Small Domestics

Guinea Pigs

Guinea pigs (cavies) are wonderful pets and very easy to care for. They can be nervous but soon grow accustomed to people. These rodents are active in the daytime and can keep themselves busy without companionship, unlike gerbils.

It is best to get a guinea pig when he is over six weeks of age. The average life span of a guinea pig or cavy is three years.

Your guinea pig will be happy in his own cage but should be taken out for exercise regularly. Guinea pigs are sensitive to draft and dampness, so be selective about where you place the cage. Your pet's home should be at least 2'x3'x1.5' and have a solid floor. Cover the floor of the cage with pine shavings or corn cob litter as bedding. A metal cage with a slide-out tray is easiest to clean.

Guinea pigs are vegetarians. Laboratory chow or a mixture of four parts crushed oats to one part brand is an excellent staple food. The guinea pig is the only mammal besides man who cannot produce its own vitamin C, so feed your guinea pig fresh greens daily. Avoid lettuce, though; it can cause kidney problems. Put a salt spool in his cage for him to gnaw at will. Hardwood block are good for your guinea pig's teeth. As a treat, occasionally give your guinea pig brewer's yeast, bread and/or milk.

Like all animals, guinea pigs should always have fresh water available. A gravity-fed water tube is best but check it daily to make sure your pet has not plugged it up with food or bedding.

Be gentle when lifting your guinea pig. Grasp him firmly - do not squeeze! - around his body just behind the forelegs, slip your other hand under his hindquarters for support and lift. Talk to your guinea pig softly while doing this. If you find that he is nervous, train him to come to your hand with a bit of apple or carrot. Your guinea pig will soon learn to associate you with good things!

Guinea pigs are usually healthy and hardy, but if they do get sick, it is serious. A mild case of diarrhea can be corrected by removing greens from your pet's cage. For slight constipation, feed your guinea pig more greens. If symptoms are more serious, or if they persist, take your guinea pig to the veterinarian.