The guinea pig or Cavy is originally from South America and has been a favorite pet for over 400 years. They can be found in natural habitats in a few South American countries including Venezuela and Paguay. While there are more than 60 breeds, most domestic pet Guinea Pigs are either English, Peruvian and Abyssinian. Each breed has unique characteristics based mostly on hair length (short or long), The animals can also be differentiated by coloring or rosettes, which are round swirls of hair. Many Cavies are cross-bred making for even more color variations. They eat easy to prepare diets and are fun to have as pets.
Guinea Pigs, the Perfect Pets
The pet lives an average of 5 years and make fantastic pets. They are delicate non-aggressive creatures that rarely bite. The animals are extraordinarily social with other Guinea Pigs. They'll make some noise, although not so loud as to be an issue. Cavies don't leap or jump, so no cage lids or tops are necessary.
Cages and Bedding
Any enclosure must be about 4 feet x 4 feet. The animals can be untidy since they like to shred any bedding material. Bedding can berecycled paper or shredded newspaper. Cage walls should be at least 10 inches in height. The cage should be cleaned everyday since the animals often pee and defecate.
Feeding and Supplements
Guinea pigs are simple to care for and need a simple diet. The most basic requirement is a sipper water bottle. Water should be provided each day and the bottle should be thoroughly cleaned 4 times a month. Vitamin C enriched Timothy Food pellets formulated for Cavies should be provided. Also purchase green, not brown or tan, Timothy, grass or oat hay. Avoid Alfalfa since it has too much calcium. Also provide your Cavy green leafy vegetables.
As soon as you bring a Cavy home, get him or her used to eating a many types of foods. The patterns you set while they're young will stay tfamiliar for the life of your pet. It is tough to introduce new foods later in life. Recommended vegetables that are full of needed vitamin c incude:
- Turnip greens
- ,Mustard greens
- Dandelion greens
- Kale
- Brussell sprouts
Fruits are only to be used as treats. Fruits such as grapes, apples and orange slices can be provided. Fruit shouldn't comprise more than 5% of a Guinea Pig's diet. Cavies require 10-30 mg of vitamin C every day. There are capsules available for buying that may be sprinkled onto fresh veggies. Don't add vitamin c supplements to water since the potency of the supplement lessens after adding it to water.
Veterinary Care
Like dogs and cats, cavies should be checked by a Vet each year. Catching conditions and diseases early is key to helping your pet live a long and active life.
Guinea Pigs, the Perfect Pets
The pet lives an average of 5 years and make fantastic pets. They are delicate non-aggressive creatures that rarely bite. The animals are extraordinarily social with other Guinea Pigs. They'll make some noise, although not so loud as to be an issue. Cavies don't leap or jump, so no cage lids or tops are necessary.
Cages and Bedding
Any enclosure must be about 4 feet x 4 feet. The animals can be untidy since they like to shred any bedding material. Bedding can berecycled paper or shredded newspaper. Cage walls should be at least 10 inches in height. The cage should be cleaned everyday since the animals often pee and defecate.
Feeding and Supplements
Guinea pigs are simple to care for and need a simple diet. The most basic requirement is a sipper water bottle. Water should be provided each day and the bottle should be thoroughly cleaned 4 times a month. Vitamin C enriched Timothy Food pellets formulated for Cavies should be provided. Also purchase green, not brown or tan, Timothy, grass or oat hay. Avoid Alfalfa since it has too much calcium. Also provide your Cavy green leafy vegetables.
As soon as you bring a Cavy home, get him or her used to eating a many types of foods. The patterns you set while they're young will stay tfamiliar for the life of your pet. It is tough to introduce new foods later in life. Recommended vegetables that are full of needed vitamin c incude:
- Turnip greens
- ,Mustard greens
- Dandelion greens
- Kale
- Brussell sprouts
Fruits are only to be used as treats. Fruits such as grapes, apples and orange slices can be provided. Fruit shouldn't comprise more than 5% of a Guinea Pig's diet. Cavies require 10-30 mg of vitamin C every day. There are capsules available for buying that may be sprinkled onto fresh veggies. Don't add vitamin c supplements to water since the potency of the supplement lessens after adding it to water.
Veterinary Care
Like dogs and cats, cavies should be checked by a Vet each year. Catching conditions and diseases early is key to helping your pet live a long and active life.
About the Author:
Cathy Doggins is the writer of hundreds of pet articles like this one. In addition to her work with small pets, Cathy is a featured speaker on humane animal care. When not speaking about pets, Cathy can be discovered at home caring for her dogs, cats and naturally, Guinea Pigs.
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