Guinea pigs, also called cavies, are friendly and pets that are inquisitive. Nonetheless, they want dedication and attention that is regular ensure they continue to be healthy and pleased. Continue reading to discover how exactly to take care of your pocketful of sunlight.

Guinea pigs are sociable pocket animals, are often tamed, and will live for approximately a decade. Their friendly nature means they are great animals. They’re also extremely smart.

1. Companionship

Guinea pigs are happiest whenever kept along with other guinea pigs. Nevertheless, should you keep men and women together, ensure both pets will be the sex that is same at minimum one sex is desexed.

RSPCA NSW will not suggest maintaining guinea pigs and rabbits together. Rabbits can spread conditions to guinea pigs, and additionally they may bully one another.

2. Meals

Guinea pigs are herbivores. To help keep them happy and healthy, they require:

• a consistent way to obtain high quality grass that is fresh lawn hay, such as for example Meadow, Oaten, Pasture, Ryegrass, Timothy or Wheaten hays. recommended you read This is really important for using straight straight down their teeth that are continuously growing.
• fresh, leafy vegetables and natural natural herbs each day, such as for instance broccoli, cabbage (in a small amount), celery, endives, Brussel sprouts, bok choy as well as other Asian greens, and dark-leafed lettuce varieties; and natural natural herbs such as for example basil, coriander, dandelion, dill, mint and parsley. Understand that carrot tops should simply be provided being a treat that is occasional.
• little levels of top-notch guinea pig pellets. These must have the very least content that is fibre of percent.
• A source that is daily of C, such as for instance a small amount of citrus and kiwi fruits
• a continuing way to obtain clean, fresh water

Try not to feed your guinea pig:

• beans
• beetroot
• biscuits
• bread
• morning meal cereals
• buttercups
• cereals
• chocolate
• Clover or Lucerne (Alfalfa) hays
• corn
• yard bushes
• grains
• lily associated with valley
• pea pea nuts
• onion lawn
• onions
• peas
• potato tops
• natural beans
• rhubarb leaves
• seeds
• spinich leaves
• sugar
• candies

3. Enrichment

Guinea pigs require a lot of room to work out – the greater amount of the greater. She should work out every single day in a sizable, grassy area, free and safe from predators.

You might offer your guinea pig with a chewing log made from untreated lumber to wear her teeth down, and overturned containers to full cover up in.

4. Grooming

Regular grooming is really important for long-haired guinea pigs, and guarantees their coats stay static in good shape. Regular maneuvering will additionally assist build her self- confidence, and encourage her to be friendly and sociable.

It’s also wise to look at the duration of your guinea pig’s teeth and toenails. When they are too much time, get the veterinarian to trim them.

5. Wellness

Good cleansing and feeding techniques helps avoid many health that is common, including respiratory infections and epidermis issues.

It is crucial to pay for your guinea pig’s hutch by having a flyscreen. Achieving this, in addition to maintaining her hutch clean, may help avoid flystrike. Long-haired guinea pigs are specially susceptible to this problem, and that can be deadly.

Guinea pigs, like the majority of animals, are prone to fleas. Confer with your veterinarian about a flea that is appropriate if needed. They could additionally suffer with mite infestations, that may cause disquiet, locks loss and itchiness.

In case the guinea pig develops bald batches, this might be an indication of the fungal illness ringworm, so look for assistance from a veterinarian instantly.

To learn more about typical health conditions, just click here.

6. Housing

Your guinea pig’s enclosure must certanly be a minumum of one metre by 0.7 metres, and 0.7 metres high. For those who have two guinea pigs, they are going to require twice this area. They are going to likewise require their particular, separate resting areas, which must certanly be covered. You have to fly-proof the enclosure using flyscreen cable or mosquito netting, since this can help lessen the threat of flystrike.

Line the hutch with magazine and grass that is soft to deliver padding and steer clear of foot accidents. Don’t use sawdust, straw or lumber shavings. Keep in mind that your guinea pig needs a soft, clean, dry area all of the time, or she will quickly develop base issues. Clean her entire enclosure frequently, along with her bedding whenever needed – often as soon as per day.

Keep consitently the hutch in a sheltered area which will be well ventilated, between 18-26°C, and kept away from sunlight and strong winds. She should always gain access to shade that is adequate.

Click the link to learn more about preventing heatstroke.