A Guide To Adopting, Raising and Caring For Healthy and Happy Guinea Pigs

Parents often think of getting guinea pigs for their children, thinking that they are the most low-maintenance and worry-free pets that small kids can handle. They are correct in the sense that guinea pigs are certainly cheaper and easier to maintain than dogs or say, a pet snake. But it doesn’t mean that they do not require any care at all. This guide will give you the lowdown on adopting, raising and caring for guinea pigs, ensuring that you maintain their health and happiness.

Owning A Guinea Pig

Do not think of getting a guinea pig as simply a purchase. It is more of an adoption. Guinea pigs are not things or toys. They need to be welcomed into the right home and the proper environment. With that said, you have to figure out if you deserve to be a rightful owner, or parent, to a guinea pig.

Establishing a solid relationship with him or between your children and the guinea pig is very essential because he needs all the loving he can get. A constant companion and playmate in the form of a fellow guinea pig is highly recommended.

Even if it means that you have to pay more for more guinea pigs, it is always better to have two or more as opposed to just one. Unlike dogs who can easily be in the company of humans because they are free to roam about, guinea pigs need to be with others in his cage. Having no interaction will make him sad and this can affect his health greatly.

Bringing Up Baby–Properly

Although they are capable of being on their own after a month, infant pigs still need to be breastfed by their mothers. However, they do not have any special needs when they are newborn. They can even eat real food the day after they are born. It is safe to say that you can sell or give away your guinea pigs after at least thirty days.

Going shopping for guinea pig supplies is a breeze because a pet shop will have almost everything that he requires, such as chew toys and his cage. Guinea pigs get sick too, so make sure you research on their common ailments and consult with a veterinarian regularly to make sure that he is in the pink of health. Daily workouts and healthy meals are a must as well.

A huge cage is needed even if you think your pig is small. An even bigger cage is needed if you have more than one. Activity will be restricted in a small cage.

Wire floorings are a big no-no–solid plastic with a slide-out mechanism is the best choice. A large door is also important. Remember that guinea pigs got their name because they are similar to real pigs who just eat all day! It is not uncommon for guinea pigs to grow really hefty over time. He will also need good bedding, made out of either wood shavings or Timothy hay.

A diet of fresh produce in bite size pieces, Timothy hay and lots of H2O will keep him very healthy. Regularity in serving his meals is very important because guinea pigs find security in that.

Hopefully these tips gave you an idea of what owning a guinea pig entails. I am sure it did not discourage you, as these tips are very easy to follow. Surely once you bring your guinea pig home, you will fall in love with him and will want to make sure he grows up properly. So use these tips as a guide and don’t hesitate to do more research on guinea pig care. Enjoy!