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bring him or her home in a cat carrier filled with a blanket or a cardboard box also filled with a blanket on the bottom . you will need to clean the cage thoroughly to remove bacteria . to fill the cage youll need either white fleece blankets or vet bed . put some soft hay in the bed , if you use hay thats quite long strings and is a bit hard or straw like , use a good quality meadow hay , it tends to be smaller pieces and thinner and softer . youll need to check your guinea pig 2 times a day , morning , evening and before bed , to check his or her stitches are still okay . feed high vitamin c vegetables like red pepper , mustard spinach and kale as a healthy guinea pig is essential when in the aftercare process . if you have a male and youre housing it with a female , do not place him with her for 3 months , as there still can be a small amount of sperm around which can get out - seems unlikely but very true , and only 1 sperm cell is needed to impregnate a female . caring for the guinea pig using vet bed should only last about 2 - 3 weeks .

how to care for a guinea pig after neutering

its also a good idea to put some veggies in there for the journey home too . this can be done by using an anti - bacteria spray designed for guinea pigssmall rodents or a water and vinegar mix . dont use cleaning products designed for humans as they could be harmful . use vet bed though because when they pee , it goes to the bottom and stays dry on the top - reducing infection . youll need to place this covering the whole bottom of the cage . change every 3 - 4 days . , be very careful . try to wait 3 days without touching at all maybe , and then check twice daily for the rest of the week . but youll notice anything wrong , like bleeding , on the vet bed straight away due to it being white . , they should have vet check ups once a week for 2 weeks and one after 6 weeks to make sure theyve healed . after 3 weeks you can start using plain wood shavings and newspaper again .

get a vet - advised painkiller for your pet . get small , thin syringes that you can fill with water and keep a bowl handy . dissolve kibble pellets in water , making a sort of mush . if relevant , ice the inflicted part of your pet . if your guinea pig has a cagemate , keep the cagemate out of the injured pets way . get a pet bed . remove waste from around the pet .

how to care for a guinea pig with a long term injury

many vets who look after small animals will be able to get dosages in guinea pig sizes . follow your vets advice as to dosage and method for giving to your pet . if your vet advises against such usage , then skip this step . fill a syringe with water and stick it into your pets mouth . that way , you can give the pet all the water it needs but in small , manageable amounts . give water throughout the day . this can have added honey , to keep the pet calorie - filled . coax it into your pet , or give it to the guinea pig with a syringe . leave hay and kibble accessible to your pet . giving it the option to eat is a good idea . ask your vet for specific advice on this . having another animal around increases the risks of injury if the other pet steps on , bites or harasses the injured pet . this is a good way to give your injured guinea pig support . pet beds are comfy for the pet , and will help to avoid having the guinea pig flop around on the floor of the cage . keeping the pet clean can help prevent bedsores or re - infection .

detect a bloated abdomen . examine your guinea pigs mouth . check your guinea pigs hind end for fecal staining . observe your guinea pigs posture . look at your guinea pigs fur . notice changes in pooping behavior . detect a decreased appetite . determine if your guinea pig has less energy . observe teeth grinding . take your guinea pig to your vet right away . allow your vet to examine your guinea pig . have your vet analyze your guinea pigs blood and urine . allow your vet to take x - rays of your guinea pig .

how to diagnose gastrointestinal problems in guinea pigs

a common gi problem in guinea pigs is a near - complete slowdown of food moving through the gi tract , called gi stasis . gi stasis can cause a guinea pigs gi tract to fill up with gas and become visibly enlarged . a bloated abdomen requires immediate veterinary treatment . if something has blocked normal food movement , such as a hairball , the abdomen can fill up with gas . a bloated abdomen can develop very suddenly . dental problems , especially overgrown incisors or molars , are a frequent cause of gi problems in guinea pigs . a guinea pigs teeth grow throughout its life . if these teeth overgrow , they can cause pain in the mouth and make it very hard for a guinea pig to eat . without being able to eat , a guinea pig can develop gi stasis . incisors are the two large , curved teeth in the center of your guinea pigs mouth . the molars are located in the back of the mouth . if your guinea pigs mouth is painful , your guinea pig may not let you examine the inside of its mouth . guinea pigs can develop diarrhea . if your guinea pig has diarrhea , the fur on its hind end may contain fecal material . if your guinea pig is feeling pretty lousy , consider looking at its hind end while its in the cage , rather than picking it up . a guinea pig with gi problems may hunch its body over because its so uncomfortable . if you see your guinea pig hunched over and not moving around much , it may have a gi problem . if your guinea pig has a gi problem , it probably wont feel well enough to groom itself . because of this , your guinea pigs fur might look a little ruffled . gi problems cause abnormal pooping behavior in guinea pigs . a guinea pig may develop diarrhea . or , it may start pooping less , then completely stop pooping . when you clean your guinea pigs cage , look for its fecal pellets . you may see fewer than usual , no pellets at all , or very loose stools indicating diarrhea . if you see fecal pellets , they will be small and hard . if something is blocking your guinea pigs rectum , the fecal pellets will be soft and have a bad odor . a blocked rectum usually occurs in older guinea pigs . when a guinea pig produces little to no fecal pellets , this does not indicate constipation . rather it indicates the guinea pig is eating less . a guinea pig with a gi problem will initially eat less , then eat nothing at all . your guinea may stop eating its pellets and eat only treats , and then stop eating the treats . when your guinea pig refuses the tasty treats it normally loves , you will know its not feeling well . with a decreased appetite , your guinea pig will lose weight . a healthy guinea pig is playful and energetic . a sick guinea pig , though , wont have much energy or strength . this is especially true with bloating , which can cause major weakness . if your guinea pig feels weak , it wont move around its cage very much . if your guinea pig doesnt want to move , this could also indicate pain . when a guinea pig is in pain , it may grind its teeth . if your guinea pig is in pain due to a gi problem , dont be surprised if it grinds its teeth . this teeth grinding could cause even more pain if your guinea pigs teeth are overgrown and cutting into its gums . when you first notice symptoms of gi problems in your guinea pig , do not wait and see if the symptoms go away on their own . they wont . your guinea pig will need to be diagnosed and treated by your vet as soon as possible . not eating for 12 to 24 hours can be fatal for a guinea pig . your vet will do a physical examination of your guinea pig . they will pay special attention to its abdomen . if your guinea pigs abdomen is bloated , your vet may be able to detect gas in the abdomen , as well as decreased gut sounds . gut sounds indicate food moving through the gi tract . because a bloated abdomen is often painful , your guinea pig may be very sensitive to its abdomen being touched . your vet may be able to feel fecal pellets in the large intestine . during the physical exam , your vet will take your guinea pigs temperature . gi problems can lower a guinea pigs body temperature . give your vet a detailed history of your guinea pigs gi symptoms . for example , explain when you first noticed the symptoms , what the fecal pellets looks like , and if your guinea pig has stopped eating . blood and urine samples may help your vet determine the underlying cause of your guinea pigs gi problem . for example , blood work may indicate liver problems or inflammation in the intestine . oftentimes , though , blood and urine samples are normal in guinea pigs with gi problems . x - rays would allow your vet to see your guinea pigs gi tract . x - ray findings that indicate gi problems are listed belowgas - filled stomach , intestine , and cecum a pouch connected to the intestines small fecal balls , or no fecal balls , in the large intestine

look for symptoms of pregnancy . have the pregnancy diagnosed by a vet . if the pregnancy is unexpected , determine where the sow became pregnant from . determine if the sows age makes it a high risk pregnancy . determine if the sows body condition makes it a high risk pregnancy . determine if the sows or boars breed makes the pups more vulnerable to hereditary disease . pregnant guinea pigs are particularly vulnerable to illness as a result of stress during pregnancy . monitor her eating and drinking habits . give the sow a thorough check over twice a week . limit grooming during pregnancy . continue to exercise the sow . ensure you are providing adequate housing . remove any boars . remove other sows if you need to . clean the housing regularly . create a comfortable space . provide extruded pelleted feed . provide clean water at all times . provide quality hay . offer fresh vegetables every day . ensure youre providing enough vitamins and minerals . increase the amount of fruit you provide in the last 4weeks of pregnancy . make sure you have everything you need for the birth . know that it is incredibly difficult to tell when a guinea pig will give birth . from 60 days , check on the sow several times a day . pregnancy toxemia and calcium deficiency are most common in the last seven – 10 days before the birth . listen closely . be present for the birth . during the birth , look out for signs of complications and be ready to call the vet if need be . intervene yourself with the pups only when absolutely necessary . check each pup is breathing . check that the sow clears away any signs of the birth . ensure that the sow is interested in the pups as first - time mothers , particularly young ones , may run away from the pups as if confused . expect that the pups are born alert and ‘ready to run as miniature versions of adult guinea pigs . leave the mother and pups alone for a couple of hours . weigh the pups and mother the same day as the birth . weigh the pups and mother again the next day . continue to weigh the pups and mother daily . get the vet to check the mother and all of the pups . continue to provide the enhanced diet . at three to five weeks , the males become sexually mature , so sex the pups and separate them at this age . the pups will be weaned at 21 days . reintroduce any sows you may have removed to the female pups at three to four weeks . realise how easily guinea pigs can become pregnant . separate guinea pigs into same - sex groups . neuter male guinea pigs . avoid deliberately breeding your guinea pig .

how to care for a pregnant guinea pig

physical signs of pregnancy are hard to detect , and often only become apparent towards the end of pregnancy . nevertheless , you may notice your guinea pig begin to eat and drink more , and their belly begin to grow — see how to tell if your guinea pig is pregnant . do not apply pressure to the abdomen as you may cause a miscarriage . be aware that young guinea pigs will begin to eat more as they grow anyway . small litters do not cause the belly to enlarge significantly , and will not be as noticeable . all guinea pigs enjoy burrowing down in hay , but do not nest specifically because of pregnancy . if you suspect your sow is pregnant , take her to the vet to make sure . the vet will feel her abdomen to check for the presence of fetuses and may use an ultrasound . the vet should be able to give an estimated due date . feeling the abdomen needs to be done by a professional because it is easy to mistake the bladder , kidney , or even an enlarged ovary for a foetus . rough handling may cause miscarriage . the ultrasound , is a non - invasive procedure and can confirm the pregnancy . the ultrasound will also be able to confirm how many pups there are , and how many of them are alive . either the sow was already pregnant when you purchased her or one of the other guinea pigs she has had contact with was a boar . pet shops are notoriously bad for sexing guinea pigs and may have mis - sexed one of your guinea pigs . get an experienced vet to check the sex of all your other guinea pigs . pet stores also often house both genders together , and some breeders do not separate the genders early enough so it is possible the sow was already pregnant when you bought her . sows should be over four months old , and under seven months old for their first pregnancy . if they have been pregnant before , they should be under two years old . if your pregnant guinea pig does not meet the age requirements , talk to your vet about a pregnancy plan . for young guinea pigs , this may include supplementing her diet with critical care of a similar product . for older guinea pigs , this may include her carrying out her pregnancy and birth housed at the vets , as she is more likely to need intervention . this is because sows who are too young are at a greater risk of vitamin deficiencies during pregnancy . sows who are too old are at a greater risk of the pelvis not being elastic enough to expand during the birthing process sows who are overweight are at higher risk of toxemia . if your sow was overweight before she became pregnant , discuss with your vet what her diet should be during pregnancy as this is obviously a bad time to restrict her diet . dalmatian and roan guinea pigs carry a lethal gene recessively . if one parent is of these breeds , for each pup there is a 25 chance it will be born lethal . there are other hereditary diseases that can affect guinea pigs , so where possible check the parentage of the pregnant sow and the boar who fathered the pups . if there is a likelihood any of the pups are born with this condition you must decide what action you will take . if you are not prepared to care for them yourself , a more experienced guinea pig owner may be willing to take them or you may make the decision to have them put down . lethal guinea pigs are white in colour not albino are born blind , usually in both eyes , have crooked or deformed teeth , are often also deaf and often suffer from internal deformities particularly to the digestive organs . these pups may die within a few days of birth , or may live for several years . if they do survive the first week they have a shorter than normal life expectancy and will require large amounts of medical care throughout their lives . it can be a trigger for diseases such as toxemia , or can scare the sow so she doesnt want to eat or drink . for these reasons stress should be minimized as much as possible . reduce exposure to loud noises or bright lights . keep her away from direct sunlight . establish a daily routine with set times and stick to it , to provide consistency make any changes as early as possible in the pregnancy , when the stress will have less of an effect on the sow . reduce handling to minimal levels . during the last two weeks of pregnancy , do not handle the sow . instead , coax her onto a towel or into a box . its very important to check on your guinea pig several times a day , ideally every three to four hours . each time you check , make a mental note of how much water she has drunk and how much food she has eaten . this allows you to gauge what is normal , so that if she becomes unwell and stops eating , or becomes very thirsty , you will pick up clues early on . if the sow becomes uninterested in food contact your veterinarian immediately . the vet will assess the guinea pigs condition . they may prescribe treatment that includes injections of dextrose solutions , steroids and calcium , which may or may not be effective . loss of appetite can also be a symptom of pregnancy toxemia . check her for signs of illness e . g . crusty eyesnoseears or a thinningpatchy coat and weigh her . in the last two to three weeks of pregnancy , do not handle the sow . instead , coax her onto a towel or into a box . the sow should gradually put on weight . how much depends on the size of the litter , but her weight should never begin fall . if you have any concerns , do not hesitate to get to a vet . grooming usually requires a lot of handling , so reduce to minimal levels during pregnancy . if the sow is long haired , cut all of her hair short especially around her rear end towards the end of the pregnancy as the sow will find it harder to clean herself and the hair may become knotted or dirty . do not bath the sow during pregnancy . it will be too stressful for her . continue to allow her ‘floor time or to graze outside . reduce handling by coaxing her into a box or onto a towel to move her . it is important to keep her active to prevent obesity and keep a healthy blood flow , but do not chase her or force her to exercise as pregnancy , particularly large litters , puts pressure on the circulation in guinea pigs and they are prone to heart attacks . see care for guinea pigs for what kind of housing is suitable . ensure the temperature is consistent and do not use multi - level housing . the temperature outside or in a garageshed usually becomes too cold at night for a pregnant guinea pig . pregnant guinea pigs should be kept inside . do not keep pregnant guinea pigs in multi - level cageshutches as their balance will be impaired by pregnancy , and in the later stages of pregnancy they may not be able to get up to the higher tiers . if you have multiple sows , remove the boar immediately to prevent others from becoming pregnant as well . if this is the only sow you own , the boar must be removed before the sow reaches 50 days in her pregnancy . the boar must be removed by 50 days as he may continue to mount her which can be stressful or painful in later pregnancy , and she could become pregnant again as early as two hours after the birth . the pregnant sow can be kept with other companions of the same sex if she gets on with them . guinea pigs are social animals and should be kept in groups even whilst pregnant . if there are any signs that the pregnant sow is not getting on with another guinea pig , do not hesitate to remove the other guinea pig , but leave the pregnant sow in the hutchcage she is in . remove any other pregnant sows . the placenta contains hormones which can trigger contractions . if the other sow eats it , their own pregnancy may be induced . clean out soiled or damp patches every day , and the whole hutch twice a week or every three days . only use an anti - bacterial spray if it has been specifically made for use on guinea pig housing . keeping a clean hutch will prevent a build - up of ammonia from urine . ammonia irritates the lungs of pigs and will predispose the pregnant mother to lung infections . spread at least 3 to 4 inches of bedding over the floor of your pets hutch . the bedding should be soft fleece or grass hay . alfalfa hay or straw will not be soft enough as bedding . you should also provide a box , like a small shoe box on its side . place it in a sheltered part of the hutch , away from draughts . note that she may chew the cardboard , so have extra boxes or use a wicker or thick - plastic box . having somewhere to hide will reduce stress . in a pellet feed , each chunk of kibble is identical . choosing pellets over muesli where you can identify individual peas , corn , wheat etc . prevents selective feeding . do not over - feed pellets as too much can cause the guinea pig to become overweight . read the packet for how much , but it should be no more than a few teaspoons or a dessert spoon a day . selective feeding is where the guinea pig chooses the tastier bits of food over less tasty – but often more nutritious – foods . this causes mineral deficiency . if you are changing the feed , make a gradual change providing a bit of both to start with as otherwise she may not eat the feed at all . all guinea pigs should always have access to clean water , but this is even more important when they are pregnant . empty the water bottle and re - fill daily , to ensure the water is clean . if the water bottle is usually placed high - up , provide a second water bottle lower down so that the sow does not have to stretch if she does not want to . clean the water bottle weekly to prevent the build - up of algae and bacteria . wash out the water bottle with a gentle dish soap every few days . provide grass hay timothy or orchard with a green tinge . supplement this with a daily dose of alfalfa hay which is higher in protein and calcium . make sure hay is freely available at all times , and provide in a large ball the guinea pig can burrow in . alfalfa hay is great for pregnant , nursing and young guinea pigs but the calcium content is too high for normal guinea pigs as a build - up of calcium can cause bladder stones . all guinea pigs should be given at least one cup of fresh vegetables a day , but as the pregnant sow begins to eat more you can increase this to 1½ to 2 cups a day . for which vegetables are suitable , see care for guinea pigs . never offer the same vegetable two days running . this prevents an excess of one particular mineral that might be contained in that vegetable . for example , carrots contain lots of oxalate . if your pet has too much of this , it can build up in urine and cause bladder stones . pregnant guinea pigs are vulnerable to vitamin c deficiency and calcium deficiency . ensure you are providing enough of these by using a supplement such as oxbow natural science vitamin c or a similar product . never provide a multi - vitamin . excess vitamin c is passed in the urine so cant be over - dosed , but other vitamins can build up and create problems . do not rely on foods that list added vitamin c as an ingredient . vitamin c is highly unstable and breaks down within 8 weeks of the manufacturing date . if the food has been stored for a while at the retail outlet , the chances are the vitamin c content is already negligible by the time you open the bag . never use a water soluble tablet . they become ineffective quickly and may put the sow off the water , leading to dehydration which could be fatal during pregnancy . give a small cube of fruit such as apple , strawberry or seedless grape every 3 days . fruits should usually be given sparingly to guinea pigs because the acid can give them mouth ulcers . however , toxemia is in part a lack of sugar , so keeping sugar levels high is important . use a veterinarian familiar with guinea pigs , and not just your regular cat and dog vet . emergency phone number for the vet . post the number on a piece of paper next to the guinea pigs hutchcage . if you need it , you dont want to have to hunt around for it . phone number for the out - of - hours vet . if there is not an out - of - hours vet in your area , discuss this with your vet to come up with a plan . they may be willing to attend themselves , or you may have to contact an experienced breeder . critical care or a similar product as it is likely you will need it for at least one pup . a clean towel . even if your vet has given you a due date , she may give birth several days either side of this . you may notice a slight widening of the pelvic bones in the sow , this indicates that she will probably birth within the next week . it is a lot safer if someone oversees the birth . ideally , check on her every 2 - 3 hours . whilst most births occur during the day they can happen at night so check on the sow during the night as well . if you cannot check on the sow because of work etc . ask a friend or neighbour to check on her . a local breeder may also be willing to help . both of these are fatal without treatment so be on constant look out for loss of appetite , changes to drinking levels , drowsiness or weakness and more obvious signs of illness such as muscle spasms or drooling . when you are checking on your guinea pig , listen for any groaning . your guinea pig will give a distinctive groan when she is going into labour . even if youve never heard it before , chances are youll know it when you hear it . it should be under an hour and there should be about 5 minutes between pups . the sow will sit up with her head between her legs and make small ‘hiccups , these are contractions . do not hold the mother . do not crowd the mother — have only one person in the room , but another on standby to make calls if necessary . do not intervene or touch the pups unless you need to . there is no need to remove other sows , they may even help with the pups . if any sign of complication or distress does arise , do not hesitate and contact the vet immediately . signs of complication are mother strains for 15 minutes without producing a pup . total labor is over one hour . mother starts making extreme stress calls mother seems to give in , appearing exhausted mother salivatesfoams at mouth excessive bleeding more than a tablespoon the vet may try to manipulate the piglet into a position where the mother can pass it . however , a caesarean surgery may be required . occasionally , with large litters , if the pups emerge too quickly , the mother will not have time to break the amniotic sac herself . in these cases , and only if you are sure the mother will not do it herself , carefully pick up the pup with a clean towel and remove the sac yourself , clearing any fluid from the face . do not use your fingers or nails as you could accidentally scratch the pups eyes . whilst a pup becoming stuck in the birth canal or born breech is common , never intervene yourself . only a skilled and experienced veterinarian should attempt to manipulate the position of pups before they are born . if a pup is not , carefully lift it up and hold it at arms length . its head should be away from you . spin around once . the force should free any blockages from its throat and help it to start breathing . if this does not work , gently rub its back forwards and backwards which should achieve the same thing . she will eat the afterbirth and should clean each pup . she will also eat any bedding etc . with blood on it . when you are sure the birth is over , you can assist the sow in cleaning by removing any stained bedding . if the sow runs away from the pups , carefully place her and the pups together in a small box and her maternal instincts should kick - in . their eyes should be open and they should have fur , they should be able to hear and they should be able to walk and eat immediately . if any of the pups is definitely alive , but is not alert or able to see or walk then contact your vet immediately . the pups do not require a heat lamp or heating pad . they should be kept at the same comfortable temperature as the adults . its best to give the mother and pups some uninterrupted rest if they seem to be doing fine . if you are concerned about the mother or have serious health worries about one of the pups contact a vet immediately , however . guinea pig pups and new mothers can decline quickly and the only real way to tell is from their weight . you should be able to handle the pups from birth , the mother wont mind . at birth the pups should weigh roughly 2½ to 3½ oz . it is likely that all of the pups will have lost a little weight , but if one of the pups is significantly lighter than the others or has lost more weight , provide some hand - feed mix from a spoon and give them 15 minutes of one - on - one with their mother three times a day . wait 24 hours after the birth to give additional feeding for one of the pups as it takes this long for some pups to begin feeding at all . use this to determine if any pups require any additional feed and if the mother is doing well or becoming ill . toxemia and calcium deficiency are still a threat for the first week after birth , so look out for signs of illness in the mother and continued weight loss . daily weighing should continue for the first three weeks . the pups will likely lose weight for the first three days , but after this it should pick up again . if the weight does not pick up , or a pup does not improve with additional feeding , consult the vet . the mothers weight will vary for a few days whilst she re - adjusts but should settle within five days . if it declines every day or continues to change after 5 days , consult the vet . if the mother and all of the pups appear to be doing well there is no need for an immediate trip to the vet , but they should be seen in the first week in case there is something you have not picked up on . use alfalfa hay as well as grass hay for both the mother and her pups , and vitamin supplements for the mother . provide additional vegetables and increase the amount of these over the next few weeks as the pups begin to grow and eat more . continue to provide fruit for the mother , but not for the pups as the acid will be too much for them . the pups will be able to eat solid food from day one , and the mother will introduce them to new food herself . have a vet sex the pups to avoid any accidents . the female pups should be kept with their mother and the males removed . introduce the male pups to the father and any other boars you have . make the introductions gradual as the adults will be a lot larger and could do them serious harm . whilst brothers will be fine to be housed together throughout their lives , they may never get on well enough will other boars to be permanently housed with them . some pups will be weaned a few days before or after , but this is the average . the pups should weigh 5½ to 8 oz . once the pups are weaned , the mother should not require vitamin supplements anymore , unless you gave them to her as part of her regular diet anyway . if you are not certain that the pups are weaned at 21 days , the males should be removed anyway to prevent pregnancy . they will have been eating solids from a few days old so will cope without their mothers milk at this age . gradually introduce the other females and carefully monitor the situation . it may take several days for them to begin living together . just because they are the pups of a familiar guinea pig , this does not mean that they will be accepted immediately . male guinea pigs boars can become sexually mature as early as three weeks of age . female guinea pigs sows can become sexually mature as early as four weeks of age . it is entirely possible for a male pup to impregnate its mother or sisters . pet stores often keep both genders together , resulting in many people being sold sows which are already pregnant . the easiest way to prevent pregnancy is to keep the two genders apart . guinea pigs should be split into same - sex groups at 3 weeks old . remember guinea pigs are social animals and should be kept in groups , so if you own both a boar and a sow make sure to provide company of the same gender for both of them . another way to prevent pregnancy in guinea pigs is to have the boars neutered . it is also possible to have sows spayed , but this is a more complex and risky process . always have an exotics or cavy savvy vet for guinea pig surgery . neutered boars should be kept separate from sows for four weeks after surgery . this is because sperm can survive in his tubes for this length of time . so , while neutering means he cannot produce more sperm , he could still theoretically sire offspring for a short time after castration as a general rule , guinea pigs do not respond well to anaesthetic so if it is possible , separating the genders is a safer option . pregnancy in guinea pigs carried as 1 in 5 chance of death , and there is also a high risk of stillbirth . if you would like another guinea pig , your local rescue center will have many pigs in need of caring and loving homes .

