Guinea pigs, also called cavies, are friendly and curious pets. But, they want dedication and attention that is regular ensure they continue to be healthy and delighted. Continue reading to learn how exactly to take care of your pocketful of sunshine.
Guinea pigs are sociable pocket pets, are often tamed, and certainly will live for as much as a decade. Their friendly nature means they are great animals. They’re also really smart.
1. Companionship
Guinea pigs are happiest whenever kept with other guinea pigs. But, when you do keep men and women together, make certain both pets will be the sex that is same at minimum one sex was desexed.
RSPCA NSW will not suggest maintaining guinea pigs and rabbits together. Rabbits can give conditions to guinea pigs, and additionally they might bully one another.
2. Meals
Guinea pigs are herbivores. To help keep them happy and healthy, they require:
- a consistent way to obtain high quality grass that is fresh lawn hay, such as for example Meadow, Oaten, Pasture, Ryegrass, Timothy or Wheaten hays. This is really important for using straight straight straight down their teeth that are continuously growing.
- fresh, leafy greens and natural natural herbs each and every day, such as for instance broccoli, cabbage (in smaller amounts), celery, endives, Brussel sprouts, bok choy as well as other Asian greens, and lettuce that is dark-leafed; and natural natural herbs such as for example basil, coriander, dandelion, dill, mint and parsley. Keep in mind that carrot tops should simply be offered as a treat that is occasional.
- tiny levels of top-quality guinea pig pellets. These must have a minimal fibre content of 16 percent.
- an everyday supply of supplement C, such as for instance smaller amounts of citrus and kiwi fruits
- a consistent supply of clean, fresh water
Usually do not feed your guinea pig:
- beans
- beetroot
- biscuits
- bread
- breakfast cereals
- buttercups
- cereals
- chocolate
- Clover or Lucerne (Alfalfa) hays
- corn
- garden shrubs
- grains
- lily associated with the valley
- nuts
- onion lawn
- onions
- peas
- potato tops
- natural beans
- rhubarb leaves
- seeds
- spinich leaves
- sugar
- candies
3. Enrichment
Guinea pigs require plenty of room to work out – the greater amount of the better. She should work out each and every day in a big, grassy area, free and safe from predators.
You might offer your guinea pig with a chewing log made from untreated timber to wear her teeth down, and overturned containers to cover up in.
4. Grooming
Frequent grooming is really important for long-haired guinea pigs, and guarantees their coats stay in good condition. Regular control will help build her also self- confidence, and encourage her in order to become friendly and sociable.
It’s also wise to check out the duration of your guinea pig’s teeth and toenails. Should they are a long time, get the veterinarian to trim them.
5. Wellness
Good cleansing and feeding techniques may help avoid many health that is common, including respiratory infections and epidermis dilemmas.
It is crucial to pay for your guinea pig’s hutch by having a flyscreen. Carrying this out, in addition to maintaining her hutch clean, can help prevent flystrike. Long-haired guinea pigs are especially susceptible to this problem, which may be deadly.
Guinea pigs, similar to animals, will also be prone to fleas. Confer with your veterinarian about a flea that is appropriate if required. They might additionally have problems with mite infestations, that may cause vexation, locks loss and itchiness.
In case your guinea pig develops bald batches, this might be a sign of the fungal infection ringworm, therefore look for assistance from a veterinarian straight away.
For more information on typical health conditions, just click here.
6. Housing
Your guinea pig’s enclosure should really be one or more metre ukrainian bride by 0.7 metres, and 0.7 metres high. They will need double this space if you have two guinea pigs. They’re going to likewise require their particular, separate sleeping areas, which must certanly be covered. You have to fly-proof the enclosure using wire that is flyscreen mosquito netting, since this can help lower the threat of flystrike.
Line the hutch with paper and grass that is soft to offer padding and avoid foot accidents. Do not use sawdust, straw or lumber shavings. Keep in mind that your guinea pig requires a soft, clean, dry area all the time, or she will quickly develop base dilemmas. Clean her whole enclosure regularly, and her bedding whenever required – often when per day.
Keep carefully the hutch in a sheltered area that will be well ventilated, between 18-26°C, and kept away from sunlight and strong winds. She must always gain access to sufficient color.
View here to learn more about preventing heatstroke.
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