Routine health care of guinea pigs veterinary manual. Each additional guinea pig needs and extra two to four square feet. Then when you have more specific questions, the guinea lynx site is one of the best online references for care and medical information. The keys to a good diet for your guinea pigs are to use a. It is a myth that two male guinea pigs will always fight. Solidbottom cage minimum 24 x 12 x 12 inches water bottle food bowl hay rack a hide house storebought, or use a small flower pot chew toys aspen, pine, or recycled paper bedding but not cedar its toxic for your pet. Guinea pigs guinea pigs welfare tips, advice, health. Even with a guinea playmate, guinea pig pets will form very close bonds with their human companions pet owners should take the time to interact with their. Info for additional websites and forums which contain good information about guinea pigs. Guinea pig guinea pigs can be the most endearing and wonderful family pets. Make your guinea pigs live for 7 years or more paperback december 1, 2012 by donald wilson author 3. They may live as long as 9 years the average is 5 to 7, so the decision to bring one into your home must be made carefully.
However, when using this type of flooring, it is important that the wire should be smooth and of a mesh small enough to preclude injuries to the feet and legs of animals of various ages and sizes. Provide your pet with optimal or larger sized cage. They were raised by the incas and used as food and in religious ceremonies. Guidelines for the housing of guinea pigs in scientific. Your guinea pig will love all the food you offer, but if sits in their bowl for more than four hours, its time to take it away. The complete beginners guide to guinea pig care and facts.
Keep fruits and vegetables low in calcium, low in oxalic acids and to aim for a good balance of calcium. Guinea pigs are diurnal and most active during the day. For adult guinea pigs, we recommend a timothybased pellet without added fruits, nuts, or seeds, such as oxbows cavy cuisine. M 1007 maple avenue lisle, il 60532 630 7371281 guinea pigs, also known as cavies, are friendly rodents from south america that cavia porcellus were domesticated between 500 and a. Guinea pigs are active up to 20 hours per day and sleep only for short periods. This allows you a regular special time with your pet. Bathe guinea pigs in a shallow bowl of warm water and avoid getting water or shampoo into their ears and eyes. Guinea pig general care exotic animal veterinary center. My documentszoe fileseducationguinea pig info helpful hint guinea pigs need at least two square feet of cage space including space for their hiding places and food bowls. He tore it open eagerly and drew out a sheet of paper. My daughter did her presentation on the care of a guinea pig. Always introduce new foods slowly to avoid digestive upsets such as diarrhea. Prompt, competent veterinary care can be crucial to saving the life of an ill cavy.
Guinea pigs may be successfully raised on wire mesh floors. Guinea pigs have 4 toes on the forefoot and 3 on the hind foot. The guinea pig or cavy is a member of the rodent family with an average life span of 4 to 7 years. There are several varieties of guinea pigs and whether you have chosen a silky, teddy bear. My documentszoe files education guinea pig info helpful hint guinea pigs need at least two square feet of cage space including space for their hiding places and food bowls. The guinea pig neither comes from guinea, nor is it a pig. Care of guinea pigs introduction guinea pig is the common name for a cavy. Guinea pig cage first rule of correct guinea pig care.
How to care for guinea pigs with pictures wikihow pet. Attention to this requirement when housing guinea pigs in groups and particularly when. Ks2 pet care of a guinea pig differentiated fact file. Learn the 10 best care practices which guarantee guinea pig s longterm optimal performance. A daily recommended amount of a uniform, fortified food provides essential vitamins and minerals not found in hay. Learn some facts about guinea pigs and what you need to consider before choosing a guinea pig as a pet. All you need to know about guinea pigs the spruce pets. Albuquerque animal welfare investigating guinea pig. Guinea pigs this web page contains basic information for the care of guinea pigs. Your cavy the proper name guinea pigs are known by will depend on you for food, water, medical care and companionship. The most common one is a mite which can cause intense itching and selfharm from the animals scratching themselves raw. Information sheet guinea pigs are great click here to open pdf file.
Download this pdf for a recommended schedule for feeding and cleaning. A large part of what we do is pair guinea pigs up for adoption. Guinea pigs are generally hardy animals but are subject to a few common health problems. Multistate outbreak of salmonella enteritidis infections. This is a normal and important process for the guinea pig because of how their digestive system works. Guinea pigs can be kept outdoors all year round or indoors if you prefer. Pup a young guinea pig is born fully developed with a full coat of hair and eyes open. Care of guinea pigs ness exotic wellness center 1007 maple ave. Ml were observed in 9 of 42 newborn guinea pigs and levels of infection were significantly higher when infections of mothers were done during late gestation p 0. Guinea pigs weigh about two to three pounds, come in a variety of colors, are very social, can live up to 10 years old, and make great pets for children and adults alike.