do not examine cavies who are younger than three weeks old . wear medical gloves . perform the exam on a low , stable service . hold the guinea pig gently but firmly . check the distance between the guinea pigs anus and genitals . examine the shape of the cavys genital opening . press just above the genital opening to check for a penis . have a licensed vet confirm the guinea pigs sex if you are unsure .

how to determine the sex of a guinea pig

newborn cavies can be rejected by their mothers if they are handled by humans , as your smell will end up on their coats . newborn cavies can also become easily distressed when away from their mothers , leading to a very difficult time trying to examine their genital area . many baby guinea pigs can get cold quickly and may become too cold during the examination . if you feel you need to examine a baby guinea pig that is three weeks or younger , you should try to do it quickly and gently . its a good idea to wear medical gloves when handling your guinea pig . guinea pigs can carry a range of diseases that can affect humans and other guinea pigs . you should also wear medical gloves if you know your guinea pig has medical issues such as scaly skin , skin sores , hair loss , respiratory disease , or diarrhea . wear medical gloves if the cavy is under three weeks old as this can prevent your smell from getting on the cavy . cavies are often squeamish about being picked up and held in place for a long period of time . put a soft clean towel on a low , stable service , like a low table or the floor in preparation for the exam so your guinea pig is protected and comfortable . guinea pigs are easily scared and will often struggle when frightened . avoid freaking out your cavy by holding the cavy firmly but gently around the chest and shoulders . place the guinea pig on the back or the rump , so the stomach and genital area are facing you and cradle the cavys back with one hand . this will make it easier for you to examine the cavys genitalia . cavies dislike being on their backs for a long period of time . try to do the examination quickly and efficiently . you may want to ask someone to help you hold the cavy while you conduct the examination to speed up the process . start by looking for the cavys anus , which is a vertical opening that is often gray or brown colored . the anus will be located underneath the cavys genitalia . once you have distinguished between the cavys anus and the cavys genitals , you can look at the distance between the cavys anus and the cavys genitals . female guinea pigs have a shorter amount of space between their vulva and their anus . often , the vulva sits right above the anus in female cavies . male guinea pigs have a larger amount of space between their penis and their anus , about 2 - 3 inches of space between the penis and the anus . look closely at the cavys genital opening . female guinea pigs usually have a smooth swelling over their genital area . use your fingers to part the genital opening gently . if the genital area forms a y shape , this means the cavy is female . male cavies have a genital opening that is shaped like a small circular dot with a penis raised above the level of the surrounding skin . male guinea pigs have a bulge to their genital and anal areas . the bulge appears due to the presence of the guinea pigs testicles , which are just under the skin along the anus and the penis . you should also check if there is a donut shape around the cavys anus , as this is where a male cavys testicles will sit . sometimes it can be difficult to see the penis , especially in heavy older male cavies . to make the penis protrude , use your finger to gently press just about the guinea pigs genital area . the penis should show itself . you can also use your finger to gently press and rub just over the genital area . if you feel a ridge just over the genital area , you are feeling the inner part of cavys shaft . this is a clear sign the cavy is male . it is notoriously difficult to confirm the sex of guinea pigs , even with a careful and thorough examination at home . if you are not 100 percent certain of your guinea pigs sex , you may want to bring your guinea pig to the vet for an examination . go to a vet you trust andor a vet who has examined your guinea pig before , as even knowledgeable vets can missex a guinea pig . you may also want to bring your guinea pig to the vet if your guinea pig appears distressed during the examination or reacts poorly to the exam . it may be difficult to get an accurate reading of the cavys sex if the cavy is stressed out or moving around a lot during the home exam .

select a shampoo . obtain your other bathing supplies . prepare the bathing area . bring your guinea pig to the bathing area . wash your guinea pig . rinse your guinea pig . dry off your guinea pig completely . use towels to dry off your guinea pig . dry your guinea pig off with a hair dryer .

how to bathe a pregnant guinea pig

there are all types of shampoos for pets . for your guinea pig , make sure the shampoo is made specifically for small animals it should say so on the bottle . a small animal - specific shampoo will keep your guinea pigs skin from drying out or becoming irritated . since your guinea pig is pregnant , the shampoo should also be non - medicated to prevent ingredients absorbing through her skin that could harm her unborn babies . anti - fungal and anti - parasitic shampoos are medicated . look for shampoos that are soap free and made of natural ingredients . do not use human shampoos on your guinea pig . they have chemicals that would be harsh on her skin . do not purchase small animal shampoos with essential oils . shampoos are available at your local pet store . your veterinarian may also sell shampoos . in addition to the shampoo , you will need a few other items to bathe your pregnant guinea pig , including towels and a soft - bristled brush . if you would rather not bathe your guinea pig in a sink , you will need a small plastic tub . also , a plastic jug or large plastic cup will be useful for pouring water on your guinea pig during the bath . a non - slip mat is essential , because it will prevent your pregnant guinea pig from slipping in the water . you would not want her falling on her belly in the water . if you have a hair dryer , you could use that to dry off your pregnant guinea pig . however , the noise of the dryer can be bothersome to guinea pigs , so you may want to stick with drying her off with some towels . you should have everything organized and in place before you bring your pregnant guinea pig to the bathing area . first , run some lukewarm water in either the sink or plastic tub . fill the area with just enough water to come up to her stomach or a little below , if that makes you more comfortable . she should be able to keep her head comfortably out of the water . if you are using a non - slip mat , place it in the sink or tub before adding water . place some towels near the sink or tub . the brush does not need to be near the bathing area , unless you plan to dry off her in that location . you will need to be very careful with how you handle your pregnant guinea pig . the safest way to move her is in a box . place a small cardboard box with one side folded down in her cage so she can easily walk into it . when she is in the box , raise the side that is folded down and gently lift the box out of the cage . walk slowly to the bathing area and place her carefully in the sink or tub , without putting much pressure on her belly . allow her to adjust to being in the water . you may need to keep your hands on her so she doesnt try to jump out . to get her wet , fill the plastic jug or cup with lukewarm water and gently pour the water over her . you should still use the jug or cup if you have your guinea pig in the sink , since getting wet by being held under a running tap could be frightening for her . you do not want her experiencing any additional stress when she is pregnant—this could put her unborn babies at risk . avoid getting any water on her face or in her ears . use a gentle , circular motion with your fingers to work the shampoo into your guinea pigs fur . be extra careful when you wash her belly . try to avoid lifting your guinea pig as you bathe her , to avoid putting any extra pressure on her belly . talk to her in a soothing voice throughout the bathing process . pay special attention to her back end . because of her increased size , she may have trouble grooming herself , which could lead to feces getting stuck in her fur . if you see feces in her fur , try to break them up with the water and shampoo . it would be a good idea to wear gloves to do this . after shampooing your pregnant guinea pig , gently lift her up and place her on the dry set of towels that you already placed by the sink or tub . pour out the dirty bath water and refill the sink or tub with clean , lukewarm water . gently place her back in the sink or tub and pour lukewarm water over her to rinse her off . use your fingers again to work through her fur and get all of the shampoo out . residual shampoo could make your guinea pigs skin feel itchy . after your guinea pigs bath , she should be completely dry before you move her back to her cage . this is to prevent her from getting chills from being wet . this may take some time , depending on how long her hair is . lift her gently and wrap her in a towel , being sure not to hold her in a way that puts any pressure on her belly . dry her off with the same gentle motions as you did when bathing her . also , be extra gentle when drying her belly . if youd like , you can sit on the couch and watch tv while you are drying her off . there is no need to rush the process . when the first towel gets damp , wrap her in a new , dry towel and continue drying her off . if she is feeling really relaxed after her bath , you may hear her start to purr with contentmentbrush her with the soft - bristled brush after she is completely dried off . this will remove any loose or excess fur . if you noticed crusted feces in her fur during the bath , check the area again when you are drying her off . if the feces are still there , use a pair of small scissors to cut out the crusty fur . if you would rather use a hair dryer than a towel to dry off your guinea pig , you will need to be very careful with how you use it . first , set the hair dryer to the lowest possible heat setting . hold the hair dryer about 8 to 12 inches 20 to 30 centimeters away from your guinea pig and turn it on . if you are unsure if the hair dryer temperature is too hot , test it against your own skin . from 20 to 30 centimeters back , if the heat from the dryer is too hot for your skin , then it is also too hot for your guinea pig . use your soft - bristled brush to brush the fur as you are drying . brush in the direction of hair growth . if you notice your guinea pig becoming uncomfortable with the dryer , stop using it . you do not want to add any extra stress to your pregnant guinea pig .

be aware of the risks of breeding guinea pigs . ensure you have supplies to breed and house pups . choose the guinea pigs to breed . select a boar to mate with a sow . select a sow to mate with a boar . have each guinea pigs health checked . quarantine new guinea pigs for two weeks . introduce the mating pair . dont disturb breeding pair during the heat cycle . check if the sow is pregnant . care for the sow during the gestation period . increase the sows diet . check for health issues during pregnancy . get ready for the birth of the pups . expect short labor if there are no complications . allow the sow to clean her pups . expect alert and fully functional pups . wait a full day before handling the mother and pups . continue to provide a rich diet for the mother . examine the pups and the mother .

