What if, due to lack of time, there is no way to keep a dog in the apartment, but I really want to have a small, furry and smart friend? In this situation, the guinea pig can be an ideal pet. This is the smallest animal with small clever eyes perfectly suited for apartment keeping, caring for it does not require much time and money. Guinea pigs are very friendly, sociable and able to become a good friend for both a child and an adult. They are absolutely unpretentious, so they are very popular among lovers of domestic animals.
Guinea pig cage
These small pets do not need any special houses. In a cage measuring 1x0.7 m, it is perfectly acceptable to keep 3-4 pigs. Such a simple home can be made independently or purchased at a pet store. Most preferably, metal cells with a sliding plexiglass tray. This greatly facilitates cleaning, because they are easy to clean with any disinfectant, durable, not damaged by rodents and let in enough light. The bottom of the cell is covered with sawdust, which changes twice a week. It is very practical to use cat litter as bedding.
It is important to choose the right place where the pig’s dwelling will be located. It should be dry, bright and warm. It is unacceptable to keep these animals in the basement or in a draft.
Guinea pig feeding
Guinea pigs are completely unpretentious in food. They belong to herbivores, therefore in nature their main food is grass and branches of bushes. At home, they are happy to eat fresh vegetables and fruits, preferring cucumbers, cabbage, salad, apples.
The features of the digestive system in these animals are such that they absorb food in very small portions, but quite often. In addition, the body of guinea pigs is not able to produce vitamin C, therefore, it is necessary to ensure its daily intake in the amount of 5 mg by adding ascorbic acid to the water. The addition of cereal to the diet will be an additional source of vitamins. By winter, hay for pigs is harvested. It is necessary to feed the animal 2-3 times a day, always at certain hours. Failure to comply with the feeding regimen can lead to disruption of the intestines and even death.
Water treatments
Although this smallest animal is called a guinea pig, it has nothing to do with the sea, swimming does not recognize and does not tolerate it. But there are situations when, due to severe contamination of the wool, such a procedure is simply necessary. In this case, you should try to wash only that part of the animal that is dirty, and do it very carefully so as not to wet your head. You can use baby soap or shampoo that does not contain aggressive ingredients. Water temperature should be 36-38⁰. After swimming, thoroughly wipe the animal with a soft towel and put it in a warm place.
If the coat is long, you will have to dry it with a hairdryer, making sure at first that its noise will not frighten this cute pet.
Care and communication
Guinea pigs do not cause any particular trouble to their owners. But positive emotions give a lot. It is very interesting to observe their behavior. These quite companionable and very cute animals behave quite funny, especially surrounded by their relatives. If the pig lives alone, then its cage is best set in the room where family members most often gather together. Do not include loud music, a TV or a vacuum cleaner next to the beast, because sharp sounds scare him very much.
Any smallest animal responds to affection and care. Guinea pig is no exception and also adores communication with humans. If you do not take the animal from time to time in your arms and do not talk with it, then the animal may also be bored. Therefore, if a guinea pig appeared in the house, you will have to allocate time in your schedule not only for feeding it, but also for communication and games, so that the animal does not feel lonely.
Despite the fact that guinea pigs are very calm and quiet animals that sleep most of the time, no one has canceled the need for movement. Sometimes you need to give the animal the opportunity to walk around the room or even on the street.
Very rarely, guinea pigs are aggressive and only in relation to other animals. Any unfamiliar environment or danger makes them flee or take an absolutely motionless pose. In nature, this feature often helps to save their life. Such the smallest animal is simply the perfect solution for any child who dreams of a little friend.
Guinea Pig Travel
When you have to leave to the country or to nature, the guinea pig will only be happy with active recreation. For transportation, it is best to purchase a special container. At the resting place, as a house, you can use a wooden box without a bottom, which is placed tightly on the grass, and is covered with mesh material to protect from insects from above. The main thing is to ensure that the animal does not run away, does not overheat or freezes. After a walk, conduct a thorough inspection to identify ticks.
Guinea pig is a great option for a pet for single elderly people. This animal appeared in the house will give a sea of positive and joy of communication with him.