Care Sheet for Small AnimalsAverage Rating Given To This Care Sheet Is 4.00 (1=lowest, 5=highest) Last Updated: 02/16/2005 |
Main Category: | Non-Reptile/Amphibian |
Sub Category: | Small Animals |
Care Sheet Submitted By: | Anonymous |
Years Experience: | 10 to 15 Years |
Species: | Guinea Pigs |
Other Species or Phases this Care Sheet May Cover: | Skinny Pigs |
Sexing and Characteristics: | Sexing guinea pigs should always be done by a vet or reputable breeder. All guinea pigs have two nipples so this is not a way to tell them apart. All sexing is done by looking at the genitals. Check a website or book for more details. |
Mostly Active During: | Both |
Substrate and Water Needs: | Wood shavings are the most common type of bedding for guinea pigs. If shavings are used, NEVER use pine or cedar because it has been proven that the phenols (aromatic oils) in pine and cedar can cause serious respiratory, skin, coat, and liver problems. Many small animals have allergies to these oils as well. Another possibility is Care Fresh, a recycled paper material that is gentle on guinea pigs’ feet and very absorbent. I like to use a non-toxic, recycled newspaper cat or ferret litter (such as the Yesterday’s News brand) underneath the wood shavings to help absorb urine, and to help in cleaning. |
Lighting and UVB: | Same as humans, approx. 12 hrs daylight and 12 hrs. night. |
Temperatures and Humidity: | Room temperature. Never keep the cage in direct sunlight or near drafts or fumes. |
Heating and Equipment: | Equipment: suitably sized cage, food dish, water bottle, house which is big enough to hide in, salt wheel or mineral block for wearing teeth down on, brush (optional for short-haired guinea pigs, necessary for long-haired/Peruvian guinea pigs), nail clippers. |
Caging Provided: | Guinea pigs are usually kept in large cages with a high plastic bottom to trap shavings in and a wire top. They can also be kept in large aquariums with a mesh room for keeping other animals out. Cages with wire bottoms are not recommended because they can hurt their feet and cause injury. |
Diet: | Herbivorous |
Description of Diet: | Guinea pigs must eat a pelleted diet (designed for guinea pigs) which is rich in vitamin C. This should always be available in a sturdy food dish which can’t be tipped over and is easy to clean (stainless steel or ceramic). Fresh water should be available to them at all times in a glass or plastic drinking tube or water bottle. Fresh vegetables should also be given to them daily: romaine lettuce, spinach, parsley, carrots, kale, dandelion, apples, oranges, etc. Oats and grains, as well as healthy, sugarless cereal can also be given to them as a treat. |
Supplements, Nutrition and Usage: | Vitamin C drops MUST be added to guinea pig’s water, directions are on the bottle. The drops can also additionally be added to the food as well. Timothy Hay must also be available at all times, it is extremely healthy for guinea pigs and they love it. High in fibre, it helps "balance" them out after that pile of vegetables in the morning. A vitamin supplement can be added to the food but shouldn’t be necessary if the proper diet is being fed. |
Maintenance: | Guinea pigs tend to drink a lot of water and therefore urinate a lot, so the cage should be cleaned AT LEAST once a week or as needed. Mine gets done every three days. Cage should be emptied and soaked in water and a mild detergent, rinsed well, and then new shavings/bedding can be put in. Food bowl and water bottles should also be cleaned daily. Warm baths can be given once in awhile with a gentle baby shampoo or a shampoo formulated for small animals and the guinea pig should be completely dried (with a towel and hair dryer on low) so avoid catching a cold. Toenails must also be trimmed regularly.
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Some Words on this Species: | Guinea pigs are native to the Andes Mountains in South America. They are social animals and can be kept in pairs of two males or two females as long as they have been raised together. Guinea pigs have also been known to live happily with skinny pigs and rabbits. If a pair is kept together, make sure to adjust the cage size accordingly. Two guinea pigs need a large cage so they can each have their own space. If left alone during the day, it is a good idea to keep a radio or the television on so they don’t feel "abandoned", later on they should be given a min. hour of attention to make up for the day. Guinea pigs are not difficult to care for yet many seem to end up in shelters. If care is researched first, then this should not be an issue. They make a great beginner’s pet and are always a loyal member of the family. |
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