Guinea pigs are highly social and herd formation has been observed in domesticated and wild guinea pig populations for discussion, see donnelly and brown 2004 and brewer et al. This is a normal, healthy behavior that provides essential vitamins and nutrients. Make sure adopters understand that these little guys have lots of requirements, including a roomy cage, specialized diet, daily cleanup, and gentle handling, and that an adult should. For example, more than two male pigs together are likely to fight. Every other day, add some salad to their meal with kale, collard greens, zucchini, or shredded carrots pigs. Caring for guinea pigs the animal welfare foundation. Guinea pigs are social creatures and make great pets for adults and kids alike. Guinea pig care sheets for beginners to help you get organized. This outline of how to care for your cavy the proper name. Guinea pig cage first rule of correct guinea pig care. If youre among the many people who think they come from one of the guineas, in africa or in the southwest pacific, youre wrong. They make wonderful pets for children and can be very social animals. Guinea pigs make sociable and lovable pets, but despite their size, they can be a lot of work. Learn the 10 best care practices which guarantee guinea pigs longterm optimal performance.
A healthy guinea pig diet is about 20% vegetables and 5% fruit. It is currently considered a part of the family, rodentia, and comes from the high plains of south america. 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. Many parents select a guinea pig as a first pet for their child, believing a small pet needs only a small amount of care. Provide your pet with optimal or larger sized cage. Guinea pigs love a good cuddle but on the first day home, but make sure to give your guinea pig time to settle in. They also like it when you gently stroke their head. If youre looking for information on how to care for pet guinea pigs and are the proud new owner of a cavia porcellus, youre in store for lots of fun for these small furry creatures, properly called the cavy, guinea pig care is not too difficult youll find your new family member to. For these small furry creatures, properly called the cavy, guinea pig care is not too difficult. Guinea pigs need their nails clipped approximately once a month. If youre looking for information on how to care for pet guinea pigs and are the proud new owner of a cavia porcellus, youre in store for lots of fun. They were raised by the incas and used as food and in religious ceremonies. Guinea pigs are small pets, but they require plenty of space, time, effort, and human interaction.
Cavy is short for the species name cavia porcellus. Guinea pigs are happiest when with other guinea pigs, so many pet care books urge owners to keep two or more together. Given their lifespan, one must think of caring for a guinea pig as a long term commitment. The best place for care basics, a great introduction for beginners, is guinea lynxs guide to raising a healthy guinea pig.
They are adorable, affectionate and extremely social. Guinea pigs often show their affection through vocalizations. Guinea pig care the guinea pig manual all about guinea pigs. Subscribe to stay up to date with the latest news and offers.
Among many benefits, hay helps prevent obesity, dental disease, diarrhea, and. Hairless guinea pigs benefit from a small amount of nontoxic aloebased lotion rubbed onto skin to keep it soft. Guinea pigs cannot manufacture vitamin c, so make sure your pet gets enough of this essential nutrient. Care of guinea pigs introduction guinea pig is the common name for a cavy. Guinea pigs need constant access to clean, fresh water.
Given their lifespan, one must think of caring for a guinea pig as a long term commitment choose your flavor. The average weight of a guinea pig ranges from 500900 grams 12 pounds. The hay should be good quality grassy or barley hay. The keys to a good diet for your guinea pigs are to use a wide range of vegetables and a bit of fruit. My reason for writing these pages was to provide care information to help guinea pigs lead happier, healthier lives, that they so rightly deserve. Guinea pig behavior guinea pigs are most active at dawn and twilight, taking naps throughout the day. Proper housing how to care for these happy creatures as they munch, chut chubble, squeel and popcorn through life. However, i always differentiate guinea pigs from rodents simply because their care and lifestyle is more closely aligned with rabbits instead of rats, mice, hamsters and gerbils. It is best to choose a good quality mix that has no colorants added. Then when you have more specific questions, the guinea lynx site is one of the best online references for care and medical information. How to care for guinea pigs with pictures wikihow pet. Info for additional websites and forums which contain good information about guinea pigs.
Males are known as boars and females are called sows. Bring guinea pigs in once a year for a health check. The guinea pig neither comes from guinea, nor is it a pig. Adult guinea pigs are at an increased risk of developing bladder stones when fed foods that are high in calcium. Also to help their owners, especially new owners, to take care of these wonderful little animals. Guinea pigs are generally very healthy animals but the proper care of guinea pigs comprehensively mentions a wide array of health conditions that may potentially arise and clearly discusses how to diagnose and treat these problems. Download pdf of this guinea pig care article visit the companion exotic animal medicine and surgery service website guinea pig care natural history guinea pigs are rodents originating from south america. Guinea pigs stay clean and rarely need baths, but can be spotcleaned with a damp washcloth or unscented baby wipes if needed.
A guinea pig can be one of the most endearing and wonderful pets. Every day, fill your guinea pigs food bowl with fresh hay. Guinea pigs have been domestic pets for over 400 years. Give your guinea pig 15 minutes and then try again. Adapted from animal sheltering magazine the humane society of. Guinea pigs are social companion animals that require daily interaction. Our pet care charts for guinea pigs are the perfect tool for your child to list their responsibilities and track when they complete them. This is by far the most thorough guinea pig book on guinea pig health care i have ever seen and it has even been. Care of guinea pigs ness exotic wellness center robert d. Guinea pig care guide 3430 lauderdale drive call us for assistance.
