The ease of care and maintenance of guinea pigs is the main reason for the popularity of these animals. These cute creatures require gentle treatment, love to be stroked and caressed. This rodent is a herd animal, it feels great being in a team. But if you are going to have only one guinea pig, then you should try to compensate for the loneliness with your interest and care.
Content
The guinea pig cage can be made of any material (plastic, wood, metal), but at the same time it should not be too small, its size should not be less than 40x40 centimeters. Since the animal is active, you need to give him the opportunity to run a lot, let him periodically walk around the room. Install a feeder and drinker in the cage, preferably so that they are attached to the sides of the cage so that the pig does not overturn them.
Since the teeth of a guinea pig grow throughout life, they need to be ground down. Cut or purchase a branch of a fruit tree and place it in the cage. If you bought your pet a large cage, you can install a toilet with sawdust or filler in it. Guinea pigs usually go to the toilet in one place, so such a trough will make it easier for you to keep the animal. The cage should be cleaned twice a week, and the toilet should be cleaned once a day. Pigs are afraid of overheating and drafts, consider these factors. The optimum air temperature should be 18-20 degrees.
Guinea pig care
Guinea pigs take care of their personal toilet on their own, but you can comb your pet from time to time with a brush, wipe with a dry cloth. The long-haired pig needs frequent brushing so that the hair does not fall into tangles. If a lump suddenly forms, carefully cut it off with scissors. It is recommended that rosette and short-haired gilts be brushed only during molt twice a week.
The pig should be bathed if necessary (if the fur around the anus is dirty or the animal is heavily soiled with food debris). Fill a bowl with water at room temperature, put the animal in the water and wash it gently, if necessary, you can use baby shampoo without touching the pig's head. After bathing, remove the pet from the water, dry with a towel. The long-haired pig can be blow-dried. The animal is susceptible to colds, save it from drafts and cold after bathing.
Keep your pet's claws in good condition. Too long claws make it difficult for the guinea pig to move. Take special tweezers or cuticles and shorten them, being careful not to damage living tissue and blood vessels. Check your pig's ears regularly, and if necessary, clean the ears of dirt and dust with a paper tissue. If there is an unpleasant odor coming from your ears, it is recommended that you contact your veterinarian, this may indicate the presence of an ear mite.
Feeding
Food must contain at least 20% crude protein and 15% coarse fiber. The feed should consist of: cereals, vegetables, dandelions, turnips, cabbage, apples, seeds, potatoes, herbs, lettuce and beets, tomatoes and hay. Alternatively, you can give your guinea pigs at least 5 milligrams of vitamin C in your drinking water. Sufficient amount of hay should be supplied. Never feed your pet with the following foods: cheese, sausage, eggs, red cabbage, overripe and unripe fruits, sweets, damp, moldy and rotten foods.
