Guinea pigs do great care if there is time and space for them. They are easy to handle, fun to watch, social, and easy to care for. Pigs were first discovered as animals in South America’s southern Guinea. Like there cousin, the hamster, the guinea pig soon entered people’s homes, living their lives as pets. Guinea pigs have been known as family pets for more than 400 years and counting. This is a great time proof that guinea pigs do well, and due to their gentle nature they are great with children.
Before you bring your guinea pig home, there are a few things you need to know. The first and most important is, of course, the cage. A large cage that is at least 3 feet wide by 3 feet long is best. A main cage is not needed because guinea pigs do not climb or jump, so the cage will be 15 inches to 2 feet high. In the cage area you need to hide. You can make one yourself, it’s a wooden box, 10 inches by 10 inches square, with a hole for him to go up and out. You also need a bottle of water. Guinea pigs can drink from a bowl, although the water quere holds more water, it keeps the water from spilling; keeps the water sweeter longer. You can get a large water bottle at any grocery store or grocery store, and they usually cost under $5.00. The mattress is another for the cage. You must cover the bottom of the cage with a layer of cattle or hay. The cage should be cleaned at least every day, and all bedding should be thrown away and replaced with new ones. We can’t forget the food either.
Feeding your guinea pig is like feeding yourself. You get tired of eating the same thing over and over again, so you want to change the food a little every so often. Your guinea pig should be fed twice a day, even if they are small. You see, a baby guinea pig is born with all its teeth, and it starts eating the same stuff the mother guinea pig eats at 3 weeks. You can find dry guinea pig grain mix at your local pet store and treats, but they still need more. Fresh carrots, lettuce, and dandelions are just a few of my favorite foods. You can give them apples, grapes, and so on. When the teeth are always growing, they gnaw them. It is important to be pain free, and other difficult treatments, help with this problem.
Guinea pigs take time to tame, just like any other animal, but they are generally easy to tame. In order to tame one, patience, charity, and respect must first be had. It is best to start taming your guinea pig after the first 48 hours in its new environment. Remember, these little guys are fun and gentle, but very shy at first. After he gets used to the cage, he starts trying to give him special treats. After eating from your hand, then holding it for a short time. Be sure to hold it firmly, because it could hurt if you drop it. You can use an old toothbrush for that. Many guinea pigs have this, and will respond by chattering.
Guinea pigs are fun to watch and enjoy. On average, a healthy guinea pig lives between 4 and 5 years. They do it alone, so if you can’t socialize with him often, you might want to consider getting him a friend. You can house several female guinea pigs in the same cage, but not two males. A guinea pig will also happily share its home with a rabbit, but you may need a slightly larger enclosure so that they can run together to play. Use caution if you decide on a male and a female at the same time, then everyone knows what happens. Guinea pigs are pregnant for 68 days and usually have two to four babies. The male must be removed from the cage before or as soon as the female gives birth. Babies will grow strong, they are born with all teeth, hair and eyes open. He weighs about 3 ounces at birth, and spends six months. At eight weeks old you need to find them new homes, because eight weeks old can have babies.
Guinea pigs are fun and make great family entertainment, but they are entertainment. It is always a great concern for them. However, bunnies scratch less often, and hamsters bite less often. The size of the guinea pig also makes it easier for small hands to pick up. Just make sure you wash your hands before and after playing with it as with any animal.
