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Guinea Pigs
Guinea pigs are a member of the rodent family. Cavia porcellus is descended from the wild guinea pig of the Andes Mountains. Guinea pigs properly known as cavies were domesticated some 7000 years ago and used as a source of food, but they are social animals and make great pets.
5,247 Questions
Why is baby guinea pig always spinning in circles?
Spinning behavior in baby guinea pigs can be a sign of an inner ear infection or injury, leading to a loss of balance. It could also be caused by stress, lack of proper nutrition, or environmental factors. It's important to consult with a vet to determine the underlying cause and provide appropriate treatment.
What do i do if my guinea pig's tooth breaks after a fall?
You could wait and see if it grows back. Or I would take it to the vet soon. Yea, that, but you need to cut up its hay, feed it liquid through a sgrynge or eyedropper, and feed it lots of fruits and veggies. Give it extra TLC. a tooth normally takes from one to two weeks to fully gorw back. Good Luck!
What is a guinea pigs favourite food?
Guinea pigs tend to like carrots and hay over any type of food. Piggies need a constant supply of timothy hay to maintain proper digestion. Be careful that you don't give alfalfa hay by mistake. Some commercial feeds still contain alfalfa even though it's been found to be unhealthy.
lettuce and other greens like green beans and carrot tops but NOT ICEBERG LETTUCE it is bad for them.
How do you help your guinea pig become less timid?
The biggest impression you can make on your guinea pig I would think for sure would be when they are young. After that you can only do so much. But make sure that you try to never startle your guinea pig (running by it's cage or grabbing it suddenly etc.) and you can give him/her treats from your hand to help him/her understand that your not going to hurt them. Make sure that you take them out often and when you are picking them up try to stroke them first and not pick them up all of a sudden.
Is it ok for a guinea pig to eat carpet?
No, it is not safe for a guinea pig to eat carpet. Carpet can contain chemicals or synthetic materials that are harmful if ingested, and the fibers can also cause digestive issues if consumed. It's best to provide your guinea pig with safe, appropriate foods such as hay, fresh vegetables, and pellets.
What animals can guinea pigs live with?
well its recomended that two female guinea pigs live together. if you put three guinea pigs (female, male,nad another male ) they could kill eachother because there fighting over the female but i recomend if you get males and females get seperate cages or get a cubes and coroplast cage you can learn more at guineapigcages.com and seperate half of the cage for guys and girls or combine them witha equal amount of sexes ex.2 males and 2 females. but i recomend getting all females unless you would like to breed them. also if your guinea pig gets pregnant remove the male because hecould kill the babies if the wants to mate again.
How much does bedding cost for a guinea pig?
Well, depending on where you get it. I got my hamster bedding at petsmart. I got a small package of aspen bedding for at least ten dollars. But at different stores, for example, walmart or marks ark, there are different prices for a small package of bedding. BUT, if you want to buy a large or extra large package of bedding, it'll cost at least one or two to three dollars more. Depends on where you get it or depends on the store. And the most recommended type of bedding is aspen bedding. Put at least two inches of bedding in the cage.
Is it OK to only get one guinea pig?
Of corse! guinea pigs are very smart, large enough to not get lost, they are incredibly cute!!!! they love their owner. their needs are not overly complicated. When they begin to trust you.. they don't run away when playing with them.
Not unless you have plenty of time and money.
Guinea Pigs are an amazing pet! They are kind, sweet and oh so cuddly. I had one a couple of months ago, but unfortunately it died out of old age, and I was so sad. You can bond really well with them, just like a dog or a cat. Just without having to take them on long walks everyday!
I just got a guinea pig a couple weeks ago & I agree, they are great to hold & play with don't require too much work & don't stink that bad if you keep their cage clean.
Guinea Pigs are GREAT pets they are not a lot of money they are vary easy to take care of. I my self have had a skinny pig (a guinea pig with no hair). And I currently have a Guinea pig she is just turning one and i love them both very much. They smell fine if you keep there cage clean. If you are going out to get a guinea pig make sure you get it a few wood chews as for there teeth keep growing and if they don't eat some thing hard to keep there teeth the right size they can starve to death because there teeth are to long.
guinea pigs are great pets for all ages! they bond well and are very friendly!
Guinea pigs are in many ways ideal family pets!
* Unlike dogs you don't have to walk them daily,
and unlike dogs you can go out all day leaving them safely behind.
* Unlike cats they do not destroy the local wild bird population.
* Unlike hamsters, and some other small rodents they do not sleep all day.
* Unlike rabbits they eat little, can be handled easily, and can even stay indoors.
* Unlike snakes, and other reptiles they do not need extra heat and light.
