Guinea pigs are great pets for small children because of their docile nature. They are very reluctant to bite and will allow anyone to hold them for quite awhile before they become restless. They are a great pet to have if you want something furry to sit in your lap while your relax in front of the TV. They grow up to 2 lbs and live an average of 4 or 5 years. Many have been known to live up to 10 years so your guinea pig will be around for a long time if he is properly taken care of.

Guinea pigs come in a variety of breeds and colors. There are both long haired guinea pigs which require frequent grooming and short haired animals that require much less grooming.  Guinea pigs do not get along with most other pets, especially cats, however they can be housed with dwarf rabbits. Their nails need to be clipped every few months and this can be done at home once you have had a professional show you how to do it. You can also bring your pet to The Animal Store for a nail clipping.

Housing

 When selecting a cage for your new guinea pig be sure to remember that guinea pigs grow two to three times their size from when they are young to when they are full grown. Your new guinea pig may fit nicely in two hands, but when full grown he will be 10-12 inches long. The best kind of cage is a wire cage with a plastic bottom. Never place a guinea pig in a cage with a wire mesh bottom because guinea pigs can get their feet caught in the mesh. Also, if a guinea pig is subjected to sit on a mesh bottom for any length of time he will succumb to a condition known as bumble foot. Guinea pigs can not climb, so if you do not have other pets that will be able to get into the cage you do not need to have a top. Guinea pigs can climb a ramp, provided it is not too steep, so you can provide your guinea pig with extra space by purchasing a multi-level cage. Be sure to offer your pet a hiding box to sleep in and bedding materials, such as an old towel, for a nest. The cage should be kept between 65 degrees and 79 degrees. A rule of thumb is that if you are cold your pig is also cold and if you’re hot he may be overheating. Consider how many guinea pigs will reside a cage before purchasing one. Be sure you have enough room for each one and never house a male and female together, as they are prolific breeders. Two males will sometimes fight so if you plan to get more than one pig it is best to get females. You can also house your guinea pig with dwarf rabbits, but be sure to offer your two pets only guinea pig food for your guinea pig’s safety.

Food

Your guinea pig will get most of his nutrition from his guinea pig pellets that should be offered free feed in a heavy, wide bottomed, ceramic dish that can’t be easily tipped over. Your pet cannot produce vitamin C so it is important to get a food especially formulated for guinea pigs. This type of food is normally fortified with vitamin C. You should also offer a vitamin supplement to be sure he is getting enough vitamin C. His water should be offered in a plastic bottle that holds at least 32 ounces. A smaller bottle will have a smaller opening and your guinea pig will have to work too hard in order to get enough to drink. Your guinea pig’s bottle should be washed out every day due to backwash produced by your guinea pig that could clog his bottle. In addition to his pellets you can feed your guinea pig fresh salad. Be sure to use only romaine lettuce because head lettuce has no nutrients and only water. Other things he will enjoy in his salad are carrots, oranges, grapes, and other fruits and vegetables. In addition to pellets and fresh foods your guinea pig needs a source of fiber in the form of timothy Hay. The long strands of grass/hay aid in the digestion of your guinea pigs food so this is an essential part of his diet. The easiest way to offer this hay is in a hay manger that hangs on the side of his cage. You should also offer your pig a salt lick for other nutrients.

Vacation