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Guinea Pig
Don't be fooled, these guys can make quite
the racket when they want to.
Information
| Care | Caging
| Links | References
Information
| Size: |
Kitten sized, about ten inches. |
| Food: |
Guinea Pig food, pellets. Kale,
parsley, strawberries and orange slices. Carrot
sticks and grasses/grains. Keep Hay available to
aid in their digestion |
| LifeSpan: |
5-7 years. |
| Habits: |
Guinea pigs are a great primer
pet, but not the brightest rodent. They are not
climbers or jumpers, and breed like rabbits. Guinea
Pigs can have a tendency to get fat very fast, so refrain
from high fat foods, such as nuts. |
Care
Guinea pigs breed just
as fast as rabbits. Some vets will spay or neuter Guinea Pigs,
though guinea pigs do not normally react well to anesthetic.
Best case scenario is to keep them alone, or in same-sex pairs.
They can be sexed by a vet at 2-3 weeks. Guinea pigs also
benefit from occasional trips outside for grass. They should
be kept in a secure container if outside.
Caging
Small rabbit cages will normally suffice for
guinea pigs. As with other rodents avoid Cedar shavings. Recycled
paper is much safer. Metal cage with solid bottom. Two
square feet recommended per Guinea Pig. Bedding such
as non cedar chips or shavings. Gravity flow water bottle
and a slope to climb on.
Links
http://www.caviesgalore.com/
-- Cavies
Galore.
http://www.cavycompendium.com/forums/
-- Cavies Compendium
http://www.halcyon.com/integra/pigs.html
-- Guinea Pig Hutch
References
Hanna, Jack w/ Hester Mundis. Jack Hanna's
Ultimate Guide to Pets. 1996.
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