Fact Sheet: GUINEA PIGS

(Original Title: Guinea Pig Care & Handling)

Photo by picto:graphic

What Guinea pigs Eat and Drink:

First off let's start off with what you should never feed you guinea pig:

-Potatoes and potato skins

-Iceberg lettuce (most other lettuce is okay)

-Rhubarb

-Beans

-Cauliflower

-Chocolate

Chocolate and potato skins and potatoes have been known to kill or make Guinea pigs sick. The other stuff is very unhealthy. If you are not sure about a food item you are going to feed you guinea pig then don't feed them it until you have researched further.

Now what to feed your guinea pig: Guinea pigs need a lot of fibre and vitamin C (because just like humans they cannot produce vitamin C and need to do bowel movements.

-Guinea pigs need and love hay, do to the fact that it provides a good source of fibre and guinea pigs need lots of fibre.

-Hay - the best type of hay for your Guinea pig is Timothy hay unless they are very young under 4 months, pregnant or nursing sows then use alfalfa-based hay. You should make sure there is always hay in the cage for your Guinea pig (it is best if it is not touching the ground so it does not get contaminated).

-Pellet food - one essential thing here is that you never feed theme any other type of pellet food then guinea pig food, so too the fact that guinea pig food contains vitamin C and others are not as healthy for them. Make sure you get a good brand of food because that is one of the main things guinea pigs eat, as in hay give them as much as they need usually a small handful per piggy, but if there is a lot leftover the next day then add less in the mornings, also if the bowl is constantly empty the next day then add more.

-Water - very important to make sure that their sippy bottle always has plenty of fresh cool water in it.

-Veggies and fruits - if your guinea pig does not get enough of these then it will not have enough vitamin C in its system which could cause scurvy. Most vegetables are good for your guinea pig(s) except of course the ones I mentioned earlier (again of course if you are not sure of something you are planning pm feeding your guinea pig look it up) some of the best fruits and veggies are apples, carrots, pear, and most lettuces (never iceberg), there are many more that are suitable. Some guinea pigs can be very picky about what they eat so make sure you introduce what you want to feed to them when they are still young.

Cage:

Guinea pig cages should not be looked at as a cage, they should be looked at as a home, because unlike dog cages were you put your dog when it sleeps or when you are out the guinea pig spends most of the time in its cage. So the cage should be at least 2.5 ft by 2.5 ft for one pig and for each additional pig you should as at least 2 ft by 2ft of cage size but bigger won't hurt. The walls should be at least 1 foot high. because guinea pigs natural habit when they are scared or startled is to run to shelter you should have a house in your guinea pig cage about twice the size of the pig and with an opening, it can just fit in, you need one house per pig.

Bedding:

Is the stuff that goes on the bottom of the cage, you should get a quality bedding like if not using this then make sure you are using one that isn't too strong smelling. DO NOT USE CEDAR WOODCHIPS; Guinea pigs are allergic to them so they can cause health problems. The Bedding shouldn't have to be more then 2cm thick, if you see the bottom of the cage after your pig has been running through it then add more after the next cleaning.

Cleaning:

You should clean the cage about once a week, that includes removing the guinea pig(s) putting it or them in a safe environment, for the time being, then remove the bedding and anything else wash the cage itself the house or houses sterilize the water bottle and food bowl dry everything, then put fresh bedding in then the cage then the food and attach the water bottle and finally the guinea pig(s) should only take 10-20 minutes.

Handling:

When you are removing the guinea pig from its cage be sure not to startle it because it will run away and hide. When picking up place one hand under its ribcage area and the other on its bottom, pick up slowly. Do not place your guinea pig on any high places that it can fall off or hurt its self. When holding the guinea pig be sure not to squeeze him be gentle and safe. Your guinea pig may be afraid of humans at first but if you are careful with him it won't be long till he/she will love to be picked up.

Exercise:

Guinea pigs like all animals need exercise, you can help them to get exercise by giving them a larger cage or having a large enclosed area for them to run around and play well you watch, they are usually more active when happy or in pairs.

Cleaning & Caring:

Guinea pigs need their nails trimmed and fur brushed, trimming there nails can be very difficult so make sure to have someone show or tell you how to do it before doing it yourself because you can hurt them if you do it wrong. If your guinea pig is smelly or greasy you can bath him bye filling up your sink with water, make sure his face stays dry. if you are using shampoo make sure to get it from a vet, if so then make sure to rinse it all out by taking soap-free water and pouring it gently on your guinea pig. Use a towel to dry him be very gentle to not hurt your piggy, never use a blow dryer because the heat can hurt guinea pigs.

Health: 

If you see any health problems consult your local vet. this goes the same for any other pet on this website including Ferrets, Hamsters, Pet Mice, or Rabbits

By Delsin Boyd - Article Source: EzineArticles

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GUINEA PIGS – Not Pigs, Not From Guinea and Not For Sale!

Guinea pig
(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Despite their name; did you know that the guinea pig is neither a pig, nor does it come from the Republic of Guinea? In fact they don't come from anywhere near West Africa, and originate from the Andes in South America. They are also not universally known as the fluffy squeaking household pet we know and love in Western Europe!

