Advies cavia

Everything you need to know about guinea pigs

Small pets
Guinea pigs are social and affectionate animals that require specific care and environment to live optimally. In this blog, we discuss everything you need to know about taking care of guinea pigs, from nutrition and housing to companionship and health.

The history of guinea pigs

Guinea pigs, native to South America, particularly Peru and Chile, have been beloved pets for centuries. Originally they lived in the wild, but were also kept as pets early on. In the late 16th century, they found their way to Europe. Guinea pigs are sweet, affectionate and generally quiet animals, making them excellent companions for children.

Care

It is crucial to take good care of your guinea pig and provide it with proper nutrition. Guinea pigs are social animals that naturally live in groups. A guinea pig kept alone can quickly become lonely. Therefore, it is advisable to keep guinea pigs together with one or more conspecifics. Be well informed about how best to keep guinea pigs in a group. It is also important to play, cuddle and brush your guinea pig daily.

What do guinea pigs eat?

Guinea pigs are herbivores (herbivores) with a long digestive tract to break down plant cells and release all the nutrients. Like rabbits, guinea pigs regularly eat their own feces, a natural behavior called “coprophagy. In addition to guinea pig food, they eat hay, vegetables and fruits. Hay is an important nutrient that stimulates intestinal function and helps wear down teeth. Vitamin C is essential for healthy, active guinea pigs with beautiful coats. Because guinea pigs cannot produce vitamin C themselves, it is important to provide food that contains all essential vitamins. HobbyFirst Hope Farms offers feeds such as Guinea Pig Granola (deluxe granola) and Guinea Pig Complete (pressed kibble) that ensure your guinea pig doesn't lack anything. Find more information here:

Purchasing a Guinea Pig

Before you buy a guinea pig, you need to be sure you can take good care of it. Here are some important points to keep in mind:
Provide good housing.
Provide plenty of room for exercise.
Provide fresh water, hay and feed daily.
Cuddle and brush your guinea pig daily.
Clean the cage weekly.
Visit the veterinarian regularly.

Which guinea pig is right for you?

When choosing a guinea pig, it is important to consider what you like and whether you want an indoor or outdoor guinea pig. Guinea pigs can live outside in the summer, but they need protection from cold, heat and rain. When the temperature drops, they need to move to a draft and frost-free area. There are several breeds and varieties, including smooth-haired, long-haired and brush-haired guinea pigs. Be sure to learn about the different breeds and choose a guinea pig that suits you.

Some facts about guinea pigs

Guinea pigs see all colors.
The guinea pig's family name is Porcellus.
There are more than 25 breeds of guinea pigs.
Guinea pigs recognize your personal smell.
A guinea pig's body temperature is 37-39 degrees.
Willow twigs are good for wearing down teeth. You can also give untreated twigs from fruit trees.