The guinea pig

The guinea pig is a good pet for many reasons; they have a calm disposition, they don’t make much noise, don’t smell very much and they don’t jump or climb. However, litter training can be difficult, though not impossible! Therefore the cage needs to be cleaned every day.

Guinea pigs are very precocious animals. They are born with a complete hair-coat and are almost independent of their mother from birth. They reach sexual maturity at about 2 to 3 months. Their life expectancy is approximately 6 years.

Here are a few things that you need to know about proper care for your pet.

- The larger the cage, the happier your pet will be. Of course, we recommend that you exercise your pet every day under strict supervision.

- The bottom of the cage must be flat without a grill bottom to avoid wounding the paws.

- The cage must be well ventilated.

- The bedding should ideally be made of newspaper, standard or recycled, or pine wood shavings. Avoid cedar shavings since they give off phenols, an irritating substance to the eyes and respiratory system.

- Guinea pigs love chewing and hiding. Offer him a cardboard box, paper towel rolls and a wooden home to offer him shelter and give him something to distract him.

- Hay is an essential part of his diet. Hay reduces dental and digestive problems, and should be free-fed.

- Vegetables are an important source of vitamin C. Guinea pigs generally appreciate broccoli, spinach, carrots, romain lettuce, wild lettuce and parsley. Vegetables should be offered daily.

- Pellets that are designed for guinea pigs are also an important part of their diet. The pellets should contain vitamin C since they are incapable of synthesizing it. Buy only a small amount of pellets at a time to ensure the diet’s freshness and remove the air when sealing the bag.

- Vitamin C rich fruits are oranges, apples, strawberries and peaches.

- Fresh water should be offered every day.