how to breed standard guinea pigs

breeding guinea pigs comes with some significant risks including high mortality rate for pregnant animals . be aware of the risks of breeding guinea pigs and consider if this is the right decision for your animal and for you . never breed guinea pigs for fun . breeding guinea pigs is risky and can harm or kill your beloved pet . guinea pig sows have a high mortality rate associated with pregnancy ketosis , which is a metabolic problem where the sow slowly poisons herself and dies of blood poisoning . the piglets are also large , which can cause problems when giving birth but toxaemia is the main cause of death . if you are considering breeding your sow , stick to the breeding age suggestions to help minimize the risk of complications . if you sow needs a caesarian section because of birth complications , the survival rate is very low . unless you have designated homes for pups or animals you dont want to keep after breeding , dont breed them . many people who say theyll take pups conveniently disappear once theyre born . if you are planning on breeding guinea pigs , the animal population in your home will likely increase . ensure that you have sufficient supplies to care for breeding animals and their pups . you will need enough cage space to house all of the animals . keep in mind that you will also have to separate males and females to keep them from breeding . the cage space will require proper bedding and hay , so consider purchasing extra and keeping a reserve for when you clean the guinea pigs area . also consider purchasing more accessories such as toys or hiding holes for your guinea pigs to enjoy . make sure you have enough food pellets and water bottles to help keep you guinea pigs healthy . allot enough time to properly clean the guinea pig cages on a daily , weekly , and monthly basis to help keep your pigs healthy . you want to find the best quality breeding stock of guinea pigs . choosing the right guinea pigs can help ensure their health and continuation of quality breeding stock . the breeding plan best to the best is often employed by professionals when considering mates . this means that only outstanding sows , or female guinea pigs , are bred with outstanding boars , or male guinea pigs . where possible , check the parentage of both guinea pigs . there are several hereditary diseases that could affect the guinea pigs and their pups or cause a so - called lethal , or a pup with severe deformities . ensure that the boar and sow are an appropriate age to breed . if you are unsure of the sex of your guinea pig , you can check directly above the anus while gently holding the guinea pig on its back . a male will have what appears to be a slit or visible testes . a female will have a skin fold that is in a y shape above the anus . part of breeding the right pair of guinea pigs is choosing a boar , or male guinea pig , to mate . selecting the best quality boar can help ensure that a sow bears good quality and healthy pups . a good boar will have a broad head and a bold eye . the average age for most boars to mate for the first time is 5 months . most guinea pigs reach sexual maturity at 10 weeks , however . just as boar selection is important , it is also important to find a good quality sow , or female guinea pig . choosing the right sow can help ensure the quality and health of her litter . the sow should have good head shape , a bold eye , and a good muzzle . most guinea pigs reach sexual maturity at 10 weeks , however . a sow can mate at anywhere from 4 - 7 months for the first time . it is important that the sow is under 7months for a first pregnancy to prevent the conditions symphysis and dystocia . consider selecting a sow that has had time to rest in between litters to help ensure the quality of subsequent litters . you cannot introduce a boar and sow unless you are sure they are both healthy . take each animal to a vet to minimize the risk of either animal being unhealthy . if you regularly treat your guinea pigs for mites , this should be done at least 2 weeks before you breed them to prevent the ivermectin having any effect on the pups . if you decide to mate your guinea pig with a guinea pig from another home , quarantine the new guinea pig for two weeks . this will help ensure that neither animal is ill or has parasites . you can quarantine new guinea pigs simply by keeping their cages in separate rooms . also make sure to wash your hands whenever you touch animals and their feed or bedding . do not allow the guinea pigs to interact during the quarantine . if you are breeding guinea pigs you own , there is no need for quarantine . once you are sure each guinea pig is healthy , you can introduce the pair . it may take a few days for the guinea pigs to get used to one another . keep the pair in the sows normal cage to reduce stress to her and help increase the chance of pregnancy . if she is not ready to breed , she may reject the male by spraying him or showing her teeth . never allow more than one boar contact with the sow as this can lead to serious fights between the males . if you own multiple sows that usually live together , remove the sows you are not breeding to a different cage to prevent unnecessary stress . maintain the companionship between sows by allowing them floor time together while keeping the breeding pair together the majority of the time . a sows heat cycle can last from 15 to 17 days . the breeding pair should be kept together the entire cycle to increase the chance of pregnancy . the pair may try to mate throughout this period , but the sow can only get pregnant during a small 24 – 48 hour window per cycle . check the breeding couple often enough to help ensure their health and happiness and reassure the guinea pigs that you are caring for them . after at least 18 days , check if the sow is pregnant . you can do this yourself - see how to tell if your guinea pig is pregnant - but only a vet will be able to say for sure . a pregnant female may exhibits several symptoms of pregnancy including distended abdomen and increased food and water consumption . a sow may eat 2 - 3 times her normal amount when pregnant . a vet may also determine an estimated delivery date . it may take several heat cycles for the sow to become pregnant . be patient so that you do not stress your guinea pigs . once youre sow becomes pregnant , the gestation period will 63 - 70 days . during this time it is important to prevent stress as much as possible . do not make any changes to the sows cage and reduce exposure to anything that may cause stress , such as loud noises . handle the sow minimally during the pregnancy and not at all during the last two weeks . you can coax her on to a towel or box for the delivery . you can leave the boar in the cage with the sow to comfort her . its advisable to remove other guinea pigs from the sows space and allow her to litter alone . the amount of food and water a sow consumes will increase during pregnancy . give her more food to help ensure she gets much needed nutrients to support the developing pups . increase the amount of fresh vegetables on offer to 1½ to 2 cups per day . pregnancy is very risk for sows because pups are large . check the sow thoroughly daily by looking for any signs of illness and weighing the sow . the signs of illness may include crusty eyes , nose , or ears and a thinning or patchy coat . the sow should gradually put on weight , though how much depends on the individual and size of the litter . check she is eating . an early warning sign of pregnancy toxaemia is lack of appetite . any pregnant sow that doesnt eat for more than 12 hours should see a veterinarian . if you notice any problems with your guinea pig , including lack of movement of her unborn pups , consult a vet . you should be prepared for your sow to give birth at around nine weeks . making sure youre prepared for the birth with medical supplies can help you handle any complications that may arise . guinea pigs dont show any outward signs of impending birth and dont make any specific preparations for labor so it may be hard to tell exactly when the sow will give birth . you may notice a slight widening of the pelvic bones in the sow right before she gives birth . stock up on a syringe , which you may need to clean out a newborn pups mouth . it is a good idea to alert a vet when the sow reaches nine weeks so they are aware that they may need to intervene and can be on hand to attend to the sow immediately if a complication does arise . it takes guinea pigs 10 - 30 minutes to give birth if a sow has no complications . if the labor takes longer than an hour , call your vet or take the sow for medical treatment . do not crowd the female while she is laboring . have only one person with her to oversee the birth and do not touch her . a sow should give birth every 5 - 10 minutes . a sow will usually have between 1 - 5 pups . the sow will give birth by sitting up and hunching over or by squatting . get your guinea pig to a doctor if the labor becomes complicated . for example , if it takes longer than one hour , there more than 15 minutes between pups , if she exhibits excessive bleeding , or making extreme stress calls . once your sow has given birth , let her clean the pups on her own . this can help minimize the risk of transmitting bacteria to the new pups or the mother rejecting them . the mother or other cage mates will eat the placenta and membranes . when pups are born , they should appear fully functional and like miniature adults . in the case that a pup doesnt appear normal , consult your vet . newborn pups should have hair , wide open eyes , a full set of teeth and be able to run around like other guinea pigs . the pups do not require a heat lamp or heating pad as long as the room is warm . they should be kept at the same comfortable temperature as the parents . the mother may reject one of the pups , often the runt of the litter . there may be nothing wrong with this pup however , so hand - feed and continue to place with the mother . try some one - on - one between the pup and mother . guinea pigs are not especially protective or proactive with their young , but give the mother and pups a full day after birth before you handle them . after this , you can handle them as much as you like . it is encouraged to handle the pups to help socialize them . continue to provide alfalfa hay and extra food pellets while the mother nurses . this will help ensure the sow stays healthy as she feeds her pups and minimize the risk that her milk quality is poor . the sow may begin to wean her pups at 14 - 21 days of age . however piglets can eat solid food from as soon as five days because they are born so well developed so if the mother rejects a piglet , make sure solid food is available and he may well start to eat for himself . one day following the birth and occasionally thereafter , examine the mother and pups . this will help you identify lethals and any other conditions . consult a vet if you notice any medical issues or have questions . the pups size will vary though should be around 2½ to 3½ oz and be 3 - 4 inches . for the first 2 days the pups weight may fall but on the third day it should start to pick up again . a smaller pup may benefit from 15minutes of one - on - one time with its mother once or twice a day .

buy a carrier . line the carrier with newspaper . put a handful of timothy hay in the carrier . put fruits and vegetables in your pet carrier . put a water bottle in the carrier if you are taking a long trip . prepare the temperature of the car . place the guinea pig in the carrier . put the guinea pig cage in a secure location in the car . drive your car responsibly . check on the guinea pig regularly . look for signs of distress .

how to safely transport your guinea pigs in the car

it should be made of cloth or plastic and not of metal or thick mesh . this carrier doesnt need to be made specifically for guinea pigs . any small animal carrier that is big enough should work . choose a carrier that is big enough for your pet to turn around , lie down , stand up , and a little extra room to move around in it . while the carrier shouldnt be made of metal or thick mesh , it can have a wire mesh door . use a thickness of 20 sheets or more . newspaper will not make a mess like bedding . you can cover it with fleece to make it more cozy . you can also add shredded paper towels to the bottom of the cage , as the guinea pig may use them to create a safe place to hide . just as with your guinea pigs cage at home , your guinea pigs travel cage should not have a wire mesh bottom . this is hard on the pigs feet . hay is an essential food for guinea pigs . they like to sleep in the hay and munch on it for comfort , and they should never be without it . guinea pigs should have an unlimited supply of timothy hay at all times . this includes when they are traveling . soak the fruits and vegetables in water and then place them in a food bowl . this is important moisture for the guinea pig , as your pet will not have water on its trip . do not put a ceramic food dish in the carrier , as it might slide and harm your guinea pig . if you are going for a very long car trip , for instance more than a couple hours , your guinea pig will need access to water . in cases such as this , you will need to attach a water bottle to your guinea pigs carrier and clean up any spilled water on a regular basis . for instance , clean up any water covered bedding every time you stop the car for a break . make sure that the car is at an appropriate temperature before you bring you guinea pig in the car . in the winter , this may mean heating the car up for awhile . in the summer , this probably means cooling the car down before you put the guinea pig in it . guinea pigs like to be at a temperature between 65 and 75 degrees . try to get your cars temperature in this range before putting the guinea pig in it . if your guinea pig is docile , you can simply pick it up and place it in the carrier . usually , you put one hand under the guinea pigs belly and one under the guinea pigs hind legs . if the guinea pig is skittish , you may need to have a stronger grip on the guinea pig . corner it in its cage and get ahold of it as you would with a more docile guinea pig , but hold on a little tighter . make sure the carrier is very close by , so you can quickly move the guinea pig straight into the carrier . once the guinea pig is inside of the carrier , close it properly . make sure the carrier is secure and your guinea pig is as comfortable as possible . you can put two guinea pigs in the same carrier . if you are travelling with more than one guinea pig , it is perfectly fine to put them both together in one carrier . however , you must keep checking on them both to see if they are getting along . good locations include on a persons lap , in a foot well it may be warmer here than the rest of the car , or on a seat with the seat belt fastened . bad locations include places where the carrier will slide around and jolt when you stop , near the heating and air - conditioning because it could be too hot or too cold , or in the trunk . also make sure that your guinea pigs cage will not be in the sun while you drive . this can quickly lead to the guinea pig getting overheated . you should also avoid putting your guinea pigs cage next to your stereo speakers , if you are planning on playing your stereo . guinea pigs are sensitive to sound , so they should not be exposed to loud sounds from your car stereo . begin to drive slowly and then pick up speed as if not to startle the guinea pig . take turns slowly and try to make all driving adjustments , such as braking , gradually . the goal should be to give the guinea pig a calm ride in the car . abrupt movements and aggressive driving will move your guinea pig around in its cage involuntarily . this will most likely agitate the pig . if you are taking a long drive , for instance if you are moving cross country , you need to check in on your pet regularly . make sure it is doing ok and that its food and water are still secure . for example , take a five minute break about halfway through your journey if you are travelling for over thirty minutes . take this time to check their food and hay supply , as they need an unlimited supply of these . if you are on a long drive and your guinea pigs food or water spills all over its cage , clean it up . you dont want your pet sitting in a dirty cage for hours while you drive . guinea pigs may naturally hide and be fearful during a car ride , so this is not necessarily a sign of true distress . however , there are some signs that the guinea pig is in real distress and needs attention . these can include repeated loud squeals , pacing , cowering in fear , and staying crouched over . if you have had your guinea pig for awhile , you should know if it is acting normally . however , remember that a guinea pig being transported is likely to exhibit some unusual behavior . talk to the guinea pig during the ride . it may be comforting to the pig to know that youre there with it . never leave your guinea pig in the car alone it can get overheated very quickly in a closed up car .

purchase a larger cage . purchase a guinea pig of the same sex . prepare the guinea pigs for introduction . introduce the guinea pigs . provide your guinea pig with a variety of toys . give your guinea pig something to chew on . play with your guinea pig outside of his cage . talk to your guinea pig . stroke your guinea pig . give your guinea pig down time after handling .

how to help a guinea pig feel less anxious

guinea pigs are naturally social animals , and do best in a pair or within a small group . simply put , guinea pigs need to be with other guinea pigs however , having a cage mate wont relieve your guinea pigs anxiety very much if the cage is too small . the ideal cage size for two guinea pigs is 30 by 51 inches 75 cm by 130 cm . for three guinea pigs , the cage should be at least 30 by 62 inches 76 by 160 cm . four guinea pigs should be housed in a cage that is at least 30 by 76 inches 76 by 193 cm . if the cages in your local pet store are not large enough , you may need to build your own cage . visit your local home improvement store to purchase the supplies and get some additional guidance on building the cage . a larger cage will not only give the guinea pigs more room to play and exercise , but will also be easier to clean and less smelly than a smaller cage . without a cage mate , your guinea pig will feel anxious and frustrated , and might even stop eating . guinea pigs generally do better when they live with the same sex . make sure you know the sexes of your current guinea pig and the ones you are thinking about purchasing female guinea pigs have a y - shaped opening in their genital area and males have a visible scrotum that contains the testicles . if you are unsure of the sexes , take the guinea pigs to the veterinarian . do not rely on what a pet store employee tells you . a male and female guinea pig can live together only if the male is neutered . putting males together can be tricky and possibly dangerous if they do not know each other . males do best as cage mates if they have been together since birth . if you plan to house males together , make sure that each one has his own hiding places and food and water bowls . same - sex pairings are not 100 guaranteed . if the guinea pigs personalities dont match , they should not be housed together . finding a cage mate for your guinea pig is not as simple as just choosing the same sex—they also need to be able to get along . there are a few things you can do to prepare the guinea pigs for the introduction . for example , you can bathe each guinea pig to hide some of their natural scents . you can also rub some hay from your guinea pigs cage on the new guinea pig . this could help the new guinea pig blend in more easily . if you will be using the cage you already have , clean it with vinegar to remove your guinea pigs scent . you could also rearrange the cage accessories make sure you clean them as well . keep the new guinea pig isolated from your current guinea pig . prepare a neutral area outside of the cage where the guinea pigs can meet each other . this area e . g . bathroom , kitchen should be new to both guinea pigs . put hay and fresh veggies in the area , along with some towels in case they get aggressive . let them interact for a few hours . during this time , theyll display normal ‘get to know you behaviors for guinea pigs , such as teeth chattering and chasing each other around . if they seem to be comfortable with each other no aggressive behavior , put them in the same cage together and continue to observe them . if they dont get along in the same cage , thats ok . you can put them in separate cages , but make sure they can see each other . this set - up can still provide your guinea pig with another guinea pig , which would help relieve his anxiety . if they get aggressive in the neutral area or the cage , throw a towel at the most aggressive one and move the other one away quickly . your guinea pig may feel anxious because he does not have enough to keep him busy inside of his cage . guinea pigs are curious , active animals . without toys , your guinea pig might not know what to do with himself . there are many types of fun guinea pig toys , such as cardboard boxes , tunnels , and sheets of newspaper . empty toilet paper or paper towel rolls also make great toys . your guinea pig could stuck in the middle of them , though , so cut a lengthwise slit in them so he can move through more easily . tennis balls and ping - pong balls are also good toys . your guinea pig would have fun pushing them around his cage . sheets of newspaper are especially fun for guinea pigs to play tug - of - war with . your guinea pig can also shred the newspaper , or even crawl under it as a place to hide . keep a variety of toys in your guinea pigs cage and rotate them out frequently so he doesnt get bored . replace them as they start to show signs of damage . guinea pigs like to chew on things . providing him with a chewing outlet could help relieve some of his anxiety . the branch of a fruit tree , such as an apple tree , is something good for your guinea pig to chew on . pesticides can make your guinea pig sick , though , so do not use a branch from your yard if you have used pesticides . untreated wooden blocks are good for your guinea pig to chew on . your guinea pigs may be chock full of toys , but he should still have time outside of cage to play . playing outside of his cage is a great way for your guinea pig to exercise , which would make him feel less anxious . whichever area you to choose to play with him in must be ‘guinea - proofed to keep him safe . keep all electrical cords out of reach of your guinea pig . if you can , hide them until playtime is over . remove all mats and rugs . your guinea pig could start chewing on them before you know it . cover all furniture and hide any small trinkets or toys . keep other pets out of the room . try to give your guinea pig playtime outside of his cage at least a few days a week . you dont want him getting anxious and stir crazy in his cage being handled is not always the most relaxing thing for guinea pigs , especially if they are not used to it . if you are just starting out with handling your guinea pig , he may be very anxious about being held . to help him feel less anxious , talk to him in a soothing voice when you pick him up and hold him . your tone of voice is much more important what you are actually saying . a calm and reassuring voice will go a long way in lessening your guinea pigs anxiety . as your guinea pig starts to feel less anxious , he may even start chattering back to you . when you are holding him , dont forget to gently stroke his body . this will help him calm down and settle into your hands . guinea pigs especially like to be stroked behind their ears . as much as you try to soothe your guinea pig when you are holding him , he may still feel a little anxious . when you place him back in his cage , give him some alone time to relax . this is especially important if children have been handling him . children may handle small pets roughly without even realizing it . this could make your guinea pig very anxious .

understand your guinea pig needs time . use verbal cues to make your guinea pig feel safe . dedicate a lot of time to your guinea pig . provide plenty of entertainment . consider gardening . allow your guinea pig limited access to your house . watch for weight loss or gain . make sure the temperature is safe . look for signs of stress and depression .

how to make your guinea pig happy without a second guinea pig

guinea pigs are pack animals , meaning theyre social by nature . if your guinea pig doesnt have a cage mate , its extra important you establish a bond with him . however , guinea pigs can be skittish and it takes time for them to feel comfortable around people . take things slow . talk to the guinea pig from outside his cage and let him come to you willingly . never pull a guinea pig out of the cage against his will . this can make him feel threatened and increase his sense of isolation . allow your guinea pig to sniff your hand . simply place your hand inside his cage and allow him to come and inspect you . you should allow him to familiarize himself with your scent before attempting to handle him or pick him up . your guinea pig should associate your voice , which hell hear a lot from his cage , with comfort and security . keep your guinea pigs cage in the area of your home where youre the most present . this way , hell get used to seeing and hearing you . when you interact with him , use his name frequently so he learns to respond to it . use positive feedback when you talk to your guinea pig . while speaking to him , offer him something to eat . carrots , lettuce , grapes , and berries are good , healthy options for guinea pig treats . sometimes , its helpful to engage in one - sided conversations with your guinea pig . tell him about your day , your plans , your social life , and anything else thats on your mind . hearing your voice frequently will soothe your guinea pig . guinea pigs are social animals and crave interaction of any kind . if your guinea pig does not have a cage mate , he will need extra attention from his human companion . part of the reason people find it so difficult to have only one guinea pig is that they simply dont have the time . you should aim to spend 2 hours a day interacting with your guinea pig if he doesnt have a cage mate . you can plan time each day to dedicate to your guinea pig . divide into hour or half hour play periods that work with your scheduling , totaling two hours a day . if you live with family , roommates , or a significant other , you can try asking them to spend time with the guinea pig if theyre able . a guinea pig without a cage mate will need a lot of stimulation due to the large amount of time spent alone . make sure to provide your guinea pig with plenty of toys so he wont grow bored in his cage . ping pong balls provide a lot of entertainment as guinea pigs enjoy chewing and chasing . you can also find balls specifically made for guinea pigs at petco or a local pet store . be careful , however . if you notice your guinea pig chewing excessively , you might want to take the ball away . wooden structures , sometimes called hidey houses , are great if your guinea pig likes to hide or run . they can be made at home from cardboard boxes or purchased from local pet stores . as guinea pigs love to chew , shredded paper , cardboard , old socks , pine cones , and twigs can be great . however , do not give a guinea pig materials like wool or cotton that tear thin . theres a risk that , when ingested , such materials will tangle inside a guinea pigs intestines . if you have a garden , or a backyard , planting and maintaining foliage can be a great activity for you and your guinea pig . guinea pigs enjoy being outside . if your garden is fenced in , you could take him out in the garden with you while you work . keep a close eye on him , however , so he doesnt find a way through the gate . if you do not have a fence , or if youre nervous at the idea of your guinea pig running around unsupervised , you can buy a guinea friendly harness and leash at a pet store . guinea pigs enjoy the opportunity to be outside . gardening is a great way to spend time with your guinea pig while engaging in necessary tasks . your guinea pig might feel bored or stressed if confined to his cage all day without a cage mate . you can have one guinea pig friendly room in your house for him to run and play . guinea pig proof the room , making sure there are no open outlets or materials the guinea pig might chew on . keep it closed off , as guinea pigs are notorious hiders and can be difficult to find in a big house . pick a room you spend time in , so your guinea pig can interact with you while exploring the new space . always have a guinea pig safe structure , like a cardboard box , present . if your guinea pig feels overwhelmed or threatened , hell need a place to hide . if guinea pigs are alone in a cage , you need to be extra vigilant about their well - being . health problems can result due to the stress of loneliness . keep an eye on your guinea pigs weight , as this is generally one of the first warnings of poor health . guinea pigs often help keep one another active via playing and wrestling . a lone guinea pig may become sedentary and put on weight . make sure your guinea pig gets adequate exercise and does not put on too much weight . conversely , guinea pigs can lose interest in food if feeling stressed and isolated . make sure your guinea pig is eating enough food and that he does not lose weight rapidly . guinea pigs often rely on cage mates for warmth as they huddle together in the cold . as guinea pigs are prone to upper respiratory problems , pay particularly close attention to maintaining a warm environment . keep the cage off the floor and away from areas prone to drafts . the temperature should be stable and around 65 to 75 degrees fahrenheit . make sure your provide warm bedding for your guinea pig so he can crawl into a warm space if he gets cold . guinea pig beds are available online or at many pet stores . emotionally , guinea pigs may suffer as a result of living alone . know the signs of stress and depression in guinea pigs . if you notice them occurring frequently , especially when coupled with physical ailments , you may want to consider getting another guinea pig . sometimes , despite best efforts , guinea pigs do not adjust to solo living . fidgeting , especially in the form of rapid head movement , is a sign of stress . this means your guinea pig is scared or feels uncomfortable . he might also bare his teeth when approached , a sign of aggression . depressed guinea pigs tend to become listless . he will probably not display much energy or show interest in food or play .

