Wheeks and squeaks: Caring for guinea pigs takes work

By Cary Rentola
Larimer Humane Society

Guinea pigs can be the most endearing and wonderful pets. They may live as long as 10 years (the average is five to seven), so the decision to bring one into your home must be made carefully. Like other small, domesticated mammals, guinea pigs require an environment and treatment distinct from dogs and cats and will rely on you for all care.

The Larimer Humane Society and Petfinder.com, the largest database of homeless pets, are celebrating March as Adopt-a-Rescued-Guinea-Pig-Month. Nearly 1,000 guinea pigs (also known as cavies) are listed on the Petfinder.com web site at any one time and the Humane Society has guinea pigs waiting for homes year-round. Read up on guinea pig care and decide if a guinea pig is the right addition to your household.

Guinea pigs are sociable animals, larger than hamsters, but smaller than rabbits.

There are various breeds of guinea pigs and a wide variety of different hair types, colors and markings.

Guinea pigs make wonderful companions. They bite only when very frightened, usually from such things as mishandling or fear of a threatening animal. Adults should supervise children caring for guinea pigs, since these animals need to be treated gently. One of a guinea pig's most endearing traits is its tendency to whistle when excited by someone coming into the room or offering a special treat.

Housing

The minimum space recommended for a single guinea pig is 2-by-2-by-2 feet. More space must be provided for any additional guinea pigs. Wire-bottom cages can be used if something is put down as flooring to keep the guinea pig's feet from getting caught in the wire bottom. Never use a glass aquarium, due to the poor ventilation that it provides. Always keep the cage indoors away from drafts and extreme temperatures.

The bottom of the cage should be lined with wood shavings or some other form of safe bedding. Do not use cedar or pine chips - the oils they contain can be dangerous to the animal. Timothy hay is a good choice of bedding. Change the bedding often enough to keep it dry and odor-free.

Guinea pigs love to hide when they play, so be sure to place cardboard tubes, a plastic igloo or empty coffee cans with smoothed edges in the enclosure. Guinea pigs can be allowed to run free in one room to get some additional exercise, but the room should be carefully checked for any openings from which the guinea pigs can escape, get lost or hurt. These animals must be supervised when they are loose because they will chew on anything in their paths - including wires.

Diet

It is essential for you to provide your pig with enough vitamin C. A quarter of an orange will meet their recommended requirements, and you can also offer other high-C foods such as kale and strawberries. Guinea pig pellets are supplemented with vitamin C.

You can give your guinea pig small amounts of fresh fruit and vegetables to complement its basic diet, but always make sure to clean up any leftover fresh food before it spoils. Make grass hay available to your pet. It's great for the digestive system, and will satisfy your pet's need to gnaw. Fresh, clean water should be available at all times. Use an inverted bottle with a drinking tube, and change the water daily.

General care

Guinea pigs' teeth grow continuously, just like those of all other rodents, so it is important to give your guinea pig a piece of wood that it can gnaw on to wear its teeth down. It's best to provide a tree branch that has not been treated with pesticides or any other chemicals, but any small piece of unpainted wood that hasn't been treated will do.

Guinea pigs are very conscientious about grooming themselves, but brushing them on a regular basis will help keep their coat clean and remove any loose hairs. Longhaired guinea pigs should be brushed daily.

Guinea pigs are social animals that prefer to live in small groups. Fighting usually breaks out among adult males. Several females can be kept together without problems. Since guinea pigs, like all rodents, multiply rapidly, keeping males and females together is not recommended unless one or both are spayed and neutered.

A guinea pig that is ill should be seen by a veterinarian as soon as possible or for other occasional medical care. Look for a veterinarian who specializes in exotic pets for the best care.

Visit the library at www.petfinder.com for articles on grooming, environment and general care or pick up the free handout "Guinea Pig Behavior and Nutrition" from the Larimer Humane Society.

Since guinea pigs are common residents in shelters, adopt one from the Humane Society or a small animal rescue group. You can view guinea pigs and other animals available for adoption at www.larimerhumane.org or search on sites like www.petfinder.com for guinea pigs in need of loving homes.

Cary Rentola is the marketing and community events manager at the Larimer Humane Society. She can be reached at 970-226-3647 extensions 146 or by email at cary@larimerhumane.org.