Guinea pigs make the ideal pets for children. They are sometimes nervous, but rarely bite or scratch. They are inquisitive and friendly, like to be handled and are very talkative. Here are a few guidelines to help you to keep your pets healthy and happy.
To provide a safe and caring home for your guinea pig, the more space they have the better! So make or buy the largest one you can afford. Guinea pigs can be kept outside all year round but should ideally be brought into a shed or garage for winter. If they are outside the hutch must be draught free, weatherproof and raised off the ground. The hutch should be at least 76 x 38 x 38 cm, with a separate living room or bedroom and wood shavings or chippings on the floor. Straw can irritate the eyes and should not be used. Whether living inside or outside, they need access to a large area to exercise to prevent problems such as brittle bone disease or obesity.
Guinea pigs love companionship, so pairing them with the same sex could provide them with a happy lifestyle. Males and females can live happily together but it may be an idea to get them neutered to avoid any unwanted pregnancies. Hutches should be lines with soft wood chippings or shredded bedding, with fresh straw to keep them warm and comfortable. They should be cleaned out at least two or three times a week. In warmer weather flies may be attracted; bedding may need to be changed to stop it becoming mouldy and damp.
Small animals are easily frightened, so approach them in a calm manner, use soft voice tones. Let your guinea pig come to you. Introduce your hand into the cage to allow them to get used to you. When he/she is used to you can pick it up using both hands. Place one hand on his chest, so both of his front legs are at either side of your fingers, the other resting on the neck and back area. Make sure you hold your guinea pig close to you to prevent wriggling. Once they are used to you they love to be cuddled.
Guinea pigs need a mixture of digestive and indigestive fibres. Unhealthy ingredients in muesli style foods can be high in sugar and starch, sometimes these can be difficult to digest, which can lead to health problems such as obesity. Guinea pigs can't produce vitamin C naturally. Therefore they need to be fed on food that is high in vitamin C.
A healthy guinea pig will be alert with bright eyes, dry nostrils and a clean, shiny coat. The droppings should be small and firm pellets. Signs of sickness are a dull or dirty coat, loss of appetite, skin sores, loose droppings or a runny nose. Poor hygiene is a common cause of sickness. Giving them regular health checks will increase the bond between you both.
Following these guidelines can help you and your companion lead a long and happy life together.
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