How to care for guinea pig

Guinea pigs belong to the family of rodents, although in appearance they resemble rabbits, except with small ears. Nevertheless, the structure and arrangement of the teeth are very similar to those of rodents. Pigs were domesticated many centuries ago by the ancient Incas, and to this day are considered remarkable pets. These are surprisingly affectionate, active and outgoing creatures. And, unlike small fellow-rodents, leading a daily life. Each guinea pig has its own unique character. There are also lazy dormouse, who love to eat well, and eternal engines, ready to make noise all day long.

Who should get the gilts?

Any mumps can become a wonderful pet. People who do not know how to care for a guinea pig, and are afraid not to cope with this task, may not worry: animals are really unpretentious. Even a child, from the age of six, can take care of them. Also, it is recommended to start guinea pigs for elderly couples and those people who do not have much free time to care for larger and more demanding animals. Pigs do not take up much space, do not spoil furniture and do not require walking outside, and therefore will be an excellent alternative to a dog or a cat.

If the family has representatives of the younger generation, do not be afraid to entrust the contents of the pet to them. Indeed, it is through communication with animals and caring for them that children learn the world. So they learn the responsibility for the lives of others, even while it's just a little animal. It is important to patiently tell the child how to care for the guinea pig, to explain that it can not be pulled at the feet and wool.

Guinea pigs: care and maintenance

The larger the cage where your pet settles, the better. As a filler used large sawdust (not coniferous), which change a couple of times a week. For one guinea pig, there will be enough housing of 70 to 50 cm, but not less. Here it is better not to stint, as the principle "in crowdedness and not in insult" for guinea pigs is unacceptable. The content of one or, worse, a few guinea pigs in a too small cell leads to a weakening in the animals' immunity and the occurrence of various stressful situations. Not to mention infections.

As a result, mumps can be subjected to unpleasant diseases, one of which is alopecia. This means that cute fluffy animals are partially or completely deprived of hair. Curing stress caused by the disease can be, but rehabilitation and recovery will take a lot of time and effort on the part of the owner. It is better just not to allow such situations. That is why the choice of cells should be taken as responsibly as possible.

Choice of Pig

It is best to purchase an animal from breeders who specialize in breeding your favorite breeds. Such people usually take their reputation seriously. In addition, they will be able to tell a lot of interesting things about how to care for the guinea pig of a particular selected breed. After all, it will get to the new owners very small - just right to get lost. Therefore, the purchase of a small pig from the breeder guarantees success, as well as the absence of disease and birth defects.

In second place on reliability is the purchase of a guinea pig in a pet store. But here the future owner should be very attentive. Firstly, in stores often sell adult guinea pigs, and this greatly complicates the domestication of the animal. It is best to buy kids from one month old. They should be active, with shiny eyes, good to eat. Damage to skin and hair, protruding bones, stuck together and dirty in the anus area, hairiness, lethargy suggests that the animal is unhealthy and it is better to refuse the purchase.

Well, in third place will be the purchase of animals, as they say, "with hands". And also in bird markets or by agreement. This is always done at your own peril and risk. The only case when one could recommend this method of acquiring an animal is the acquisition of mumps from good friends.

Feeding

On the shelves of pet stores you can often see books detailing how to care for guinea pig. Considerable attention is paid to the section "feeding". And this is not accidental, because with all the simplicity of the contents, the guinea pigs have a very delicate stomach. The main food of guinea pigs is hay. It should always be in excess. In summer, hay is partly replaced by fresh, well-washed grass: sedge, dandelions, plantain, clover. Of course, if there is where to collect it, since the vegetation from the roadside or from the contaminated area will not go to the animals for good.

Also, in the feeder must be dry food for guinea pigs. It is important that they eat up all or almost all, and not choose the most delicious. If the animal is pampered in this way, it will cease to receive all the substances necessary for the body. As a result, the mumps will begin to suffer from vitamin deficiency. To prevent this from happening, you need to be patient and do not put new food on top of the old one. Fill the trough better in the morning and evening.

Fresh fruits and vegetables should also be present in the diet of guinea pigs. These are apples, cucumbers, tomatoes, carrots (just not too much, otherwise there will be problems with the liver), pears, grapes, watermelon. Pigments are very important vitamin C. Some eat oranges, others receive this vitamin from the green of parsley, fodder or wild rose berries. Either way, vitamin C should be in sufficient quantities. Do not forget about the water. In the cage should always be a drinking bowl, the contents of which are better to change every day.