Here we can see, “How to Take Care of a Teddy Guinea Pig as a Pet”
Guinea pigs are giant rodents with no tails and fur that come in various textures and hues. Teddy guinea pigs are a type of guinea pig with coarse, short fur that does not require much care. They are slightly smaller than the main species and are gentle and docile. They demand a moderate amount of care, but it is pretty simple. Their habitat is simple to set up, and their food should be accessible at most pet stores.
Teddy Guinea Pig Temperament and Behavior
Teddy guinea pigs spend much of their time playing, eating, and resting. They are most active during the day, but they also wander around at night. Guinea pigs are gregarious animals and should be kept in same-sex couples or small groups. Because males occasionally fight, keeping females together is the better solution. Furthermore, keep your guinea pigs separate from other family pets to avoid stress and injury.
Guinea pigs often like human interaction, primarily when handled at a young age. They can be wary at first, but they are rarely aggressive and rarely bite. They will generally bond with those who care for them the most, and many will come to enjoy touching, holding, and cuddling with their owners. They may also squeal with delight when they see their favorite people.
They are primarily silent animals, but they do have a variety of vocalizations that they utilize to express their moods. When they’re content, they can make a purring sound.
Please spend a few hours paying attention to your guinea pig and letting it out of its enclosure for exercise and mental stimulation. Aside from daily feedings, you’ll need to set aside some time each week to clean the enclosure.
Size Specifications
Teddy guinea pigs are typically 10 to 12 inches long and weigh between 1.5 and 3 pounds. Females are often slightly smaller than males.
Housing
Guinea pigs, in general, should have as large a cage as you can accommodate and afford. Remember, unless you’re able to allow your guinea pig out of its cage and carefully supervise it for most of the day, this will be their primary location for exercise.
A guinea pig cage should be at least 30 by 36 inches. You’ll need at least 30 by 50 inches for two guinea pigs. Guinea pigs do not often climb. Thus a height of about 18 inches should be enough. Because they allow for optimum airflow, cages with a plastic base and wire sides and top are suitable. Just make sure the flooring isn’t wire, which can harm a guinea pig’s feet.
A nest or other sort of guinea pig-sized shelter, which can be found at many pet stores, should be placed within the cage. Include some guinea pig toys for gnawing and playing.
Keep your guinea pig’s environment free of draughts and direct sunshine. Also, avoid placing it in a high-traffic area with a lot of activity and loud noises, as this might be unpleasant.
Specific Substrate Requirements
Fill the enclosure with about 2 inches of dye-free paper bedding. Pine and cedar beddings should be avoided since they can damage a teddy guinea pig’s respiratory tract. When you clean the cage with mild soap and water every week, change the bedding.
What Food and Drink Do Teddy Guinea Pigs Consume?
Teddy guinea pigs eat just plants. Every day, provide an unlimited amount of Timothy hay. This assists digestion and contributes to the wear and tear on their constantly growing teeth. You can use a unique feeder called a hayrack or place the hay anywhere accessible in the enclosure.
Then, feed a commercial pelleted guinea pig diet to the guinea pig. Because guinea pigs cannot create vitamin C on their own, make sure the pellets are supplemented. Feeding amounts should be determined by the package label and confirmed with your veterinarian. Fill a tiny ceramic dish with a day’s worth of pellets in the morning, then discard any eaten food before the next day’s feeding.
You can complement the hay and pellets with fresh fruits and vegetables. Consult your veterinarian for the appropriate amount, as this might vary depending on size, age, and activity level. Kale, carrots, zucchini, and blueberries are a few examples.
Finally, make sure your guinea pig has access to clean water. It’s better to use a water bottle attached to the enclosure because it’s easy to keep clean. Include a tiny water dish until you’re sure your guinea pig is drinking from the bottle. Every day, change the water.
Common Health Issues
Teddy guinea pigs are prone to several health issues, including:
- Respiratory illnesses: These are frequently bacterial infections that can result in trouble breathing, lack of appetite, and other symptoms.
- Skin parasites: Mites and lice, for example, can infect guinea pigs and cause itching and hair loss.
- Dental problems: Overgrown teeth and other oral issues can lead to difficulties eating, drooling, weight loss, and even sinus infections.
- Eye issues: Guinea pigs are susceptible to eye diseases such as pink eye and scrapes, and other problems.
- Tumors: Older guinea pigs are more likely to acquire different tumors than younger guinea pigs.
- Bumblefoot: Bumblefoot, also called pododermatitis, is a foot infection caused by a wire cage floor, poor cleanliness, obesity, or injuries.
- Scurvy: If your teddy guinea pig does not get enough vitamin C, it can get scurvy, characterized by weakness, trouble moving, and lethargy.
- Bladder stones: Bladder stones in guinea pigs can cause difficulty urinating and may require surgical removal.
