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Looking for a comprehensive guinea pig guide ? Look no further! Here you’ll find everything you need to know about guinea pigs, including their care, behavior, diet and more.
Guinea pigs are a type of rodent aboriginal to the Andes mountains in South America. They are related to the chinchilla and the porcupine. There are 11 breeds of guinea pigs, and they come in 23 different colors. The most common guinea pigs are the Abyssinian, which has a rough coat with cowlicks; the American or English, which has classic short fur; and the Peruvian, which has long hair.
Wild guinea pigs are herbivores that eat a variety of vegetation. They continuously feed throughout the day and produce both formed fecal pellets and softer stools called cecotropes. Cecotropesprovide them with essential proteins and vitamins. They are social animals that survive better when living with other guinea pigs in pairs or trios rather than isolated.
Guinea pig lifespan
This little furries have a typical lifespan of 4-5 years, though, with proper care, they may live to be 7-8 years old.
Guinea pig Caging
The best way to keep guinea pigs is in an open-topped enclosure at least one foot wide and two feet long, with walls at least twelve inches high. It is best if the cage has a solid floor with dust-free bedding (such as pine shavings or recycled newspaper), which you should change weekly.
Guinea pig Nutrition
- An optimal diet for guinea pigs should be high in fiber to maintain their health. However, they may be hesitant to try new foods, so it is vital to introduce new items gradually so as not to cause stomach upset. In addition, Guinea pigs require more vitamin C than other rodents, so their diet should reflect that.
- A diet for guinea pigs must be high in fiber and low in fat, with hay constituting half of their intake. Hay is an integral part of their diet as it helps wear down their ever-growing teeth. However, alfalfa hay is not recommended for most adult Guinea pigs as it has a high calcium content and too many calories. However, young, pregnant, or underweight guinea pigs may eat it at their discretion.
- Give your piggy vegetables twice a day, focusing on dark leafy greens. Carrots make an excellent snack. Offer your guinea pig vegetables two times throughout the day, with an emphasis on darker leafy greens.
- Guinea pigs need a diet that is high in fiber to stay healthy. The best way to provide this for them is through specially made guinea pig pellets that You can buy at most pet stores. It is essential not to feed them rabbit or other rodent pellets. Gourmet pellets that contain seeds or nuts should not be provided. You should buy fresh pellets every 30 days as the vitamin C content decreases quickly.
- You should give each guinea pig a 50 mg/day supplement of vitamin C and one-quarter of an orange occasionally to ensure they get an adequate vitamin C.
- You can also give a quarter of Oxbow vitamin C tablets daily. Some high-vitamin C vegetables are bell peppers, spinach, kale, parsley, and chicory.
- In addition to pellets and hay, guinea pigs enjoy small amounts of fresh fruits as a treat. If your guinea pig is not overweight, you can offer them small pieces of high-fiber fruit as a treat. Some good options include apples, peaches, plums, pears, melons, raspberries, papayas, blueberries, blackberries, and strawberries. In addition, fruit such as bananas, which contain a lot of sugar, should be given in the tiniest quantities.
- Do not give your guinea pigs cereals, grains, nuts, seeds, dried beans, corn, peas, buttercups, lilies of any kind, sweet peas, oak, avocado, onion, onions, potatoes, mushrooms, rhubarb or human foods such as bread, biscuits, sweets.
Common guinea pig Diseases
Scurvy (Vitamin C deficiency)
Scurvy is a common health problem in Guinea pigs. It is most prevalent in young, growing animals. Sick Guinea pigs need additional vitamin C to help with their condition. In addition, they often have a rough hair coat, trouble eating, and painful joints. They are also predisposed to foot sores.
Guinea Pig Gastrointestinal Diseases
Dental problems and an inappropriate diet are often the root of gastrointestinal issues. Loss of appetite is a common problem for these animals. They are susceptible to any changes in diet; even switching to a new brand of pellets can cause them to lose their appetite. Additionally, they can develop gastrointestinal stasis from food impactions or hairballs. Since they cannot vomit, guinea pigs with colic will often grind their teeth and may appear bloated. Older guinea pigs may suffer from rectal impactions due to build-up.
Guinea pig Dental diseases
The teeth of guinea pigs grow about 10 cm every year. This is due to the harsh, fibrous vegetation in their natural environment, which wears down their teeth. If a guinea pig’s diet does not contain enough fiber, this can cause the development of overgrown teeth, tooth root abscesses, points, and spurs, as well as abnormal wear. In addition, Guinea pigs with dental disease will often exhibit symptoms such as drooling and anorexia.
Hair, Skin and Foot Problems
Various factors, including stress, boredom, and dominance, can cause hair loss in guinea pigs. Chewing on fur is often a coping mechanism for guinea pigs when under duress. In addition to fur chewing, guinea pigs may also pull at hair over areas of pain on their bodies.
Other common skin problems in guinea pigs include mite infestation and ringworm. If a guinea pig begins to swell in certain areas, it is crucial to examine them for abscesses or tumors. To keep skin and fur healthy, it is recommended that you brush long-haired guinea pig species regularly.
Guinea Pigs Respiratory Problems
Pneumonia is not abnormal and can be harsh with an abrupt beginning. Lung tumors are more prevalent in older Guinea pigs. Guinea pigs with respiratory illness show watery eyes and noses, weight loss, and shortness of breath.
Reproductive and Urinary Problems
Guinea pigs reach sexual maturity early on, with females being able to breed at 4-6 weeks and males at9-10 weeks old. Females should be bred before six months old to prevent birthing difficulties. Signs of a pregnant guinea pig in pain include:
- Low energy.
- Sadness.
- Straining for more than 30 minutes.
- Pink or greenish-brown vaginal discharge.
Urinary stones form due to an overabundance of calcium in the diet, like overeating alfalfa hay or an excess of pellets. A Guinea pig with stones may show bloody urine, straining, and a hunched posture.
Guinea pig obesity:
Obesity is a common problem in Guinea pigs that is often caused by an improper diet consisting of too many pellets or treats and a lack of exercise. This can lead to issues such as lameness, foot sores, and difficulty grooming.
Recommended Veterinary Care:
An annual physical exam for your pet is vital to their overall health and well-being. This exam includes a dental examination, weight determination and nail trim, and a review of their diet and environmental threats.
Guinea Pig Signs of Illness:
The following are potential signs that a guinea pig may be ill: decreased appetite, poor coat condition, infrequent or absent stool production, lameness, runny eyes and nose, excessive shyness or hiding, and abnormal swellings on the jaw. Weight loss may also be a sign of illness in guinea pigs.
Conclusion
Welcome to the beautiful world of guinea pigs! These widespread pets are relatively easy to care for, but it is essential to do your research before bringing them home. This guinea pig guide is excellent for starting your journey into guinea pig ownership!
