How to Care for Guinea Pigs

How to Care for Guinea Pigs
Guinea pigs are smaller pets but they require a lot of space, time, effort and human interaction. If you are ready to give your guinea pig a good home with proper food, attention, living space, care and veterinary care, you will be rewarded with a happy, healthy, sweet and funny guinea pig.



Make a cage You should have at least 4 m 2 cage area for a guinea pig or at least 8 for two people. [1] Bigger is always better - if you have enough space for a larger cage, make up your mind! Your pigs will appreciate the space they can get.
Buy a cage with a firm bottom. Do not buy anything that has a wire bottom because guinea pigs have very sensitive feet that need to be protected. Wire ground causes Hummelfuß. [2]
Do not cover when the walls of the cage are at least 12 "-14" high. For tall pens no lid is required. However, it is better to have one if something is thrown in the cage. The lid could block it.
If the cage is to be outdoors, you have small children or dangerous pets in the house, you will need a lid.
Beware of multi-level cages. A fall of more than 6 "may injure the guinea pig's feet or legs, and older guinea pigs should only be kept in shallow cages - remember that your piggy may not be able to climb ramps. [3]
Provide the guinea pig with a few inches of paper beds. Be careful because paper keeps the odor and change it at least twice a week or more often if you live in a humid environment. Never use cedar or pine bedding as this may cause respiratory problems. Aspen is usually fine, but air it if it appears particularly odoriferous. However, paper is always preferable. [4] You can also use a soft fleece blanket with a UHaul pad or other absorbent layer underneath to absorb everything without removing your guinea pig bedding. The fleece must be cleaned daily.
Find a good place for the cage. A place where the family spends several days a day is the best place. A living room, bedroom or hall is the best choice, as there is often traffic. Your guinea pigs should get used to their humans. [5]
Make sure no one can trip, push or knock over the cage. This is fatal for your piggy.
Do not put the cage in a garage with cars as the fumes can injure or even kill guinea pigs and the temperature in a garage is usually not regulated.