Fact File

• Species: Cavia porcellus

• Common Name: Guinea Pig or Cavy

• Geography: Andes, South America

• Order: Rodentia

• Suborder: Hystricomorpha

• Family: Caviidae

• Subfamily: Caviinae

• Genus: Cavia

• Weight: 0.7 to 1.2 kg

•Length: 20 to 25 cm

Origins

The guinea pig was domesticated as a source of food by a native from the Andean region (modern-day Colombia, Ecuador and Peru) in around 5000 BC. It is still a delicacy in the highland regions, living off family food scraps.

European history wasn’t graced by the Guinea Pig’s presence until a series of 16th century English, Spanish and Dutch expeditions brought home guinea pigs for European eyes, where they were quickly taken as exotic household pets by the rich and famous.

Strangely, however, recent excavations on Puerto Rico and other West Indian islands show that the Guinea Pig must have been bred (and presumably eaten) long before the arrival of the Spanish.

Lab Rats

Since the 17th century, the guinea pig has been used as the subject of scientific research. Early examples of this were vivisection to establish anatomy, and bizarrely to assess the chemical combustion of respiration, where 17th-century scientists recorded that the heat from guinea pig breath melted snow, therefore proving that heat was generated from the digestion of food.

A Source of Food

Guinea pigs were originally foodstuff in the Andes and is now commonly found cooked and for sale in Peru, Ecuador, Colombia and Bolivia, particularly in the highland regions. High in protein and low in fat and cholesterol, it is reported to taste like a rabbit or chicken thigh.

Popular Culture

Perhaps due to their popularity as pets in Western Europe, the guinea pig has become a star of the cuddly animal variety, often appearing as characters in books, cartoons and movies; particularly aimed at children.

Literature:

• The Fairy Caravan, a novel by Beatrix Potter

• Michael Bond's Olga da Polga series

• The Magician's Nephew by C. S. Lewis

• Pigs Is Pigs by Ellis Parker Butler

• Star Trek: The Original Series episode "The Trouble with Tribbles", written by David Gerrold, and based on Pigs Is Pigs

• Golden Hamster Saga books

Film and television

• Shredderman Rules

• Dr. Dolittle (1998)

• Nick Jr.'s Wonder Pets

• South Park season 12 episode "Pandemic 2: The Startling"

• G-Force

Advertising

• Egg Banking plc

• Snapple

• Blockbuster Video

Pigs in Space

Yes, that’s right - guinea pigs are amongst the few species to have traveled into space – and survived! In fact, they were amongst the earliest successful space travelers (before humans) and traveled on Sputnik 9 biosattelite in 1961 with a safe arrival back in the USSR, and more recently on a Chinese biosattelite in 1990.

Submitted by: Richard Chilcot About the Author: Richard Chilcot is an author specialising in guinea pigs for sale and other classified animal subjects, particularly in Scotland, Wales, Essex and Plymouth. Source: www.isnare.com Permanent Link: https://www.isnare.com/?aid=943154&ca=Pets

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GUINEA PIG Breeding - All About Breeding Guinea Pigs

Guinea pigs for sale in an Ecuadorian market.
(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

You will find that the reason most people do not breed their guinea pigs is simply that they will not have enough room for all the new little guinea pig babies. Also, most people know that they do not have the money or time to support multiple new pups in their guinea pigs run. If you would like to breed guinea pigs make sure you check out our information below.

Pre-prepare.

First of all, you need to check that there are not too many other breeders in your area. This is the same as any business as if there is an oversupply you will not be able to sell all of your guinea pigs.

Make sure that you have a good knowledge of guinea pigs as you are going to have to talk a lot to potential buyers about guinea pig care and guinea pig habits. You will need to explain to them exactly how they need to care got their new pet. A great thing to do is to supply them with a list when they purchase a guinea pig off you. Another thing to remember to include on this list is what foods the guinea pigs can and cannot eat. This is a very important and useful thing to do as no one would like to poison their new pet by accident.

A huge amount of guinea pigs die each year due to improper care or simply because their owners have to breed too many. A good idea is to find some families or people that want to buy your new guinea pigs before you even begin to breed them. This way you know that your new guinea pig babies will have a secure and loving home to go to.

Mating

The age a female should be before she gives birth is at least four to six months.

You should try to keep your breeding as close to nature as possible. This will ensure healthy babies. The female guinea pig cycle goes for around sixteen days, although your female will only be able to mate for between eight and twenty-four hours of that.

How you can tell that a male is aroused is when he lowers his head and walks towards the female. This is not a random walk but one to entice the female to join his love dance. Guinea pigs will make a rumbling noise. This is a very specific noise and does not be alarmed if you hear it.  The male's backside will also sway from side to side occasionally.

Some male guinea pigs will even perform a mating dance. In this case, they will place their front legs on any object available and move around trying to attract the female. These movements may include side to side waving, swaying, and wiggling. This can be a very entertaining spectacle to watch however this is actually a finely tuned process that has evolved over hundreds of years to produce the best results possible for the species. So if you feel the need to laugh maybe it is polite to leave the room.

