Tips to Care for a Guinea Pig
The guinea pig, or also known as guinea pigs, guinea pigs or whose, are small pets, that require sufficient space, time, effort, and the interaction of their owner. How all pets require basic care to grow happy and healthy like any other domestic animal?
A large cage: for your new pet you will need a cage that measures about 2.5 square meters, it is the minimum space required for a guinea pig. However, a larger cage is better. A cage outside the house, ie on the balcony or garden, is not recommended for this type of animal because they do not tolerate extreme temperatures. In addition to that they can be prey of other animals. It is better to stay indoors where they can smell you and where they can interact with people.
Place the cage: it is preferable that it be in a place where people are there several times a day, such as a room or kitchen. The pet will feel integrated into the family and it will be easier to interact every time you go through its cage.
The guinea pigs also need to be on the ground: let them relax by walking around your house freely from time to time. You must also have a smaller cage for when you need to clean the cage, or to keep them out if it is not too cold or hot. Make sure you have enough space for the exercise and that you can run and play. Also add some toys and tunnels to play.
They Must Live With another Guinea Pig and Fell Human Contact
Adopt two or more guinea pigs of the same sex, so they are not alone. This pet needs company since it is a herd animal. Spend some time with them every day. There is no excuse for you to leave your animals alone. Basic care requires that you interact with your pet and play with it.
Make sure they have fresh water all the time: within the basic care of your pet you must change the water every day. Buy a special bottle for rabbits with a special pacifier and so they will always have water when they need it. It is necessary to clean the nozzle frequently to keep it clean of dirt such as straw or food that can cause disease or bacteria buildup. The boat can be washed with a little water and a little rice; this is so that when you shake it the rice releases the green parts of algae that accumulate. If the cage remains in the sun, it is easy to see algae in the water. If this is the case, cover the boat with a cloth to prevent the growth of algae. Avoid adding vitamins in the water, they will become an infection for your animal and then refuse to drink water.
Feed them with grass or alfalfa since the guinea pigs are animals that graze and require it for their digestion. Alfalfa is the best thing to feed babies 6 months of age or younger and pregnant or have their litter, because the animal needs large amounts of energy that adults do not require. Other types of grass are good for feeding guinea pigs over 6 months. You can leave the food in the cage since they themselves are administered according to their needs. The lack of hay leads to malocclusion; it is a misalignment of the teeth that requires corrective surgery, and a gastrointestinal stasis that will end in the death of your pet.
It is also advisable to give them fresh vegetables daily: 20% of the daily diet. Be careful not to give them lettuce and other large leafy vegetables as they can cause diarrhea. The diet of guinea pigs should include plenty of vegetables with vitamin C. The vegetables that are best for these animals are: celery, carrot, tomatoes, cucumbers, corn, few spinach and peas. If you notice that you can not eat them, cut them into small pieces. You can also give them some pieces of fruit such as strawberries, apples, but only once in a while. Each guinea pig requires one cup per day, you can give them half in the morning and the other half in the afternoon.
You can also feed them with special food for guinea pig quality: do not feed them with another type of concentrate that is not special for guinea pigs, the nutrient content is different. Let it be, without mixtures, that is, the one that comes mixed with seeds because it can cause suffocation.
Well Being and Cleanliness are Mandatory Requirements
The cleaning of the cage: it should be daily, collect the vegetables left over from the previous day, and clean the excrement. Change the straw and clean the water bottle, they are a very important part of your pet’s care.
Leave a lot of toys and accessories in the cage: you can make the toys with boxes, cardboard rolls, etc. Be creative and use materials you will find in your home.
Cut the nails of the legs every few weeks: if you have black nails, with a hand lamp place it under the leg so you can see the base of the nail and avoid cutting more. If you are not sure how to cut your nails, it is best to take it with the vet, so he will teach you how to do it.
Bathe your guinea pig every 3 or 4 months: do not bathe it more often than this because it needs its fat in the hair to protect its sensitive skin.
Do not mix guinea pigs with rabbits and do not let them play together: rabbits have other types of bacteria and viruses that can cause diseases and can make them sick, and rabbits are stronger and bigger.
Read more here: guinea pig info