10 Healthy tips on Caring for Guinea Pigs
Holiday season probably means your hearts and bellies are full -- and if you're anything like us, your house is a zoo! Many people are adding new pets to the family. Guinea pigs are a popular first pet. They have a lifespan of 4-8 years. Once they get used to their new homes they are very social and love to hang out with their family.
Here are some tips for caring for your new guinea pig:
Feed them fresh fruits and vegetables: It is possible for them to become diabetic so limit fruits to once or twice a week. Guinea pigs are unable to produce their own vitamin C. There are drop supplements available for this, bell peppers are also a good source for them. Vitamin C helps with the prevention of scurvy.
Avoid feeding them foods that are high in starch (peas, beans, corn): These could potentially cause a fatal bacteria imbalance in their GI tract.
Always provide fresh, clean water available for them.
House them in a spacious cage: 7.5 square feet minimum.
House them in pairs if possible: guinea pigs are social animals and will sometimes still get bored no matter the level of cuddles and attention you give them.
Give them lots and lots of hay: Hay should make up 80% of their daily food intake. They are rodents and that means the teeth are always growing. The silica in hay grounds down the teeth in the back of their mouth.
Allow them to exercise and give them attention outside of their cage daily: Let them run around in an enclosed space. Give them tunnels and toys. They are social animals so they love the attention.
Weigh your guinea pig weekly: The first sign of illness is weight loss.
Be familiar with signs of illness: Refusal to eat or drink, labored breathing, wheezing, crusty eyes, rough coat are some to name a few.
Keep your pet's cage clean.
Having a new furry friend to hang out with is always exciting and also a commitment. Keeping them healthy is an important part of maintaining a happy life with your pet.
