Guinea pigs are cute and really make ideal family pets especially for younger kids.

Why Guinea Pigs?


guinea1 (3K)
  • You don't have to walk them and can leave them all behind safely all day.
  • Unlike cats they do not destroy the local wild bird population.
  • Unlike hamsters, and some other small rodents they do not sleep all day.
  • Unlike rabbits they eat little, can be handled easily, and can even stay indoors.
  • Unlike snakes, and other reptiles they do not need extra heat and light.
  • Unlike birds they do not make incessant noise.
  • Unlike fish they can be handled and give affection.
  • Unlike horses they do not need regular veterinary attention or expensive upkeep.
  • They are low cost, low upkeep, not noisy and don't demand constant attention.

    • Diet

    A guinea pig can be a fussy little creature, expect likes and dislikes, and a bit like some of us, they don't like change! Staple guinea pig mix from your pet store is the basic diet, but even here beware! - best choose a guinea pig mix that prevents selective feeding, i.e. they choose those bits they like and leave the bits they don't. The consequences of this is that they may lack a balanced diet and can be prone to illnesses as a result!

    guineafood (2K) Next we come to fruit and veg - and here little often is better than too much which can cause diarrhoea. Guinea pigs need fresh fruit and veg, and are partial to green leafs. A Vitamin C supplement in their drinking water is recommended, but read the instructions so not to over-dose!

    Try beetroot (not pickled), carrot, broccoli, celery, cauliflower leafs, cabbage, but lettuce only very occasionally if at all, as it is associated with colic. Offer orange, apple, grapes but not the whole fruit, cut or slice and make this a treat rather than constantly available.

    Special hang-up treats from pet stores are also good, and encourage the animal to climb up and use their rodent teeth. Another essential is a daily fresh supply of clean water. By all means try other things from time to time, ours like cold peas (cooked), and will even nibble small pieces of bread. Remember guinea pigs are veggie, so no meat or dairy products, and definately no sweets or anything with sugar.

    Hay is essential and there should always be a supply of fresh grass hay in their home which should be replenished every time their cage is cleaned!

    Maintenance/Cleaning


    guineacage (2K) Maintenance is very important, but not difficult. Your guinea pig hutch will SMELL if not cleaned on a regular basis!
    The floor of the living quarters will need the following procedure carried out every two to three days for a single pig in residence, or almost daily if there are two or more.
    1. Take animal out of home and place where it cannot get back in until you are finished.
    2. Remove all existing floor covering and discard hygenically, also old fruit and veg.
    3. Spray the floor with a suitable antiseptic cleanser (your local pet store will sell these)
    4. Wipe the floor with kitchen paper or a paper towel.
    5. Place new bedding on the hutch or cage floor to a depth such that all the wood or plastic is covered, and possibly up to a depth of quarter to half inch.
    6. Allow pet to return home, and reward with treat!

    Guinea Pig Facts

    Guinea pigs suffer from very few health problems and have a life expectancy of 4 to 7 years, with 5 being average.

    Male guinea pigs are larger than females, but do not usually weigh more than two pounds.

    Guinea pigs do best as indoor pets, preferring an average room temperature of 65 to 75 degrees. Unlike rabbits, they do not do well outdoors.

    Guinea pigs require vitamin C because they cannot produce it on their own like rabbits and other animals. Therefore, vitamin-fortified food is always required and a vitamin supplement is recommended during growth and stress.

    Litter size: 1 to 6, average 3. Weigh about 4 oz. at birth, wein at 3 to 4 weeks then baby pigs are ready to leave their parents.

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