When a female is interested in the male she will begin to squeak with a lot of excitement and anxiety. These squeaks will get louder as the male gets closer to her. Sometimes the female guinea pig will not be interested. This may be because she is not currently on heat or it might not be the right time in her cycle. What she will do if this is the case is snap at the male or even bite him. If he is very persistent she may even urinate in his face to discourage him.

Sometimes the female guinea pig will be more ready than the male. If this is the case she might do the same as the male in walking towards him in a very deliberate way. Her head will be down and her bottom will be pointing in the air slightly.

If a female guinea pig is being really forward she may back up against the male. This is a sign for him to mount her. This is a very common event so do not be nervous if she seems to be behaving in a way you have never seen her behave. Don't worry the guinea pigs know what they are doing.

A male guinea pig can be used as a stud. In fact, a male guinea pig can mate with up to ten females in one period of time if they are all available to him in the guinea pig run. But really I don't think you need that many guinea pigs.

By Fiona F Bodington Fiona Bodington loves guinea pigs and has through her research compiled lots of helpful information about caring for guinea pigs. Article Source: EzineArticles

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Cavy Care: Is A GUINEA PIG Right For You

If you are thinking about getting a pet for your home, you might want to consider a guinea pig. Guinea pigs, also called cavies, are lovable furry little critters that will bring you a lot of joy.  In addition, guinea pigs can be a perfect first pet for children because they are easy to care for and more cuddly than a hamster and or fish. Here is some more information to help you determine whether a guinea pig is the right pet for you.

Guinea Pig baby. About 8 hours old. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

If you are thinking about getting a pet for your home, you may a first consider a dog or cat. These animals are perfect for homes if you have a lot of time to dedicate to owning a pet. Dogs and cats need a lot of attention and a lot of space.  Guinea pigs on the other hand are just as cute as dog, cats, and they do not require near as much space or care. Many people love the idea of guinea pigs as first pets for children because they live a lot longer than hamsters or gerbils. In fact, a well cared for guinea pig can live up to eight or nine years. Once you own a guinea pig, you will be hooked by these cute, sweet natured critters.

When you go to the store to get a guinea pig, it is always a good idea to look at them carefully and choose them by their personality. Each guinea pig has his or her own personality.  Some are more reserved in nature, while others are more outgoing.  If you are choosing a guinea pig for your child, you want to make sure that your guinea pig can tolerate being held and petted. Guinea pigs are not known to be aggressive or to bite, but your child will have no fun with a shy guinea pig. 

Guinea pigs are also should social animals, and they enjoy the company of other guinea pigs.  If you are planning to get a guinea pig, you might want to consider getting two guinea pigs at the same time. Male guinea pigs get along quite well with each other when you get them when they are babies. Male guinea pigs will fight with each other.  If you introduce them after they are grown. Female guinea pigs can also get along well with each other. It is not recommended that you get a male and a female, unless you want to breed guinea pigs.

When looking at guinea pig cages, you need to find one that will allow enough room for movement and play. Guinea pigs like to stay hidden when they sleep, so make sure that your cage has a place where they can hide. A plastic or wooden structure inside the cage is always a good idea. You will also want to add some sort of betting to the bottom of your guinea pig cage for easy cleanup. Cedar chips are not recommended. You also want to include a large water bottle for your guinea pig. If you have, two guinea pigs consider getting two water bottles. Guinea pigs love to drink water, so make sure that you give them plenty of fresh water every day. 

Some experts recommend adding vitamin C drops to their water. This works well for some guinea pigs. However, some guinea pigs do not like the taste and will not drink the water. If you do decide to add vitamin C drops to their water, make sure they are staying hydrated throughout the day. If you choose not to include vitamin C drops with their water.  You can supplement their diet with fresh fruits and vegetables.  Guinea pigs love fresh vegetables and fruits of all kinds. Just make sure that you are not overfeeding your guinea pigs and use fruits and vegetables as treats. As far as food is concerned, you will want to feed your guinea pigs specially formulated guinea pig pellets available at pet stores. Guinea pigs also needed daily supply of Timothy hay to help aid in digestion.

Guinea pigs are great pets for all types of homes. When you get your guinea pig young, you can work with it to social it. You and your children will enjoy these adorable pets for many years to come.

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GUINEA PIGS - A Cute Little Pet Living a Lie

True or false: Guinea pigs are small, hybrid animals that have been cultivated and cross-bred from wild pigs originally captured on the island of New Guinea. The fact that this animal was originally cross-bred in the laboratory to establish a pig breed that was both of friendly disposition and small enough to keep as a house pet, is the reason that the guinea pig still remains associated with labs in most of our minds today.

Three famous library pigs in Keswick, Ontario
(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Yes - I made all of that up. Guinea pigs are no more pigs from New Guinea than a pineapple is a Granny Smith sprouting from a pine tree. It's all a sad, misleading deception. Guinea pigs are neither pigs nor are they associated with New Guinea, Old Guinea, YoungAdult Guinea nor any other Guinea that we know of for that matter.

