Tips to Care for Your Guinea Pig
Guinea pigs, also known as cavies, are social and active little creatures that make great pets, especially when you are searching for a small and cute pet. They are generally easy to care for and can live for 5 to 7 years with proper care. Here are some tips to help you provide the best possible care for your guinea pig:
Diet
It is crucial that you provide your guinea pig with a balanced diet to keep them healthy. Their diet should consist of high-quality hay, a small quantity of fresh vegetables (no or small amount of cabbage), and of good-quality pellets. You must provide them with fresh water throughout the day. Avoid feeding your guinea pig too many fruits or sugary treats as these can lead to dental problems. And last but not the least, Guinea Pigs, just like humans need Vitamin C in their diet as they cannot make this themselves. Guinea Pigs die without vitamin C.
Housing
Guinea pigs need plenty of space to move around and play. A cage that is at least 7.5 square feet is recommended for one guinea pig, and you should add an additional 3.5 square feet for each additional guinea pig. The cage should be equipped with a hiding spot, a place to sleep, and plenty of toys and things to do.
Handling
It’s important to handle your guinea pig gently to make sure that you do not harm them as they are very small animals. Gently scoop them up using both hands and support their hind end and front end. Avoid holding them by their tail or ears or dropping them.
Grooming
Guinea pigs have a high metabolism and produce a lot of waste, so it’s important to clean them and their cage on a regular basis. Depending on the guinea pig variety (long hair, wire-haired, short hair), it needs to be groomed regularly to keep its fur clean and healthy. Use a brush or comb designed for guinea pigs to remove tangles and mats. Brush them in order to maintain their hygiene.
Health
Like all pets, guinea pigs are prone to certain health problems. Be on the lookout for signs of illness, such as loss of appetite, lethargy, and diarrhea. It is suggested to take your guinea pig to the veterinarian immediately after you notice any of the symptoms that indicate sickness. You can search for specific guinea pig veterinary care to get them treated.
Exercise
Guinea pigs are active and need plenty of exercises to stay healthy. Providing them with a large cage that includes plenty of toys and a place to run and play is important. You can take them out of the cage often to play with them; however, make sure that you are supervising them. Just be sure to guinea-proof the area first to prevent accidents.
Socialization, do guinea pigs need to be in pairs?
Guinea pigs are social animals and do best when they have another guinea pig to interact with. If you have just one guinea pig, it’s important to make sure they get plenty of socialization and attention from you and if you mix your guinea pig with other guinea pigs ensure they are spayed or same-sex, as otherwise, you will get many guinea pigs in no time. Same-sex guinea pigs however can fight nastily.
By following these tips, you can help ensure that your guinea pig lives a long, happy, and healthy life. With a little bit of care and attention, your guinea pig can be a delightful and rewarding pet. Don’t hesitate to ask your pet healthcare provider for advice prior to buying one, so you are well informed on expectations.