Your guinea pig should have unlimited access to a variety of quality grass hays. Guinea pigs actually originated in the andes section of south am erica, and european traders introduced them to various locations as long ago. The most common one is a mite which can cause intense itching and selfharm from the animals scratching themselves raw. Some guinea pigs enjoy playing with small toys, like balls with bells inside. Guinea pig care and health information jackies guinea pigs. Guinea pigs have the long incisors typical of rodents, as well as a diet similar to that of rodents. Guinea pigs are herbivorous rodents that originate from south america. It is important to familiarize yourself with their daily and long term needs before adding one. Learn from our best advice on how to be a responsible guinea pig owner. Speak with your veterinarian about the best way to achieve the right levels of vitamin c for your pet. Welcome to the burgess excel care guide for guinea pigs. Apr 11, 2019 how we can help call 53075293 to schedule an appointment with the companion exotic animal medicine and surgery service. For example, you may see your guinea pig eat its own poop.
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. 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 make wonderful pets for first time small pet owners or even experienced ones. Supervise your guinea pig when playing with toys, as parts of the toys can be ingested, causing gastrointestinal problems. Guinea pigs live for around four to eight years, so their care is a longterm commitment. Poor hay is detrimental to the guinea pigs health if it is dusty, mouldy or has fungal spores. Guinea pigs are hardy little animals, and their easy care makes them especially affordable pets. Just like any other pet, guinea pigs require a lot of care and attention. Guinea pigs are rewarding pets to look after but, unlike some other small pets, they do require lots of care on a regular basis. In addition to fibrous greens, the diet should include a small number of highquality pellets. The most common types of guinea pigs are the english or american shorthair, the peruvian longhaired, and the abyssinian swirled hair. You can read additional info about cages on guinea pig cages page. They are naturally clean, hardy, and are excel lent first pets for.
Guinea pig guinea pigs can be the most endearing and wonderful family pets. Guinea pigs cannot store or manufacture their own vitamin c. The hay that guinea pigs snack on looks a bit like their bedding, and you dont want your new guinea pig dining on its mattress. If you notice scabs, hair loss or itching in any of your guinea pigs see your vet straight away. All you need to know about guinea pigs the spruce pets. Keep fruits and vegetables low in calcium, low in oxalic acids and to aim for a good balance of calcium.
Guinea pigs are prone to urinary stone development. How we can help call 53075293 to schedule an appointment with the companion exotic animal medicine and surgery service. Your veterinarian should always evaluate your guinea pigs dental health at your visit. Kids pet care charts caring for a guinea pig kid pointz. If you are willing to give your guinea pig a good home with proper food, attention, living space, grooming, and veterinary care, you will be rewarded with a happy, healthy, cute, and fun guinea pig.
Speak with your new furry friend in soft, soothing tones. Guinea pigs need horizontal space for running, much like rabbits. These sociable, somewhat skittish creatures are easy to care for, seldom bite and are exceptionally clean. Being a prey species it is important to handle them gently so as not to frighten them. Wild guinea pigs are a prey species and their domestic. They may live 5 to 7 years or more, so the decision to bring one into your home must be made carefully. The guinea pig is a docile rodent native to south america. November 4, 20 general care guinea pigs teeth grow continuously, just like those of all other rodents. Also, your guinea pig may popcorn bounce excitedly and. Marina jaworsky, dvm guinea pigs need room to move. Teeth guinea pigs teeth can get too long, causing pain and.
The ultimate guinea pig care guide kritter care 101. Guinea pigs make endearing pets especially if well socialized. Guinea pigs prefer a routine play, sleep, eating, etc. Your guinea pigs formal scientific name is the cavia porcellus, so many people call them cavies.
If your guinea pig has not urinated in over 24 hours, it is an emergency. Its best to provide a tree branch that has not been treated with. Caring for guinea pigs 10 parasites guinea pigs can pick up parasites. They also live quite a long time, close to ten years and come in many flavors. Adapted from animal sheltering magazine the humane society of the united states.
Guinea pigs cannot produce vitamin c, so they need supplementation. Learn the 10 best care practices which guarantee guinea pig s longterm optimal performance. Care of guinea pigs ness exotic wellness center 1007 maple ave. Your pet will depend on you for food, water, medical care, and companionship. Caring for your pet guinea pig nc state veterinary medicine. Dry mix never feed a guinea pig on dry mix that contains ec permitted chemical colorants. Described as cuddly and comical, guinea pigs love to vocalize with squeals, chirps, squeaks, and whistles. A beginners guide to guinea pig care furry friends. 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. The keys to a good diet for your guinea pigs are to use a. Guinea pigs are lively, lovable pets that require relatively easy care. Remove soiled bedding, droppings and stale food from the cage daily.
Youll find your new family member to be gentle, sociable, and cheerful. Guinea pig care guide for beginners if youre here, youre probably looking for information on how to look after guinea pigs and as a first time guinea pig owner, this is a guide to help you as you start out in the world of guinea pig care. Guinea pigs are social and can be kept with other guinea pigs as long as there is plenty of room watch for aggression. Again, all guinea pigs are different so not all of these will apply to your guinea pig. Guinea pigs guinea pigs welfare tips, advice, health. Guinea pigs are also great with children as theyre docile creatures and dont bite often if at all. Please read through this guide and keep it handy for reference. 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. Care of the pet guinea pig native to south america, the guinea pig is a lively, lovable rodent that requires relatively easy care. My documentszoe fileseducationguinea pig info introduction congratulations on the adoption of your guinea pig. Guinea pigs make great pets, but its important for kids to provide proper care on a regular basis. Guinea pig care guide for beginners online guinea pig care. For example, you may hear a sound called wheeking when your pet is looking for a treat, or purring when being held. Guinea pigs like to eat more or less constantly so it is essential they have something to nibble on such as hay.