determine the sex of your guinea pigs . know which combinations work best . make special accommodations if you have two adult males . quarantine the new guinea pig . introduce them on a neutral ground . take precautions before putting the guinea pigs in a cage together . understand aggressive body language . chasing and humping each other is perfectly normal . recognize normal interaction . break up fights when necessary . dont be discouraged if they dont get along .

how to introduce two guinea pigs to each other

sex makes a big deal when it comes to how guinea pigs interact with one another . before you introduce them , you must determine their sex . pet shop employees often make mistakes , and if youre buying a guinea pig from a pet store the chance of error is even higher . you should examine your guinea pig on the floor or a very low table . this way , if they get away they will not injure themselves falling . handle your guinea pig gently , but keep a firm hold around their chest and shoulders . spread their back legs apart to examine their genitals . the distance between the genitals and anus is greater in males than females . the genital opening of male guinea pigs is shaped like a circular dot , while the genital opening of females forms a y - shape . the genital region of male guinea pigs appears to bulge outward slightly , while it appears flat in females . certain pairs work better than others when it comes to guinea pigs . two baby guinea pigs of the same sex get along the easiest . they start off on a more or less blank slate and then grow and change together . if you already have an older guinea pig , getting a baby of the same sex is a good choice . the adult will not feel as threatened by a baby and its dominance will not be challenged . its best to neuter males before introducing them to females however , neutered or not , never place more than one male in a group with females . they will fight over the females attention . adult females tend to get along more readily than adult males . understand that if you house two unneutered guinea pigs of a different sex one male and one female together , you will end up with babies . guinea pigs are rapid breeders . male guinea pigs are very territorial , and if youre introducing two adult males take certain precautions . a spacious cage is key to males living in harmony . provide them with their own space to eat , hide , sleep , and play — provide two of everything . ensure that hiding houses have two entrances so that one guinea pig cannot trap the other . , you should keep your guinea pigs separate from one another for the first two to three weeks . you will need to have the new guinea checked out by a vet during this time to ensure they are healthy . do not let them have physical contact until this time period is up . placing the new guinea directly in the cage with a new pig can cause undue stress as they must be eased into a new environment , and their presence may cause the current pig to become territorial . in addition to the emotional concerns , many guinea pig illnesses , which are easily spread at pet and department stores , can incubate for long periods . you need to make sure your new guinea shows no signs of sickness before introducing them to your old guinea . put the guinea pigs in separate cages next to each other . position the cages in such a way that the guinea pigs cannot see each other but can smell and hear one another . once the two to three week quarantine period has passed , its time to introduce the guinea pigs . however , do not place the new guinea pig in the cage right away as its best to introduce them on neutral ground so neither guinea pig feels their territory is being threatened . find a new territory where neither guinea pig has been before , but that is a secluded and quiet place where both guinea pigs will feel safe . on the floor of a closed off and small room , such as a bathroom , is a good option . put veggies , treats , and hay in the center of the area to distract the guinea pigs from fighting as they get accustomed to one anothers presence . in case the guinea pigs get physically aggressive , you should have old towels on hand . you can use towels to restrain the guinea pigs while avoiding getting scratched yourself . if it goes well , and the guinea pigs have not fought for over two hours , you will be able to introduce them to the same cage . ensure that the cage has been thoroughly cleaned , and all the toys re - arranged to make it seem like a new cage . after the guinea pigs have been introduced , there are steps you can take to smoothen the transition before placing them in the same cage . make adjustments to the cage . guinea pigs are territorial , so make sure your cage has enough space . as a general rule , a cage between 7 . 5 and 10 . 5 square feet is recommended for two guinea pigs . more room is preferred , and if youre housing three or more guinea pigs aim for at least 13 square feet . rearrange and wash the cage so it will smell new and feel more like neutral territory for both guinea pigs . gently rub hay from the old cage on the new guinea pig so he smells more like the rest of the herd . the first few weeks for guinea pig cohabitation can be rough , and you should expect some tension between your pets . know what the signs of aggression are and what body language is a signal for you to intervene . mounting or jumping over one another can lead to aggression if one guinea pig resists or retaliates . keep an eye on this behavior , but do not intervene unless it leads to fighting . squealing , chasing , and teeth chattering are common in the first few weeks . guinea pigs may also gently nip one another if annoyed , and such behaviors are necessary to establish boundaries between the guinea pigs . only intervene if the guinea pigs are biting hard enough to inflict wounds . if one guinea pig is constantly chattering his teeth , this is a sign of aggression that could grow serious . watch carefully , but do not separate unless blood is drawn . raised hair , especially around the neck , and feet stamping are signs guinea pigs are preparing to fight . this can occur , but watch carefully . do not separate unless blood is drawn . , again , do not separate unless blood is drawn . , not all body language is a bad sign . there are certain behaviors that are normal , especially early on , and you should be able to recognize these gestures so you do not intervene unnecessarily . bottom sniffing and nudging is a guinea pigs way of greeting a new companion . this is normal and non - threatening behavior . your guinea pigs may also want to establish their territory by dragging their bottoms across the ground or raising their heads up on occasion to expression dominance , behaviors that are normal during the first few weeks . guinea pigs sometimes engage in a behavior called rumblestrutting . this is when they walk past each other waving their hips from side to side with their fur puffed out while making a rumbling sound . this is an expression of dominance and unless its followed up by aggressive gestures its usually a normal component of establishing the pecking order . if fights start to get bloody , you need to intervene . know how to do so safely to diminish harm for yourself and your pets . act quickly . guinea pigs have sharp teeth and are capable of inflicting serious harm on one another . if you notice aggressive fighting , separate them immediately . guinea pigs can cause permanent injury and disabilities to one another if left unchecked . do not intervene with your bare hands . an irate guinea pig can cause injuries to you that are serious enough to warrant medical attention . cover the animal with an old towel or rag or use heavy gloves while separating them . separate the guinea pigs after the fight . keep them in different cages , but in the same room so that they can see , smell , hear , and talk to each other . continue handling them with gloves or a towel for a few hours after the fight , as they can remain skittish and aggressive for awhile after a confrontation . reintroduce them slowly , once again introducing them on a neutral ground with treats and food as distractions . depending on the severity of the fight , wait a few hours to a few days . keep protective gear on hand in case the fight resumes . some guinea pigs may simply not get along , even after you follow the proper protocol introducing them . you need to be prepared for this . its a risk when introducing a new guinea pig to your pack . do not feel as if this is your fault . nature simply works this way , and guinea pigs have different personalities . some may be more independent and aggressive and therefore harder to introduce to a companion . even when you do all the right things , guinea pigs are sometimes simply not compatible with one another . if the first introduction leads to an excess of fighting , you can restart the introduction process , beginning again with the quarantine period . this gives the guinea pigs time to cool off and forget any previous hostilities . if guinea pigs are simply not getting along , you can always keep them in separate cages where they can smell , see , and hear one another but cannot physically interact . they get the benefits of some social interaction but without the stress of a hostile environment .

be aware that , when the guinea pig squeals loudly with a wheek sound , he or she is happy . know that , if they are really happy to see you , guinea pigs will also squeal in delight to show their appreciation for you .

how to understand guinea pig language 1

it will sound really loud and positive , and the pig will be staying in one spot and looking up at you with their eyes wide open . its a repetitive sounds that shows excitement . they will usually do this when they know they are being fed . owners usually condition their pigs by the shaking of small objects in a jar or the rustling of plastic bags . they will squeal extremely loudly at the mere sound of it . this occurs when you meet with the piggies after neglecting to see them for a really long time , such as a vacation , or when they meet you after a bad experience with something else .

when you first bring them home , dont rush anything . try to get your guinea pig used to you . holding your guinea pig .

how to help your guinea pig adjust to you 1

make sure the cage of your new guinea pig is in a place that at least a few people go into several times a day . sit near the cage and talk . it can be to no one in particular , or just your guinea pig . after a few days of doing that , try to hand feed your piggy vegetables . feed them vegetables , talk to them , and after about four days of them being at your house , try to pet them . your guinea pig will eventually get you used to you petting himher . you may want to wait about a week before you get into this , as guinea pigs are prey animals and it takes them a while to adjust to things that are bigger than them . after a while of petting your guinea pig , try to hold them . put one hand on their back , and one hand under hisher stomach . then gently , but firmly , hold your guinea pig and bring himher up to your chest .

leave your guinea pig completely alone for the first day or two . let the guinea pig get used to you . have a towel ready for poop and pee . be calm . use the cage to your advantage . slip one hand under the guinea pig . pick the guinea pig up with two hands . be firm but gentle . place the guinea pig against your chest . feed her a treat . talk to your guinea pig . let her explore in a closed - off room . do not put her down when she wiggles . hold her firmly when returning her . be consistent . always watch your children with guinea pigs . keep children from carrying guinea pigs . have your child sit down . limit the guinea pig to one person each time . lock the cage .

how to hold a guinea pig

cover the cage with a light blanket that still lets in light . your guinea pig will feel safer and more secure . after that , you can move on to introducing yourself . dont grab your guinea pig out of the cage the first day you take the cover off . instead , take a few days to let her get to know you . put your hand in the cage , and let her smell you . softly stroke your animal so she learns to trust you . if youre worried about your clothes , have a towel available to put under the guinea pig while holding her . your guinea pig may not go to the bathroom while on you , but you should be prepared . if youre nervous , your guinea pig will pick up on it . make sure you are calm and collected before you try to hold your guinea pig . when approaching the cage , do so slowly and calmly . dont rush towards the cage and yank it open . instead , walk up slowly , and let the guinea pig smell you through the cage . gently open the door . take a moment to take a few calming breaths before approaching the cage . also , keep the environment calm . you should limit loud noises and sudden movements while your guinea pig is out . you dont want to startle her . for instance , turn off the television and the radio . turn off your phone so it doesnt go off while you have her out . to catch your guinea pig , you need to gently trap her in the cage . one easy way to catch her is to trap her in one of the cages pipes , if yours has pipes , and then pull her out . put your hand out to encourage the guinea pig into the pipe , making sure to block the other side . if your cage doesnt have pipes , try guiding your guinea pig into her house , and then lifting one edge to pick up the guinea pig . if your guinea pig seems very upset or tries to bite you , you should wait until another day to try picking your guinea pig up . using one hand , slide it under the belly of your guinea pig . gently start lifting her . put a finger around the front of one of the guinea pigs legs . that hold will help keep her in your hands . your guinea pig will feel more secure if you use both hands to pick her up . she may feel like shes falling if you only pick her up with one hand . use your second hand to support the guinea pigs back end . make sure you have a solid grip on your guinea pig . otherwise , she may jump from your hands . however , dont squeeze too hard , as you can hurt your guinea pig . though you can move around while holding your guinea pig , its best to sit down while holding her . that way , she wont be confused by your movement , and youre less likely to drop her . your towel should be on your chest . hold her against your chest with her feet towards your body . you can use blueberries , lettuce , or carrots , for instance . if you feed her a treat while you hold her , shell come to associate your cuddles with good things . use a soothing voice to talk to your guinea pig while youre holding her . it doesnt really matter what you say , as long as you use a soothing voice . for instance , you can go into the bathroom with your guinea pig . make sure there is nothing she can get into that she shouldnt such as cleaning supplies . also , make sure you cover any potential dangers , such as floor vents . close the door . place her on the floor , and let her run around . shell enjoy exploring , and shell also take some time getting to know you , too . if you want , sit on the floor with her . if you put her down every time she struggles , she learns that all she has to do is wiggle to get back in her cage . if you continue to hold her , shell learn to stay calm . as your guinea pig sees the cage , she may want to jump , so keep a firm hold on her with both hands when placing her back in the cage . in fact , you can turn her around , bottom first , when setting her back in the cage if shes particularly prone to jumping . wait to release her from your hand until she stops struggling . that way , she learns that she shouldnt squirm while youre holding her . get your guinea pig out of her cage everyday . that way , shell slowly grow used to your attention over time and will eventually enjoy the cuddle time . children can harm guinea pigs without meaning to . if the child is under 4 years of age , dont allow her to hold the pet . hold the guinea pig for her , and allow her to pet the animal . that is , practice safe holding practices , and let your child come up and gently pet the guinea pig while you have her against your chest . if you allow your child to hold the guinea pig , tell him how to hold her , and make sure he is not holding her too tightly or too loosely . children over four may be tempted to carry guinea pigs from room to room . however , if theyre not careful , guinea pigs can jump from their hands and hurt themselves . the safest way for a child to hold a guinea pig is to be sitting on the ground . that way , the child cant carry the guinea pig around , and the animal isnt too far from the ground if your child happens to drop it . for best results , ask your child to sit down , and then hand the guinea pig to him or her to hold . that is , only let one person hold the guinea pig each time you get her out of the cage , especially if that person is a child . guinea pigs are overly sensitive to being held , so limiting their exposure will keep them happier . you can hand the guinea pig to a child , but only let one child hold it . if another child wants to hold her , wait until another day . children may be tempted to pull a guinea pig out when youre not around , resulting in the guinea pig being unintentionally hurt . keep the cage locked so that children dont have access to the pet when youre not in the room . you can use a combination lock or a key lock , but close up the main gate with a lock if possible .

get down to guinea pig level . pick up shoes , jackets and any other clothing items strewn around the place . put the bin trash can away . keep telephone cords out of reach . remove house plants . put away delicate and valuable items . stop your guinea pig from playing hide and seek . provide distractions . lock away poisons .

how to guinea pig proof your home

consider which areas of the house you are likely to let your guinea pig roam around in . look around for the things that are easy for your guinea pig to get access to . for example , cords that are dangling or loose will be an invitation to chewing , as will any dangling items such as ribbons or cords off curtains or a blind . tie these cords and other dangling elements up and put loose electrical cords away or cover them properly . shoes with laces should definitely be put away . also pick up childrens toys and any human food containers . if your guinea pig will be allowed free run of a room where there is a bin , either move it out of the room or fit a tight lid over it . if there is food in the bin , it will raise curiosity . again , anything dangling attracts the guinea pigs attention . and dont forget the recharge cords for cordless or cellphones . theyre still attractive cords many house plants are potentially fatal if chewed by a pet . a guinea pig may be tempted to try a nibble here and there it is wise to remove plants from any free - roaming space . there is no need to risk something delicate or valuable being chewed . put it away before your pet roams around . this includes such items as remote controls and books , which can be as inviting as anything else . watch out for tassels hanging off cushions and other soft furnishings as well . when you look around , try to spot potential hiding places that could be used by your guinea pig . this is especially important if they are crevices that might cause your pet to get stuck or lost in . add things that the guinea pig is allowed to play with . these will distract the guinea pig from things that should not be chewed and your pet will still get a good workout . as with any good household practice , all poisonous substances should be locked away and out of reach of guinea pigs . in addition , dont let guinea pigs get near bathroom products such as shampoo , toothpaste , shaving cream etc . make sure the guinea pig cannot gain access to storage areas containing these substances .

be aware that purring is another sound guinea pigs produce when they are relaxed and comfortable through touching . the more you touch them in a way it makes them comfortable , the more purring you hear .

how to understand guinea pig language 2

it can range from stroking their hair , petting them , tickling them in sensitive spots , or as a way to bond with other piggies or you . their body will also vibrate or make sudden soft movements as body language to show their comfort from being touched .

be aware that guinea pigs enjoy doing two things - eating and exploring . know that guinea pigs move their bodies to explore the new discovery . know that , eventually , the guinea pigs will stop squeaking , but the movements will continue .

how to understand guinea pig language 3

when investigating a new object , food , or environment , they will make these type of squeaks . they are very short in time frequency and have a neutral tone but may sound positive . common movements range from shaking their noses up and down to smell , shaking their heads to see , and using their teeth and claws to touch and feel it . the squeaks will accompany these movements . until they investigate everything , it will continue . when the curiosity stops , they just go back to their old routines and activities .

know that , whether it be feeling violated , needing to release waste , or sad , the guinea pigs will squeal . be aware that guinea pigs naturally potty train themselves conditionally .

how to understand guinea pig language 4

these squeals are similar to the curious squeals , except they are a negative tone and have a larger time frequency than before . the pitch of their voice also goes from low to high quickly to express their annoyance . if this happens , be sure to calm them down to make them happy . stop whatever is bothering them stop touching them in certain areas , separate it with other piggies , pet its body , or let it release its waste . that condition is that they will never pee or poop on their owners no matter how badly they need to go . once they are far away from their owner , then they will release it wherever they feel like .

know that this is the exact opposite of happiness , in which the squeals are of negative tone and high pitch .

how to understand guinea pig language 5

they will open their mouths wide to show this . it can be a result of being injured , abused , neglected , bullied , and so on and is usually a temporary thing . stop or isolate the piggie from the source of sadness to remove it from the situation and make it happy again .

know that this one is most likely the least obvious as they dont make any noises like before .

how to understand guinea pig language 6

instead , they just chatter their teeth as if theyre really cold . when they get yelled at , physically disciplined or assaulted , or just plain angry at you , they will chatter their teeth in response .  guinea pigs may also do this when theyre cold or uncomfortable , so make sure you keep note of that as well

hold your guinea pig once a day , for about five minutes while feeding them . when you take your guinea pig out and hold them , feed them a treat and pet them . when your guinea pig begins to trust you , be careful with your relationship .

how to help your guinea pig adjust to you 2

increase as they get more used to you . after a little while , put your guinea pig in a guinea pig - proof space , where heshe can run harmlessly . to soothe your guinea pig , i recommend singing or speaking in a soft voice . they will eventually grow to trust you , and you will be able to do more with them . guinea pigs are fragile creatures , and they do not forget easily . eventually , they will trust you and be easier to train and love .

house your guinea pigs in a solid enclosure . establish specific areas where each pet is allowed to be . allow both pets to become comfortable in their home environments independently . emphasize the other pets presence .

