Here we can see, “Must-Have Guinea Pig Items”
Guinea pigs, often known as cavies, require specific necessities to stay healthy and happy at home. Most people believe that you need a guinea pig, some pellet food, and a cage. That is not the case, however. A guinea pig’s diet must include hay for it to live. Always make it available.
Similarly, two pet gadgets are popular toys for other small mammals and rodents but should never be purchased for your guinea pig. For guinea pigs, an exercise ball or running wheel is highly harmful.
Timothy Hay should always be on hand.
If you’ve never worked with guinea pigs before, you may believe that a pellet labeled as a complete diet is all your new pet needs. Unfortunately, if you solely feed pellets to your pet, you miss out on an essential element of their nutrition.
Adult guinea pigs require an endless supply of high-quality Timothy hay. The hay is a source of nutrition, but it also encourages your pet to chew in ways that pellets alone cannot. Hay helps prevent dental problems by wearing down your animal’s continually developing teeth.
You should feed alfalfa hay to a pregnant or nursing guinea pig and a baby under the age of a year. Timothy hay should be given to all other piggies because alfalfa is too rich for a regular diet and can create health concerns.
You don’t need to buy timothy hay with herbs, dried fruit, or vegetables added. Those enhancements are on par with junk food for humans. They have very little nutritious value, and the fruit is weighty in sugar. Separately offer your guinea pig vitamin-rich fresh veggies and fresh, simple, good-quality hay.
Timothy hay can also be used to improve your guinea pig’s diet, and it can be fed in various ways. Fill a tiny paper bag with it or pack it into cardboard tubes saved from toilet paper rolls. Alternatively, clear a space in the cages and provide a pile of hay for each guinea pig to play in.
You may also use a hay ball, but remove the roller frame because it can be dangerous to piggies.
Guinea pigs, like humans, are unable to produce vitamin C. Choose a pellet with this crucial vitamin included and make sure the food is still fresh by checking the expiration date on the packaging. Because vitamin C is quickly degraded, your guinea pig’s central supply should be fresh vegetables and fruits fed daily. Otherwise, your pet is at risk of contracting scurvy.
Exercise Balls and Wheels Should Never Be Used
In exercise balls and running wheels, Guinea pigs are seen in films like “G-Force.” This may appear excellent, but it is pretty deceptive. Exercise balls and wheels kill guinea pigs.
Some pocket pets, such as rats, mice, gerbils, and hamsters, may benefit from these activities, but guinea pigs should never be subjected to them. Do not believe the marketing, even if the product states it is for guinea pigs on the package.
Guinea pigs have unique anatomy, and an exercise ball or wheel can seriously hurt their backs. Furthermore, exercise balls are overly contained and do not allow for adequate air circulation, which might lead to heatstroke. Guinea pigs often die as a result of this ailment.
If you want your guinea pig to receive enough exercise safely, obtain the giant cage you can afford and offer your pet floor time in a secure location.
A guinea pig’s day would not be complete without some lap time. Although not all piggies are affectionate, many enjoy sitting on their owners’ laps when they are not in their cage. To protect yourself from potty accidents, always wrap your guinea pig in a towel.
User Questions
Do guinea pigs need shots?
While guinea pigs do not require vaccines, it is recommended that you take your pet to a veterinarian who is knowledgeable about guinea pigs for a basic checkup at least once a year.
How expensive are guinea pigs monthly?
Guinea pigs might be significantly more expensive than you might expect. Although they’re little, their food isn’t cheap, and they’ll need bedding and hay regularly, just like rabbits. You should spend $40-$60 per month on bedding, hay, pellets, and fresh food.
Why does my guinea pig stand on its hind legs?
Guinea pigs lick themselves a much. They groom themselves by licking their fur, usually starting on their hind legs to reach their front and back sides more easily.
Do guinea pigs like to be in the dark?
Yes, guinea pigs enjoy the dark, as seen by your cavy’s evening antics. That does not, however, imply that they are nocturnal creatures. Guinea pigs, in reality, are crepuscular, meaning they are most active at dusk.
Do guinea pigs like tummy rubs?
Some guinea pigs will never relax sufficiently to accept a belly rub, and only a few guinea pigs appreciate sitting in such an exposed position for long periods. Most guinea pigs prefer a good scratch behind the ears or gentle patting on the back.
Conclusion
I hope you found this helpful guide. If you have any questions or comments, don’t hesitate to use the form below.
