CARRING FOR A GINNI PIG
2006-08-26 19:18:10 · 7 answers · asked by Becky C 1 in Pets ➔ Other - Pets
my grand kids have 2..they clean the cage, put wood shavings on the floor of the cage, these need to be changed every day or 2. the pet store has special food, they also like fresh fruit and veggies. they like to be held and once they learn who feeds them and cleans their cage they will make a special noise when that person comes near them..
2006-08-26 19:29:01 · answer #1 · answered by jst4pat 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Guinea Pig
Guinea Pig Care Sheet
Physical Description
Guinea pigs are not really pigs but belong to a group of rodents called cavies.
They are small stocky animals with short legs and short necks. This design keeps their mouths close to the ground for eating grass.
Guinea pigs come in a variety of colors and can have from one color to five or more.
Their hair can be short and wavy to long and flowing.
Adults weigh up to 3 pounds and live an average of 4-7 years.
Behavior
Guinea pigs are usually very quiet animals.
When scared, threatened, or nervous they will hide in the closest safe place (i.e. an enclosed tube, box, etc.).
Guinea pigs will communicate with squeaks or whistles, showing distress or contentment according to the volume.
Guinea pigs will give a “purr” or a vibration of the whole body when they like something, such as a pet.
Their teeth are constantly growing and they will spend lots of time gnawing on things. If they cannot keep their teeth worn down, they will become overgrown and may need veterinary attention.
Guinea pigs almost never bite unless mishandled, irritated or taste something on the handler.
Diet
Store bought 1/4 - 1/2 cup guinea pig pellets containing approximately 18-20% protein and 10-16% fiber. Timothy hay should be fed as free choice and they should have as much as they want.
Pellets can be supplemented with fresh foods orange, kale, celery, rutabaga, snow peas, alfalfa sprouts, turnip, cauliflower, parsnip, brussel sprouts, cucumber, carrot, apple, chicory, spinach, tomato, melon, grapes, corn, bell pepper, peas and pear. Be sure these foods are pesticide free.
They will also eat pesticide-free grass and wild plants such as sorrel, dandelion, clover, and plantain.
Too many greens or fruit can cause diarrhea. It is best to provide fresh treats in small amounts — no more than a handful a day.
Guinea pigs need vitamin C in their diet. Kale, cabbage or citrus fruits should be offered daily.
Untreated fruit tree branches such as plum or apple are good for guinea pigs to gnaw on.
Needs
Guinea pigs need physical attention every day.
They must have at least several hours to themselves each day and time to sleep.
They need a clean cage (about 28” long x 14” wide x 14” tall) with fresh water and food.
They enjoy spending time outside in the sun and shade on grass in an appropriately confined and protected structure (walls to stop escape, a roof to protect from hawks, cats, etc. and a place out of the sun to cool down). Do not take them outside if it is over 80 degrees.
They need good bedding (Carefresh or shredded black and white newspaper) that they can burrow in. Never use cedar shavings.
They need veterinary care as any domestic pet might.
Purchasing a Guinea Pig
Guinea pigs can be obtained from pet or feed stores, animal shelters, animal rescue foundations, or breeders.
A few things to remember when you take an animal home:
Wait at least two hours before you handle the animal — the car ride makes them nervous and they need some time to recover.
Place the cage in a place that is free from drafts and not in direct sunlight.
It is best to take the animal out of the cage in the bathroom or kitchen. There are fewer places for the animal to hide and it is easier to clean up any mess that may be made.
The animals should get fresh food, water and bedding everyday.
Always place the cage on the floor when you take the animal out.
Take off the water bottle when moving the cage because the water bottle will leak.
Please carry the cage from the bottom.
2006-08-27 03:00:20 · answer #2 · answered by jennifersuem 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
give them love, care and attention .clean out the cage at least once a week, make sure to feed them a balanced diet of dried food and fresh vegetables plus give them fresh water every day.guinea pigs need a vitamin supplement that you can buy from the vet or pet store . other than that play with them a lot not just when they squeal
2006-08-27 11:02:37 · answer #3 · answered by fiona d 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I love guinea pigs. -w-
Change its water daily.
Clean its cage weekly with soap and hot water.
Change its bedding daily.
Feed it.
2006-08-27 06:07:21 · answer #4 · answered by MaryThomas 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
very stinky and messy we have 2 at my school and im on animal care so you have to get their food and play with them a lot and the ones we have like it when we scratch them on their backs... they're cool but i think they are messy kids
2006-08-27 02:48:33 · answer #5 · answered by iLoVeKeELo 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
feed it, give it love, give it water, i don't know i don't have one
2006-08-27 04:48:04 · answer #6 · answered by :) 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
eat it !
2006-08-27 02:25:27 · answer #7 · answered by jlmpg 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