Guinea Pigs
What does a healthy guinea pig look like?
Whether you are obtaining a guinea pig, or just checking your little pigs over each day, you need to understand what a healthy guinea pig looks like. This is not as detailed as a veterinary examination, but it should alert you to a potential problem that requires further investigation.
How do guinea pigs breed?
Before you decide if you want to breed your guinea pigs, there are some things you need to know: Female guinea pigs become capable of breeding by the age of 4-8 weeks. The males reach sexual maturity at about the same time.
How will I keep my guinea pigs safe against household hazards?
Many guinea pigs are kept indoors, with free range of the house and even parts of the yard. Like small children however, unsupervised activities can put your guinea pigs at risk.
How can I keep my guinea pigs entertained, alert, and interested in their environment?
In order to answer this question, it’s first necessary to consider how guinea pigs behave in the wild!
Why is my guinea pig scratching?
Many owners are distressed when they see their guinea pigs scratching, especially if they are breaking their own skin with the nails. Some will even scratch so much that they actually have a seizure. So, what causes guinea pigs to become so itchy?
How should I groom my guinea pigs?
Regular grooming is essential for all guinea pigs. Not only does it keep their coat clean and shiny, but it’s also an opportunity to spend time with each other and work on the bond between a person and their companion guinea pig.
Where should I get my pet guinea pigs from?
You may be able to adopt a new guinea pig (or better yet, two! ) from your local animal shelter, such as the RSPCA, or a guinea pig rescue group. This also helps to reduce demand for guinea pigs (and thereby reduce uncontrolled and irresponsible breeding.
Will my guinea pigs be affected by heat?
What is heat stress? When any animal is subjected to excessive environmental heat, their body responds in ways to eliminate excess heat in the body (e. g. , panting, sweating, moving into shade).
What are common health problems in guinea pigs?
Guinea pigs, when looked after well, are usually hardy little animals who will usually live for 4-6 years, although some have been reported to get well into their teens.
How should I care for my guinea pigs?
Are guinea pigs the right companion animal for me? There are plenty of studies that prove guinea pigs are very intelligent. They are very clever; they can comprehend and learn things; they have excellent memory. They need care, the right food, mental stimulation, and security.