Guinea Pigs

Guinea pigs or Cavy, as they are also known, are small rodents that can be easily kept as pets. These animals why not visit, Chevy Diecast have nothing to do with pigs or with New Guinea, despite their names, and are probably closer to rats in that sense. However, they are extremely cute & furry animals also look at, Start Scrapbooking that are a perennial also look at, RC Tank Accessories favourite amongst children, especially in terms of a pet that requires relatively little maintenance and responsibilities. Guinea pigs are not available in the wild and are considered to be a specially bred species who's origins can be traced back to the Andes.

The first evidence of the domestication of guinea pigs comes from way back in 5,000 BC, when these animals also look at, Doll Display Cabinets were kept by South American tribes and bred as a food have a look at, Start Scrapbooking source. They do not have any significance as working animals , Digital Child Photography and that means, they are not likely to be of any other use than food. why not visit, Kite Fighting However, modern day guinea pigs are kept as pets mainly because children are attracted to these rodents and as far as rodents go, they don't evoke the same kind of feelings as rats or mice do.

Understanding the Guinea Pig

As far as rodents go, guinea pigs can be relatively large and can even go up to weight around 1.2 kg. The bigger ones grow also look at, Collectible Watches and Clocks up to about 10 inches while the average life span of these creatures is somewhere between 4 to 5 years. Since these rodents are not found in the wild, there is no known natural , Digital Child Photography habitat for guinea pigs, in particular, and that is why the guinea pig cages or enclosures that you find, in pet stores, have nothing to do with any kind of natural try, Kite Fighting environment.

In general, guinea pigs are quite docile and rarely bite, if ever. They are even known to squeak with delight with their favourite humans enter the room look at, Sugar Free Banana Crumpet Muffins or when they can sense those people around them. If you are looking to get a pet for your child and want to start them off on the responsibility trail with something relatively simple, then this is the place have a look at, Digital Photography Secrets to begin.

There are three basic types of guinea pigs that you will find in pet stores. There are those that have large tufts of fur and are quite bushy - these are called the Abyssinian variety and are extremely popular. The most common version though is the smooth-coated guinea pig where the fur is glossy and short. The third variety is the Peruvian, with long and silky hair that touches the ground. Their characteristics are all the same but no matter what you do, make sure you read up on these animals have a look at, Needlecraft Collectibles before you get them home. also look at, RC Models - Radio-controlled Models

Boarding & Lodging for Guinea Pigs

Guinea pigs hate being alone so if you are trying to buy or adopt one, consider getting a couple instead, at least. They are extremely social creatures and love to live in small groups for the sense of security also see, RC Models - Radio-controlled Models it provides and for the sense of companionship. Guinea pigs also multiply rapidly so ensure that you are picking up the same species if you don't want to end up with little guineas running all around.

When picking the cage, think of it as four-square feet per guinea pig that's going to stay in it. That gives these animals also look at, Home Improvement Construction enough space to move around and do their thing. Ideally, the bottom of the cage needs to be completely solid because a wire-base cage can result in legs getting caught between the wires and causing injury to the animals. consider, RC Airplane Parts Glass consider, Compact Digital Camera aquariums should never be used for these animals why not visit, Vintage Computer Collectibles as they do not allow good ventilation. Line the bottom of the cage with some wood look at, Dolls House Furniture shavings or hay, which becomes the soft hay that these animals try, Alphie Toy Robot sleep on. Make sure that you aren't using pine or cedar wood also look at, Loglangs shavings though, because these wood also see, Cape Malay recipe for mutton curry species might contain certain oils that are harmful to the animal.

Put in a few plastic look at, RC Power Planes exercise machines and you are all set to go with a basic cage. There will always be a large variety of objects you will find in a pet store, to put into your cages, but make sure that you are giving them enough space to run around in. As for the food, have a look at, Dolls House Wallpaper the best thing available our there is guinea pig pellets, commercially manufactured, that are stuffed with all the right nutrients. You feed your pets twice daily - morning and evening - and you can also give them some fresh fruit checkout, Loglangs to nibble on throughout the day. Remember to not stuff too many things in there because they don't eat too much at a time.

As long as you are cleaning the cage regularly and removing all the small droppings or bits of food why not visit, Doll Display Cabinets that are left behind, ever day, the cage should be clean and free of diseases. , Alphie Toy Robot Once every week, you will need to change look at, Countertop Display Cases the entire base of the bedding, why not visit, Sugar Free Banana Crumpet Muffins get in new shavings or straw look at, Professional Builders - The New Breed of Home Builder and clean things up more thoroughly. Finally, the most important thing to remember is that you need your animals look at, Mini RC Tank to be accustomed to you, your presence and your touch. You will need to move them around quite frequently, when cleaning the cage, and you do not want them to go into shock each time you approach the cage. Make sure you feed them by hand, quite often, and make sure you are not too loud around them.

A small rodent like the guinea pig can be extremely easy to take care of if you keep some basic principles in mind. Stick to those and you will find a wonderful companion who enjoys your presence around them and are extremely easy to take care of. After all, who doesn't love a cute little guinea pig?