So, as our title suggests, the name "guinea pig" is an outright lie. These little animals are not some form of small mutant dwarf pig. That would be silly (they are actually tiny child-actors wearing tiny mutant dwarf pig costumes). Okay, I made that up too. They are actually rodents from the genus Cavia (which is the reason they are also referred to as Cavies). As rodents, they are related to chinchillas and porcupines - not hogs and boars.

Originally, guinea pigs came from South America - not New Guinea. All guinea pigs that we know of are domesticated animals - which is to say - they do not exist in the wild anymore. A very large relative of the guinea pig called the capybara still lives in the wild in South America. Ironically, due to its very large size, the capybara looks as though it might really be related to a pig or boar rather than its real cousin, the domestic Guinea Pig. What a confusing family, those guinea pigs.

So why do people call this cute little South American rodent a Guinea Pig? It's not clear, since this misleading name was given to this small creature many years ago. Some people have conjectured that the guinea pig was given this name because it makes a noise that sounds like a pig squealing. Others believe that, although its features differ greatly from a barnyard pig, the guinea pig has a general round, stout, short-legged silhouette - similar to that of a pig or hog. In addition, guinea pigs are voracious eaters which might also account for the pig reference.

As for the "guinea" portion of the name, some believe that this may have been derived from a South American region named Guinana. Another theory is that trade routes that originally brought the lovable rodent to Europe might have passed through Guinea and may have given their name to the fuzzy little rodent.

Either way, I hope that this article has cleared up at least some mysteries of the guinea pig. We may not know exactly where the guinea pig label came from - but we do know exactly where it did not come from. Guinea pigs are neither pigs nor are they from New Guinea. They are rodents and they are originally from South America. To learn more about guinea pigs and guinea pig cages, feel free to Click Now on the links in the resource box below for more quality guinea pig information.

Next time: Why you do not need to learn how to drive in order to become a busboy.

We here at Blue Stone Commerce are pet owners as well as pet cage sellers. In fact, our very first cages were designed and built strictly for our own personal use. It wasn't until we saw how much happier, more active and content our pigs became when we put them into their new spacious C&C cage; that we realized just how great an environment these cages could offer our pigs.

By Robert M. Matthews Please Visit Our Website at http://www.BlueStoneCages.com for lots more information, tips and entertaining tales of guinea pigs and guinea pig cages. You will also find links to all of our online Cage Stores and Guinea Pig Care guides. While there, be sure to Claim Your FREE BONUS GIFT available on the front page. Follow Us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/guineapig9 Article Source: EzineArticles

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Basic GUINEA PIG Care

Generally, caring for a guinea pig is no different than caring for any other small extremely fragile mammal.  These mammals are larger than a hamster but smaller than a rabbit.  They rarely bite and respond to being treated gently.  They respond well in pairs and the owner may want to consider a second guinea pig as a companion.  Allow the guinea pig to get acclimated to the new cage without distractions by placing a towel over the cage for a day or two.  Refrain from handling the new addition for a few days, let the guinea pig get used to being near a new owner before frequent handling.

Three famous library pigs in Keswick, Ontario (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Cage:

Purchase an adequately sized cage of the guinea pig.  A cage that is 30 x 36 is very adequate.  The cage should be well-ventilated and have a solid floor.  The material of the cage should be plastic, wire, or stainless steel and as escape-proof as possible.  A latching door or lid for ease of access when removing or returning the guinea pig to its home.  Wood, paper, and hay are all good cage floor cover and make good bedding material for a guinea pig.  Always avoid cedar, corncob, or straw as these may be harmful to the pet over time. 

General Care:

Keep the cage clean through cleaning the cage regularly.  Remove droppings and stale food every day.  Scrub the bottom of the cage thoroughly with warm, soapy water.  Provide sufficient gnawing material, as the front teeth do not stop growing.  Gnawing materials keep the front teeth trimmed.  Feed only a vegetarian diet, carrots can also be used as a treat or gnawing toy.  Add vitamin C to the water to maintain health and to prevent illness.  Brush long-haired guinea pigs daily to prevent unwanted tangles.  Comb short hair daily to keep the fur groomed and healthy.

Veterinarian Care:

Know the guinea pig's regular behavior to be better alerted to any problems.  If the guinea pig appears listless, stops eating, or there is the appearance of blood in the stool or urine get the pet to the veterinarian as soon as possible.   The sooner the pet is transported to the doctor the better the chances an illness can be treated or avoided.  Mites or lice may also present a problem and should be treated by a veterinarian.  Annual check ups are also vital in keeping the guinea pig healthy.

Owning a guinea pig is fun for people of all ages.  They are very low cost and do not cost much to maintain.  Assure optimum health with a good diet and plenty of chew toys.  Provide a play tunnel for privacy or sleep times.  An igloo can also provide a private place for naps and sleeping.  Provide fresh drinking water on a regular basis.  Hang the water bottle where the guinea pig has easy access.  Be sure that wood chews are free of any chemicals before presenting as a chew treat to the pet.  Food dishes made from heavy plastic are ideal for guinea pigs.  

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The 7 Types of GUINEA PIGS

When you imagine a guinea pig, you probably picture the typical short-haired American guinea pig. But what about those with curly or straight long hair? Most people would probably just assume their owners let them grow out their hair, but that's certainly not the case. There are actually several breeds of domesticated guinea pigs in the world. However, I'll be going through the most popular ones today, which you can find at your local pet store.

