CARING FOR YOUR PET GUINEA PIG
Cavies or guinea pigs, as they are most commonly called, are unique and very interesting animals. The guinea pig originated in South America, principally Peru. Males are called boars and females, sows. They have an extremely long gestation period of 68 days, which is longer than dogs or cats! The piglets, when born, are duplicates of their parents. While most rodent babies are born pink, naked and blind, guinea pigs are fully furred, wide-eyed and ready to run! Guinea pigs weigh on average 0.9 kg (2 lbs) full grown. Their endearing habit of whistling is very appealing and they rarely bite, making them an ideal pet for children.
One Piggy or Two? Guinea pigs are social animals that live in family groups in their natural setting. This should be sufficient reason to keep more than one guinea pig. We recommend neutering before sexual maturity; this will help with keeping males together. You can house two immature males or two males that have had no contact with females, together in one cage. Two females usually get along with each other.
ENVIRONMENTAL - Your guinea pig will need a place of their own where it can find security and quiet time. No matter how large the living quarters, they should still have running time outside the cage. Your guinea pig will need physical and social stimulation, which no cage can provide.
NUTRITIONAL - Your guinea pig is a herbivore, which means he eats only plant food. Grass hay is absolutely vital to the digestive health of your guinea pig, and will make up the majority of your pet's daily diet.
BEHAVIOURAL - Chew Blocks – Your guinea pigs' teeth will grow throughout their life. It is important that you give them a variety of safe chewing aids to help keep their teeth trimmed. Guinea pigs love to climb! Placing a piece of fruit or vegetable on top of a stable platform (not too high), will encourage your guinea pigs to climb up the ladder to get their reward.
MAINTENANCE - Use a large water bottle, not a dish, to keep their water clean and to conserve the liquid vitamins. Fresh de-chlorinated water must be available at all times and replaced daily. Water bottles need to be kept clean of not only any bacterial growth, but also of sediment that may be caused by using nutritional supplements.
Come in today and let one of our Pet Experts® tell you all about these amazing animals!
Lethbridge Town Square, 905 1 Ave S #212
(403) 320-0095 | www.petland.ca
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