how to keep guinea pigs when you have cats 1

when a cat enters kill mode , a flimsy cage wont stop it . while there are steps to follow that will reduce the likelihood of your cat becoming unnecessarily aggressive , it is still worthwhile to have a cage for your guinea pigs that guarantees their safety from demise by tooth and claw . recognize that your cat is also capable of seriously harming your guinea pig without intending to do so . as such , your guinea pig needs an area where they are completely safe , even if only from some overzealous rough - housing . if possible , youll want to keep your guinea pigs in a safe room where your cats are not regularly allowed . if you do not have sufficient space to allow this arrangement , choose a location for the cage that will prevent your cats from hanging out on or around the guinea pig enclosure . always keep all cat toys and guinea pig toys separated in your house . if you have a guinea pig area , keep all of their worldly possessions in that area , and do not store or allow any cat stuff in that area . disallow your cat from sitting beside or resting on top of your guinea pigs enclosure at any time . especially if one arrives after youve already had the other for a while , allow the new arrival to acclimate to your home before introducing them to each other . they will already be able to smell one anothers presence . let the suspense build a bit . wait at least a week before introducing a cat and a guinea pig . technically , you just need to make sure they are not able to touch one another or make eye contact . to be safe , dont allow them to see one another at all . before actually introducing your pets , acclimate your cat to the guinea pigs scent . there are several ways to do this . the intent is to associate things your cat likes , such as food , with the guinea pig . this may seem counterintuitive , but the cat will not think of the guinea pig as food – instead , it will think the guinea pig smell indicates that other and more appropriate food is nearby . place the cats food just outside the door of the room in which your guinea pig lives . if your cat gets amped up outside the guinea pigs room , remove them . do so in a jovial , relaxed manner – you dont want to indicate punishment , you just want to distract the cat from its overzealousness . place a wash cloth that you rubbed the guinea pig with near the cats food bowl . once your cat is entirely comfortable with the wash cloth no longer nervously or excitedly sniffing it from time to time , use the washcloth to stroke the cat as well . use the same cloth to go back and forth between your pets , stroking each right after you stroked the other . as you do so , be relaxed and high spirited . send the vibe to each pet that everything is awesome

pick up your piggy . you can also carry your piggy on your lap when sitting , relax , your pet can feel your tension and this will make himher scared or stressed . piggies love quite soothing music classical is best in order to calm them down . brushing your pet may build up a bond and your local pet store will stock a small animal brush for sure . get some small treats or cut up veg to give your piggy . let them lick the sweat off your fingers . if you are bringing a piggy home for the first time , give them about a week before handling .

how to build up a close bond with your guinea pig

scoop one hand under his or her chest , and with your other hand hold the piggy in between his or her legs . pick your piggy up slowly for small children an old cushion or a towel may help with confidence , and stop the claws remember to clip them from digging into their lap . this can be bad for your piggy quiet and soothing music , not the latest heavy metal tracks . if there are no brushes available , a toothbrush will do . do not use a used toothbrush . it is unsanitary . most say you can if you wash it thoroughly , but it is still gross . buy a new toothbrush , theyre not that expensive . veggies are preferred because they are more healthy for the piggy , and your piggy will still enjoy it . this may sound a bit weird but piggies love the salty taste of the sweat but dont give them salt . this may also seem gross to you , but if you want your piggy to be happy you better try . but be careful . some piggies dont do this , and theyd rather give you a nibble . so first try , like the picture says , with your finger nail . after 3 - 5 days , you may pet them , though . just dont remove from cage for a week . they need to get used to the surroundings , and piggies are naturally afraid of big giants , like we are .

make sure your guinea pig has its own space . keep things quiet for your guinea pig . guinea pigs have sensitive hearing , so theyll be most comfortable in a place that is free from major sources of noise such as traffic , loud televisions , and rambunctious play . leave your guinea pig alone at first . feed your guinea pig at the same time each day . having a regular supply of food will keep your guinea pig healthy and happy . make sure your guinea pig is eating . talk to your guinea pig . let your guinea pig sniff your hand . try picking your guinea pig up . feed your guinea pig lots of treats . give your indoor guinea pig some play time . find some bonding activities .

how to tame your guinea pig

your guinea pig should have an appropriate cage or hutch available from pet smart to spend hisher own time in . it can live inside or outside , as long as it is comfortable and safe . guinea pigs are social animals and love companionship , but this works best when the guinea pigs have grown up together so it can really understand you . if you have more than one , keep them in same sex groups to avoid breeding , and make sure there is a hiding place for each so they can have solitude when they wise otherwise they may try to fight each other to assert dominance male - male , or reproduce male - female . good features to look for in a guinea pig cage includelarge size a minimum of eight square feet of floor spacewooden construction with solid flooring no wire bottoms or any other strings like hair separate running and sleeping areas protection from the weather if outdoors bedding straw or hay is best , and fluffy materials should be avoided for safety reasons , as guinea pigs may eat their bedding . earthenware or stainless steel bowls that clip to the cage or hutch for food and water a door that can be opened so that the guinea pig can enter the run area without being picked up optional keeping things especially quiet for the first few days that your guinea pig is home might help it adjust . you can also cover your guinea pigs cage or hutch with a light cloth for the first few days . this may help it feel more secure and peaceful . on the first day you bring your guinea pig home , dont bother it by trying to play or cuddle—just silently check on it now and then to make sure that it is okay . guinea pigs have to build trust in you , as they are prey animals in nature . giving yours some time alone at first will help it get used to its new home . if you have young children , make sure they understand that the guinea pig needs some alone time at first . if you feed it regularly try doing so twice a day , it will associate your sounds with food and comfort . you should ask your vet or pet supply store for food suggestions , but generally your guinea pig should eathay guinea pig mix fruits and vegetables for vitamin c melons , oranges , spinach , broccoli , kale , and cabbage no lettuce . at first , guinea pigs are unlikely to eat in front of you . to make sure that yours is eating and healthy , just check its food and water dishes in the morning . if your guinea pig has eaten , you will see that these supplies have been depleted . some guinea pigs might not eat or drink much or at all during the first day or two in a new home . if it has been several days and you are sure that yours is not eating , however , contact your veterinarian . when you stop in to check on your guinea pig , talk to it softly and calmly , while still keeping your distance at first . this will help to get your guinea pig slowly used to the sound of your voice and presence . after a few visits , you can try sticking your hand in your guinea pigs cage . if your guinea pig is feeling adventurous , it might come and sniff your hand . dont try to pick your guinea pig up just yet but rather keep your hand still . be patient if your guinea pig wont sniff your hand yet . it can take some time to build trust . once it seems more used to your presence , entice it into a corner of its cage . placing one hand under its belly , and your other hand under its rear end , gently pick it up . alternatively , wrap one hand around its shoulders , and place your other hand under its rear end . hold it against your chest and talk softly to it . if your guinea pig seems calm , you can sit with it in a chair and pet it . if it is not calm , put it back in its cage and try again later . you can also try wrapping your guinea pig in a towel as you pick it up . hold it to your chest , as this seems to make some feel safer . try picking your guinea pig up on a daily basis for the first few weeks . even if yours seems a little nervous or frightened , you will eventually become friends if you are consistently calm and patient with it . if your guinea pig starts to make a purring sound like a cat , this may actually mean that it feels nervous . guinea pigs are generally gentle , but can bite or scratch if they are frightened . especially during the first few weeks , when you are trying to get your guinea pig used to you , treats can reward it and help it feel comfortable . whenever you try to get near your guinea pig or pick it up , offer it a treat . however , dont try to trick it into being picked up by offering it a treat , as this can cause it to distrust you . good choices for snacks include leafy green vegetables bits of food that are rich in vitamin c , like melon and broccoli guinea pig pellets outdoor guinea pigs may have larger cages and more space to run around . if your guinea pig stays indoors and is well - tamed , then you can periodically let it have some free time , too . look for a room that is free from holes or openings so your guinea pig wont accidentally escape , and where your guinea pig will be safe from harm there are no cords or plastic that can be chewed , for instance . as long as you supervise , your guinea pig will benefit from the chance to run around the room and get some exercise . indoor playpens with tubes , ladders , boxes , and other devices to amuse guinea pigs are another option . you can build one of these on your own , but supplies for them can also be found at pet stores . you can try to teach your guinea pig tricks , such as jumping on a box or running through a tube to get a treat from your hand . once your guinea pig is used to you and to being picked up , spend some time each day bonding with it . hold it in your lap and pet it while you watch your favorite television show , listen to music , or just talk guinea pigs are very very very vocal .

feed him in order to earn trust . hold him properly . spend quality time with your guinea pig . have conversations . understand guinea pig behavior . be prepared to bring your pet home . create a pleasant and safe space . be aware the best food for a guinea pig is grass or good quality hay . keep her clean . maintain his health . know the costs . value his company . let your kids help with the guinea pig . enjoy the health benefits .

how to get your guinea pig to trust you

one of the best ways to earn your guinea pigs trust is by feeding him healthy foods . in addition to hay and pellets , hand feed veggies , and fruits on occasion as well . doing this at regular intervals will cause your guinea pig to associate you and your scent with his favorite things to eat . fruit and sweeter vegetables are an ideal snack to give your guinea pig . try feeding him a slice of banana or apple once a day , or a piece of bell pepper . guinea pigs have different food preferences , just like people . try different types of fruit and vegetables until you find the one that seems to make your pet the happiest . all should be fed by hand . doing this at regular intervals will cause your guinea pig to associate you with food and caring . youll want to give your guinea pig plenty of attention , which means you should be very comfortable holding him . youll want to give your guinea pig plenty of attention , which means you should be very comfortable holding him . a supportive but gentle hold is best . pick him up with one hand under his belly , and one supporting his bottom . hold him close to your body , especially when moving around . the key to a successful hold is to make sure your guinea pig feels secure . he will have a harder time trusting you if he is afraid of falling . hold him securely , but loosely enough that he is still comfortable . this includes supporting his rump to get rid of that falling feeling . its not enough simply to be in the same room with your guinea pig while they are in their cage . to effectively bond with your guinea pig , make sure to spend time with them by removing them from their confined area . take some time each day to pay attention to your guinea pig while they have the freedom to move around . guinea pigs love to play hide and seek . when you are playing with your pig out of the cage , place several empty paper sacks around the room . place treats in some of them , and watch your pet have fun exploringmake sure to keep a close eye on your pet when theyre on the move . they could easily search out several good hiding places , and you dont want to lose them . when approaching your guinea pig for play time , offer them a small treat . they will begin to associate positive incentives with spending time with you . talking to your guinea pig is a great way to bond with them . guinea pigs are social creatures , and they love attention . place your pets cage in a room where you spend a lot of time - - maybe your living room or home office . talk to your guinea pig throughout the day . it may seem strange at first , but you will probably come to enjoy having somebody to talk to who will never disagree with your opinions . guinea pigs make great listenersuse your guinea pigs name frequently . by using their name , your pet will learn when you are specifically talking to them . theyll learn to look forward to the special attention . to earn your guinea pigs trust , you should spend some time learning to understand the characteristics of these pets . typically , they are smart , sensitive , and have a lot of energy . pay attention to your pets habits , so that you can learn their likes and dislikes . for example , learning the specific spots they like to have scratched will go a long way towards earning their trust . guinea pigs are highly social and they love company . consider getting a companion for your pet . its not much harder to care for two guinea pigs instead of one . and it can make it easier on them when you arent constantly there to give them the attention and socialization they require . dont worry if your guinea pig does not immediately respond to your affections . as with any animal , it can take time to earn a guinea pigs trust . before you bring your guinea pig to your house for the first time , make sure that you have everything you need . take care to have a comfortable home created for them . you should also have plenty of food on hand for your new companion . a good water bottle is one of the most important items you will need for your new pet . ask the pet store to recommend a brand . a good water bottle will provide your guinea pig with the supply of fresh and clean water they need without any leaks . most cages that are marketed for guinea pigs are actually too small . you should look for a larger cage that is at least 7 . 5 square feet . this might mean that you purchase a cage that is intended for another animal . thats okay , dont worry about the name of the product . if you cant find an appropriate cage , you can make your own . a good suggestion could be a cc cage , which is spacious and affordable . plus , you can customise the cage make it interesting . guinea pigs like to move around , so try to find a cage that includes ramps and different levels . include bedding . guinea pigs like to nest and burrow , so make sure that they have the material to do so . pine and cedar shavings , though widely sold , are not actually good for small animals , because of chemicals . instead , ask the pet store for a paper - based bedding product , or use fleece with some type of absorbent liner underneath . feed this as the number one constituent of the diet . in addition , you can offer a small amount no more than they can eat in 20 minutes of a good quality extruded food . the latter is a pellet that is milled so that each nugget looks identical which stops the guinea pig from selectively eating the tasty bits and leaving the healthier parts . feeding a diet of entirely pellets leads either to obesity or to the guinea pigs teeth overgrowing . your guinea pig should be eating a few servings of vegetables and fruits each day . guinea pigs cannot produce vitamin c so it is important that you supplement their diet , as pellets are not enough . some pig - safe vegetables are kale , romaine lettuce , carrot , celery strings removed spinach , parsley , and cilantro . keep in mind that some different vegetables will have different limitations on how much you can feed them per week . fruits are sugary , but can be fed once every week . apples seeds removed , blueberries , raspberries , blackberries , banana , oranges , peaches pits removed and cherry pits removed are fruits that you can try . you can look online for more safe veggies and fruits . remember to feed organic if you can , and always , always , always wash your vegetables and fruits thoroughly with water before feeding . remove any food remains after 4 hours to prevent bacteria buildup . , generally , your guinea pig will be able to bathe itself . but every three months or if she gets particularly dirty , you can give it a bath . place her in the bathroom sink , on top of a washcloth . gently scoop room temperature water over the guinea pig and rub it in . use a small amount of shampoo and work it into a lather in your guinea pigs fur . then gently but thoroughly rinse . just bathe your guinea pigs body , not her head . you dont want to get water in her eyes . gently pat your pet dry with a clean , soft towel . your guinea pig should see his vet once every year . your vet can make sure that he is at a healthy weight and is not showing any signs of illness . make sure to use a vet who thoroughly and patiently answers all of your questions . take your guinea pig to the vet anytime they show signs of illness or significant changes in behavior . before you bring home a guinea pig or two make sure that you have factored the financial costs into your budget . youll need to purchase food , a cage , bedding , and a water bottle . dont forget to add in occasional trips to the vet . annual guinea pig care costs between 500 - 800 . animals can read moods . so if you want your guinea pig to trust you and value you , you should reciprocate . make sure to think about the value that having a pet adds to your life . isnt it nice to have company when no one else is around the more you appreciate your guinea pig , the more it will show . pets are a great way to help your kids learn responsibility . guinea pigs are an ideal first pet for your children to be around . have your kids help you feed the guinea pig , and teach them to clean the cage . you , your children , and the guinea pig will all benefit from this arrangement . people who have pets are known to be healthier than non - pet owners , in some respects . guinea pigs provide the same perks as having a cat or dog . owning a guinea pig can help prevent symptoms of depression and can also lower your blood pressure .

be sure the cage is the right size . get the right bedding . put in the right accessories . place a ceramic food bowl in the cage . put in a water bowl or bottle . add hay . set up a separate cage for the new guinea pig . switch the new member to community items . get the new guinea pig used to the other guinea pigs scent . place the new guinea pig in the community cage .

how to introduce a new guinea pig to a community cage

the cage needs to be large enough to handle the animals and equipment . this includes the guinea pigs , hideaways , food bowls , water bottles or bowls , bedding , treats , and any extra items for the pigs to play with . this also includes accounting for the right dimensions for the cage to fit in the room or on the platform you plan on setting up with . have a tape measure and ways to mark off measurements such as tape or a sharpie handy . measure height , width , and depth . double check all your measurements . for a single pig , a cage should be at minimum 24 inches long by 12 inches deep by 12 inches wide or around 7 . 5 square feet . more space would be better such as cages 30 inches wide by 36 inches long varying on depth . for multiple pigs you need larger dimensions . larger cages are more expensive . cages can range from in the 50 range to as high as several hundreds of dollars for more elaborate multi - level dwellings . two guinea pigs need at least a 30 x 50 cage 10 . 5 square feet . three guinea pigs need at least a 30 x 62 cage 13 square feet . four guinea pigs need at least a 30 x 76 cage 16 square feet . this is a choice you want to consider early on . this bedding as to be soft enough to not injure the guinea pigs feet , but absorb the waste of multiple animals . use aspen , pine , or recycled paper for the bedding material . most of this is sold prepackaged in pet stores , department store pet aisles , and some supermarkets . layer approximately 4 – 5 of bedding on the floor of the cage . plan on cleaning the bedding of the guinea pigs waste , leftover treats , food , and other items on the spot at least once a week . but change out the shavings completely once a month . with multiple pigs you might want to step up your cleaning efforts and do spot cleanings more often . guinea pigs need a variety of items in the cage including their food bowls , water , hideaways , and a few extras that are optional but help with their well - being . hideaways or hide houses are important as guinea pigs like to have a place they feel they can be safe and quiet . there are usually wood varieties , edible ones , and plastic ones . get a hideaway that is easy to clean , the guinea pigs wont easily toss aside when they run , and is safe for them to chew . the edible hideaways have the added benefit of giving the guinea pigs more safe chewing material for the health of their teeth . these hideaways are usually covered in vegetable - based dyes . some hideaways are large enough for multiple pigs , but put in two or three if you have the cage room and need to offer the shelter for more than one guinea pig . these hideaways are usually inexpensive . it should be wide and shallow . this will prevent the guinea pigs from tipping it . for two or three guinea pigs a single bowl should be enough as each pig needs about 18th of a cup of guinea pig pellet food per day . check the food bowl periodically for shavings and other objects scattered in by the guinea pigs that need to be cleaned out . water is a choice usually between a ceramic bowl and a water bottle clipped to the side . the water bottle is a bit cleaner as the guinea pigs cannot accidentally scatter cage material into the water like they could with the bowl . however , the bottle tends to drip and get wet whatever part of the cage is under it including any bedding . also , guinea pigs tend to pull at the bottle and can bang it against the cage sides making quite a lot of noise . if you opt for the water in a ceramic bowl option you will need to spot check it for cleanliness more often . if you opt for the water bottle try a plastic or glass version plastic is more common in a 32 ounce size . make sure it has an angled stainless steel tube with a ball bearing to plug up the spout . for the water bowl or bottle you should change the water once a day and clean the container . this can be the usual timothy hay easily found in most pet stores and some department stores and supermarkets . but as you add more guinea pigs this will become more crucial for their well being . you can leave as much as you want either in a pile on the bedding or on a rack accessory that can be added to the cage . hay normally helps with digestion and dental health of guinea pigs . sometimes the hay can be too hard or coarse . if you notice your guinea pigs getting cut by the timothy hay stems you can opt for softer varieties like alfalfa . consult a veterinarian if you are unsure . replace the hay daily . once you have the community cage set up with the guinea pigs you already own you will need to keep the new member separate to make sure they are safe to add . follow the steps in the earlier method for setting up a cage for a single guinea pig . keep the new guinea pig in the separate cage for approximately two weeks . make sure the new guinea pig eats , drinks , and otherwise behaves normally . there should be no signs of poor appetite , lethargy , or visible injury . have your veterinarian check the new guinea pig to ensure it wont carry any diseases into the community cage . the new guinea pig may be used to the food , treats , chew toys , and similar items from the store instead of what you have in the community cage . use the same bedding , food , water delivery method , and hideaways from the community cage in the new members quarantine cage to get them used to it . consider draping the quarantine cage with a light cloth to give the new guinea pig extra privacy with which to get used to the community cage items . every 10 - 15 minutes you can try to get the new guinea pig used to your handling . one way to do this is at play time . guinea pigs are social animals normally , and like to be in each others company . set up a safe penned off room free of cords or other hazards to let the new guinea pig meet the others . never let the guinea pigs roam unsupervised outside their cage . dont let un - neutered males play with females . generally , its best to have guinea pigs of the same gender stay together . watch this stage closely for signs of fighting or rejection . observe the behavior of the guinea pigs to see if there is any trouble with them eating , drinking , and otherwise acting normally once the new member is added . if you step away and come back to notice any injury to one then there may have been fighting . consult your veterinarian in this case . watch for signs that the new guinea pig is not eating , staying in one of the hideaways too much , dragging its body , or making complaining noises during ordinary functions like urination . see your veterinarian if any of these behaviors occur . otherwise , if there is difficulty , you can simply try taking the newer guinea pig out and re - introducing it more gradually again . allow the guinea pigs more attempts to learn the others scent following the playtime steps from earlier . once all of the community guinea pigs are eating , active , and alert you should consider the introduction successful .