This guinea pig has gorgeous long hair and was a prize winner at the Puyallup, WA fair. I shot this through the cage in between the holes. It does limit what you can do though. It cannot be peruvian or at least not a prize winning peruvian since the breed requires "front hair" falling over the face which this cavy has not. It is most likely a sheltie/silkie. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The Abyssinian

Probably one of the most popular long-haired pig, the Abyssinian is a wonderful pet to have. This breed has long swirls, which actually make them perfect as a show pig. And yes, there are competitions for guinea pigs.

But due to the nature of the Abyssinian's hair, this type of guinea pig is a bit harder to take care of. I would not recommend this for a child, unless someone more responsible is willing to take on the responsibilities of grooming.

The American

This is the most common breed of them all, at least in North America. Hence, the name "American." But the biggest reason why the American is the most popular one isn't because it's extra cuddly or cute. It's because it's the easiest one to take care of, making them perfect for little children.

However, if you have plenty of time to dedicate into a pet, I would suggest something more rare, such as the Abyssinian.

The Peruvian

This particular breed is similar to the Abyssinian. However, the one major difference is that it has long straight hair instead of long curly hair. Of all the different guinea pig breeds, the Peruvian seems to have the longest hair.

And like with any long-haired guinea pig, the Peruvian requires some time for tedious grooming. Combing the straight hair is recommended every day to prevent any tangles, which could cause discomfort to your pet.

The Silkie

Also called the Sheltie, The Silkie guinea pig is similar to the Peruvian. The main difference is the hair around the area of the head. The Silkie has it's head hair slicked back. The hair of the Silkie is also much softer than that of any other breeds, making them great for entertaining little children.

But of course I wouldn't recommend this for a child to take care of. Make sure there is a responsible person handling all the grooming required to maintain a healthy Silkie.

The Teddy

The Teddy guinea pig actually looks like a stuffed animal, probably because of it's dense and short coat that you would see on a teddy bear. They don't have hair as smooth and soft as the Silkie, but they make great pets for kids to care for.

A unique feature found in only the Teddy is the "upturned nose," which makes them resemble a stuffed animal even more.

The Texel

Unlike other breeds of long-haired pigs, the Texel has long curly hair all throughout the body. This means, curly hair is apparent on their backs and their bellies, which make them popular for owners who want to show off their pet at competitions.

Once again, I would only recommend this for responsible adults, and specifically owners that want to showcase their guinea pig.

The White Crested

Perhaps the easiest to spot out, the White Crested has a white spot on top of the head. It resembles a white crown, hence the name. Other than the particular mark, this breed is very similar to the American. They are essentially American guinea pigs with a hint of originality.

The short hair requires minimal grooming and make them a popular choice among children.

By Richard C. James Richard James has been caring for guinea pigs for over 15 years. He currently owns 6 different pigs of all breeds. For more information on guinea pig care, click here. Article Source: EzineArticles

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Looking After GUINEA PIGS

Guinea pigs make fantastic pets for many different people, but to be sure that your pet is happy you have to make sure you are looking after your cavies correctly.

my 2 guinea pigs (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Like all pets guinea pigs are not animals that do not require care. They depend on you, their owner, to look after them and cater for all their needs. Cavies need daily care, such as feeding, grooming (especially in long-haired breeds), exercise and medical attention.

Lets start with the accommodation. Your pig's home needs to be safe and spacious (but not too large as cavies have poor eyesight and are often scared of open areas). Guinea pig cages and hutches make ideal homes for cavies as they are often made especially for them. The majority of rabbit hutches and cages are also suitable. The ideal size hutch for a guinea piggie is 3ft or 4ft (length) x 2ft (depth) x 2ft (height). Cages should have a similar amount of space. The floor should not be made out of wire or mesh as there's a danger of the pig catching his or her foot or leg and breaking it which could be fatal. Their home should also provide some privacy for the piggie. Cavies also prefer to live in pairs or small herds so their accommodation needs to be suitable for more than one piggy.

Your guinea piggie's home will need to have suitable bedding. For a hutch this is likely to be newspaper, hay and sawdust (don't use sawdust or wood chippings if your pet is allergic to them). Avoid straw as it can be sharp and guinea pigs have sensitive skin. Bedding for a cage is more likely to be shredded paper and/or hay. Bedding, whether it be in a hutch or cage, should be cleaned out weekly.

Companions: In the wild, cavies are rarely on their own; this is because they are social herd animals and feel that safety is in numbers. Therefor your pig should not be on his or her own (unless they do not get on with others or are at risk of injury from other pigs). When buying pigs you should ideally buy two (or more) from the same litter as they will know each other. Alternatively you could try introducing a new guinea piggie to a cavy you already have but plenty of time and care should be taken as one of them may feel intimidated by the guinea pig or behave dominantly. From experience I have found that females get on with females better than males do with males. You can keep males and females together but they will have to be neutered unless you're prepared for lots of baby piggies.

