Below are some instructions for
basic guinea pig care. It is important that you get to know your guinea pig
so that you notice any changes in his behaviour, weight, or eating habits.
Guinea pigs are prey animals and their instinct is to hide any illness or
weakness. It is your responsibility to notice when your guinea pig is unwell
and to take him to a vet.
We cannot stress enough
that the bigger the hutch the better. It should be of fairly solid construction
with a bedroom compartment. Alternatively, a similarly spacious indoor cage
can be used.
Bedding
Experience has shown
us that the best bedding to use in the hutch is newspaper as a base (this makes
it easier when removing bedding as you can just roll the whole lot up), topped
with enough hay for them to nest. We do not recommend woodshavings, as we have
found it causes respiratory problems and can contribute to dry skin conditions.
After cleaning a good
spray with a spray designed for use in rodent cages, especially in the corners
and joins. A good time to clean the hutch is when your piggy is in his exercise
run. The spray must be allowed to dry before your guinea pig is put back in
his hutch. DO NOT use any spray if you are cleaning while he is in the hutch.
If he must stay in the hutch whilst you are cleaning, it is best to do one side
at a time. It is also a good idea to put the hutch outside in the sun to dry
occasionally as this will also kill off any lingering microbes.
Feeding
Like humans, guinea
pigs cannot synthesise their own vitamin C, and so it needs to come from
their diet in the form of fortified food and vegetables. April Lodge guinea
pigs have vegetables first thing in the morning. Green leafy veg (spring
greens seem to be the most popular) are best, for their high vitamin C
content. if they are not out in a grass run.
Guinea pigs are
grazing animals and eat constantly. They therefore need a constant supply
of hay, which should kept in a rack off the floor. Fresh water should
also be available at all times via a bunny bottle. The bottle should be
cleaned thoroughly before refilling to prevent algae forming. A salt lick
is also a welcome addition.
Guinea pigs are
rodents and as such their teeth are constantly growing and need to be
worn down. A plentiful supply of hay will help keep your piggy's teeth
in good condition.
Ringo
Exercise
An outdoor run is essential
for exercise and for providing your pig with grass. When on concrete they can
also help to keep your piggy's nails short. The bigger the run the better. It
must have no means of escape at the bottom and a sturdy, fitted lid to deter
predators. A top-opening run will make it easier for you to bring them in at
the end of the day.
The run should provide
shade and protection from the elements and should also have a comfortable nest
box (facing away from the wind) so your piggy can have a nap during the day,
or just sit in it gazing out. A wire gauge that he can't chew is preferable
to chicken wire. The run should be moved on to fresh grass every day and water
should always be available.