If you notice scabs, hair loss or itching in any of your guinea pigs see your vet straight away. Your pet will depend on you for food, water, medical care, and companionship. Twice a week, let them nibble on raisins and alfalfa. It is currently considered a part of the family, rodentia, and comes from the high plains of south america. Males are known as boars and females are called sows. Guinea pigs with long hair need occasional brushing and grooming to keep hair clean and prevent matting. They may live 5 to 7 years or more, so the decision to bring one into your home must be made carefully. Caring for guinea pigs the animal welfare foundation. Your guinea pigs formal scientific name is the cavia porcellus, so many people call them cavies. A guinea pig can be one of the most endearing and wonderful pets. Print single sheet, flip paper, print on back, cut and fold. Guinea pigs are extremely social animals and they should always be housed in pairs samesex pairs are best to reduce continual pregnancies which can be hard on the females health.
Download this pdf for a care supplies list complete with tips on what you will and will not need. Most adult guinea pigs do well with 12 tbspday, bu t your veterinarian may recommend increasing or decreasing the amount, depending on your guinea pigs weigh. Thank you all so much for helping us find homes for over 150 guinea pigs. Guinea pigs like to kick up their bedding and without sides, its a mess all around their cage. Sirwe are in receipt of your letter regarding rate on guineapigs between franklin and westcote addressed to the president of this company. Lisle, il 60532 630 7371281 guinea pigs cavia porcellus, also known as cavies, are friendly rodents from south america that were domesticated between 500 and a. They originate from south america and there are eight species, but only one the domestic cavy is kept as a pet.
Shorthaired, peruvian or abyssinian, your new pet will become a. Boar adult male reach sexual maturity at 35 weeks sow adult female can reach sexual maturity as early as 4 weeks and can carry litters before they are adults. Many of the diseases guinea pigs get, occur as a direct result of poor housing and feeding. For more detailed information, please consult other professional resources such as your veterinarian or one of the many books available about guinea pig care. See all 2 formats and editions hide other formats and editions.
A guide from a veterinarian on caring for your guinea pigs. Care pamphlet caring for your guinea pig click here to open pdf file. Guinea pigs under 350 g require a mesh of approximately 10 mm 38 in made of 1012. Guinea pigs cannot manufacture vitamin c, so make sure your pet gets enough of this essential nutrient. Did you know there is a hairless variety of guinea. You can read additional info about cages on guinea pig cages page.
If kept outside, they should be kept in a weatherproof hutch that is raised off the ground and away from the wind. Guinea pigs prefer a routine play, sleep, eating, etc. You cant be certain your fur baby will get along with any new piggies until they meet. Guinea pigs or cavies, to give them their proper name are fascinating, intelligent and, when handled correctly, friendly. Guinea pigs cannot store or manufacture their own vitamin c. Guinea pig general care and husbandry diet guinea pigs should primarily eat timothy hay based pellets 18 cup per day as well as fresh fruits and vegetables. The book gives clear simple and pertinent information. A healthy guinea pig diet is about 20% vegetables and 5% fruit. Routine health care of guinea pigs merck veterinary manual. Color care pamphlet caring for your guinea pig click here to open color pdf file. This differentiated fact file is a great way to teach your children about how to take care of a pet guinea pig and learn some fascinating facts. Be sure to rinse thoroughly and dry your pet immediately to prevent chills.
Guinea pigs are social and can be kept with other guinea pigs as long as there is plenty of room watch for aggression. Fresh greens are also an important component of a guinea pig s diet, and. Guinea pig care sheet please share, distribute and print this document freely. From cage setup to a healthy guinea pig diet, create a happy home for your small pet. The most frequently seen issues with pet guinea pigs are respiratory infections, diarrhea, scurvy from a vitamin c deficiency, tumors, abscesses due to infection, urinary problems, and infestations by lice, mites, or fungus. Cavies obtain valuable nutrients that can only be absorbed. Caring for guinea pigs 10 parasites guinea pigs can pick up parasites. Cavy is short for the species name cavia porcellus. It also provides you with the opportunity to check your pet for possible skin problems, injuries, sudden weight gain or loss, dental problems, and other health problems.
Guinea pigs weigh between 700 and 1200 grams, and measure between 20 and 25 cm in length. Whether you spent some time planning the purchase of your guinea pig or you acquired it on the spur of the moment, youve probably got lots of questions about how to take car e of your furry new friend. Guinea pigs live for around four to eight years, so their care is a longterm commitment. Each guinea pig has five different types of hair that makes up their coat. Teeth guinea pigs teeth can get too long, causing pain and. Please read this important information about your guinea pigs guinea pigs are one of the most wonderful pets to be. The best place for care basics, a great introduction for beginners, is guinea lynxs guide to raising a healthy guinea pig. Guinea pig s life span is generally between 45 years, but may live as long as 79 years. The fiber in hay helps meet the important digestive health needs of herbivores such as guinea pigs.
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