introduce your cats and guinea pigs early . recognize that the peace process may not be without initial conflict . start with a single , brief dose of eye contact . turn the tables . try some cross petting .

how to keep guinea pigs when you have cats 2

the younger they both are the better . if you get both your guinea pig and cat when they are each very young and allow them to grow up together , they are especially likely to become friends . try to introduce your cat to your guinea pig before the cat is ten weeks old . cats this young are undergoing the critical socialization period of their development , and will be especially susceptible to information indicating that the guinea pig is a friend and fellow housemate . if you dont get your cat and guinea pig when theyre both young , introducing them to each other may not go entirely smoothly . were talking weeks of hardened stare - downs and weird , carnal noisemaking . dont push either one of them . trying to expedite the process will likely add stress to the situation and make it harder for them to calm down around one another . once theyve acclimated to one anothers scent , allow quick eye contact sessions from a distance . these are the best way to handle visual introductions . place the cat inside a kennel . let the cat watch as you praise the guinea pig and feed the guinea pig treats for being calm and relaxed . the guinea pig will likely play its part because guinea pigs tend not to overthink things . stop the eye contact session after a minute or two , or if either of the animals become overly energetic or nervous . the goal here is to instill calmness in their relationship . on another early visit , bring the cat into the room where your guinea pig is kept but never into the guinea pigs actual enclosure . double check that your guinea pig is secure in their housing area and that the cat cannot reach them . bring the cat into the room , in your own or another humans arms . whichever human you have assist you should already have a good relationship with each pet . hold one of your pets and have another human hold the other one . each human should pet the animal theyre holding . if each pet remains calm , allow them to watch as the other animal is treated fondly by the other human . decrease the physical distance between them incrementally . move closer by a foot each time you have a petting session . take a small amount of time each day to repeat this process . talk to your guinea pig during these sessions so your cat becomes aware that they are a part of the family . once the two humans holding the pets are close enough to touch the pet that the other human is holding , hold the distance . if you can sit next to one another with both animals remaining calm , youre at a good distance to start cross petting . reach towards the other person and pet the animal that theyre holding . take turns petting the pet the other person is holding . this will show both the cat and the guinea pig that everyone is calm with everybody else . reward calm , relaxed demeanors with treats and affection .

let your guinea pig roam . allow the cat and guinea pig to get to know one another . when you arent in the house , keep the guinea pigs and cats separate .

how to keep guinea pigs when you have cats 3

hold your cat on your lap in the room where you keep the guinea pig . have the room to the door closed , and allow the guinea pig to roam around the room outside of its enclosure . wait until the guinea pig approaches , and assure the cat with affectionate petting if it remains calm . it they are able to noses one another and remain calm , they are likely ready for supervised play time . the room with the guinea pig enclosure is best , as the guinea pig can return to its own space if it wants to do so . always maintain active and vigilant supervision . dont ever allow the cat to enter the guinea pigs enclosure . interrupt your pets interactions if the cat begins to stalk the guinea pig or either animal begins to get agitated or aggressive . try again another day . if aggressive behavior continues , spend time holding the cat in your lap while the guinea pig roams . make sure they are both in the respective zones where the other is never allowed . this will allow each to feel most comfortable while youre away , and minimize the risk of coming home to blood - speckled walls . even if they become great friends , dont ever leave them alone together .

look at the cats face . look at the cats body . look at the cats tail . ask somebody . check again . look at the cats coat . look at the cats ears . listen to the cat .

how to tell a cheetah and leopard apart

cheetahs have tear marks on their faces , which are black stripes starting from their eyes and going all the way until their mouths . leopards dont have tear marks . cheetahs are narrower , while leopards are fatter . cheetahs have longer , thinner tails , while leopards have shorter , fatter tails . a cheetah can make sudden , sharp turns in midair when chasing prey , so its long tail help it balance when doing so . if youre in a zoo or somewhere else with other people who know about big cats and youve forgotten how to tell a leopard and cheetah apart , you can always ask somebody make sure that you are not mistaking something like a leopard who has gotten something on its face that looks like tear marks to you for a cheetah cheetahs and leopard both have spots , but a cheetah has thinner spots that are just black , while a leopard has fatter , black spots with light brown in the middle . a cheetah has slightly smaller ears while leopards have larger ears . cheetahs can purr but they cant roar . leopards cant purr but they can roar .

look for long , thick fur . look for a mane . look for a tiger with fewer and lighter stripes . look for lighter colors . look for the biggest cat around . look for small legs .

how to identify a siberian tiger 1

because siberian tigers live in colder climates than other tiger subspecies , they have considerably thicker coats . most other tigers will have a very thin layer of fur close to their body . siberian tigers , in contrast , will look a bit puffy because of their longer fur . because of their colder environment , siberian tigers will even have thick fur on their paws . because the other differences between tigers are subtle , the fur length is often the best way to distinguish a siberian tiger from other subspecies . siberian tigers unique in that they have manes . their manes are not as long or as distinctive as those of a lion however , to keep themselves warm , they do have slightly longer fur around their neck . this might give the appearance that their necks are larger and puffier than those of other tigers . each individual tiger has its own unique pattern of stripes , but there are also differences between subspecies . siberian tigers have brown , dark , and vertical stripes covering their body , including their legs . they have fewer , more narrow , and lighter stripes than many other subspecies . whereas other types of tigers have black stripes , siberian tigers have dark brown stripes . although stripes differ from one subspecies to another , these are sometimes too subtle for anything but well - trained eye to recognize . the fact that each individual tiger has different stripe patterns also complicates the matter . tigers are the only wild cats with stripes . their stripes act as camouflage allowing them to closely stalk their prey within being seen . although the differences can be subtle , siberian tigers tend to have a slightly less vibrant orange fur . it will be a lighter color than that of other subspecies . similarly , the stripes of siberian tigers are dark brown , rather than jet black . siberian tigers are the largest of all the tiger subspecies . the average siberian tiger is about 11 feet long , with a tail about 3 feet long . they can weigh as much as 700 lb . living in northern regions calls for colder climates and thus a demand for a larger body which is easier to keep warm . large animals lose body heat slower than smaller ones . as the mean temperature of an environment decreases , the body size of warm - blooded animal species or subspecies tends to increase this concept is known as bergmanns rule . despite a larger body , siberian tigers tend to have somewhat shorter legs than those of other subspecies . the contrast between the larger body and shorter legs can make the tigers look somewhat short and stubby by comparison .

be in charge of a tigress . wait for the tigress to be the right age . look for the signs of the tigress coming into heat she will start rubbing up against things as domestic female cats do . expect mating if a mate can be found .

how to know if a female tiger is in heat

likely you will be working in a zoo , a safari park , or working as part of a volunteer program looking after abandoned tigers in india or similar place . you might be a zookeeper , a zoo or safari volunteer , a guide explaining this to visitors , or a vet . if you are a vet , please improve this article . you can skip this step if you are just writing a biology paper at university . female tigers are not sexually mature until they are around 3 or 4 years of age , but usually come into season around 2 12 years of age . she is leaving her scent marks via strong pheromones in her urine so that male tigers know that she has gone into oestrus . the tigress will become vocal . she will roar which tigers do not do that often in order to attract a mate . tigers live far away from one another , so roaring is a signal to come nearer . vocalisations can be persistent and one female was recorded as roaring 69 times in only 15 minutes . she will not be averse to visiting male tigers . although usually loners , tigers drop such reserve at mating time . a male tigers territory usually covers that of several females and although the initial meeting might result in a fight , once they have checked each other out , the mating begins . given the sad reality that there are fewer and fewer tigers in the world yearly , oestrus may come and go before the female finds a male to mate with . if she does find one , and all going well they get along , the female tiger will adopt the lordosis position for mating and the male tiger will mount her , bite the back of her neck and mate . this process causes pain to the female tiger , which stimulates ovulation .

ask yourself if it is cold enough for a siberian tiger . consider whether you are far enough north for a siberian tiger . look for mountainous woodlands . look at the mating pattern .

how to identify a siberian tiger 2

if you have encountered a tiger in the wild , then you can use your location to help determine whether the cat is siberian tiger . most tigers prefer warm weather climates . siberian tigers , however live in the cold . this rule , however , does not apply to tigers in captivity . zoos will import animals from all of the world , even when the local climate is very different from the animals natural habitat . one of the defining features of the siberian subspecies is its habitat . siberian tigers live principally in eastern russia . some do , however , venture into north korea and northern regions of china . by contrast , the second largest tiger , the bengal tiger , lives in indian and south east asia . today , siberian tigers predominately live in remote mountainous areas . they typically prefer birch forests . in contrast , the bengal tiger , which is of a similar size , lives in wet , tropical climates . unlike some other large cats , tigers are solitary . the only exception is for mating . male and female siberian tigers will spend a few days together when they mate . the female will then bear the cubs for approximately 103 days . after birth , the mother will care for the bus for about 18 months . there is no set time of year that siberian tigers mate . a female , however , will generally try to mate when she is around four years old . on average , a mother siberian tiger will birth a litter of 6 cubs . they will venture off on their own when they are old enough . daughters will usually find territory near their mother , whereas sons will venture off further .

recognize the signs of a pending attack . back away slowly . make some noise . make yourself larger . have a weapon to defend yourself . protect your neck , throat , and head . report the sighting .

how to fend off a mountain lion 1

if a mountain lion is less than 25 yards away from you and is staring directly at you , it is preparing to attack you . it will be positioned low to the ground with its tail twitching back and forth . conventional wisdom has suggested you should never run away from a mountain lion because this will trigger its instinct to chase its prey and attack you by biting your neck . however , recent studies have shown that freezing in your current position in front of the mountain lion leaves you at a greater risk for serious or fatal injury than backing away slowly or even running away quickly . slowly backing away from the lion has been shown to have the lowest levels of fatality . if you choose to run which is unrecommended , check your terrain and make sure if you can get a strong , flat spring . if you have to run up jagged or hilly terrain , the mountain lion might think you are injured and thus , even better prey . if you decide to stand your ground in front of the mountain lion , dont do it silently . speak very loudly and firmly to the mountain lion you can even try yelling at it to intimidate it . do not scream or shriek as if you are terrified rather , yell very forcefully . stand tall and raise your arms overhead and open your coat so you make yourself seem as big and intimidating as possible . if small children are with you , pick them up . by doing so , you are making yourself look bigger and protecting the child at the same time . puff up your chest and throw your shoulders back . do not bend down before the mountain lion as they will take this as a sign of weakness . if you have any kind of walking stick , a hunting knife , rocks or another large weapon to deter the mountain lion , you should use it at the moment of attack . pepper spray might also be a successful deterrent . if the mountain lion acts aggressively , throw stones at or near it convince it that you could be dangerous . you can also use a hunting rifle or pistol to fire at the lion if it makes a charge at you . you should first attempt to fire a warning shot to scare off the lion before it attacks . the mountain lion will most likely attempt to tackle you and crush your skull or bite your throat . try to block the mountain lion from your eyes and face as you strike it . do everything you can to fight it off . an average adult should be able to ward off an attack by fighting back since mountain lions are rather small . aim for the head , mouth , and eyes . as soon as you are able , report your encounter to authorities .

bring a dog . dogs make effective early warning systems . pack a first - aid kit . stay enclosed in your car . listen to your guide . scare the cheetah . do not follow the cheetah . tourists are interested in cheetah behavior and may be tempted to follow them . back away slowly . intimidate the cheetah . fight back . play dead . call for help . clean the wound . apply pressure to your wound . wash your hands if possible . seek medical attention immediately . follow up with your doctor .

how to survive a cheetah attack

cheetahs can be extremely stealthy , and you may not notice one approach until it is too late . dogs , however , with their keener sense of smell , can detect cheetahs before they attack . going out on safari with a dog is a good idea . your barking canine friend will act like an early - warning system , letting you know that danger is near while simultaneously scaring the cheetah away . anatolian shepard and kangal dogs are the preferred breeds to deter cheetah attacks . dont leave on your safari adventure without bringing a first - aid kit . if you are attacked by a cheetah , youll be glad you took the time to pack it . if youre going out with a safari tour guide , he or she should have a well - stocked kit which includes bandages of varying sizes disinfectant medical gloves antibiotic ointment sterile gauze pads hand sanitizer a first aid manual an eye shield a thermometer tweezers finger splints scissors many big cat attacks occur when tourists roll their windows down or open their doors . staying safely in your vehicle ensures no cheetah will attack you . a young cheetah might test your vehicle , jumping on it or gnawing its fenders . let the cheetah do so undisturbed . it will eventually grow bored and leave . always follow your guides directions . they are experts with many years of experience dealing with african wildlife , and their first priority is your safety . if you are on a walking tour , stay close to your guide or a member of your group . cheetahs tend to attack individuals who are isolated from the rest of their group . never wander off the trail or follow a cheetah if you see one nearby . cheetahs are known to avoid areas frequented by hyenas and lions . bringing along a recorded hyena or lion call will dissuade any nearby cheetah from engaging you or your party . this behavioral pattern is known as predator avoidance and is effective no matter the cheetahs sex or age . lions are perceived as a bigger threat to cheetahs than hyenas . the lions roar should be the preferred audio recording you utilize to dissuade cheetah attacks . however , if the cheetah believes you are a predator in pursuit , it will turn to stand its ground and attack . this could result in serious injury to you . keep your distance when you spot a cheetah and let it leave without pursuing it . that great photo you think you can capture wont be worth anything if you arent around to share it . if the cheetah spots you , maintain eye contact . whilst maintaining eye contact , back away slowly . do not run . if you run , the cheetah will instinctively chase you . and cheetahs are fast – the fastest land animals on earth , clocking in at up to 60 miles per hour . unless youre a gazelle , running away wont do you much good . dont make any sudden movements or show any sign of fear . get somewhere safe . get back in your car or find other shelter . dont bother climbing a tree – cheetahs cannot climb as high as other big cats , but can still scale any tree you can at a much faster speed . if the cheetah continues to aggressively approach or pursue you , you will have to stand your ground . make yourself appear as large as possible . wave your arms above your head and start yelling at it . clap or whistle loudly . if you have noise making devices available such as bells or pots and pans , use them to scare the cheetah off . while cheetahs are stronger and faster than you , you still have a fighting chance if youre being attacked . if you are armed , utilize your weapon . pepper spray should be your first line of defense since cheetahs are an endangered species . do not kill the cheetah unless it is actively attacking you or a member of your group . kick the cat firmly in the chest just before it makes contact with you . this will knock it back and , hopefully , make it think twice about attacking you . if using a knife , strike the cheetah in the eyes or neck . if unarmed , go for the eyes , plunging your thumbs into its eye sockets and gripping it around the back of its head . punch the cheetah in its head and nose . if youve already been pounced on , do not struggle or scream . slow your breathing and close your eyes . assume the fetal position by bringing your knees up to your head and covering your neck with your hands . the cheetah will think itself victorious and slink away or turn its attention to something else . in either case , you will then have an opportunity to escape or get help from your companions . protect your neck while on the ground . cheetahs kill their prey by clamping down on their victims neck with their powerful jaws , suffocating it . if your companions are nearby , yell and attract their attention . you might not be able to fend off a wild cheetah on your own . individuals attacked by cheetahs are often saved due to the timely intervention of a friend or other member of their group . for this reason , always stay close to your party when venturing into cheetah territory . if you are not the immediate object of the cheetah attack , you should do everything you can to remove the cheetah from the other member of your party . cheetahs are scared by large groups and an attacking cheetah will likely break off its attack when it sees it is outnumbered . strike the cheetah in its head or side to remove it from your friend . take the cats tail firmly in your hand and pull hard . reach your hand over the back of its head and plug its nostrils . unable to breathe , the cheetah will abandon its attack . spray water on its face . do not use firearms against a cheetah who has a friend pinned . the risk of inadvertently hitting the victim is too great . immediate , gentle rinsing of the wound with water or a solution of water and povidone - iodine will decrease your risk of bacterial infection . remove any teeth , dirt , or hair if possible . if the wound is shallow , pad it dry and apply an antibacterial agent . wrap it with a clean bandage . cut away any clothing to clean the wound if necessary . if the bite severed a body part such as a finger , wash it in clean water , wrap it in tissue , and place it in a plastic bag . pack the bag in ice . it may be possible to reattach it later . if jewelry is present , remove it to prevent the constriction of blood vessels in the event of swelling . pay attention to your condition . if you feel lightheaded , weak , or dizzy , you may pass out due to blood loss or shock . dont move too suddenly following your attack unless it is to extricate yourself from immediate danger . if vinyl medical gloves are available in your first aid kit , wear them . if not , use clean plastic bags or layers of rags or cloth to keep a barrier between your hand and the wound . to prevent infection , use your bare hands only as a last resort . you will need to staunch the bleeding with a clean , dry cloth . elevate the wound and apply even pressure for 15 minutes . time your application of pressure with a clock . if blood soaks through the first cloth , apply another without removing the first . after 15 minutes , check to see if the wound has stopped enough for bandaging . if it has not , continue to press the wound in 15 - minute intervals until bleeding has slowed enough to apply a bandage . you will likely need stitches to heal properly . depending on the extent of damage , surgery may be necessary . your doctor will probably prescribe you with an antibiotic and run bloodwork to check for infection . an x - ray might be called for to check for broken bones . if the animals rabies immunization status is unknown , your doctor will need to check for evidence of rabies by killing the cheetah in question and studying its brain . if the cheetah was rabid , you are in serious danger and must receive a full battery of vaccines immediately . once symptoms start , your chances of survival are limited . besides rabies , bite wounds can lead to nerve or tendon laceration and infection . signs of nerve or tendon damage include the inability to move the wounded limb properly , or a loss of feeling around the site of the bite wound . infections can be fatal if not treated quickly and properly . signs of infection include swelling , redness , pain , or oozing . be on the lookout for irritation to the wound or changes in your condition which may indicate infection .

