BASIC INFO
Guinea Pigs are sociable animals and are fairly easy to look after, so they make great pets and friends.
They live approximately 4-7 years and grow between 20-30cm on average.
Guinea pigs require daily attention and care.
Guinea Pigs are sociable animals and are fairly easy to look after, so they make great pets and friends.
They live approximately 4-7 years and grow between 20-30cm on average.
Guinea pigs require daily attention and care.
FEEDING
To give your guinea pig their best start to life, choose a good quality guinea pig mix or pellet to provide all the nutrients and vitamins required for healthy development. This should assist in the prevention of disease.
Feeding the right food, and the right amount, throughout your guinea pig’s life will help prevent obesity and other health problems.
To give your guinea pig their best start to life, choose a good quality guinea pig mix or pellet to provide all the nutrients and vitamins required for healthy development. This should assist in the prevention of disease.
Feeding the right food, and the right amount, throughout your guinea pig’s life will help prevent obesity and other health problems.
Many human foods can cause illness to your rabbit, so avoid
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Your rabbit can eat in moderation
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Your rabbit should always be provided with fresh water and changed daily.
HOUSING
Hutches are ideal for Guinea Pigs. Choose a sturdy hutch that has two sections, one section for activities and the other section enclosed for protection and sleeping. Make sure the hutch is placed in a well sheltered and ventilated area outside that is out of direct sunlight. Clean the hutch 2-3 times a week, with a pet safe disinfectant. Replace any used or smelly bedding. Provide some toys or little ‘hidey holes’ like igloos for your guinea pig to keep stimulated and interested. |
BEDDING
Premium wood shavings or fibre bedding are ideal for Guinea Pigs. Some of the bedding might get eaten away and might need replenishing. Make a nest-like area with the bedding for your guinea pig to sleep. Clean and replace regularly to keep odour to a minimum and maintain hygiene level. |
HANDLING
As a general rule, allow your guinea pig to get used to you and your hands over the first couple of days before picking them up. Always two hands when picking up your guinea pig and make sure to support it’s full body weight. |
EXERCISE
Let your guinea pig run around in a play pen for a little while each day as it’s good exercise. |
HEALTH
Guinea pigs will need to be wormed every three months, and checked for fleas regularly. Lice and mites can be found in the bedding so change it regularly.
If severe infections and irritations occur, take your guinea pig to the vet.
Guinea pigs will tend to hide the fact that they are sick, so keep a close eye on any symptoms of illness.
Signs that your guinea pig might be sick include bare spots of fur, drooling, abnormal stools, not eating, excessive scratching, rapid breathing, and sneezing or throat rumbling.
If you notice your guinea pig with any of these symptoms take them to the vet.
DESEXING
Your guinea pig can be desexed if desired. It can reduce serious health risks and your guinea pig will also have a calmer temperament.
As guinea pigs mature 4-5 weeks of age, it is wise to keep male and females separate (or you could end up with unwanted baby Guinea Pigs) until they’re desexed. See a vet if you wish to desex your guinea pig.
Guinea pigs will need to be wormed every three months, and checked for fleas regularly. Lice and mites can be found in the bedding so change it regularly.
If severe infections and irritations occur, take your guinea pig to the vet.
Guinea pigs will tend to hide the fact that they are sick, so keep a close eye on any symptoms of illness.
Signs that your guinea pig might be sick include bare spots of fur, drooling, abnormal stools, not eating, excessive scratching, rapid breathing, and sneezing or throat rumbling.
If you notice your guinea pig with any of these symptoms take them to the vet.
DESEXING
Your guinea pig can be desexed if desired. It can reduce serious health risks and your guinea pig will also have a calmer temperament.
As guinea pigs mature 4-5 weeks of age, it is wise to keep male and females separate (or you could end up with unwanted baby Guinea Pigs) until they’re desexed. See a vet if you wish to desex your guinea pig.
Image Credits in order of appearance
https://www.vetvoice.com.au/ec/pet-ownership/owning-a-guinea-pig/
https://www.backyardchickencoops.com.au/blogs/learning-centre/feeding-guinea-pigs
https://www.lifecreativelyorganized.com/guinea-pigs-the-perfect-pet/
https://www.vetsurgeon.org/news/b/veterinary-news/posts/northants-practice-shows-the-lengths-people-will-go-for-their-guinea-pigs