Pet care - Guinea pigs
Guinea pigs are friendly and easily tamed, but they need commitment and regular attention. Long-haired guinea pigs can be especially difficult to look after.
- 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 chippings on the floor of their home and plenty of soft hay for bedding and burrowing.
- Daily exercise in a grassy area safe from predators and an indoor run in cold weather.
- Their home to be cleaned every day and bedding changed weekly.
- A gnawing block to wear down long teeth.
- 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.
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 guinea pigs that don't know each other may
fight, so choose two young littermates of the same sex, a
father and son, or mother and daughter. Guinea pigs have a
basic need to graze and should have regular access to a grassy
area. Guinea pigs also need to have their own sleeping area.
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.
Breeding
The RSPCA strongly advises that you do not breed from your
guinea pigs as it is very difficult to find good homes for the
young. The best way to ensure that guinea pigs do not breed is
to keep males and females apart.
A female guinea pig can produce up to five litters a year from
a very young age.
Health
Guinea pigs should be checked regularly for overgrown claws
and teeth. Both can be trimmed by a vet.
Too much scratching results from skin problems and is often
caused by mites or lice. Your vet can provide suitable
treatment for these.
Long-haired 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.
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