PLease note that guinea pigs and rabbits should not live together in the same hutch or cage as the rabbit can show aggressive behaviour and hurt the pig.

Wild guinea pigs are constantly moving and are outside in the fresh air. It is important that your pigs have a safe place they can go for exercise. Ideally this should be an outside exercise pen that is safe and secure. Never leave your piggie unattended outside.

Food is one of the most important aspects of keeping guinea piggies: it is important that you feed your pig the correct foods. They should have a dried or supplementary food that is formulated for guinea pigs - rabbit food does not have the necessary vitamins and minerals that these little pets need. Whatever food your pet has check it has Vitamin C in it as this is an important vitamin guinea pigs need as they can't make it like other animals, such as rabbits, can. Pigs also need a range of fresh fruit vegetables such as: carrots, cucumber and small quantities of broccoli, cabbage and romaine lettuce - the darker green the vegetable the better. Your pet will also need a constant supply of quality hay and grass.

Like all animals cavies need water to survive, such water that you'll need to provide. The water should be clean and changed at least every other day. It can be provided in a water bowl or a water bottle, the latter of which is more hygienic.

Entertainment: Cavies can get bored easily do you'll need to provide toys and other amusement sources to keep your piggie entertained during the day. If you have more than one pig they can help keep each other entertained whilst you are away.

All guinea pigs need regular grooming to keep their coat healthy and shiny. This is especially important for long-haired breeds (Peruvian and sheltie pigs) - if any of their stools get caught in their hair, it can become matted, draw flies to the pig and cause a nasty infection. Grooming is also a good way to bond with your pet as most cavies loved being brushed. You can also use this opportunity to check your pet's body for any abnormalities, bumps or scratches.

You should regularly check your cavy's health, the more you get to know your pet the easier it may be to tell if your cavy is unwell. Cavies are prey animals in the wild and so will often hide any symptoms of illnesses that they have so you have to thoroughly examine your pet. Guinea pig health is essential for a happy guinea pig.

If you are worried about your guinea pig in any way you should consult a vet immediately.

By looking after your guinea pig correctly, your pet is more likely to be a happy and healthy guinea pig.

By Madeline Dyer Read more on how to take care of your guinea pigs at http://www.guineapigland.com/how-to-take-care-of-a-guinea-pig/ and find out more about their food requirements at http://www.guineapigland.com/what-do-guinea-pigs-eat-guinea-pigs-food/ Article Source: EzineArticles

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GUINEA PIG Breeding - All About Breeding Guinea Pigs

You will find that the reason most people do not breed their guinea pigs is simply because they will not have enough room for all the new little guinea pig babies. Also most people know that they do not have the money or time to support multiple new pups in their guinea pigs run. If you would like to breed guinea pigs make sure you check out our information below.

(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Pre-prepare.

First of all you need to check that there are not too many other  breeders in your area. This is the same as any business as if there is an oversupply you will not be able to sell all of your guinea pigs.

Make sure that you have a good knowledge of guinea pigs as you are going to have to talk a lot to potential buyers about guinea pig care and guinea pig habits. You will need to explain to them exactly how they need to care got their new pet. A great thing to do is to supply them with a list when they purchase a guinea pig off you. Another thing to remember to include on this list is what foods the guinea pigs can and cannot eat. This is a very important and useful thing to do as no one would like to poison their new pet by accident.

A huge amount of guinea pigs die each year due to improper care or simply because their owners have breed too many. A good idea is to find some families or people that want to buy you new guinea pigs before you even begin to breed them. This way you know that your new guinea pig babies will have a secure and loving home to go to.

Mating

The age a female should be before she gives birth is at least four to six months.

You should try to keep your breeding as close to nature as possible. This will ensure healthy babies. The female guinea pig cycle goes for around sixteen days, although your female will only be able to mate for between eight and twenty four hours of that.

How you can tell that a male is aroused is when he lowers his head and walks towards the female. This is not a random walk but one to entice the female to join his love dance.

Guinea pigs will make a rumbling noise. This is a very specific noise and do not be alarmed if you hear it.  The male's backside will also sway from side to side occasionally.

Some male guinea pigs will even perform a mating dance. In this case they will place their front legs on any object available and move around trying to attract the female. These movements may include side to side waving, swaying, and wiggling.

This can be a very entertaining spectacle to watch however this is actually a finely tuned process that has evolved over hundreds of years to produce the best results possible for the species. So if you feel the need to laugh maybe it is polite to leave the room.

When a female is interested in the male she will begin to squeak with a lot of excitement and anxiety. These squeaks will get louder as the male gets closer to her.

Sometimes the female guinea pig will not be interested. This may be because she is not currently on heat or it might not be the right time in her cycle. What she will do if this is the case is snap at the male or even bite him. If he is very persistent she may even urinate in his face to discourage him.

Sometimes the female guinea pig will be more ready than the male. If this is the case she might do the same as the male in walking towards him in a very deliberate way. Her head will be down and her bottom will be pointing in the air slightly.

If a female guinea pig is being really forward she may back up against the male. This is a sign for him to mount her. This is a very common event so do not be nervous if she seems to be behaving in a way you have never seen her behave. Don't worry the guinea pigs know what they are doing.

