Just added to your cart. Continue shopping. Close search. How long do guinea pigs live? A guinea pig is not a hamster. So, go on then, what is the average lifespan of a pet guinea pig? How can we help our precious piggies to enjoy a long and happy life? The Rainbow Bridge As with any animal, there can be health problems in guinea pigs that occur at any age. Females can be kept together, as can males without any issues. Be aware that sometimes personality differences in the animals will mean certain guinea pigs won't get along.
Introducing them as babies is the best way to get a pair to bond, though even adults can usually be introduced with care. Guinea pigs need a lot of floor space, and most cages marketed as guinea pig cages are much too small, especially for a pair. Making a homemade cage is very easy, though, and since guinea pigs are a good size and not escape artists, a homemade cage is a great option. Guinea pigs make a distinctive wheeking or whistling type sound, often in anticipation of getting a favorite treat or when in need of some attention.
Though generally not loud enough to annoy the neighbors, a wheeking guinea pig can be surprisingly loud. If you're looking for an animal whose vocals will never interrupt a dinner party or afternoon nap, a guinea pig might not be for you. While guinea pigs may be nervous or skittish at first, with consistent gentle handling, they usually become tame very easily. Careful handling is a must, and children should be supervised with them, but they are unlikely to bite even when stressed.
Guinea pigs are one of the few animals humans are another that cannot manufacture their own vitamin C , so they need to get it from their diet. Choosing a good quality diet and providing a variety of fresh foods and roughage is important, but most owners choose to also give their animals a vitamin C supplement.
Vitamin C tablets are considered a better way to supplement than adding vitamin C to your pet's water. Before heading out to buy a guinea pig, check with your local shelters or rescues for guinea pigs in need of a new home.
Many guinea pigs end up at shelters and are in need of a second chance at a forever home. Shelter guinea pigs are generally social and easy-going. It should be easy to bond with an older guinea pig. Provide at least one small box or hideaway hut within the enclosure to ensure that your guinea pig has a secure, hidden place to rest. Regular veterinary visits are an important component of keeping your guinea pig healthy. Just like dogs and cats, guinea pigs should see the veterinarian every six to 12 months for a routine checkup.
At this visit, the veterinarian will ask about housing, nutrition, and other issues to ensure that a guinea pig is receiving the best possible care at home. The veterinarian will also perform a thorough physical exam, assessing overall body condition, teeth, eyes, and ears.
In addition to these routine wellness visits, guinea pigs should be taken to a veterinarian any time that they are showing signs of illness. Guinea pigs are very social animals. For this reason, it is often best to have two guinea pigs, if you have the space, time, and financial resources to do so. If you purchase your guinea pig from a breeder or pet store, you may be able to purchase two guinea pigs that have been housed together since a young age.
You may have heard that guinea pigs cannot vomit. Unlike dogs, cats, and humans, guinea pigs lack a vomiting reflex. This has several implications. More important, however, is the fact that a guinea pig that appears to be vomiting is likely doing something different. Some guinea pigs drop small amounts of chewed food if they are having a dental issue. If you ever suspect that your guinea pig is vomiting, understand that there is likely something different going on, and contact your veterinarian.
For a guinea pig to thrive, it is important to meet their nutritional, medical, and social requirements by providing appropriate care and being aware of the requirements of these unique pets.
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