Guinea Pigs (also called cavies) are a member of the rodent family and are often kept as pets due mainly to their easy temperaments.
Environment
Though small, guinea pigs require a large enough cage to run around in as well as time outside of their cage. Cages are generally made of wire however wire-bottomed cages can often harm the delicate paws of guinea pigs.
Cages are often lined with hardwood beddings such as aspen shavings, but paper-based bedding and corn cob bedding are also commonly used. Although generally better for odor control, softwoods such as cedar or pine have been found to contain phenols that can be harmful to guinea pigs. Some cavies can be sensitive and contract respiratory infections due to allergic reactions to various beddings. It is best to experiment until one is found that works best for the animal in question.
Food
Guinea pigs, like humans, are not capable of producing their own vitamin C. Therefore it is vital to ensure that cavies get all the vitamin C they need from their diet. Bagged guinea pig pellet formulas are the most common form of nutrition. They can be found in most pet supply stores. They are made out of compressed timothy hay. Cavies also like to eat hay such as timothy hay, orchard grass and alfalfa. Alfalfa should only be given in moderation, however, unless the guinea pig is small or pregnant.
Pellet food and hay should be provided all day and in unlimited supply as guinea pigs generally need to eat their body weight in food every single day.
Pet guinea pigs also like to eat various fruits and vegetables. Apples, lettuce, carrots, celery, cucumbers and pears are all acceptable for cavies. Fresh grass and dandelion leaves are also good as long as they have not been sprayed by any pesticides.
It generally goes without saying that fresh water also needs to be supplied all day. There is some controversy about whether or not guinea pig liquid vitamins should be added to the water. It is a safe bet to use these vitamins a few times a week and especially when the guinea pig seems to be sick.
Multiple Guinea Pigs
Guinea pigs can be kept alone but they do much better in couples or groups. It is wise to remember that guinea pigs breed quickly and frequently so it is best to keep same-sex cavies or to get them fixed.
Personality
For small animals, guinea pigs have big personalities. They wheek when they are excited and purr while being petted. They seldom bite unless scared and quickly learn how to respond to their own names and know the voices of their owners.
Health
Guinea pigs can develop scurvy if they do not get the adequate amount of vitamin C. They can also be prone to stomach upsets, mange and infections. Though they are a hardy animal, if they show signs of sickness they should be taken to a small animal vet immediately as a small infection can turn deadly in less than a day if untreated.
Their lifespan can be anything from four to nine years, depending on the general health of the cavies and how they are cared for.
Though they require constant cage cleanings and close attention to their diet, guinea pigs are a wonderful pet to keep even with small children.
Jessica Gadziala - Jessica Gadziala is a full-time freelance writer from New Jersey. She is also currently working on a career in novel writing. A ...
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