A male guinea pig can be used as a stud. In fact a male guinea pig can mate with up to ten females in one period of time if they are all available to him in the guinea pig run. But really I don't think you need that many guinea pigs.

By Fiona F Bodington Fiona Bodington loves guinea pigs and has through her research compiled lots of helpful information about caring for guinea pigs. For more information on guinea pig breeding [http://guineapigrun.com/guinea-pig-breeding], visit the link above and make sure you sign up for her free mini e course which teaches you exactly what to do to raise happy and healthy guinea pig pets. Article Source: EzineArticles

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GUINEA PIGS - Characteristics of the Common Guinea Pig

Guinea pigs being raised in the traditional way in Peru. 

(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Over the past century, the guinea pig has become a popular pet in the United States. While we are all familiar with this common animal, there are many facts concerning it that are not necessarily common knowledge. Please read along as we discover and discuss some interesting facts about this common and loveable house pet.

The guinea pig has a very delicate bone structure. Because of this, guinea pigs bones break fairly easily. For this reason guinea pigs should be handled carefully and loosely. Never squeeze or hug a guinea pig tightly. Also, one must be very careful to insure that guinea pigs are not dropped from excessive heights nor allowed to jump from high surfaces such as tables, chairs or sofas.

Guinea pigs have a total of 14 toes. Each front paw has four toes and the back feet each have three toes. When guinea pigs walk or run, they do so only on these toes. The entire foot rests on the ground only when the pigs are standing.

Unlike squirrels, mice or many other rodents; when eating, guinea pigs do not sit on their haunches and grip food between their front paws. Their style is to feed more like a horse or a dog – simply standing on all fours and grazing out of a dish, a bowl or from the ground.

In general, guinea pigs are friendly, congenial and peaceful animals. Two females can easily live with each other with little or no conflict. A male and a female nearly always get along very well (although one of the pair should obviously be neutered in order to prevent an in-cage population explosion). Two males, if raised together will also generally make a good pair. However, if a new male is introduced into another male’s home, there will most likely be some hostile behavior – at least in the beginning.

Two males in the presence of one or more females are a bad idea. They can become quite aggressive and adversarial toward one another as they compete for the females. In the wild, guinea pigs used to live in packs. The pack’s dominant male was the only male allowed to mate with any of the females. This increased the chances of survival of the offspring because it insured that all of the children were descended from the strongest and fittest male available. Although guinea pigs no longer exist in the wild, this holdover behavior can still be observed in our domesticated pigs.

Guinea pigs have a very acute sense of hearing. Like dogs, they are able to hear frequencies or tones above the human range of hearing. Human beings can only hear frequencies up to 20 kHz (vibrations at 20,000 times per second) whereas cavies can hear frequencies as high as 33 kHz.

The guinea pig is very dependent upon its very keen sense of smell. The cavy’s sense of smell is one-thousand times more sensitive and discerning than that of a human being.

The guinea pig is an animal that is very common to most of us in the western world. And although it is quite familiar to us as a family pet and as a laboratory animal, there is much information about this little rodent that is not commonly known. I hope that the newly-gained knowledge from this discussion will help you to better understand the actions and behaviors of your own pet guinea pigs as you interact with them on a daily basis.

Submitted by: Bob Matthews About the Author: We here at Blue Stone Commerce are pet owners as well as pet cage sellers. Visit Our Website http://www.BlueStoneCages.com for lots more info on guinea pigs and guinea pig cages. Be sure to Claim Your FREE BONUS GIFT available on the front page. Follow Us on Twitter: http://twitter.com/guineapig9 Source: www.isnare.com  - Guinea Pigs

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GUINEA PIGS - A Quick-Start Guinea Pig Owners Guide

So you've just brought your new guinea pig home from the shelter or pet store. And now, you're not entirely sure what to do. Let us help you get off to a good start with this Quick-Start Guinea Pig Owners' Guide.

First of all, if you've just returned from the shelter or pet store with a single pig, we strongly recommend that you turn right around and go back. Guinea pigs are social creatures and tend to do better when there are at least two pigs living together. Two females are a good combination. Two males can live together in harmony as long as they have been raised together. And while it is possible to introduce two grown males to each other, it does require patience and care. A male and a female are the very best combination, but of course one of them needs to be "fixed" in order to avoid a future in-cage population explosion.

Photo by j.reed

Your first task is to choose a cage. Pet store cages tend to be too small to adequately house a single pig - not to mention multiple pigs. Use the following guidelines when choosing a guinea pig enclosure:

One guinea pig: 6-7 sq. ft.

Two guinea pigs: 7.5 sq. ft.

Three guinea pigs: 10.5 sq. ft.

If you cannot find one large enough at the pet store, you can always build your own cage or buy one online from a reputable cage seller. In recent years, C&C (Cubes and Coroplast ) cages have become quite popular because they provide a lot of cage for the money. Check out the resource box and the end of this article for a link to some online C&C guinea pig cage stores.

Place a nest box, a piece of PVC pipe or other enclosure inside the cage. Pigs like to hide out in cozy little places and providing a hiding place inside the cage will make your pigs feel happier and more secure.

