Guinea Pigs
The guinea pig (or "cavy") is a small rodent native to the Andes
Mountains of South America. They are popular as pets because
of their docile temperament (they rarely bite) and relatively clean
habits. Guinea pigs live an average of 5 to 6 years and
range in weight from 450 to 900 grams (1 to 2 pounds). There
are three basic varieties: the common shorthair, the Abyssinian,
which has whorls in its haircoat, and the longhair Peruvian.
All types make great pets for both children and adults.
Housing
Guinea pigs should be kept in cages when they are
alone. The enclosure must be roomy enough to allow normal
activity and at least 10 inches high. The top can be
open. The flooring should be solid since wire mesh can cause
foot and leg injuries. Bedding must be clean, absorbent, and
dust-free. Shredded paper, wood shavings, or corncob are all
suitable. Cages should have adequate ventilation and be
cleaned frequently. Guinea pigs are startled by loud noises
or sudden movements and may start to run or vocalize. It
is best if the cage is kept in a relatively quiet area.
Diet
Guinea pigs should be fed a diet of guinea pig pellets
supplemented with small amounts of vegetables and fruit.
Vegetables high in vitamin C (red pepper, green pepper, spinach,
kale, cabbage, zucchini) are recommended and should be given
daily. Sudden changes in diet may cause anorexia or diarrhea
and should be avoided.
Guinea pigs require a source of roughage to promote proper
digestive tract function and additional vitamin
supplementation. Fresh cut johnson grass or bermuda grass
that is free of insecticides, and preferably unfertilized, are
excellent sources of fiber and vitamins. Fresh baled coastal
bermuda hay is also good in this respect, and guinea pigs may enjoy
bedding in this, too.
All guinea pigs require a dietary source of vitamin C (ascorbic
acid). Commercial guinea pig pellets are fortified with
vitamin C, but amounts deteriorate quickly after the 90-day shelf
life has expired. Vitamin C added to the drinking water can
help prevent deficiencies from developing. We recommend use
of a pediatric liquid vitamin C supplement sold over the counter in
pharmacies. This can be given directly into the mouth or
added to fresh water daily. The maintenance dosage for
vitamin C in guinea pigs is 25 mg per day.
Water bottles with sipper tubes are useful, but the water should
be changed daily, and the sipper tips need to be checked regularly
for clogging.
Breeding
Guinea pigs reach sexual maturity as young as 5 to 10 weeks of
age. Females should be bred before 7 months of age. If
the first breeding occurs at an older age, serious complications
with
delivery can occur, and cesarean section is sometimes required to
save the mother as well as her babies. An uncomplicated
delivery usually requires less than 1 hour. Gestation period
averages 63 days. Litter sizes can range from one to six, but
three to four babies are most common. Babies are born
relatively mature; they are fully haired, they have teeth, their
eyes are open, and they start eating solid food within a few
days. Young guinea pigs are usually weaned at 2 to 4 weeks of
age.