* Unlike birds they do not make incessant noise.
* Unlike fish they can be handled and give affection.
* Unlike horses they do not need regular veterinary attention or expensive upkeep.
Yes, the domesticated guinea pig can make a great pet - low cost to buy, low cost of upkeep, not noisy, does not demand constant attention, yet are affectionate, cuddly, and can be bred easily.
The pig files
Lifespan 3 to 6 years typically
Size from about 8 inches to 14 inches long
Breeding up to 5 times a year with litter of 2 to 4 or even more!
Menu Guinea pigs are veggie!
prepared guinea pig food from pet store supplemented with carrot, peas, most green leafs, though not lettuce as this is associated with colic in guinea pigs.
Handling handle often for best reaction with children
Types dutch, coronet, texel, sheltie, agouti, rex, abyssinian, American crested, self black
Diet
A guinea pig can be a fussy little creature, expect likes and dislikes, and a bit like some of us, they don't like change!
Staple guinea pig mix from your pet store is the basic diet, but even here beware! - best choose a guinea pig mix that prevents selective feeding, i.e. they choose those bits they like and leave the bits they don't. The consequences of this is that they may lack a balanced diet and can be prone to illnesses as a result!
Next we come to fruit and veg - and here little often is better than too much which can cause diarrhoea. Guinea pigs need fresh fruit and veg, and are partial to green leafs.
A Vitamin C supplement in their drinking water is recommended, but read the instructions so not to over-dose!
Try beetroot (not pickled), carrot, broccoli, celery, cauliflower leafs, cabbage, but lettuce only very occasionally if at all, as it can cause colic.
Offer orange, apple, grapes but not the whole fruit, cut or slice and make this a treat rather than constantly available.
Special hang-up treats from pet stores are also good, and encourage the animal to climb up and use their rodent teeth.
Another essential is a daily fresh supply of clean water.
By all means try other things from time to time, ours like cold peas (cooked), and will even nibble small pieces of bread.
Remember guinea pigs are veggie, so no meat or dairy products, and definitely no sweets or anything with sugar.
Hay is essential and there should always be a supply of fresh grass hay in their home which should be replenished every time their cage is cleaned!
NOW SOME DONT'S
cabbage, iceburg lettuce, uncooked beans, geminating potatoes, pears, dairy products, and unshelled nuts.
Maintenance/Cleaning
Maintenance is very important, but not difficult.
Your guinea pig hutch will SMELL if not cleaned on a regular basis!
The floor of the living quarters will need the following procedure carried out every two to three days for a single pig in residence, or almost daily if there are two or more!
1. Take g-pig out of home and place where it cannot get back in until you are finished.
2. remove all existing floor covering and discard hygenically, also old fruit and veg.
3. spray the floor with a suitable antiseptic cleanser (your local pet store will sell these)
4. wipe the floor with kitchen paper or a paper towel.
5. place new bedding on the hutch or cage floor to a depth such that all the wood or plastic is covered, and possibly up to a depth of quarter to half inch.
6. allow pet to return home, and reward with treat!
Okay, so your guinea pig will not thank you for a bath, but you will probably want to bath him from time to time, say twice a year!
A bathing regime is not difficult, and here are the key points.
1. Fill a bath or basin to a level where he can paddle but not drown.
2. Temperature should be lukewarm.
3. Use a small pet shampoo as sold by pet stores.
4. Avoid contact with the eyes (both you and the pet!)
5. Keep him supported as he may try to jump out, and could injure himself if allowed to escape from the confines of the bath/sink.
6. Wash gently, using your fingers, pressure is neither necessary nor comfortable.
7. After a final rinse wrap your gp in a clean towel, and hand dry, avoiding drafts especially whilst wet.
8. A hair drier can be used, but carefully, make sure not too hot, and shield the eyes.
9. About twice a year should be about right.
Vital statistics!
body weight-adult male 900-1000 gram
about 2 lb
body weight-adult sow 700-900gram
25-32 oz
birth weight 60-115gram
2-4 oz
breeding life 18-20 months 4-5 litters
sow fertility 4-5 weeks
boar fertility 8-10 weeks
sow cycle length 15-17 days
gestation period 59-72 days
litter interval 96 days
Communications
You enjoyed the film Dr.Dolittle?
Of course Guinea Pigs cannot really talk!
- but they can COMMUNICATE! In their own way, they can "ask" for food, tell you if they are tired, want attention, even sometimes if they are ill!
You watch and learn from your piggy friend, and you will be rewarded.
rabbits Rabbits
Often guinea pigs are housed with rabbits, especially at pet stores.
It is a common practice, but the advice from most expert sources is - DON'T DO IT!
