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Caring for Your Guinea

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Caring for Your Guinea Caring for Your pigs cannot tolerate high levels of humidity, many types of hanging or swinging food hold- avoid getting a glass aquarium. A wire enclo- ers that provide a hygienic way to dispense Guinea Pig sure provides the ventilation required by your food. These food holders can provide hours of guinea pig. Guinea pigs acclimate to average entertainment and activity for your pet. household temperatures; avoid areas where o Bedding. If using a solid floor, a generous the temperature exceeds 80 F. Be sure to amount of absorbent, dust-free bedding should posi-tion the habitat out of direct sunlight. A be used to line the floor, along with a pile of solid floor is optimal. About Guinea Pigs timothy-grass or hay. Replace the bed-ding Guinea pig habitats should be located in an frequently to maintain a clean and odor-free Guinea pigs (or cavies) are very popular pets. area that encourages interaction with the environment. Avoid substrates with oils or They are naturally clean, hardy, and are excel- fam-ily, but also allows needed rest periods wood dust that may irritate your pet. lent first pets for children. Although they may during the day. Most guinea pigs become be nervous at first, they become used to being acclimated to their pet parents’ activity cycle Handling handled, as long as it is done gently. but are still more active in the evening. The best way to pick up your new guinea pig is There are several varieties of guinea pigs and What Else Do I Need? to approach on its level and begin talking to it. whether you have chosen a Silky, Teddy Bear, Let it come to you, presenting the back of your Short-haired, Peruvian or Abyssinian, your new Accessories. Providing places to hide within hand for it to smell. Gently place your hand pet will become a valuable and entertaining their enclosure gives guinea pigs a sense of across its shoulders with your thumb behind member of your family. security and alleviates stress. There are sever- one side of its front legs. Gently lift the guinea al types of guinea pig accessories that will ac- When you bring your guinea pig home, set up pig and place your other hand under its body complish this goal. You may also use an upside its new home before you take it out of the car- to support its weight. Hold it on your lap, or -down cardboard box, but these may absorb rying box. After placing it into its new home, close to your chest if you are then standing moisture or be more difficult to clean than a up. allow a few quiet days before handling your new pet. purchased accessory. Cavies love to play and forage. Make sure to include items to keep Grooming Begin by offering a treat such as a fresh carrot them entertained. The first step in grooming your guinea pig is stick. Your guinea pig will smell it and then Chew Toys. A guinea pig’s teeth never stop establishing a relationship. Your pet needs to begin to nibble or grasp it. Always talk to your trust you, and allow you to touch and hold it. pet in a gentle voice and soon you will be growing. Provide chew toys specifically made for cavies to help grind their teeth and keep Start by offering your pet treats from your petting its head, back, and ears. them healthy. Feeders. A bin feeder attached to the side of More ... Habitat the enclosure provides a contamination-free method of feeding. A hanging hay manger This information is designed as a basic guide. There When selecting a home for your guinea pig, are several books and online resources available choose a spacious wire enclosure with a deep eliminates soiled and wasted hay. There are which provide in-depth information on guinea pigs plastic base for easy cleaning. Because guinea and their care. www.PIJAC.org hand while talking softly, and then pet it Your guinea pig should be fed an unlimited sup- Guinea pigs are very sensitive to certain antibi- until it’s comfortable letting you hold it. ply of low calcium/protein grass hays such as otics. You should consult your veterinarian be- You don’t need to worry: guinea pigs orchard or timothy-grass. Cavies are natural for- fore administering any medications. rarely, if ever, bite. agers, so hide a little food around the cage for your pet to find. Once you have established this relation- Avoiding Human Illness ship, purchase a specially designed small Keeping Your Guinea Pig animal brush. Use the brush daily, even if Guinea pigs may carry diseases that can be you are just using the brush to pet your Healthy transmitted to humans, including ringworm, guinea pig, to establish the grooming Guinea pigs are sensitive to changes in tempera- salmonellosis, rat bite fever, and lymphocytic routine. You will also need to purchase a ture and humidity, so locating their habitat away choriomeningitis. The simple precautions be- nail trimmer designed for small animals, from drafts and bright windows is important. Be- low can help prevent the risk of infection. and an antiseptic blood stopper in the cause they are nervous animals by nature, guinea event the nail is trimmed too close. pigs may refuse food and water if their cage is Closely supervise children and make sure moved or their diet is changed. Guinea pigs are they wash their hands with soap and water after handling small animals, their habitats or naturally social animals and the presence of oth- Water and Food anything in their habitats. er cavies helps to reduce stress from these chang- Your guinea pig should have a constant es. supply of water. For hygienic reasons, As cute and cuddly as they are, do not kiss small animals. Illnesses are sometimes spread provide fresh water daily using a ball-tip Check your pet regularly for changes in appear- this way. water bottle. ance and behavior, particularly weight loss. Fa- tigue, hunched posture, unusual movement, Purchase food and treats specifically Never use food-preparation areas to clean breathing difficulty and discharge from the eyes small animal habitats or anything in their habi- made for guinea pigs. These diets will or nose are clinical signs of illness and require a tats. If you clean the habitat in the bathroom, meet your pet’s requirements for fiber, veterinary exam. Foot sores or broken nails are disinfect the area completely afterwards. minerals and vitamins, including vitamin signs of pododermatitis. Consult your veterinari- C. Fresh vegetables and fruit may be Clean the habitat, food and water bowls in a an for the proper treatment. well-ventilated area. added as an additional source of vitamin C: mustard greens, kale, broccoli, brus-sel Diarrhea, hair loss and joint pain are indicative of Children under 5, pregnant women, senior citi- sprouts, tomatoes, red or green pep-pers, Vitamin C deficiency. Be sure the vegetables and zens, and people with weakened immune sys- spinach, asparagus and oranges and fruits in your guinea pig’s diet are fresh. Your vet- tems run a greater risk of infection; contact lemons (including the peels). Dry Vitamin erinarian should confirm the cause of these your health care provider for more infor- C supplements such as wafers are another symptoms and prescribe treatment. mation. option. Cavies are adapted to low Hair loss or change in appearance, particularly on moisture diets, and excess vege-tables in the tip of the nose, eyes and forehead, may be the diet may cause diarrhea. signs of ringworm; check with your vet for treat- ment. www.PIJAC.org .
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