try to remain calm and back away slowly . make yourself big . repel an attacking tiger with noise . do whatever you can to survive .

how to survive a tiger attack 1

in the event that a tiger is tracking you or has begun to snarl at you and seems ready to attack , try to stay calm . do not look the tiger in the eye , but do turn towards the tiger . back away slowly while fighting the urge to turn your back and run . keep walking backwards until the tiger is well out of sight , then turn and move quickly away from the location of the tiger . try to look and feel brave . whatever you do , do not run . running away from a tiger is all but inviting it to attack you . inciting a chase can literally prompt an uncertain tiger into attacking . while slowly backing away , stand up as tall as possible . make yourself look like less of a helpless prey animal by standing up straight . crouched down , you look weaker and smaller – both of which will increase the chances that a tiger will attack . even simple sounds may frighten a tiger off if they are not accustomed to the noise . make noise with anything you have , especially if it makes a loud or unnatural sound . if you have a firearm , shoot it into the air . if you have a signal flare , light it and hold it in front of you . jingle or shake any metal or glass items against one another . if you attempt to shout at the tiger , do so with full confidence . any nervousness that is betrayed by your voice may incite the tiger to attack . if the tiger begins to physically attack , it is unlikely to stop . continue making as much noise as possible , and use whatever you have to shield yourself and strike back in self defense . avoid playing dead if the tiger is attacking out of an interest in eating you , it will simply proceed unencumbered . remember that your best chance of survival is convincing the tiger to flee , which will require you to frighten or injure the tiger . if you are lucky enough to survive an attack , work to stop any bleeding and get medical attention as quickly as possible .

choose your location . safety - proof the area . lay down something absorbent . set up props or backdrops if youre using them . place some treats nearby where theyre easy to get to . pick up your guinea pigs . offer them shelter if they seem scared or anxious . remember to keep males and females separate . place them with the backdrop or props , and dress them in costumes if desired . take breaks every once in a while to let them calm down and have some hay or water . take some shots with props or costumes . photograph the guinea pigs on your lap or in your hand . snap some candid shots . get creative

how to take photos of your guinea pigs

a relatively empty , quiet room with adequate lighting is always a good choice . if possible , choose a closed - off area to prevent escape . if this is not feasible , at least try to pick a place away from noisy appliances , so your guinea pigs arent startled by the sound . cover or move any electrical cords so your pets dont chew them , and cover any places your guinea pigs might run and hide in , such as underneath sofas or behind dressers . it may take some extra time , but preparing ahead of time will help keep your piggies safe . you could choose newspaper , old towels , or anything else that you wont mind getting soiled . this layer of absorbency will keep your floor clean in case of an accident , and give your pigs somewhere to sit in between photos . try having your guinea pigs pose with some stuffed animals , or put up a colorful background . whatever youre using , be sure to set it all up before you bring in the pigs . its a good idea to keep some treats in the photo - taking area , so you dont have to run and grab them later . avoid treats bought at pet stores , as often commercial treats and pellets are full of sugar , alfalfa , or choking hazards such as nuts or seeds . instead , opt for some healthy fresh fruit or veggies . carefully carry them into your photography location or studio one at a time . carefully , and carry them into the room one at a time . try to be gentle so as not to startle them . to pick up your guinea pig , use one hand to hold them under the chest and your remaining hand to support their rump . the goal is to keep them as calm as possible so they dont squirm , so be sure to let them chill in the shade every once in a while . you may wish to bring in their travel cage so theyre better contained while you prepare for the next photo . you may think that you can keep an eye on them and prevent them from mating , but they can do so in the blink of an eye , and you might not be able to stop it . play it safe , and keep sexes separate unless theyre neutered . the exception to this rule is if youre photographing baby guinea pigs . pups can reach sexual maturity at as young as 4 weeks , so you can keep both sexes together if theyre 3 weeks or younger . be careful with the costumes , so as not to hurt your guinea pigs or choke them . keep an eye out for chewing of costumes or other supplies . guinea pigs are easily overwhelmed , so its a good idea to let them have some food and relax every so often . you may need to bribe the pigs with treats in order to get them in the right place or face the right way . these types of pictures tend to add a personal touch . additionally , since you have more control over the pigs , these photos are easier to take , and are well - suited to beginners . let the pigs wander around , take a nap , interact with one another or the camera , and just be themselves . they are curious animals , and its always fun to take a picture of them exploring the area or sniffing the camera . dont be afraid to try out new ideas , props , or settings . experiment with taking photos outside as well , allowing your pets to play in the grass in an enclosed area , of course , or include them in family photos . dont forget to show off your amazing new photos

look out for tracks . watch out for mountain lion scat . be aware of claw rakings . respect the mountain lions space .

how to fend off a mountain lion 2

the best way to avoid a mountain lion is to leave the area at the first sign of its presence . if you are hiking or camping , be on the lookout for mountain lion tracks . its paw prints will have a the imprint of slightly triangular heel surrounded by four toes . the top of the heel will have two lobe bumps while the bottom of the heel will have three . the toes are slightly elongated , so they will look like extended ovals they generally will not have claw marks . mountain lions move at a much slower pace than dogs or coyotes , so the tracks will be further spread apart and also directly behind each other . be sure not to dismiss paw prints for those of a dog or coyote . this will be a telltale sign a mountain lion has been nearby the scat is broken into segments that are about 1 - 1 12 in diameter or roughly the same size as a dogs poop . if you dare to look closer , it might also contain bones , teeth and hair from its latest kill . these are scratches that male mountain lions will often leave on tree trunks to announce their presence and also to mark their territory . they will generally fall between four and eight feet up on the tree . if mountain lions are common in your area , it might be a sign that you are in a mountain lions favorite path . mountain lions are not the only animals that make these kinds of markings bears will often make similar markings , but there will be larger chunks of bark missing . elk will sometimes scrape their antlers on tree trunks , but these will be smaller , more horizontal markings . if you see a mountain lion off in the distance more than 100 yards away , do not run after it , especially if it is moving away from you . if you have children with you , do not let them go after the mountain lion . unlike lions or other big cats , mountain lions have not been socialized around human communities they are therefore much more likely to avoid you than to attack you .

hike and camp in groups . avoid hiking at dusk or dawn . deer - proof your home . keep your domestic pets indoors .

how to fend off a mountain lion 3

mountain lions are solitary creatures they do not hunt in packs . therefore , if you are hiking or camping in a group of people , they will be far less likely to attack you than if you are just by yourself . mountain lions are most active between twilight and dawn they have superior vision at night and they prefer to use this advantage when they hunt . if you are in an area known to have mountain lions , avoid walking alone at night , early morning , or in the early evening . mountain lions love to eat deer therefore , you should attempt to deter deer from your property if you live in an area with mountain lions . deer , in turn , love to eat vegetation such as roses , chrysanthemums , and berries , so you should avoid planting these items or keep them in an enclosed planter . installing outdoor lighting and automated sprinklers will also help detract deer and mountain lions . generally , a mountain lion will always prefer to eat deer , elk , or porcupines , but in an area where food is scarce , they will also attack livestock and your household pets . make sure you keep your dogs and cats indoors or on a leash if they are outside so they do not attract a mountain lion . livestock should be kept in fenced or sheltered areas like a barn of stables for protection .

avoid approaching an escaped tiger . attempt to distract the tiger and hide . do not antagonize a tiger in any way . give old or injured tigers a wide berth . leave cubs alone .

how to survive a tiger attack 2

if you see a tiger that may have escaped captivity , do not assume it is docile or friendly towards humans . tigers that have been captive will be agitated in unfamiliar environments , and are especially likely to attack . leave your possessions behind as you walk away , as these may momentarily distract a curious tiger . if you cannot vacate the area entirely , attempt to hide . tigers are not as capable of climbing as are some other jungle cats , so climb a tree until you can escape . once youve hidden , you may attempt to distract the tiger by throwing things away from you to lead them in that direction . however , use extreme caution in doing so , as youre probably more likely to attract attention to your hiding spot . as such , it is better to throw stuff off of your path before you hide . never antagonize a tiger or large animal of any type . tigers in particular respond to aggression with aggression and will defend themselves by attacking . do not throw anything at a tiger or attempt to hit it with something . in the event that you are attacking a tiger in order to distract it from mauling someone else , use whatever you have to strike the tiger as hard as you can . keep shouting at the tiger , both to intimidate it and to distract it from its victim . while an old or injured tiger may seem feeble or in need of your help , they may actually be especially dangerous . even if a tiger is in poor health , it should be treated with extreme caution . in the wild , youre actually more likely to see a tiger in poor health , as tigers that are unable to hunt as well as they are when healthy will seek out easily accessible prey , such as livestock . this will bring them into closer proximity to humans than tigers are usually comfortable with . no matter how tempting it may be or how cute they may look , you should never interact with a young tiger . tiger mothers are ferociously protective of their young and will readily come to their defense if they feel they are threatened in any way . do not approach or attempt to interact with a cub in any way if you see one . in the wild , it is very rare to spot cubs because they are fiercely protected by their mothers . with that said , just because you see a cub all by themselves wondering around aimlessly doesnt mean that the mother isnt somewhere nearby .

travel with a guide if outdoors in tiger territory . be silent and still if you spot a tiger before is sees you . avoid inadvertently challenging a tigers mark . wear a two - faced mask .

how to survive a tiger attack 3

though there are only a few places in the world where you can see tigers in the wild , these places are sometimes open to travelers . if youre visiting a place in which tigers freely roam , hire a guide to help ensure a safe journey . often , organizations interested in the well - being of wild animals will provide you with information to inform you of how to behave safely in certain areas and avoid dangerous situations . if a tiger has not noticed your presence , try to get away before it sees you . you are more likely to attract attention by moving , so simply wait until the tiger has moved on of its own accord . once it has , move safely but deliberately towards safety , ideally in the opposite direction . stated otherwise , dont pee in a tigers domain . an innocent bathroom break may be interpreted by a tiger as an act of aggression , and they may perceive you as a threat if you urinate in their territory . as a general rule of thumb , always ensure that you are well hydrated and have visited the bathroom before you walk into tiger territory . , if youre somewhere – such as the ganges delta in india – where people are regularly attacked and killed by tigers , consider wearing a backwards - facing mask . rear - facing masks trick tigers , which prefer to sneak up on potential prey . by fooling the tiger into thinking you have eyes in the back of your head , you may prevent yourself from becoming its next meal . even when tigers have been observed stalking humans , they do not attack people wearing a two - faced mask .

look at the fur . check out the animals proportion . find out its height . consider the area . observe the animals behaviour .

how to identify a snow leopard

a snow leopards fur , which provides protection from the extreme cold of its mountainous habitat , is a soft grayish color with yellow - brown fur along its flank and a lighter white fur on its belly , chest , and chin . look for a dark strip which runs along its back . the rest of its coat is spotted with solid circles and rosettes . its fur provides excellent camouflage it its natural environment making these solitary creatures incredibly hard to spot in the wild . the forelimbs of the snow leopard are relatively small compared to the rest of its body . see if the leopard also has a long , thick tail , which helps it balance while walking through the snowy terrain , jumping across rocky areas , and climbing in trees . this cat can reach about two feet at the shoulder and weigh between 55 and 150 pounds , making them the sixth largest wild cat . they have large paws for walking on snow unlike many other big cat species . check for snow leopards in central asia , high up in the mountains . unfortunately , these beautiful cats are hard to come by out of zoos on the 2009 iucn red list of threatened species , the snow leopard was listed as endangered . like most big cats , snow leopards are solitary . if you see several of the same sized cats together , they are probably not snow leopards as the only observable groups are mothers with young cubs . snow leopards are most active at dawn and dusk . if you see a feline hunting in central asia in the dead of night , its unlikely to be a snow leopard .

make sure your guinea pig is healthy . ensure that your guinea pigs cage is large enough . make sure the cage is in an ideal location . organize the cage appropriately . feed your guinea pig well . make sure the bedding in the cage is soft . clean the cage regularly .

how to make sure your guinea pig is happy 1

lethargy and inactivity can be a sign of illness , as can the refusal to eat or drink . its important to confirm that your guinea pig is simply bored and mildly depressed - which can be treated with increased stimulation and socialization - and not seriously ill . lethargy for example often accompanies misaligned teeth , infection , and obesity , all of which are dangerous for guinea pigs . assess whether your guinea pig is suffering from other signs of illness , such as loss of appetite , weight loss or gain , rough hair , and loss of elasticity in the skin . if you notice any of these symptoms , you should consult a veterinarian who has experience with guinea pigs . if you dont notice these other signs , then consider the following steps to make life happier and more exciting for your guinea pig . the humane society of the united states has noted that most commercial cages available for guinea pigs are too small . guinea pigs are animals that love to move around . the happiest guinea pigs have ample space in their cages to run , exercise , and play . guinea pigs need a minimum of eight square feet of floor space in their cages , but more space is even better . if you have one guinea pig , aim for a cage about 30 x 36 if you have two guinea pigs , try to get a cage that is 30 x 50 . as a general tip , there should always be room in any cage for exercise space , a food bowl , a tunnel or box for your pig to hide in or under and a place for him go to the bathroom . guinea pigs like to be near other beings , so consider putting the cage in a living room or family room , where your guinea pig can be part of the family and can be seen and heard . do keep in mind , however , that guinea pigs have sensitive ears and that they do not like loud noises . keep the cage away from stereos , televisions and anything else that emits loud sounds . in addition , place the cage in an area that is neither too warm nor too cool . guinea pigs dont like extreme temperatures moreover , extreme cold or heat can cause the animals to become ill . aim for an area that is about 65 - 75 degrees fahrenheit and away from any heat sources or drafty spaces . try to keep food dishes , water bottles , houses , and toys away from the walls of the cage so that your guinea pig has lots of space to run and play . place all cage accessories in the centre of the cage to create a perimeter around the cage that is free of obstructions for your pig to run around . always change up toys , houses and their locations in the cage in order to keep them interesting for your guinea pig . to make sure your guinea pig has a well - balanced and nutritious diet , provide him with ample hay . fresh hay provides the fiber the guinea pigs digestive tract needs and grinds the teeth down to keep them in good shape . guinea pigs can run and play in and also eat the hay so this is key to keeping them healthy and happy . it is important to provide an unlimited source of grass hay because food pellets dont contain enough fiber to help the digestive system fully function properly . in addition to hay , provide your guinea pig with 18 of a cup of food pellets , and about 1 cup of vegetables per day . veggies are a key source of vitamin c for guinea pigs good choices include leafy greens like kale , spinach , and romaine lettuce . try to vary your pets meal choice to make eating more exciting . experiment to see what your pig likes . other veggie options include bell peppers , brussel sprouts , carrots , cucumbers , peas , and tomatoes . add fruit to your pigs diet . guinea pigs love fruit try to choose fruits high in vitamin c , such as cantaloupe , strawberries , and kiwi . however , make sure that you are only giving fruit as a special treat not more than a few times a week because of its high sugar content . make the food fun you can cut up your guinea pigs favorite veggies and thread them together with twine , making a kabob you can hang on the side of his cage . you can also buy a little metal pole for the kabob from pet stores . keep the food fresh . checking the cage constantly and remove anything that is uneaten and will wilt or decompose . in general , avoid giving your guinea pig spoiled or wilted vegetables dont feed them anything you yourself wouldnt eat . guinea pigs have very delicate feet so its important that they have soft and abundant bedding . make sure to provide about 2 - 3 inches worth of bedding , so that there is sufficient padding and absorption . the ideal bedding material is hay , since its warm and absorbent . make sure the hay is of a high quality and soft nature . straw - like hay can injure guinea pigs eyes . be sure to change bedding if it ever becomes wet or sodden . spot clean every day by removing wet patches and replacing with clean straw . damp hay can cause health problems and is also greatly disliked by the guinea pigs themselves . in general , guinea pigs prefer clean , dry bedding and will feel more comfortable in cages that provide this comfort . do not use cedar and pine shavings as bedding , even though these are widely available as bedding for small pets . these materials have phenols , which can be harmful to guinea pigs . in general , cages should be cleaned quickly every day spot - cleaning and thoroughly washed and cleaned once a week . at the end of every day , remove any uneaten food from the cage and droppings . at least once a week , replace andor clean the bedding in the cage and remove everything from inside the cage so you can give it a good scrub with warm water . because guinea pigs like dry surfaces , make sure the cage is fully dry before putting the bedding back in .

give your guinea pig toys . avoid certain toys . create hidey houses for your guinea pig . let your guinea pig out .

how to make sure your guinea pig is happy 2

remember that safety should be your top concern and that many commercial toys can fall apart and leave small pieces behind that your pig could choke on . youll need to experiment to decide which toys your guinea pig likes , as they dont always enjoy the same thing . a good rule of thumb is that the simpler the toy , the better . make sure to only add large toys into the cage that cannot be swallowed by your guinea pig to ensure that there are no choking hazards . wooden blocks or dowels are good choices because guinea pigs like to and should chew on things . this is because guinea pigs teeth never stop growing , and chew toys can help gnaw the teeth down to comfortable length . make sure with any wooden toys you purchase that the wood is untreated and unpainted . a good toy to include is a tunnel or even more than one . guinea pigs love running through and sleeping in tunnels in their cage . you could purchase a tube or tunnel at a major pet store , but you can also make one really easily at home using an empty quaker oats container . be sure to remove the plastic and metal lips from both ends and all labels . do not give your guinea pig exercise balls or wheels . these toys can cause crippling injuries to guinea pigs feet , back , and toes . stick to the toy options listed above . guinea pigs can be very shy and they love to hide under things and get a little privacy . hidey houses and tunnels also make them feel safe , secure , and comforted . again , these are things that you can either purchase at any main pet supply retailer or make inexpensively at home . as a general rule , a guinea pig should have at least one wooden structure in their cage , whether that be a wooden little house or a tunnel . wooden structures give the guinea pig something to chew on , which help ground down his teeth and keep the them safe . if you have more than one pig , you should have one extra house beyond the number of pigs in the cage . for instance , if you have 3 pigs , youll want to have 4 hidey houses . having one seemingly neutral house not designated for any particular guinea pig helps maintain peace in the group . to make a little diy - house where your pig can hide , use an old , plain i . e . no dyes shoebox . your pig will love the little house and its totally safe for chewing . you could also use paper bags that you lay on their sides to create a kind of cave for your guinea pig . to make it extra fun , you could also stuff some hay in the bag - toy and hay all - in - one you can also make towel tents for your pig to hide under . cut up or fold old bath towels make sure to remove any tags or loose threads and drape over a corner of the cage . you can loop the towel through the wires of the cage or use pins or other clips to secure the towels in place . this is a great alternative for a hiding spot because you can wash and reuse the tent as needed . even if you have a large cage , and especially if you dont , give your guinea pig some floor time each day . give him some additional exercise by letting him run around a small room or other enclosed space this should be part of your pigs daily routine to help keep him happy and healthy . make sure to only let your guinea pig out in rooms that have no small openings through which the guinea pig could escape or become lost . in addition , make sure to avoid areas where there is furniture or appliances that your guinea pig could get stuck in , such as in sofas , behind ovens or refrigerators , etc . youll also need to keep a close eye on your pig because guinea pigs will chew on anything they can , including dangerous items like electrical wires and cords . make sure any wires are not just unplugged but are totally inaccessible to your pig when he is let out of the cage . do not let your guinea pig outside , where he could become easily lost or considered as prey by larger animals .

