|
What do guinea pigs need?
- Companionship - to be with other
guinea pigs. The widespread practice of keeping guinea pigs and rabbits
together is not recommended.
- Feeding twice a day, with a mixture of
meadow hay, green stuff, pellets, washed fruit and vegetables.
- A constant supply of fresh, clean
drinking water in a drip feed bottle with a metal spout.
- A large weatherproof home kept off the
ground, out of direct sunlight and strong winds. It should be moved to an
indoor area or porch in cold weather.
- A separate sleeping area for each
animal inside the home.
- A clean layer of wood shavings (dust
extracted) on the floor of their home and plenty of soft hay for bedding and
burrowing.
- Daily exercise in a safe from
predators
- They’re home to be cleaned every day
and bedding changed weekly.
- A gnawing block or fruit logs are
ideal for gnawing teeth down.
- To be brushed every day if they have a
long or rough-haired coat.
- Some quiet time alone or with other
guinea pigs every day.
- To be taken to a vet if they are ill
or injured.
- To be looked after when you are on
holiday. Ensure the carer you leave in charge of your pets is knowledgeable
and dedicated to cleaning out your pet, changing bottles, food, and ensuring
they are in adequate shade in hot spells.) and have their fruit and veg!
Boarding is available In most areas, ENSURE you visit first
GENERAL INFORMATION ON
GUINEA PIG
Life span
Guinea pigs live for up to seven years.
Behaviour
In the wild, guinea pigs live in close family groups, and it is unkind to keep
one guinea pig. Companionship is essential, but two adult boar guinea pigs that
don't know each other may fight, so choose two young littermates of the same
sex,
Sows can live in large
packs (I currently have 19 sows living together)
Handling
Approach the guinea pig from the front and on its level. Pick it up using both
hands, one around the hindquarters, the other around its shoulders (for a young
guinea pig) or around its chest (for an adult). Guinea pigs may become upset
by too much handling.
LOOK OUT
Health
Guinea pigs should be checked regularly for overgrown claws and teeth. Both can
be trimmed by a vet or experienced person.
Too much scratching results from skin problems and is often caused by mites or
lice. Your vet can provide suitable treatment for these.
Longhaired guinea pigs in particular may suffer from the potentially fatal
disease flystrike, caused by flies laying eggs in soiled fur. Make sure the
guinea pigs' home is cleaned every day and bedding changed regularly. Groom
guinea pigs every day, checking their fur all over for any dirt, especially
under the tail.
If a guinea pig develops bald patches on its face, this could indicate the
fungal disease ringworm. Seek veterinary advice straight away.
Guinea pigs can suffer from vitamin C deficiency, which causes weight loss,
general weakness and swollen joints. Ask your vet for advice on how to provide
your guinea pigs with an adequate supply of this vitamin.
If you have any concerns about your guinea pigs' health, ask your vet for
advice.
back to which pet for you
|
Bramble
Bunnies Boarding