Guinea pigs, or cavies, are cuddly animals that make great first pets. They are relatively clean, and depending on the breed; require little maintenance. Long haired breeds such as the Texel, Peruvian and Silkie require more attention to their coat.
Housing and Feeding of the Guinea Pig
Cavy housing is minimal; a ten or twenty gallon aquarium, or wire cage with solid bottom works perfectly. Pine shavings or recycled newspaper pellets should cover the bottom surface to absorb urine and to protect the pet’s feet. A water bottle with supplemental Vitamin C, guinea pig pellets and a feeding dish are the minimum requirements.
Simple toys such as a toilet paper roll, or anything wooden and not easily shredded, can be included for the guinea pig to enjoy. Cavies do not require exercise wheels, balls and other colorful toys. Unlike rats, mice, hamsters, gerbils, and other pet rodents, guinea pigs do not require room or equipment for excessive exercise.
Guinea pigs are sloth-like in their movements. The cavy is more sedentary than other rodents. Their body size compared to their foot ratio makes it difficult to maintain high speeds. Their heart rate is also considerably lower than their rodent cousins.
A guinea pig's diet consists of alfalfa rich pellets. Food prepared specifically for the guinea pig contains all the nutrition the cavy requires. Rabbit, mice or rat food is not sufficient enough in Vitamin C for the guinea pig. Although generally less expensive, this food product should not be a mainstay in the guinea pig's diet.
Hay may be added as bedding and ingested once a week. Cavies love oranges, apples, lettuce, carrots and most vegetables and fruits. Unlike other rodents, whose digestive tracts cannot handle the excessive moisture in lettuce, guinea pigs thrive on these nutritious treats. Broccoli, cauliflower and cabbage should be avoided as they can cause gas, bloating and discomfort in the pet.
Breeding Basics for Guinea Pigs
Guinea pigs are affectionate and prefer to be with a mate. If the space is large enough, three or more sows will commune just fine. If breeding is desired, a box at least four square feet per pig, with shavings and two or more water bottles should be arranged. Unlike other rodents, sows can co-exist with one boar. The only drawback is pregnancy. If breeding is the objective, a boar can easily co-exist and breed three sows at a time.
There is no need to create a nesting box or remove the boar, as with other rodents. These affectionate cavies are quite romantic. The boar will woo his potential mate with a purring sound and a sway to his swagger. The sow, if in heat will respond by rubbing her body around his. If the sow is not in heat, she will not hurt the boar, but will resist his advances. When not doing a romantic dance for his female compatriots, the boar will co-exist beautifully with them.
There is no need to remove the boar until the sow is near the birthing stage. Gestation is twenty-eight to thirty days, the same as most rodents. The sow does nothing to prepare for the birth. Most rodents make a nest of shavings, straw, and pulled fur from their own bodies. The mother cavy need only wait until labor to prepare for her children. The average litter is two to four pups. Average litters of other rodent’s range from four to eight offspring per pregnancy.
Babies are born with their eyes fully open. The coat is short but full. The baby cavy is able to walk, squeal, nurse and play minutes after the protective sack is removed by the mother. Father's are removed only to prevent trampling of the new babies. They will not harm their offspring as other rodents tend to do.
Guinea pig mothers are very attentive and have excellent maternal instincts. Unlike rabbit, rat, mouse and hamster mothers, that leave their hairless pinkies in the nest except for feeding time; the sow watches over her brood. When not nursing, the little piglets squeal, run and tug at their mother.
It is best to keep the mother and her pups alone, without another sow. The other female may become jealous. She will not harm the babies, but may try and surrogate them. Jealousy is very apparent in the guinea pig mother war.
The father may be placed back with his family only if the babies are all males. Young guinea pigs should not become pregnant until they are at least six months old, another difference between the cavy and other rodents. Mice, rabbits, gerbils and other rodents may become pregnant after their young are weaned.
Breeders and owners of guinea pigs hesitate to refer to their animals as rodents. The differences are so vast that the genetic term, rodent is rarely used.
Sources:
Author was the President of the Utah Cavy Breeders Association in the 1990s.
Guinea Pigs for Show and as Pets
Cathlene Smith - I have written two psychological thrillers this year, "Slivers of Reality" and its sequel to be released in 2010. I have also written a ...
