If you wonder how to take care of a guinea pig, it is because you have the soul of an exotic Animal Technician. Have you never considered it? Well, you are in the perfect place to discover your new profession. At Nubika we can help you achieve the future you want by caring for pets of all kinds. We promise you won’t get bored with this specialization!
Contents
Pet guinea pig: basics
Guinea pigs are very social and calm animals. These rodents of the family of the cavies are native to the Andes (Peru, Bolivia, Chile, and Argentina). They are also known by other names: guinea pigs, guinea pigs, guinea pigs,s or whose. There are different types of guinea pig: Peruvian guinea pig, Abyssinian guinea pig, Texel guinea pig, colonel guinea pig, sheltie guinea pig, skinny guinea pig, Baldwin guinea pig, American guinea pig, self guinea pig, teddy guinea pig, rex guinea pig, etc.
The main characteristics of these animals are:
- They live between 4 and 10 years.
- They measure between 20 and 35 cm.
- They weigh between 500 and 1500 grams.
- They have a 340-degree vision thanks to the lateral position of their eyes.
- They have dichromatic vision, that is, they only perceive violet, blue and greenish tones.
- They are gregarious animals.
- They can be very fun and loving pets!
Adopt a guinea pig
Guinea pigs are very common pets around the world. These animals do not require as much care as a dog, a cat, or rarer exotic species. For this reason, Guinea Pigs is often chosen to become the first pet of many children.
On the other hand, having a companion animal can be very beneficial for children with autism. If you complete your resume with a specialty in Animal Assisted Therapy, you will be able to discover all the advantages that the little ones enjoy in the company of pets such as the guinea pig.
However, before adopting a guinea pig we have to know what basic care it needs. The ideal is to consult previously with the Exotic Animal Technician so that he can advise us properly on how to care for a guinea pig: feeding, habitat, prevention of common health problems, etc.
Caring tips of a guinea pig
The necessary care to guarantee the well-being and good health of a guinea pig is relatively simple: it does not need to be taken for a walk several times a day, it does not need constant attention, it does not require the same amount of food as a larger animal, etc. Let’s see some tips to take care of these calm animals.
How to care for a guinea pig? Read the tips below
The general tips for caring for our guinea pig are as follows:
- Provide him with a cage that is wide enough so that he can move freely.
- Put a special layer on the floor of the cage that does not damage its legs.
- Place this cage in a quiet place free from drafts.
- Keep his cage clean.
- Brush her hair regularly and groom her.
- Keep her entertained with toys and keep her company.
- Let her walk outside the cage under supervision for exercise.
- Provide him with an adequate diet: fruits, vegetables, specialized feed for guinea pigs, and hay.
- Give him fresh, clean water to hydrate.
- Cut his nails once a month.
The exotic Animal Technician will be able to advise the owners of these pets on more specific care and particular recommendations for each case.
Veterinary exotic animals: the guinea pig
To keep our guinea pig in perfect condition, we must be attentive to possible changes in its behavior or physical appearance. If we observe something irregular, we must go with her to the veterinary doctor’s clinic.
Before adopting a guinea pig, it is recommended that you locate a veterinary center that has a Technician specialized in exotic animals. These types of pets require different attention than dogs and cats. Therefore, it will always be better attended by an expert with the appropriate training on its species.
Common diseases of guinea pigs
The most common diseases and health problems among guinea pigs are the following:
- Scurvy: produced by vitamin C deficiency.
- Scabies: caused by an infestation of mites.
- Fungi: usually appears when your diet is low in fiber for a long time.
- Diarrhea: due to excess vitamin C, excess vegetables, or a change in your diet.
- Colds and pneumonia: caused by viruses or bacteria. It is important to keep the animal’s cage in an environment that is neither too cold nor too humid.
- Constipation: due to a diet that is too dry.
- Internal parasites: tapeworms or worms.
- External parasites: fleas, lice, mites, etc.
- Dental malocclusion: it consists of inadequate growth of the teeth of the guinea pig.
