CARING FOR YOUR GUINEA PIG

Feeding

· The food preferences of guinea pigs are established early in life and they do not adapt readily to changes in type, appearance or presentation of their food and water. Therefore, gradual exposure to a variety of foods early in life is recommended.

• Guinea pigs are herbivores (plant eaters) and, unlike most other pets, they do not make their own vitamin C. They should be fed a diet of 70% grass, good quality wheat or oat hay, and 30% a variety of fruit and vegetables naturally containing vitamin C such as carrot, broccoli, spinach, parsley, tomatoes, oranges and kiwifruit. Avoid celery and lettuce as they are of little nutritional value.
• Commercially available pelleted diets can be used for up to 10% of the diet. Supplement daily with Vitamin C in the drinking water, particularly if fresh vegetables and fruit are not offered.
• All food and water should be fresh and changed daily.
• Do not give sugary treats. Acceptable snack foods include fruits, rolled oats and dry cereals, in small quantities only.

Health Care

• Sexual maturity occurs at two months in females and three months in males so to prevent unwanted pregnancies they can be desexed at this age. Difficulties giving birth are common in guinea pigs, and this is often related to obesity.
• Respiratory disease is common in guinea pigs and the signs can include nasal and/or eye discharge, wheezing, coughing and open-mouth breathing. Prevention is best achieved by maintaining good hygiene habits and reducing the potential for stress through avoidance of such things as overcrowding and inadequate diet.
• Yearly health checks are necessary and should include teeth examination and fecal tests.

Housing

· Guinea pigs are quite social and can be housed together but allow several days for a pecking order to be established and expect the occasional squabble.

· Housing can be constructed of plastic or glass (such as an aquarium) but wire is generally not recommended due to the potential for foot and leg injuries.

· Good ventilation and frequent changes of bedding material are important to prevent a build-up of ammonia from the urine, which can lead to respiratory infections.

· They are extremely sensitive to heat-stroke from high temperatures and humidity, so temperatures of 18-26⁰C are optimum.

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