Never place your pigs in an aquarium. Yes, some people do house their pigs in an aquarium, but it is very bad for their respiratory system. Toxic ammonia gas forms as your pigs urinate inside the enclosure. In a wire cage, there is adequate ventilation to carry this gas away. However, in an aquarium the ammonia gas is contained by the glass walls forcing your pigs to breathe it in all day long.

Fill the cage with bedding. Avoid cedar chips and cat litter made from clay. Both are very bad for your guinea pig's respiratory system. A litter made from recycled newspaper works very well. Also, many people have begun to line their cages with an absorbent material covered in fleece. The fleece allows liquids to wick through into the absorbent layer.

In general, Timothy hay is very good for you pigs. Your pigs can have it in virtually unlimited quantities. Alfalfa hay should be given much more sparingly. Alfalfa hay is richer and will cause your pigs to gain excessive weight.

While, commercial pellets are fine for your guinea pigs, however, they are also very rich and should be given in small quantities as a supplement to the main diet which should consist mostly of fresh vegetables and fruits. Only vegetables with rich dark colors should be chosen. Iceberg lettuce should never be fed to your pigs; it is mostly empty calories with little nutritional value.

Don't forget to install a water bottle in your pig's cage. Water dishes do not work well - as pigs tend to tip them over.

Above all, don't panic. Guinea pigs are wonderful animals and do not require an excessive amount of care. Remember that guinea pigs do better in pairs or groups than living alone. Be sure to provide adequate living space. C&C cages are a popular choice nowadays because they do provide a lot of room for a reasonable price. Provide a comfortable hiding place for your pigs - many nest boxes are available for guinea pigs. An upside-down small cardboard box works well too (although guinea pigs like to chew so you may have to replace it often). Feed your pig mostly deep-colored fresh veggies and provide a water bottle. That's all you need to get started. To learn more, pick up a good guinea pig reference guide - see the resource box at the end of this article for a link to a couple quality guinea pig care guides.

Submitted by: Bob Matthews About the Author: We here at Blue Stone Commerce are pet owners as well as pet cage sellers. Visit Our Website http://www.BlueStoneCages.com for lots more info on guinea pigs and guinea pig cages. Be sure to Claim Your FREE BONUS GIFT available on the front page. Follow Us on Twitter: http://twitter.com/guineapig9 Source: www.isnare.com

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Favorite Foods For A GUINEA PIG

Feeding a guinea pig it's favorite foods is a fun part of being a guinea pig owner. There is a wide variety of vegetables that may qualify as favorites. The fun part is in discovering what foods are most appealing to the guinea pig. Regularly add vitamin C powder to food, treats, or water for optimum guinea pig health. Some owners do not recommend pellets. 

 Food pellets are somewhat boring and my discourage a guinea pig from eating. However, most veterinarians recommend at least a quarter cup of pellets daily and three servings of vegetables. Variety adds spice as much to a pet owner's life as it does to the pet. A variety of foods maintains interest and helps discover food favorites.

A cat which has learned to accept two guinea pigs. Some cats and dogs, depending entirely on the individual animal, may be able to safely interact with guinea pigs. However, leaving cats or dogs alone with guinea pigs is never advised.
(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Carrots:

Carrots are good for guinea pigs for two reasons.  One reason is that carrots help keep the front teeth trimmed.   Carrots make wonderful chew toys.  The other reason is that carrots provide important vitamins and nutrients.  Carrots are also rich in vitamin C and are very, very good for a guinea pig.  As much as guinea pigs love carrots, limit the joy to once or twice a week.  Too much carrot munching can cause diarrhea and an overdose of vitamin A.   When feeding, carrots feed a large carrot or one or two baby carrots.  Feed carrot tops and ends to guinea pigs.  Carrots are at the top of the list of a favorite food for a guinea pig. 

Leafy Greens:

Leafy greens are also very high in vitamin C.  Endive, dandelion stems, and kale are great choices.  Providing leafy green vegetables enriches and provides a wider variety in the diet.  Wash thoroughly to remove any residual chemicals.  Mustard greens and spinach are too high in potassium and are not healthy choices for a guinea pig. Lettuce is very high in water and can be a cool treat on a hot day for a pet guinea pig.  Greens are also high in fiber and will assist in the digestive process.  Some greens may be disagreeable, watch eating habits to assure favored feeds are being eaten.  Observe which greens are the most satisfying and pleasing to the pet.  Generally, any vegetable is a good, healthy choice for a guinea pig. 

These additions to a guinea pig's diet keep a variety in the pet's diet.  Variety increases interest and keeps the pet healthy.  Guinea pigs are a delight and it is always fun to watch them get excited about their eating habits.  Orange slices can be fed sometimes, but can cause mouth sores if fed too often.  For the most part avoid fruits.  A guinea pig diet high in fruits can cause bladder problems.  Feed those foods most often that the guinea pig seems to have a real affinity for eating.  Feed raw vegetables over cooked or processed ones as these are lower in nutritional value.  Guinea pigs also love hay.  Provide an unlimited source of hay, which often means replenishing a supply four or five times daily.  

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