If you don't enjoy the smell of a dirty cage, consider how your guinea pig—who spends nearly all of their waking hours just inches above their bedding—feels about stinky living quarters. Sign up to receive our exclusive e-book full of training techniques, problem-solving and important information about caring for your pet. Young children often lack fine motor control and self-restraint, which means they may inadvertently drop a guinea pig, squeeze them or scare them into biting.
Guinea pigs require a gentle touch and may be easily startled by sudden movement and loud noises. The adoption fee for a guinea pig is typically small, but there are significant startup costs and ongoing needs.
The initial purchase of equipment and supplies is likely to include:. Are you prepared to spend at least several hundred dollars a year on your new friend not including regular veterinary costs if your guinea pig needs to be treated for a common condition like mites or requires emergency veterinary care? Guinea pigs are social animals who do best with the companionship of another pig. Preventing a solitary guinea pig from becoming lonely and bored is a tall order, even for someone committed to spending a significant amount of time with their animal every day.
Some people are allergic to guinea pigs. These allergies are a reaction to proteins in the animal's saliva and urine contrary to popular belief, the culprit isn't hair or dander, although they often transmit these allergens during handling and close contact. Hay and wood shavings can also cause allergies. If you've never lived with a guinea pig, test the waters by visiting a household that has one or spend time handling adoptable guinea pigs at your local humane society or rescue group foster home—you might meet your new best friend in the process!
More About Allergies to Pets. Guinea pigs live an average of five to seven years. This lifespan is longer than many other small pets such as hamsters, gerbils, mice or rats, all of whom only live up to a few years.
Many of the cages found in pet stores don't meet the bare minimum space requirements for guinea pigs. Be prepared to buy a much bigger cage very quickly if you're opting to initially start with a store bought cage. To reiterate, guinea pigs are social creatures that require other guinea pigs within the vicinity, as stated in the humane society, guinea pigs should be kept in pairs and also have a lot of interactions with humans as well. By providing at least these, increases the chance your guinea pigs will live a fuller life.
The Oldest Guinea Pig lived to 14 years and Snowball passed the rainbow bridge in February Close menu. Nourish Series - Hay and Food.
Liners and Beddings. Hidey and Toys. It is recommended that you change guinea pig bedding at least once a week but every three to four days is better. Provide materials to chew on: In order to stay healthy, guinea pigs need to keep their teeth ground down. Therefore, make sure that you buy your guinea pig chew toys or pet-safe wood blocks. Do not allow females to become pregnant: The pregnancy and birthing process is hard on female guinea pigs.
In fact, one in five females that are bred will die as a result of complications during pregnancy or birth. Locate a good veterinarian: It is important that you be proactive and find a good vet before your guinea pig has a medical issue. Even though guinea pigs do not require any vaccinations, it is recommended that you bring them to a veterinarian at least once a year.
Just like humans, guinea pigs are sociable and enjoy having a community around them. Nevertheless, make sure to keep guinea pigs of the same sex together or pairs that have already been spayed and neutered. As mentioned before, it is not good to have an unplanned guinea pig pregnancy in your household. As you can see, getting a guinea pig is a great option if you are looking for a pet with a life expectancy of five to 10 years. You play a role in your pet having a long, healthy life by giving your guinea pig a great house filled with nutritious food and lots of friends.
Care for your guinea pig just like you would a young child and you will do fine as a guinea pig parent!
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