If kept outdoors, they are often considered as company for each other, as the guinea pig can get warmth from the larger rabbit, but a rabbit has very powerful back legs which often does great harm to the more fragile guinea pig!
Also, they are different species, and in general terms should not be kept together, their dietary requirements differ.
Summer living
Hot weather poses special problems for guinea pigs. As a general rule if we humans feel hot, then chances are so will our guinea pigs!
Here are some quick-brief tips to help keep your pet happy in the summer.
1. Always keep out of direct sunlight.
2. Make sure they have a regular and fresh supply of water.
3. If kept out of doors make sure cats or other animals cannot get in at them.
4. Guinea pigs do not like drafts, so make sure they have shelter.
And for those cold winter months, a quick tip is to provide plenty hay for your g-pig to keep warm in! (see also section on diet above)
Living quarters
Some ideas on guinea pig accommodation.
hutch cage
cage possible g-pig homes
many people make their own pet accommodation, and there is also the possibility for outdoor covered runs for use in warmer weather!
What can go wrong!
Guinea pigs are generally fine if well looked after, however look out for the following symptoms. Please note that this author is not qualified as a vet, therefore if you are worried about the health of your pet, seek medical advice from a qualified person without delay.
1. Diarrhoea
This might be a symptom of a serious ailment, and professional advice is advised.
2. Constipation
Might be caused by lack of greens.
Treat with plenty wet veg, or in severe cases, medicinal liquid paraffin. (seek medical advice)
3. Bumble foot
Swelling in the foot and slight redness.
It is not contagious but treatable with antibiotics.
This is potentially a dangerous condition, so do not delay.
4. Worms
Seen as white streaks in their droppings usually comes from grazing on grass.
This is a case for the vet however.
5. Bladder Stones
The symptoms are obvious pain on urination, probably accompanied by unusual squeaking, and arching of the back.
One reason for stones developing could be lack of fluid, and not enough acid in the diet.
Check if your guinea pig drinks regularly, and offer celery, beetroot, apple, but not lettuce.
6. Lice
White in colour, very small, and crawl about on his fur.
Treat with a suitable shampoo available on prescription.
7. Eye problems
sore, runny eyes sometimes occur particularly if the pig is kept in a draught.
Treatment is usually by eye drops or ointment on prescription.
8. Dental problems
We were worried when our Bobby broke his two front incisors, and seemed to be having difficulty in coping with lettuce etc.
However a guinea pig actually has 20 teeth, and will be merely inconvenienced whilst the front ones grow in again (which seemed to happen quite rapidly)
Sometimes the front teeth need to be cut, but do not attempt this unless you know what you are doing!
9. Lameness
Often caused by lack of vitamin C (see section on diet above)
Guinea pigs are not particularly hardy animals, falls must be avoided in particular, and they should never be left unattended if uncaged, for their own good!
Treating your guinea pig yourself is an option if you are experienced and know what you are about, but advice from here must be always seek professional help if in doubt.
books! guinea pig books
gender He or a she?
The sexing of guinea pigs, particularly if young, may not be too straightforward. It may be more reliable to ask someone who knows, but you can make your own mind up!
Pet store staff often do not offer advice on the sex of animals they sell, as they employ temporary and part-time staff who may not be trained in such matters.
It is easier in adult guinea pigs, an examination of the genitalia holds the clue. The "triangular" area will reveal in the middle a "dot" or "button" in the male, which will not be present in the sow. Note however that both sexes have nipples.
Male babies can impregnante their mothers as early as 24 days and must be separated therefore at 21 days!
1. Ask an experienced person - someone who has knowledge of small mammals should be able to tell you, and should not charge much.
2. Get a good book on guinea pigs (preferably by Peter Gurney) and follow the advice given there.
It is often quite difficult with very young guinea pigs but they reach maturity in just a few months, and general advice is that males (boars) should NOT be kept together as they are more than likely to fight. Females (sows) can live together but generally only if introduced at about the same time, or as a mother and daughter combination.
A behavior trait to watch out for in boars is a "stalking" motion usually accompanied by a sort of "purring". In this case he usually senses the presence of a sow, and will attempt to make contact.
Enjoy your Guinea Pig!
A guinea pig is for life, not just for Christmas!
Buy one g-pig on its own only if you intend to make it very much one of the family, keep it in the house, and handle it, look after it well.
If buying more than one, remember that they can be prolific breeders, so check the sex (many pet stores will not guarantee the sex of animals they sell!) and if you intend to breed them, do not expect to make money from this venture, as young guinea pigs have little financial value, and are (in the nicest possible way) common!
They do make lovely pets and are ideal for families with children over the age of about five.
Can female guinea pigs have babies without male guinea pigs?
