Guinea Pig Care

 

 

   
The Guinea Pig Mind
    
         
    Guinea pigs - or cavies to give them their true name - are sociable animals, happiest in the company of other guinea pigs. They are intelligent and fascinating creatures, and when handled correctly they are very friendly.    
         
    Guinea pigs originate from South America where wild species still exist from Columbia and Venezuela down to Brazil and northern Argentina. Cavies in the western regions are thought to be the wild breed closest to our pets ancestors. Swampland, grassland, rocky mountain areas, plant covered foothills and forest edges are home to various species of cavy. They feed on vegetation, grasses and even the fleshy part of cacti. Most prefer to use abandoned dens of other animals, but can dig their own if necessary. They may also tunnel into dense grass or thickets for shelter.    
         
    Fast and agile, wild cavies can run quickly through the underbrush following maze-like trails. They live in herds of 4-20, and often move single file as a group from one area to another whilst keeping close contact with each other. Cavies warn each other of danger by whistling and squealing, which is a signal to run and hide in thickets, crevices or dens. If surprised by a predator, a cavy may save himself by staying quiet and completely still. The rock cavy can jump several yards, move quickly and easily over rocky terrain and cliffs, and even climb trees for a leafy snack.    
         
    Cavy relatives include the capybara (the world's largest rodent), the mara (aka the pampas hare), the long tailed paca, the nutria (coypu).    
         
    Guinea pigs need the company of their own kind. A lone guinea pig will be depressed and unhappy. They can be kept in same sex groups or pairs. If you're planning to keep a male and female together get your vets advice about having the male neutered to avoid unwanted babies.    
   

 

    
    Keeping a rabbit and guinea pig together rarely works. They have different dietary needs. Rabbits get diarrhoea if they eat too many greens, and adult rabbits often harrass guinea pigs and cause them deep distress. Fur picking by both animals of each other is another problem.     
         
    Guinea pigs mature at 3-8 weeks, and their life span is 4-8 years. Gestation is 59-72 days.    
         
         
   
 Setting Up Home
    
         
    To give guinea pigs a home you will need: a hutch or large cage, wood shavings, good quality hay, guinea pig dry food mix, non-spill food dishes and a water bottle.    
         
         
   
Housing
    
         
    Guinea pigs can be housed outside all year round so long as the hutch is weatherproof and has a separate draught-free sleeping area. It must be at least 6 inches off the ground and should be sited out of direct sunlight and draughts. However, if your guinea pig is to be kept on his own, it is best to bring his cage into a shed or similar sheltered area during the winter as he will feel the cold. An escape-proof run or exercise area is enjoyed during good weather.    
         
         
   
 Bedding
    
         
    Use a deep layer of shavings or sawdust throughout the cage, with a good layer of hay on top.    
         
         
   
Cleaning Out
    
         
    Remove soiled bedding daily and replace with fresh bedding. And thoroughly clean out the whole cage once a week.    
         
         
   
Guinea Pig Feed
    
         
    Guinea pigs cannot make their own vitamin C and therefore need to eat large quantities of fresh fruit and vegetables daily, eg: carrots, lettuce, beetroot, banana skins, cucumber, broccoli, etc. This is in addition to dried food and ad lib fresh hay. Refill his water bottle daily.    
         
         
   
Handling
    
         
    Your new guinea pig will be nervous when you first get him home, so it is important to let him settle in with as little handling as possible. Gradually build up his trust and confidence in you by talking to him and gently stroking him in his cage. When he has settled in, you can pick him up gently but firmly by placing your hands around his middle. Guinea pigs enjoy sitting on your knee whilst eating lettuce, etc.    
         
         
   
Common Problems
    
         
    TEETH & CLAWS: overgrown teeth and claws. Contact your vet for advice.    
         
    DIARRHOEA: rare in guinea pigs but potentially fatal. Contact your vet immediately.    
         
    SCRATCHING: or bare patches of skin. These are often caused by a mite (Trixacarus caviae) that causes sever skin irritation. Contact us or your local vet.    
   
   
   
   
   
See this site for more on guinea pigs:
    
   

A Holistic Approach to Raising Cavies