Are you considering adopting a Guinea pig? These charming little pets are more popular than many people realize. In fact, the Guinea pig—or cavey, as they are also known—are actually the third most popular pet in many places. That really isn’t surprising, once you think about all of the charming attributes these guys have. They’re cute, clean, fun, friendly, and pretty easy to care for. A local Matthews, NC vet offers some insight on cavey care below.
Is A Guinea Pig Hard To Take Care Of?
Guinea pigs are pretty easy keepers, but they do need some daily TLC. While you won’t need to walk or train your pet, you will have to provide fresh food and water every day. Removing waste and uneaten food also needs to happen daily, though should not take long. You’ll also need to make sure that your pet has a comfy habitat and lots of toys, and, of course, keep an eye out for signs of illness or injury.
What Sort Of Habitat Do Guinea Pigs Need?
Because your cavy will spend so much time in his cage, making sure that it is clean and comfy is crucial. Buying the cage and setting it up are things that really should only happen once, so it’s important to get things right.
Here are a few tips for that:
Size: As far as size goes, it depends on how many cavies you have. For one, you would need a cage that is at least 7.5 square feet. Of course, but bigger is always better. If you have more cavies, they will need more cage space.
Material: Material is also important. Don’t get a cage with a wire or mesh floor. These will not hold substrate, and can also cause paw and tail injuries.
Substrate: For substrate, we would suggest using aspen or paper-based materials. You can also go with a fleece blanket. Don’t use substrates that are made from pine or cedar, or other hard woods. Because of the oils in them, these can cause respiratory issues in small pets, and should actually be considered toxic.
Accessories: No home is complete without furnishings. You’ll want to start by getting your furry friends a good hide. Everyone needs a quiet place to go when they want peace and quiet, and Guinea pigs are no exception. You can actually have some fun with this. Look into getting cute pieces. A pretty box, a little igloo, or a pet tent can all be great options. Your tiny furball will also need a water bottle, dishes, and toys. A litterbox is optional, but may be very convenient.
Ask your Matthews, NC vet for specific tips on caring for your new pets.
What Do Guinea Pigs Eat?
Guinea pig diets aren’t complicated, but you will need to know the do’s and don’ts. Let’s start with the basics.
Grass Hay
Your furry friend should always have grass hay, such as Timothy hay. This is crucial for both your pet’s dental health and digestion. Store the hay in a clean, dry place, to make sure it doesn’t get moldy.
Pellets
Cavies can also have pellets for their main meals. Generally, you’d want to offer breakfast and dinner. Ask your vet for specific advice about portion sizes and serving times.
Produce
Finally, we have produce. You’ll need to round out your furry friend’s diet with fresh, safe, fruits and veggies. This is where things may get a bit tricky. Not everything is safe for cavies. There are also foods that are only safe on occasion.
Here are a few options:
Vegetables:
- Dandelion Leaves
- Chickweed
- Cucumber
- Peas
- Peppers
- Green Peppers
- Zucchini
- Squash
- Lettuce
Some things are only safe once in a while. Too much broccoli, for instance, can make your pet a bit gassy.
Here are a few things that should only be offered once in a while:
- Bananas
- Beet Greens
- Cherries
- Eggplant
- Mandarin
- Kumquat
- Peppermint
- Pumpkin
- Sweet Potato
- Tomato
- Kiwi
- Radishes
- Spinach
Fruits
- Apples
- Pineapples
- Melons
- Pears
- Peaches
- Plums
- Mandarins
- Blueberries
- Blackberries
- Strawberries
With fruits and veggies, always remove seeds, pips, and thick rinds. You should also wash or rinse produce thoroughly.
Herbs
Guinea pigs can also enjoy some fresh herbs. Just be sure to choose organic ones if possible. Also, wash them thoroughly.
Here are a few options:
- Cilantro
- Dill
- Basil
- Lemon Balm
- Thyme
- Parsley
Never give your pet anything without first researching it to be sure it is safe. Ask your vet for specific advice.
What Foods Should I Avoid Giving A Guinea Pig?
It’s also important to know what isn’t safe. Some may only cause a mild tummy upset, but others can have very serious effects! Some of the foods to avoid include chocolate; caffeine; potato and tomato plant leaves; garlic, onion, scallions, and chives; alcohol; and fried or sugary foods. Always err on the side of caution. As the saying goes:If in doubt, leave it out.
Why Do Guinea Pigs Need Vitamin C?
One thing that is crucial to understand about Guinea pig diets is the fact that these guys absolutely must have Vitamin C. Otherwise, they could develop scurvy or other issues. Your vet may recommend offering a supplement or even giving your little pal chewable tablets.
You’ll also need to include plenty in your pet’s diet. Some good sources are Romaine lettuce and sweet green or yellow peppers. It may seem like offering lots of citrus is the way to go, but you don’t want to offer too much, as that could be too acidic. Ask your Indian Trail, NC vet for specific recommendations, including portion sizes and foods to avoid.
What Kind Of Toys Do Guinea Pigs Need?
Guinea pigs have open-rooted teeth, which never stop growing. In the wild, they would be able to wear those choppers down on roots and tough plants. Pets eat softer food, so your furry pal will need plenty of chew toys to nibble on.
The good news is that you don’t have to break your bank account getting pet toys. There are lots of common household items that will do just fine! Many paper, cardboard, and wicker items can make great Guinea pig toys. You can also offer some simple wood items, such as children’s blocks. There’s almost no end to the adorable ideas you’ll find online.
Just put your pet’s safety first. Avoid anything small or sharp. Items that have dangling ropes or cords are also unsafe
There are a few ‘cavy-eats’ here, though. Only use woods you know are safe, such as apple or blackberry woods. You might need to do some research on this, as many trees and plants are toxic to pets. Even those that would be safe can become poisonous if they have been treated with pesticides or other toxins. Finally, wash and disinfect the branch before you hand it over. Otherwise, you may expose your pet to parasites or disease.
Ask your Stallings, NC vet for more information on safe and unsafe toys.
What Are Other Entertainment Options For Guinea Pigs?
Cavies are really fun pets. They often like playing with their humans, and can even learn some adorable tricks! Mazes are very popular with small pets, and are easy to make out of cardboard boxes, PVC pipe, or paper mache. Just make sure to only use safe materials.
Should I Cover My Guinea Pig’s Cage At Night?
This isn’t something you need to do. In fact, it could cause problems. That cage cover is going to restrict air flow, rendering your cavey cage humid and stagnant. This could lead to respiratory and reproductive problems. Only cover the cage if your vet recommends it. If your pets are in a spot where there’s a lot of commotion, try to relocate the cage.
Keeping Cavies Happy
Last but not least, we want to help you earn some wheeks, which are super cute Guinea pig noises. One thing that will make your pet happier? A roommate. These guys get very lonely alone. In fact, they are so sociable that it is illegal to only have one in Sweden. We recommend getting at least two.
Make An Appointment At Our Matthews, NC Pet Hospital!
Do you have questions about Guinea Pig Care? Please feel free to contact us today. As your Matthews, NC pet clinic, we are happy to serve all of your pet’s veterinary care needs.
