Guinea pigs thrive when kept together and should always be housed in pairs. Their sounds include an excited “wheek-wheek”, which signals excitement or the need to find another friend.
Cages should be large enough to allow guinea pigs enough room to explore and run around without incurring injuries from wire flooring or hard surfaces, which could otherwise restrict movement and exploration.
1. They’re not a good choice for children
Guinea pigs make great pets for children aged 10 or over; however, they’re too fragile to be safely handled by younger children who don’t yet possess enough maturity to assume responsibility for caring for their care needs.
Guinea pigs can live for seven years, making them an unlikely friend in the lives of young children if they become attached and then lose it. But for children who’ve come close, losing a pet may be hard.
Guinea pigs require plenty of attention. They need to be fed daily and given fresh water twice per day. Guinea pigs should also receive fresh leafy greens like kale and spinach along with vegetables and fruit that are low in sugar content, plus grass-based hay for nutrition purposes.
2. They’re not a good choice for cats
When it comes to dogs and cats, introducing new animals slowly can be key. By watching your pets react carefully, you can observe any negative or excitable behavior which might indicate it should be delayed further. Also make sure any larger animal wears a muzzle and collar to reduce any unnecessary stress levels.
Before introducing any new animals into the household, it is a good idea to give the larger animals plenty of playtime first – this will help wear them out and lower their energy levels. Furthermore, never feed your guinea pigs anything harmful like string or wood shavings; use paper bedding or blanket style sheets that are easily laundered and maintained instead.
Keep in mind that guinea pigs are highly social and thrive when placed with other cagemates, as being alone can become stressful and cause anxiety.
3. They’re not a good choice for elderly people
Guinea pigs can be curious creatures that chew up anything within reach, from furniture to plastic containers. As with any pet, regular checks on your guinea pigs and their enclosure should be conducted for signs of injury or illness; provide adequate space and ensure there are no hazards posed to them within. Should any changes in behavior be observed it’s essential that these be brought immediately to a vet as soon as possible.
Guinea pigs are vulnerable to skin conditions, and should be kept in an enclosure with clean bedding. Their fur should be checked every day and professionally cleaned at least once every week, plus they need fresh vegetables (excluding those high in sugar) and timothy hay daily and fruit as a treat from time to time. In addition, they must always have access to fresh water that does not freeze.
4. They’re not a good choice for people with allergies
Es is always disappointing when someone wants an animal but cannot due to allergies, but unfortunately guinea pigs aren’t hypoallergenic pets and can trigger allergic reactions in those sensitive to them.
Cages they live in often contain wood shavings which trap hairs, leading to allergies. Hay may also contain dust particles that trigger reactions; in extreme situations some guinea pigs may even bite when stressed; this practice known as barbering may aggravate skin allergies further.
Be mindful that guinea pigs require fresh vegetables and fruit daily; their bodies do not produce vitamin C themselves, so they need sources such as kale, lettuce and carrots as sources of this essential nutrient. You may also offer apple and oranges as treats or occasional snacks – keeping this in mind will help prevent allergies from emerging.
5. They’re not a good choice for people with asthma
Guinea pigs, like other rodents, possess rootless teeth which grow continuously throughout their lives. Front incisors in particular are susceptible to overgrowing too quickly for the jaw and can lead to discomfort or oral injuries if left unchecked; to combat this risk it is wise to provide plenty of twigs, straw and chew toys in their cage.
Guinea pigs require at least 75% of their diet to consist of high-quality grass hay, with alfalfa being ideal for pregnant females and babies. Guinea pigs also need access to leafy greens and vitamin C-rich veggies such as romaine lettuce, baby kale and cilantro as well as red or green peppers, parsley and carrots; fruit should only comprise 5-6% of their diet due to being high in natural sugars.
Adopting from a rescue is the ethical choice to make, as well as providing your new companion with a happy home environment. Guinea pigs from rescue organizations are prescreened and treated for any health issues before being separated from their mothers early, which ensures optimal mental and physical wellbeing for your new pet.
6. They’re not a good choice for people with diabetes
Guinea pigs need high quality hay to help support their digestive systems and avoid becoming constipated, and constant access to fresh water. If there is any change in how much water your guinea pig drinks, contact a vet immediately as this may be a telltale sign that they’re sick.
Like all animals, guinea pigs can develop health issues that reduce their lifespan. These issues include digestive issues, parasites/mite infestation and vitamin C deficiency. If you notice your guinea pig losing weight or drinking less water than usual, showing signs of vomiting or diarrhea or seeming unwell, make an appointment with the veterinarian right away.
When your guinea pig gets excited, they often jump and spin around their cage to demonstrate what’s known as popcorning (Some of us do that as well when we win in slots. Visit or여기를 클릭하세요 to find best slots platforms to play), similar to when dogs experience “zoomies.” It’s an excellent way of showing them just how much you care! Give your pet some love! This is a wonderful way for it to know just how much you adore them!
7. They’re not a good choice for people with allergies
No pet can truly be considered hypoallergenic, although guinea pigs tend to shed less than other animals and produce smaller and smoother dander than some breeds. Still, they may cause itching, swelling and reddening on those susceptible to allergies in your household.
Guinea pigs are highly social animals that require companions of their own kind to play, cuddle and interact with. Without other guinea pigs around, anxiety and stress will set in and they could develop health issues due to being alone for too long.
Guinea pigs require plenty of room for exercise and running around, as well as access to hay and toys they can gnaw on. Their feeding habits tend to create quite the mess, so an easy-clean cage is important. Furthermore, their teeth grow continuously throughout their lives so it is crucial for their front incisors not becoming too long and cause oral injuries.
8. They’re not a good choice for people with diabetes
Guinea pigs should not be recommended to young children as they can be easily traumatized by improper handling. Furthermore, children often become the main targets for abuse; although pets may serve as great tools to teach responsibility in children’s lives, this shouldn’t come at the cost of child traumatization.
They do not like being picked up and when approached will often chatter their teeth or run away to burrow or hide – likely an evolutionary adaptation to help avoid predators. Crepuscular creatures tend to be most active at dawn and dusk.
Guinea pigs require plenty of care and attention. They should be fed timothy hay (preferably pellets fortified with Vitamin C), fresh vegetables, and water; fruit should be limited since its high sugar content makes it unhealthy for them.
9. They’re not a good choice for people with allergies
As with cats and dogs, guinea pigs may cause allergies in some individuals. Guinea pigs produce proteins in their dander and urine which contain allergenic proteins that cause breathing or skin allergies in those susceptible. People who suffer from allergies should exercise caution around these small mammals; it would be prudent for those to consult a vet who specializes in exotic pets to make sure that they can handle them adequately.
Guinea pigs also possess an odd number of toes on their back feet, making them poor climbers. Furthermore, their nails grow continuously and must be regularly trimmed; this odd foot structure may help them burrow and tunnel their natural habitat; however it can make them unwieldy and difficult to handle when handled in captivity.
When considering getting a guinea pig, be prepared for a long-term commitment. These small creatures live an average lifespan of five to seven years and need a large indoor cage, plenty of food and regular veterinary care. If possible, adopting one from an animal shelter or rescue will allow you to see how the pet was cared for and know they came from a responsible home.