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Guinea Pigs - An Introduction Guinea pigs or Cavies as they are known in South America (where they originate) make excellent pets for young and old alike. They are not expensive to buy and you can keep them indoors or outdoors. They are good natured and easy to handle. Before you go ahead and buy a guinea pig you should ask yourself if you really are prepared for the responsibilty that owning a pet entails. The care of a guinea pig is not as complex as caring for a cat or dog but it will need to be cleaned out every week. If you get a long haired guinea pig it wiil need grooming and will also need feeding and given fresh water every day. Also children should not take on sole responsibility for the care of the new guinea pig. Choosing a male or female whether you choose a male (Boar) or a female (Sow) is of little importance as both sexes make equally good pets. If you want two you must think about what you choose:
To tell whether your guinea pig is male or female gently turn it over onto it's back. In the young boar the genitalia are in the shape of a circle. In the female it is in a Y shape. The adult guinea pig sexing is easier (the boars testicles will show) The Hutch If your guinea pig is to be kept outdoors you will need a good waterproof hutch. These are available at the farm and come in many sizes. They range in price from £15.00 to £20.00 A hutch for one or two guinea pigs should be as large as possible and not less that 60cm X 60cm. It needs to be raised from the ground on legs. The roof should be covered in roofing felt to protect it from rain and damp. The front of the hutch should have strong wire netting to stop cats and dogs and should have a separate bedroom sectioned off from the rest of the hutch. The hutch should be bedded down with shavings, straw and hay for it to eat. The hutch should have a water bottle and a food bowl. Feeding Guinea pigs are vegetarians and diet should consist mainly of hay, grain and vegetables. Guinea pigs like humans are unusual because their bodies can not produce vitaman C because of this all guinea pigs need to recieve a diet rich in vitamin c or serious health problems can follow. You need to feed your pet plenty of fruit and veg. A good quality guinea pig food mix should always be available too. The farm does a special guinea pig mix with added vitiman C for 80p a bag. Health Problems Diarrhoea - usually caused by too much green stuff. If your guinea pig is not used to greens take cafe when introducing them to it. Give them small amounts at a time. If the guinea pig has diarrhoea do not give it any greens. Constipation - the opposite of diarrhoea. It is usually caused by the lack of greens. but also lack of excercise. Signs of constipation are small droppings or none. The guinea pig may sit still with its back hunched for quick relief. Feed the guinea pig lots of wet veg. Lice - a common problem. Lice are white in colour and a small in size. They can be seen moving around the fur but they do not jump. You can spray your pet with suitable flea spray. Eye Infections - Sore runny eyes may occur because the guinea pig has been kept in a draught or because it has damaged the eye on straw. If in doubt take the guinea pig to the vet. |
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