Guinea Pigs
Guinea Pigs are not really pigs, and they don't come from Guinea. They are native to the Andes Mountains of South America. In all likelihood the name was derived because they were first introduced in Europe by early explorers who picked them up in South America and passed through Guinea on the return voyage. The Pig nomenclature refers to their squealing calls.
Guinea Pigs have been domesticated for centuries. The Incas kept them as pets and as emergency food sources. Native South American people still maintain "herds" of them in their villages today.
Diet
Guinea Pigs are primarily fed a pellet diet. They are unique in that they are the only mammal other than primates that do not metabolize Vitamin C from sunshine. Therefore their diet must be supplemented with this essential vitamin at a rate of 10 mg per day. Guinea Pig Pellets have stabilized Vitamin C added to them. We recommend giving them a slice of fresh orange daily to supply the natural vitamin C, which is better than any supplement.
Fresh vegetables and Timothy Hay should also be added to the diet to ensure they receive the proper amount of vitamins and minerals essential for good health.
Fresh water should always be available in a drinking tube or water bottle.
Housing
Guinea Pigs can be kept in cages with flat bottoms never use a cage with metal screening on the bottom this can cause them to break their toes, etc. another good home is a large aquarium although many people use these they can desocialize the animal if not handled daily. Ensure you put a wire top on the cage to protect the animal from other animals that may cohabit the home.. Special Guinea Pig cages are fairly large and have a deep tray to keep the shavings from being scattered about. The set up also requires several food bowl with fresh food one for pellets the other for fresh veggies, etc. and fresh water bottles at all times. You must also provide plenty of bedding a hiding spot a closed exercise wheel a mineral block and other items for chewing to ensure their teeth stay clean and shaved down. Make sure they are not near a draft or vent that carries cold air, ensure they are in stable temperature. If they are getting a cool breeze they may develop an upper respritory infection.
Handling & Care
Guinea pigs are social animals they love to be with people and interact with people. They do really well with children since they do not bite they would rather run away. (no small animals are recommended for really young children). There is no need to have more than one Guinea Pig when they are part of the family and handled on a very frequent bases.
Guinea Pigs are easy to handle. Simply gently scoop the animal into the palm of your hand, while placing your other hand over the animal's back and lift.
Traditionally pine shavings have been used as bedding material for these animals, but recent studies indicate that the phenols in pine that cause their aroma, also can lead to health problems in animals that have direct exposure over an extended period of time. Aspen bedding is a much better and safer choice. Shredded aspen bedding is easy to keep clean and remove soiled bedding and contains no large hard pieces that may harm the animal. There is also a pelleted bedding that is made out of paper and that also provides a great bedding but is not as soft.
Never use cedar shavings for Guinea Pigs, as the phenols are very strong and cause serious respiratory, skin, coat and liver problems. It can also cause anaphalitic shock and kill the animal swiftly.
