The keys to a good diet for your guinea pigs are to use a. If you notice scabs, hair loss or itching in any of your guinea pigs see your vet straight away. Your guinea pigs formal scientific name is the cavia porcellus, so many people call them cavies. They originate from south america and there are eight species, but only one the domestic cavy is kept as a pet. Each additional guinea pig needs and extra two to four square feet. Learn the 10 best care practices which guarantee guinea pig s longterm optimal performance.
For adult guinea pigs, we recommend a timothybased pellet without added fruits, nuts, or seeds, such as oxbows cavy cuisine. 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 pig guinea pigs can be the most endearing and wonderful family pets. 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. Be sure to rinse thoroughly and dry your pet immediately to prevent chills. Multistate outbreak of salmonella enteritidis infections. Routine health care of guinea pigs merck veterinary manual. Guinea pig general care exotic animal veterinary center. The keys to a good diet for your guinea pigs are to use a wide range of vegetables and a bit of fruit. Keep fruits and vegetables low in calcium, low in oxalic acids and to aim for a good balance of calcium. Twice a week, let them nibble on raisins and alfalfa. Color care pamphlet caring for your guinea pig click here to open color pdf file. Many of the diseases guinea pigs get, occur as a direct result of poor housing and feeding. Guinea pig care sheet please share, distribute and print this document freely.
Your cavy the proper name guinea pigs are known by will depend on you for food, water, medical care and companionship. Download this pdf for a care supplies list complete with tips on what you will and will not need. Caring for guinea pigs 10 parasites guinea pigs can pick up parasites. Pup a young guinea pig is born fully developed with a full coat of hair and eyes open. Guinea pigs weigh between 700 and 1200 grams, and measure between 20 and 25 cm in length. 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. Ks2 pet care of a guinea pig differentiated fact file. Guinea pigs are generally hardy animals but are subject to a few common health problems. 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. Prompt, competent veterinary care can be crucial to saving the life of an ill cavy. 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. Caring for guinea pigs the animal welfare foundation. For more detailed information, please consult other professional resources such as your veterinarian or one of the many books available about guinea pig care.
He tore it open eagerly and drew out a sheet of paper. The complete beginners guide to guinea pig care and facts. Fresh greens are also an important component of a guinea pig s diet, and. Attention to this requirement when housing guinea pigs in groups and particularly when. 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. There are several varieties of guinea pigs and whether you have chosen a silky, teddy bear. 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 pig cage first rule of correct guinea pig care.
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. This allows you a regular special time with your pet. The book gives clear simple and pertinent information. Guinea pigs have 4 toes on the forefoot and 3 on the hind foot. You can read additional info about cages on guinea pig cages page. It is currently considered a part of the family, rodentia, and comes from the high plains of south america. The guinea pig or cavy is a member of the rodent family with an average life span of 4 to 7 years. Albuquerque animal welfare investigating guinea pig.
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. Download this pdf for a recommended schedule for feeding and cleaning. Care pamphlet caring for your guinea pig click here to open pdf file. Care of guinea pigs introduction guinea pig is the common name for a cavy.
Then when you have more specific questions, the guinea lynx site is one of the best online references for care and medical information. Shorthaired, peruvian or abyssinian, your new pet will become a. Guinea pigs prefer a routine play, sleep, eating, etc. Cavies obtain valuable nutrients that can only be absorbed.
They were raised by the incas and used as food and in religious ceremonies. 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. Info for additional websites and forums which contain good information about guinea pigs. Guinea pigs are diurnal and most active during the day. Guinea pigs are social and can be kept with other guinea pigs as long as there is plenty of room watch for aggression. Guinea pigs under 350 g require a mesh of approximately 10 mm 38 in made of 1012. Guinea pigs like to kick up their bedding and without sides, its a mess all around their cage. Care of guinea pigs ness exotic wellness center 1007 maple ave. All you need to know about guinea pigs the spruce pets. 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. You cant be certain your fur baby will get along with any new piggies until they meet. From cage setup to a healthy guinea pig diet, create a happy home for your small pet. A healthy guinea pig diet is about 20% vegetables and 5% fruit. Guinea pig s life span is generally between 45 years, but may live as long as 79 years.
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. The guinea pig neither comes from guinea, nor is it a pig. They may live 5 to 7 years or more, so the decision to bring one into your home must be made carefully. Guinea pigs cannot store or manufacture their own vitamin c. 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. Thank you all so much for helping us find homes for over 150 guinea pigs.
Guinea pigs this web page contains basic information for the care of guinea pigs. How to care for guinea pigs with pictures wikihow pet. Your pet will depend on you for food, water, medical care, and companionship. Guinea pigs guinea pigs welfare tips, advice, health.
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. A guide from a veterinarian on caring for your guinea pigs. Please read this important information about your guinea pigs guinea pigs are one of the most wonderful pets to be. Did you know there is a hairless variety of guinea. 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. They will start wandering around an hour after birth and can take solid food within a day or. Guinea pigs cannot manufacture vitamin c, so make sure your pet gets enough of this essential nutrient. Guinea pigs or cavies, to give them their proper name are fascinating, intelligent and, when handled correctly, friendly.
The best place for care basics, a great introduction for beginners, is guinea lynxs guide to raising a healthy guinea pig. Always introduce new foods slowly to avoid digestive upsets such as diarrhea. 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. Sirwe are in receipt of your letter regarding rate on guineapigs between franklin and westcote addressed to the president of this company. If kept outside, they should be kept in a weatherproof hutch that is raised off the ground and away from the wind. Cavy is short for the species name cavia porcellus. Each guinea pig has five different types of hair that makes up their coat. Guinea pigs live for around four to eight years, so their care is a longterm commitment.
Teeth guinea pigs teeth can get too long, causing pain and. Guinea pigs may be successfully raised on wire mesh floors. Bathe guinea pigs in a shallow bowl of warm water and avoid getting water or shampoo into their ears and eyes. Males are known as boars and females are called sows. Guinea pigs are active up to 20 hours per day and sleep only for short periods.
A guinea pig can be one of the most endearing and wonderful pets. Learn some facts about guinea pigs and what you need to consider before choosing a guinea pig as a pet. A large part of what we do is pair guinea pigs up for adoption. This is a normal and important process for the guinea pig because of how their digestive system works. Information sheet guinea pigs are great click here to open 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. Small pets 4 caring for your guinea pigs blue cross. The fiber in hay helps meet the important digestive health needs of herbivores such as guinea pigs. See all 2 formats and editions hide other formats and editions. Routine health care of guinea pigs veterinary manual. Print single sheet, flip paper, print on back, cut and fold. The most common one is a mite which can cause intense itching and selfharm from the animals scratching themselves raw. Guidelines for the housing of guinea pigs in scientific. My daughter did her presentation on the care of a guinea pig.
A daily recommended amount of a uniform, fortified food provides essential vitamins and minerals not found in hay. Guinea pigs can be kept outdoors all year round or indoors if you prefer. 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. 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. Guinea pigs with long hair need occasional brushing and grooming to keep hair clean and prevent matting. Make your guinea pigs live for 7 years or more paperback december 1, 2012 by donald wilson author 3. Provide your pet with optimal or larger sized cage. It is a myth that two male guinea pigs will always fight.
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