1/30/2019 home | Guinea Pigs

http://chinsnfriends.wixsite.com/home/about1-c1k5i 1/3

Guinea PigsGuinea PigsLifespan: 5-8 years

Guinea pigs are small rodents that are also commonly referred to as cavies. Guinea pigs originate from South America. HousingGuinea pigs require a decent amount of living space. The bigger the cage you can provide the better. A space of 2x4ft wouldsuffice for a single pair of guinea pigs. Cage size should increase if more pigs are added. Your guinea pig should have feeddish/s, a water bottle, and chew toys/hide outs included in the cage. C&C cages are quite popular among guinea pig owners.Read more about them here.Read more about them here. Popular bedding choices include: fleece, pine, aspen, yesterday’s news, or paper shred bedding.Cedar, corn-cob, and straw bedding should be avoided.Cedar, corn-cob, and straw bedding should be avoided.

DietThe diet should consist partially of a quality guinea pig pellet. The pellet should not contain seeds, nuts, or treats of any kind.Grass hay such as timothy should also be included in the diet. Your guinea pig should have constant access to this hay. Guinea pigs require additional Vitamin C supplements as they are not able to produce their own Vitamin C naturally. If this need is notmet, a condition known as Scurvy (Vitamin C deficient) can take over. Guinea Pigs require at least 10 – 30 mg of Vitamic C per day. Fresh produce is one way of providing this supplement, and also aids in the animals basic nutrition. Fruit should be given in moderationdue to excess sugar content. Variety is important when providing produce. Safe Produce:Safe Produce:Vegetables:Vegetables: Green Pepper, Romaine Lettuce, Roma Tomato, Baby Carrot, Broccoli leaves, Corn husks, Parsley, (untreated) Dandelions, andYoung Clover. Fruit (remove pits/seeds): Fruit (remove pits/seeds): Apple, dried Apricot, 1/4'' Banana, Blueberries, Cantaloupe 1''x2'', Grapes, Orange, Strawberries, and Watermelon. GroomingGuinea pigs do not require bathing unless absolutely necessary. Long-haired breeds should be brushed daily. The hair may be trimmedperiodically.Some guinea pigs will have a grease gland – located on the point of their bottoms.This can be cleaned bi-weekly using water and dawn dishsoap. Guinea pigs also require occasional toe-nail trimmings. ExerciseGuinea Pigs do not require a running wheel. If given ample living quarters, they will entertain both you and themselves with their manyantics. It is important to provide them with many toys and accessories in order to keep them busy. Having a play-pen for you and yourguinea pig to interact in is a great choice for both out-of-cage exercise and bonding. One or Two?Guinea pigs are very social creatures. Keeping them alone is never recommended. Females often do well in groups of 2 or more, if given enough living space.Males usually do better in pairs. An exception is made if your guinea pig seems too territorial or aggressive towards other pigs.In this situation, it is best they are housed alone.

This site was designed with the .com website builder. Create your website today. Start Now

1/30/2019 home | Guinea Pigs

http://chinsnfriends.wixsite.com/home/about1-c1k5i 2/3

Males and females should not be housed together to prevent breeding.

HealthIt is important to find a vet experienced in guinea pigs, as well as an emergency vet for after-hours care. Guinea Pigs do not requireroutine veterinary care, but can fall sick or injured just as any other pet. More common health ailments to watch out for include:

Upper Respiratory Infections (URIs)Upper Respiratory Infections (URIs)Like most small animals, guinea pigs have sensitive upper respiratory tracts. They should be housed away from burning candles, airfresheners, and smoking to avoid distress. If you notice your guinea pig sneezing, eye/nasal discharge, and/or acting lethargic – it’s time to see a vet.If you notice your guinea pig sneezing, eye/nasal discharge, and/or acting lethargic – it’s time to see a vet.

MalocclusionMalocclusionMalocclusion is a condition involving the teeth. In guinea pigs, this occurs when the teeth have not been properly worn down. Both frontand back teeth are usually affected, even if you only notice overgrowth in the front. Molars cause most of the issues in malocclusioninvolving cavies. This is painful to the animal involved, and can eventually cause them to stop eating. A veterinarian is required to trimthe teeth, and provide further treatment and maintenance. If you notice your guinea pig struggling to eat (or not eating at all), drooping the mouth open, or a wet under-chin – it’s time to see a vet.If you notice your guinea pig struggling to eat (or not eating at all), drooping the mouth open, or a wet under-chin – it’s time to see a vet.

ScurvyScurvyGuinea pigs require 10-30mg of Vitamin C per day. If this need is not met, it can lead to Scurvy. Scurvy is a fancy name for Vitamin Cdeficiency, and requires the animal to be seen by your veterinarian. If you notice your guinea pig acting lethargic, moving stiffly, not eating/weight loss, diarrhea, eye/nasal discharge, poor coat or skinIf you notice your guinea pig acting lethargic, moving stiffly, not eating/weight loss, diarrhea, eye/nasal discharge, poor coat or skincondition – it’s time to see a vet.condition – it’s time to see a vet. Breeding and BabiesChins n Friends does not encourage the practice of breeding guinea pigs. This includes housing males and females together, or allowingthem any interaction what-so-ever. Leave it to the professionals!However, we do know that accidents happen, so here are some basic tips.. A qualified exotic veterinarian can confirm pregnancy among female guinea pigs.Otherwise, you will only notice weight gain along her lower back-end. Guinea Pigs are born fully furred, eyes open, and ready to roll! Gestation:Gestation: 59-73 daysFemales can become pregnant right after birth, so be sure to remove any boars. Breedbacks are not good!Average litter size:Average litter size: 1-6 pupsWean:Wean: 3-4 weeks.Remove males from mother/siblings at 4 weeks to prevent breeding. Sexing:Sexing:Refer to this link for help with sexing guinea pigs.Refer to this link for help with sexing guinea pigs.

Photo Courtesy of Mara Ann

This site was designed with the .com website builder. Create your website today. Start Now

1/30/2019 home | Guinea Pigs

http://chinsnfriends.wixsite.com/home/about1-c1k5i 3/3

This site was designed with the .com website builder. Create your website today. Start Now