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Pet types: English Common (short-hair), Abyssianian (rough, wiry hair in swirls), Peruvian (long, strait silky hair), Hybrid of these types.
Vaccine recommendations: none
Husbandry concerns: Guinea Pigs should be kept indoors. They can suffer heat stroke when taken outside without proper shelter, even at 80F. Do not house with rabbits or have direct dog/cat contact due to concerns with a type of bacterial pneumonia. Ideally, they should be housed in a container that allows side ventilation; Bedding can include pine, aspen, recycled newspaper, and newspaper, AVOID CEDAR! Cages need to be cleaned every other day to control ammonia odor/irritation from the urine and maggot development, Some do well alone, others like a pal. A hide-box is often needed for those guinea pigs that scare easily.
Nail trims/Tooth trims/Baths: Done periodically, often by the veterinarian if uncooperative at home. Watch for the "quick" as in dogs or cats, though black nails can be difficult to see it on. Tooth trims should never be done except by a trained veterinarian with the proper equipment! Serious damage can be done. Most guinea pigs do not need teeth trims, especially the front incisors. except when damaged by trauma or genetically malformed, Once malformed, they will always need periodic trims. The back molars (cheek teeth) may be malocclused due to genetics or improper fiber in the diet, This can lead to anorexia and drooling. These are trimmed under anesthesia. Baths can be given once a month using a ferret /kitten/ puppy shampoo, They do not like baths, so be ready, Towel dry and let them go sulk. Ears can be cleaned gently and superficially with cotton-balls. Excessive scratching may indicate mites /lice, to be addressed by the veterinarian.
Diet: This is the area of greatest importance!!! Guinea pig preferences are hard to change and can cause problems if they will not eat anything. Make changes very slowly.
THE DIET SHOULD CONSIST ONLY OF:
- FREE-CHOICE ALFALFA PELLETS
- FREE-CHOICE TIMOTHY OR MIXED-GRASS HAY
- MINI1\'IUM OF 1 CUP PER 4 POUND GUINEA PIG OF AT LE/\ST 3 OF THE FOLLOWING: Kale, Alfalfa Sprouts. Basil, Broccoli Leaves, Brussel Sprouts, Carrot Tops, Cilantro, Endive, Parsley, Outer Cabbage Leaves. Raspberry Leaves, Wheat Grass, Radicchio, Dandelion Leaves, mustard Collard Beet Greens, Romaine Lettuce, Peppermint Leaves, Cabbage, Chicory and Escarole.
- 1/2 OF AN ORANGE (or red/green peppers, broccoli, tomatoes, kiwi, small container of Tang) TWICE A WEEK
Obesity is a problem with guinea pigs, so monitor weight at the veterinarian's office. Breeding and lactating sows have other nutritional needs that need to be addressed by the veterinarian. Yogurt is of questionable use. because Lactobaccilus acidophilus is not even a normal bacteria in guinea pigs. Guinea pigs do eat their own feces many times a day to provide D-vitamins and extra protein, This is normal, Water should be offered in a water bottle, but it is important to offer a water bowl until it is certain the water bottle is being used. Guinea pigs love to play with the ball in the water bottle, so this may require further cleaning of the cage, Tile bottle should be cleaned daily with a pipe cleaner, as these little guys like to "backwash." Water intake is very important for digestion.
Health care: Biannual exams; UA. fecal float, and an .x-ray are recommended yearly, Dental problems do occur in guinea pigs (see tooth trims), neutering and spaying helps prevent reproductive tumors, unexpected pregnancies, and can aid behavior modification, Common problems are diarrhea, constipation, anorexia, tumors. pnuemononia, mites/ lice, scurvy, eye Infections, and dental problems, Be very careful not to use antibiotics on your own or get some from a veterinarian inexperienced with guinea pigs, the wrong types do more harm than good and can kill! Remember with an}' disease processes, the sooner seen, the more successful we are at treating them!
Other Information: They make wonderful pets since they are so docile, but they an be very fast and hard to catch If not hand-tamed! Body weight: 700-1200 grams (70-100 grams at birth): life span: 5-6 years; sexual maturity as early as 2 months of age; if they have not given birth to babies before reaching 6 months of age, then, any subsequent litters may require a c-section, due to lack of stretching the pelvic bones during maturing. Gestation 51-72 days; litter size: 1-13 (usually 2-4); hand-raising baby guinea pigs can be done, but call us for the specifics; males have scrotal pouches with large testes, while the female genital region forms a "Y"; both sexes have mammary glands. |