Not unless it is the father, take out the father 2 weeks before birth as the mother can become pregnant 2 hours after birth, this is fatal to the baby's and mother, the father may kill the baby's if left in same cage after birth.
thank you
hope i helped
What do you do if your guinea pigs nail falls off?
If a guinea pig's nail falls off, you should gently clean the area with a mild antiseptic solution and apply some styptic powder to stop any bleeding. Keep an eye on the nail bed for signs of infection and monitor your guinea pig's behavior for any signs of discomfort. If you're concerned, consult a veterinarian for further guidance.
Do guinea pigs poop alot before they give birth?
Yes, guinea pigs may have an increase in bowel movements before giving birth, known as nesting behavior. This is due to the mother preparing the birthing area by clearing out their bedding and creating a clean space for the newborns. It is a normal part of the birth process.
Do you need a permit to sell guinea pigs?
Laws regarding the sale of guinea pigs vary by location. In some places, you may need a permit or license to sell animals. It's best to check with your local government or animal control agency to find out the specific requirements in your area.
Can rabbits eat pumpkin seeds?
Rabbits can eat pumpkin seeds. Raw seeds are best. The seeds have antifungal properties which are beneficial for rabbits, and there is some evidence to suggest they may also help rid rabbits of worms.
What is the name of the sound a pig makes?
Pigs grunt. This grunt makes a oink sound, as it is said. Sometimes they squeal, when in a specific mood. Mainly the main sound pigs make is a:
grunt or oinkWhen can the baby hamsters become pregnant?
Baby hamsters can become pregnant as early as 4-5 weeks old, but it's not recommended to breed them until they are at least 3-4 months old to prevent health complications. Breeding too soon can lead to stunted growth, complications during pregnancy, and a higher risk of mortality for the mother and pups.
How much attention does a guinea pig need?
guinea pigs need to be checked on at least 3 times a day, needs to get out of the cage and play with its owner at least 2 times a day, and feed it at least 4 times a day. take care of your guinea pig ;D
Are guinea pigs bigger than Hamsters?
a guinea pig is absolutely bigger than a hamster hamsters are nearly the same size as mice only just bigger. a guinea pig just overtakes the rabbit and it is quite large for a small pet animal. they behave a lot differently to hamsters as well and behave more like rabbits. yes
Guinea pigs are bigger. A hamster is maybe the size of one baseball while a guinea pig will be like 3-4 baseballs long.
It depends on the cat. If the cat's very young and used to being on its own, then it could be a maybe, if the cat's very old, the cat could stay away.
On the other hand, yes, it is in the cat's nature to kill the guinea pig. It does not matter what cat it is, they will think its a mouse and will want to play and will get rough and will kill it.
Do baby male hamsters fight at 3 weeks old?
Okay,
Baby syrian Hamsters should be separated in to their own cage at about 3 weeks old otherwise fights will break out between them. (and this goes for male and female). Syrians are solitary animals and prefer being on their own in a cage. The answer to your question is yes and, if your hamsters are syrian, you should separate them soon or some babies may kill the others. Though if your hamsters are dwarf then i don't know sorry :(
hope i helped ox
My other guinea pig died yesterday and now the one i have left is very lonely. will she be ok?
It is likely that she will need a friend. If you have a local shelter, try and find another guinea pig the same age to pair them up. I do warn you though, female guinea pigs do fight more than male ones! I would consult the vet first. It may be that she adapts well to living alone depending on her age. Only time will tell. P.S sorry to hear about your Guinea pig. X
How many babies can a guinea pig give birth to at once?
normally 2 - 3 but a first litter can just be one, it also can be up to about 8. in a rare circumstance i have seen 13 but they all died, if you are an expert you may be able to feel them but do not attempt otherwise because you can harm them if not sure what your doing
Do all types guinea pigs shed?
Yes, all types of guinea pigs shed their fur regularly. The frequency and amount of shedding can vary depending on the breed and the season, but shedding is a natural process for all guinea pigs. Regular grooming can help manage shedding and keep their coat healthy.
How do you make the lunar space module hamster cage more dwarf hamster friendly?
You put bedding at the bottom.(Preferably shredded paper or wood shavings.)But NOT bedding with any fiber materials in it .The fiber material can give it a respitory problem and they could die .Put a small water dish in it .(for cleaning themselves) A few toys to play with like cardboard from a toilet paper roll .A wheel .And a food dish with veggies and seeds .NEVER feed your hamster cheese .It will get diaria and die.And put in a water bottle thing. Make sure that you dwarf hamster cannot slip through the bars of your cage.Dont buy a plastic cage.It needs bars.Thats it! Thanks and good luck with your hamster