Training
Training for Littering
Some guinea pigs can learn to use a litter box with sufficient training. Choose a litter box that your guinea pig can quickly enter and exit, and fill it with bedding that differs from the bedding in the rest of the enclosure. If at all feasible, provide some filthy bedding. Place the litter box in an area where your guinea pig frequently eats. Treat it whenever you notice it investigating the box or relieving itself in the box.
If your guinea pig prefers a different location to relieve itself, try shifting the box there. If your enclosure allows it, you can also get a second box. While there are no guarantees, your guinea pig may gradually regard the box as its toilet.
Exercise
Daily exercise is critical for preventing obesity and other health problems in teddy guinea pigs. Allow your guinea pig to explore in a safe room for at least a few hours per day. Keep cords and other potentially dangerous objects out of its reach, and always keep an eye on it outside of the enclosure.
Also, to keep your guinea pig from becoming lethargic, place its eating and sleeping space on separate sides of its enclosure. That way, anytime it wants to eat, it has to get up and move about. Cages with many levels accessible through solid-floor ramps are also beneficial in encouraging physical activity.
Grooming
Brush your teddy guinea pigs with a stiff brush or comb once a week. Because of their short coat, they rarely require hair clipping. When properly groomed, their hair should be luxurious and a little coarse. Guinea pigs also require nail trimming regularly because they do not naturally wear down their nails as they would in the wild. Your veterinarian can show you how to cut your nails correctly.
Baths are usually unnecessary for guinea pigs unless they have skin problems (such as parasites) or something becomes embedded in their fur.
Costs of Maintenance
The most significant ongoing expenses for a teddy guinea pig will be food and bedding. Plan on spending roughly $40 each month, though this might vary depending on the kinds you choose, the size of your enclosure, and the number of guinea pigs you have. You’ll also need to regularly replace worn items in the enclosure, like nests and toys, which cost between $10 to $20. Additionally, always budget for routine and emergency veterinarian treatment.
The Benefits and Drawbacks of Keeping a Teddy Guinea Pig as a Pet
Teddy guinea pigs can make beautiful pets since they are amiable, entertaining, and cuddly. They are also relatively quiet and take up little space. However, because they are social creatures, it is ideal to have more than one, which increases the care and cost of the animals. Furthermore, they are prone to a range of health conditions and require the services of a veterinarian who specializes in them.
Similar Exotic Pets to the Teddy Guinea Pig
If you’re looking for comparable exotic pets, take a look at:
- Rabbit
- African pygmy hedgehog
- Syrian hamster
Otherwise, look into different little creatures that could become your next pet.
Buying or Adopting a Teddy Guinea Pig
Teddy guinea pigs aren’t as common in pet stores as other types of guinea pigs. However, they should be available from a reliable breeder. Rescue organizations, particularly guinea pig-specific rescues, may also hold them occasionally. Expect to pay between $15 to $40, depending on age and other considerations.
Reproduction/Breeding
Consult with a local exotic animal veterinarian for assistance in locating a trustworthy teddy guinea pig breeder or rescue group. You will likely have a more extensive selection if you go through a breeder. Before bringing an animal home, request to see it first. Look for a guinea pig that is alert and in good health. Ascertain that it is housed in a sanitary setting. If the vendor has previously worked on taming it, ask if you can handle it.
To avoid becoming an accidental breeder, keep many guinea pigs with members of the same sex. Some veterinarians can also spay and neuter guinea pigs.
User Questions
Do Teddy guinea pigs enjoy being held?
Teddy Guinea pigs are pretty affectionate and enjoy snuggling with humans. They are generally peaceful and tolerate being handled well. They thrive in groups of other Guinea pigs, so if you’re thinking about getting one, get at least a pair so you can mix one Guinea pig breed with another.
Teddy guinea pigs, are they cute?
Teddy guinea pigs are smaller than other varieties and are known for loving and cuddly. Because of their short, dense, and bouncy coat, they require less upkeep than other breeds, so they are popular among first-time owners.
What is the cost of a teddy bear guinea pig?
Teddy guinea pigs are inexpensive pets compared to many other options, with prices ranging from $10 to $30. The price of a teddy guinea pig might vary depending on where you buy one, their health condition, and how long they have been for sale.
Is it better to have one or two guinea pigs?
You can’t eat just one potato chip, and you can’t adopt just one guinea pig. It is unhealthy for them to be alone; they require a friend of their species with whom they may “speak,” play, and snuggle.
Are towels OK for guinea pigs?
Because there is less risk of suffocation or other concerns, you use small, soft, and new towels for your guinea pigs. Wet, perfumed, and used towels should be avoided since they might be toxic to guinea pigs. Additionally, make sure that the towels are constantly dry and clean.
Conclusion
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