor dive really high, therefore their enclosures do not have to be covered. As long as the walls are at least 10 ″/ 25 ″ high, the Guinea pig will not go out. To avoid injury to the delicate feet, the floor should be solid plastic. Most industrial cavy cages are much too small. The piggy needs adequate room to run and dig in the bed linen. 10 ″ x20 ″/ 25cm x 50cm per cavy is really the bare minimum, in regards to floor space.

Supply lots of bedding. The best and best bedding is made from shredded paper. It will need to be changed every day, to keep a healthy environment. Otherwise, the bed linen will be soaked with urine and decomposing vegetables. Do not use softwood shavings such as pine or cedar, since the oils from these woods are extremely unhealthy for your pet’s lungs.

A Guinea pig “hidey hut” is a good addition to the enclosure, because it provides the piggy a location to hide when he feels worried. He most likely will not spend much time in it.

Great ventilation is necessary, particularly in warm weather condition. These animals do best at temperature levels listed below 80F/27C. On very hot days, it’s a great idea to put some ice at one end of the enclosure. Of course, remember that these little men are rodents: Be sure that whatever the ice is in, it is safe to chew.

TRAINING

Other than the mini-jumping discussed previously, there is little training required for a cavy. Handle the animal gently and often, and he will be a pleased and gentle buddy.

WHERE TO NEXT?

Guinea pigs are wonderful family pets that delight in the company of their humans and of their fellow Guinea pigs. If you have chosen that they are the right addition to your household, your next actions are to find a vet who has experience with rodents, to stockpile on Guinea pig food, and to establish your cavy enclosure. Then you’re all set to embrace some adorable little rodents. Have a look at your local shelters and rescues!

Also read: Guinea Pigs as Pets: Great Idea for Family

D. Roberts (Junior Expert)/ author of the article

He is a specialist in the field of veterinary medicine, and pet care. Believes that the person responsible for each pet, which was taken into the house, and therefore should study his behavior, means of determining health status and methods of first aid.

Like this post? Please share to your friends: