Caring For Guinea Pig

Guinea pigs as pets in modern society originally descend from the wild guinea pig of South America. Guinea pigs are classified by many as easy-going pets for children. Many parents around the world select the guinea pig if it is going to be the first pet for their children. Parents have the tendency of believing that having a small pet only requires a little care and attention. However, it is important that people realize that these creatures have not just one requirement, and caring for guinea pig is an ultimate job. This includes a cage that is roomy, their cages need a daily clean, they need to be put on special diets, they need to be handled gently, and last but not least – the adult of the house should be the one that tends to the needs and wants of these little pets.

The first step when caring for guinea pig is that they need lots of space to move. Make sure that the living space is around 18 inches, wall-to-wall, and a height of 14 inches and a depth of 25 inches. When housing these creatures in large cages the chances of these pets becoming more active are great. Forget the thought of aquariums. These provide very poor ventilation for the guinea pig. Also, stay away from wire flooring, because guinea pigs have tender feet and these kinds of flooring will hurt them. When going out and deciding on linings for the floors and also furniture for the cages, remember that guinea pigs chew on anything around them. Their teeth grow constantly and they do this to wear them down. Selecting the right flooring and furniture (as long as everything is nontoxic) is taking the right step to caring for guinea pig. Keep in mind that you should make use of plenty of material. Nesting materials are available a pet shops. Guinea pigs use these materials as a bathroom and also as bedding.

Hay should be provided and this should be of the best quality when caring for guinea pig. Rodents use this hay for snacking and nesting. Refrain from using cedar chips, sawdust and other materials that could lead to respiratory or/and other health problems. Last but not least, you should provide your new pet with a log; as long as the gnawing log is untreated it should be fine. Add in tunnels for them to crawl through, and also platforms for them to climb. Make sure the food bowl that you are supplying is gnawing and tipping resistant. Supply a bottle with water they can sip from. This is a great and the right way for caring for guinea pig.

You have to be extra careful the way you handle a guinea pig, because they are very easily stressed. To pick them up, you have to place one of your hands under its chest area, just behind its front legs. With the other hand, use it to cup his hindquarters. Now that you have a firm but very gentle grip on your friend, lift it. Immediately, pull it to your lap or to your chest. This will make it feel safe and it will also prevent it from thrashing around. This is the proper way of caring for guinea pig.

Your new friend must be fed a commercial food for guinea pigs. This is a food that has been formulated for this species. Guinea pigs are herbivores, so they need lots of vitamin C, and vegetables like cabbage and kale should do the trick. Certain vitamin supplements for the guinea pig should be taken up with the veterinarian. They will provide exactly what is needed for caring for guinea pig.
Guinea pigs do their part when trying to keep clean. They are always grooming themselves with their tongue, front teeth and their back claws. However, caring for guinea pig and its cage is your job. Scrub and then disinfect the cage, then let the cage dry before lying down a floor of fresh bedding. Make sure the water bottle is changed and cleaned daily.

As you can see, caring for guinea pig is a job, but a pleasure indeed. Those that have the time should consider getting one, but those that will not have the time caring for guinea pig should rather not.

If you like this article, then you might be interested in getting the "The Ultimate Guide To Happy Healthy Guinea Pigs by Rachel Garlick" guide. It has some amazing facts on how to keep your Guinea Pig fed correctly and what food to avoid, keeping your treasured pet safe, healthy and Happy.

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