Guinea pigs can ta
ke up very little room for their living space and, if housed correctly, can take only a minimum of time to keep clean. The correct name of the ‘Guinea Pig” is Cavy.
Housing should be a hutch or cage that is warm and dry. A thick flooring of straw is ideal and the animals will happily tunnel through this material and retain warmth in winter. Besides a covered-in area where the guinea pigs can hide if necessary there should be a wire enclosure area where they can appear if they so wish. The cage should be constructed securely to prevent attacks on the guinea pigs by marauding cats, dogs or carpet snakes.
Guinea pigs can be housed inside, but they appreciate having some time on the lawn where they can eat fresh, green grass.
Guinea pigs will eat most vegetables and can be fed on all types of leaves the green grocer normally discards. Commercial mouse/rat type pellets are also available and these can be a valuable addition to the diet. Oranges, carrots, apples and pumpkin can also be eagerly accepted. Whole or ground oats or wheat may also form part of the diet offered. Vitamin C is important in the diet of cavies and attention to supply of tomatoes, oranges and other vitamin C containing foods or vitamin C drops or tablets is advisable.
There is not a large list of illness that these small animals can be affected by. Occasional ringworm problems and some fairly severe itching due to skin infestation by mites is perhaps the most common. Your vet can treat this.
Gestation period is 9 weeks. Litter sizes can vary up to 7 but are usually 2 or 3.
Do not house two adult males together, as they will fight, and also there can be problems if two adult males are allowed in with young piglets.