get another guinea pig . interact and bond with your guinea pig regularly . handle your guinea properly and with care . teach your guinea pig tricks .

how to make sure your guinea pig is happy 3

guinea pigs are social herd animals who are happier in the presence of other guinea pigs . consider getting a second guinea pig or more and youll see the benefits , including higher levels of activity and increased exercise . in some countries , it is even illegal to buy single guinea pigs you have to buy them in pairs . if you do get another guinea pig , make sure it is of the same sex as the guinea pig you currently have or that it is neutered or spayed if it is of the opposite sex . this is important because if a male guinea pig and a female guinea pig are housed together , they will likely mate and the female pig will become pregnant , which is quite dangerous . guinea pigs love to interact with humans as well as other pigs . socializing with your guinea pig is one way to keep him happy and healthy . talk to your guinea pig , cuddle him , carry him in your hands , and pet his fur as often as you can . show him that you love himits important that you give your guinea pig special attention on a daily basis , handling , cuddling , and touching him as often as you can manage . always make sure to support the entire body since guinea pigs are small animals with delicate bones . some pigs also tend to jump , especially when they are being returned to their cages . such falls can result in broken bones , serious injuries , and even death . to handle your pig properly , wrap one hand around his chest and use the other to support his hind feet and bottom . hold him against your chest for extra security . talk to your guinea pig gently as you pick him up and handle him and make sure to approach him from the front so as not to frighten him . if you have a jumpy guinea pig that likes to squirm around , you can train your pig to not struggle when being held or put back in his cage . hold your guinea pig firmly but gently , when you move to put him back in the cage , hold him a few inches above the floor . do not put him down as long as he continues to squirm while in your hands . be careful not to squeeze him too tight or you could damage his back and cause paralysis . only place your guinea pig onto the cage floor once your he stops squirming and struggling against you but dont let go since he will probably try to run away . hold him yet again until he stops moving . after several training sessions , your guinea pig will learn that he can be free once he stops squirming . young children should not be permitted to carry a guinea pig in their hands because they may inadvertently squeeze the pig too hard or drop him . guinea pigs are very smart . you can teach them to stand on their hind legs , spin , run in a circle , stand on a pedestal , jump , and respond to his own name . in general , guinea pigs arent as easy to train as other rodents , but you can be successful with a bit of patienceyounger guinea pigs tend to be more receptive to training and learning tricks than older ones . to teach your guinea pig tricks , youll need to rely on a method known as operant conditioning , which means that you have to reward your guinea pig each time he successfully completes a task . you start off rewarding small movements and then put the whole trick together . for example , if you want your pig to run in a circle on command , youll need a pocket full of treats such as little bits of carrot and something that makes noise , like a clicker . issue the command turn and if your guinea pig even turns his head the littlest bit , click the clicker and give him a reward . this will help him learn that when he hears the clicking sound he has done something right and that there will be a reward . repeat the signal until he has it mastered and then make it more difficult to earn the reward e . g . only give him the carrot bit if he does a quarter - turn and then a half - turn and then so on , until he does the full action . you should train with your guinea everyday for results .

schedule regular , inside playtime with your guinea pig . let your guinea pig play outside of his cage . provide your guinea pig with a variety of toys .

how to play with a guinea pig 1

consistent , daily interaction with your guinea pig is very important for his overall wellbeing . if you forget to play with him or are not able to play with him until much later in the day maybe you had to work late , he might become depressed or withdrawn because of the change in routine . because guinea pigs are so active , keeping them in cages all the time can leave them feeling frustrated with lots of pent up energy . letting your guinea pig roam outside of his cage will give him an opportunity to burn off excess energy . before you let your guinea pig out of his cage , you will need to ‘guinea pig - proof the room where you plan to let him out . guinea pigs like to chew on things , so make sure to put away or hide anything that he could chew on–electrical cords , mats , rugs , trinkets , etc . it would also be helpful to cover any accessible areas of furniture that he could chew on , such as the corners of couches , tables , or chairs . place different toys and objects eg , toilet paper rolls in the room to give your guinea pig things to explore and play with while he is out of his cage . you can even put some treats on the floor for him to munch on while hes playing . if you have any other pets , put them in another room until after you place your guinea pig back in his cage . supervise your guinea pig closely while he is outside of his cage to make sure that he doesnt run away or start chewing on something that hes not supposed to chew on . toys are an important aspect of keeping your guinea pig happy . there are many types of toys that you can give your guinea pig , including nibblers , chew toys , and toy balls . in addition , you can make homemade toys out of toilet paper rolls , empty shoeboxes , and empty milk cartons . although you may not interact directly with him when hes playing with his toys , you can still spend time with him while hes playing with them . nibblers and chew toys are usually made of a sturdy natural material , such as wood . not only will these toys keep your guinea pig busy , they will help him keep his teeth filed down . your guinea pigs teeth can become dangerously long , so providing him with toys that he can nibble on will help maintain his good dental hygiene . toy balls are also typically made of natural material and can easily be pushed around by your guinea pig . ramps and stairs are fun toys if your guinea pig is in a multi - level cage . make sure that the ramps and stairs are solid . your guinea pigs legs are short and could get stuck in the wires of wire ramps or stairs , causing injury . exercise balls and wheels are not suitable toys for your guinea pig . his back does not bend like the backs of other pocket pets mice , hamsters , so exercise balls and wheels can very easily lead to back injuries in guinea pigs . clean his toys on a regular basis . plastic toys can go in the dishwasher . wooden toys should be washed by hand with a towel and allowed to dry completely before being placed back in his cage . put only a few toys in his cage at a time so that he still has room to run around his cage . switch out those toys when you clean his cage so that he has a new set of toys to play with .

save a day in your schedule . set up an area . make the floor space comfortable and safe . spend a lot of time with your guinea pig . make a time for a pamper . feed the guinea pig little pieces of its favorite food . make a special time for you to exercise your guinea pig . place the guinea pig back in its usual home when it gets tired .

how to pamper your guinea pig

set some time aside just for you and your guinea pig to spend quality time together . choose somewhere that is neither too large nor too small . ensure that there are no small objects or electrical wires that could cause injury to the guinea pig chewing , tripping , etc . make it so that your guinea pig will not be able to escape for example , set up a fence using books or a childs playpen . if it is in an open area , which is not recommended , keep the guinea pig on a harness and leash and watch it like a hawk . on the floor , place down soft fleece or bedding . set up various areas for different needs , such as a hay area , a drinking area , a toilet area , a sleeping area , and a play area with tunnels , jumps , ramps etc . hug it , stroke it , brush its fur , let it sleep in your lap , etc . however , be aware that all guinea pigs need alone time if your guinea pig seems to become a bit tired or bored , give it time to rest . bathe your guinea pig . brush it thoroughly and clip its nails . dress it up in safe articles of clothing if you please . but as tempting as it may be , dont paint its nails know beforehand what the guinea pig can or cannot eat and do not over feed it . making a salad is ideal , as pellets and some of the other treats can be more fattening and wreak havoc in your piggys stomach . use food to tempt it through obstacles and praise your guinea pig when it gets to the other side . dont overdo the pamper time––your guinea pig should feel relaxed , not hassled .

prepare an outdoor enclosure . take your guinea pig outside when it is warm . keep a close eye on your guinea pig .

how to play with a guinea pig 2

allowing your guinea pig outside is good for his health and well - being . guinea pig runs are popular enclosures that will allow your guinea pig to play safely outdoors . runs are relatively easy to put together and can be made of different materials , such as wood , pvc , nylon and mesh . whichever type of run that you choose , there are few important things to keep in mind . for example , cover the run to keep predators out and provide your guinea pig with some protection from the sun and breeze . place some things in the run that your guinea pig can hide and rest in , such as a guinea pig - size igloo and paper bags . plastic tunnels or toilet paper tubes are also good items that he can rest in . make sure that you place plenty of water and good - quality hay in the run as well . if the grass is still damp , place several large towels on the ground so that your guinea has somewhere dry to go when he is outside . alternatively , you could wait until the grass is completely dry before taking your guinea pig outside . remove any weeds , and debris from inside the enclosure area . guinea pigs are very sensitive to hot weather 80 degrees farenheit or more , so it is important to take him outside only when the temperature is not too hot . temperatures will not be extremely high in the springtime , so this would be the perfect time to take your guinea pig outside . because guinea pigs are sensitive to extremes in temperature , watch your guinea pig when he is outside to make sure that he looks okay . if your guinea pig is starting to suffer from heatstroke , he may exhibit signs such as reluctance to move , weakness , and panting . if you notice any of these signs , bring your guinea pig inside immediately and contact your veterinarian . you can administer some first aid to your guinea pig before taking him to your veterinarian . wet his ears , feet , and fur with cold water . do not use a lot of cold water , because cooling his body temperature down too quickly andor too much can also cause serious medical issues . on your way to your veterinarians office , keep your guinea pig on a cool , wet towel . putting on the air conditioning not too high or keeping the windows down will also help to keep your guinea pig without lowering his body temperature too much .

clean your guinea pigs cage at least once every week . spot - clean the guinea pigs cage daily . litter - train your guinea pigs . use a cage cleaning spray . use an odor control bedding .

how to keep your guinea pigs smelling good 1

a complete cleaning involves discarding all of the used bedding , not merely spot cleaning the dirty spots . after removing the old bedding , wash the bottom and sides of the cage with soap and water , rinse thoroughly , then place fresh , new bedding in the cage . after washing with soap and water , you can use a 10 white vinegar and water solution 1 part vinegar to 9 parts water as a rinse before drying the cage bottom . using the vinegar solution once a week each time you fully clean the cage may help eliminate odors . particularly if you have multiple guinea pigs in one cage , you should clean out parts of the cage daily in addition to the once - a - week deep cleaning . to spot - clean , remove and discard any areas of soiled bedding at the end of the day . most guinea pigs will use one part of their cage as a toilet area cleaning the toilet area daily will help with odor and cleanliness . spot cleaning will become easier if you can train your guinea pigs to use a litter box . identify the area that your guinea pigs tend to use as a toilet area . then place a litter box made for small mammals in that corner of the cage . to enable your guinea pigs to adjust to the new litter box , add soiled bedding that includes their fecal pellets to the litter box so that they understand that it is a toilet area . if the guinea pigs use the litter box as a toilet , reward them with treats . if they change the area in which they use the toilet , try moving the litter box to the new area . clean out the litter box daily . sprinkle some baking soda in the bottom of the clean litter box to help eliminate odors . never place clumping cat litter in a guinea pigs litter box . guinea pig - safe bedding material is the most appropriate option . cleaning sprays specifically formulated for small animal cages can help minimize cage odors . check your local pet store for products that are safe and effective for guinea pigs . to use a cage - cleaning spray , remove all used bedding from the cage . spray the tray of the cage liberally with the cage cleaner . allow the cage cleaner to soak in to the cage for 3 - 5 minutes . use a rough towel to wipe away cage cleaner and loosened debris from the bottom of the cage . allow the cage to dry completely in the sun if possible , place fresh bedding in the bottom of the cage , and return your guinea pigs to their home . you may want to continue using soap and water to clean the cage in addition to the cage cleaner . bedding formulated to block odors , such as carefresh advanced odor control small animal bedding , can keep the cage smelling fresh longer . place 1 - 3 inches of bedding in the bottom of your guinea pigs cage . be sure to scoop out wet or soiled bedding daily . though odor blocking bedding can make the guinea pigs cage smell better , you should still clean the cage well and completely replace the bedding at least once every week .

understand what an overweight guinea pig looks like . dont overfeed your guinea pigs . keep track of their weight . introduce floor time . add toys and obstacles in the cage . cut back entirely on commercial treats . cut back on fruits . limit their pellets . expand the cage size . avoid exercise wheels and balls .

how to get your guinea pig to lose weight

guinea pigs are naturally on the larger side and chubby . theyre constantly eating to keep their guts working and forever growing teeth filed down . if you want an accurate opinion on whether your guinea pig needs exercise , book an appointment with an exotic vet . if you think you wont be able to see a vet , you can also get a second opinion from many guinea pig owners on an online cavy forum such as guinea pig lynx which is a popular forum with helpful guinea pig experts on hand . if your guinea pig lives outdoors in a colder climate , it will naturally try to gain weight to keep warm in the winter months . this is actually good for your guinea pigs health and comfort . stick to a correct dietary guide which can be found with research online . guinea pigs should only have 1 cup of vegetables per day whilst hay should be kept unlimited . pellets can be made available whenever , but consider cutting back if youre concerned about your pets obesity . , weigh your guinea pigs weekly and keep track of how much they have gained and how much they have lost . an average mature boar weighs about 900 - 1200 grams whilst an average mature sow weighs 700 - 900 grams . boars are naturally 20 - 25 bigger than sows . keeping track of your guinea pigs weight can also be handy to indicate any sudden weight loss which is a sign of illness . by detecting sickness early you lessen any serious risks . floor time encourages your guinea pig to explore , exercise and mental stimulation . the smaller the cage the more important the floor time . you should introduce floor time more often to help your guinea pig to lose weight . a few hours of floor time a week should suffice , but the more the better . however , avoid stressing your guinea pig out when it comes to introducing your guinea pig to a new area . make sure all pets are locked away from the same room as your guinea pig and make sure your guinea pig cannot escape . your guinea pig may hide away when first being introduced to floor time . this is normal and the behavior is expected . shehe should soon get used to the concept of floor time with it primarily being a way for your guinea pig to run around and exercise . by incorporating obstacles inside of the cage it can help achieve more exercise from your guinea pigs . add bricksblocks for your guinea pig to hop onto in order to get to one area to another or some tunnels . add toys that actually stimulate your guinea pig to play and use its energy . however , avoid adding too many toys that crowd the cage . as much as toys are stimulating and can encourage exercise , they can also become discouraging obstacles . your guinea pig needs room to run around too . only use toys and accessories specifically designed for use within a hamster or guinea pig cage . many plastics contain harmful toxins such as bpa that make their way into your pig when ingested . similarly , some products are painted with lead - based paints , another fatal substance when ingested . commercial treats contain way too much sugar to be fed to guinea pigs and arent beneficial at all . vegetables are a healthier alternative . fruit can , in some cases , be just as bad as commercial treats as they contain a lot of sugar . guinea pigs dont need fruit in their diet , so you should avoid giving it to them . vegetables , hay , and pellets are the only three things they require . pellets can be a primary cause of weight gain in guinea pigs . limit the amount you give them whilst still making sure theyre getting enough . they do still need the vitamin c intake , sometimes obesity has to do with the cage size . if you have a small cage , or one stuffed with too many obstacles , it will limit your guinea pigs exercise space . expand your cage to ensure youre preventing any weight gain from occurring again . these arent designed for guinea pigs and can seriously harm their backs . please restrain from using these at all costs as they dont benefit your guinea pig in any way . leashes and harnesses should also be avoided as guinea pigs have fragile necks and spines that shouldnt be tugged at .

buy the right cage . install a food station and a water dispenser . add a few toys . provide a balanced diet . introduce a new friend . do not allow females to become pregnant . play regularly with your pet . find a veterinarian . constantly check for injuries . be on the look - out for worrying symptoms .

how to help your guinea pig live a long life

provide at least 10 square feet of living space for two guinea pigs . this space prevents conflicts between males , fighting between guinea pigs , and reduces the risks of bloat , obesity , and gas build - up by providing adequate room to exercise . test a few cages and look for one that you can clean easily . can your hand enter the cage easily can you use a brush inside it make sure that the cage is light enough to keep your guinea pig happy . the cage should also have a dark corner , or a mini - house , where your animal can hide or sleep when it doesnt want to interact with the outside world . there should be one hide per guinea pig . place the cage in a room with stable temperature . guinea pigs cant stand high temperatures , drops or increases . bed the floor of the cage with guinea - pig bedding bought at the pet shop . change it regularly so your guinea pig doesnt live in its own feces . food and water dispensers for guinea pigs are widely available online and in pet shops . look for a sturdy model and make sure that its big enough to feed the number of animals you own . place them in an accessible place . give them something to chew on . guinea pigs need to keep their teeth down . if you leave a piece of wood from an apple tree or any other orchard wood , your animal will be able to use its teeth safely . you might not see your guinea pig drinking often . its perfectly normal as they also extract water from vegetable matter . dont use anything else than orchard wood or a chewing threat from a pet - shop . other types of wood can be toxic and could kill your pet . guinea pigs are playful animal and welcome intellectual stimulation . you should be able to find ready - made toys , such as balls or tunnels , in most pet shops . you can also try to make your own . here are a few ideas try putting fruits and vegetables on a string and hang them from the cage . build a little cardboard house where your guinea pig can play . make an obstacle course with various objects . just make sure that your guinea pig doesnt eat the objects . the foundation of your guinea pigs diet should be grass hay . its a good source of fibres and keeps teeth down . its important to let the animal have constant access to the grass hay and to other sources of food . guinea pig food as sold in pet shops is heavily debated . avoid food with large concentration of calcium , a potential cause of urinary infection . also avoid mueslithere are several types of grass hay . you can find them in pet shops or at equestrian centers . put the hay apart from the bedding . you dont want your animal to eat and go to the toilets at the same place . fresh , preferably organic , well washed you can use a commercial vegetable wash or water and vinegar mix , rinse well after leafy greens are a treat for guinea pigs . these include green leaf lettuce , escarole , red leaf lettuce , cilantro , and curly endive . you can give a few strawberries and pieces of apple but dont exaggerate . guinea pigs are prone to obesity look for food enhanced with c , as guinea pigs cant produce it themselves . they also need high levels of vitamin a , which can be found in carrots . change the water daily to avoid bacterial infection . avoid potatoes , rhubarb , tomato leaves and flowers . they are poisonous to guinea pigs . guinea pigs are very sociable and will love company . keep guinea pigs of the same sex or already spayedneutered pairs . guinea pigs are social animals but they arent above fights . introduce a new guinea pig slowly . if you find that your guinea pigs are fighting , separate them with a wire shelf , which allows them to see and smell each other , but prevents them from fighting . pregnancy and especially birthing is hard on females . one in five females that is bred will die as a result of complications during pregnancy or birth , or as a result of toxaemia after birth . if you wish to have baby guinea pigs , make sure to talk with your veterinary surgeon beforehand . you should have room for the babies and enough money to feed them in the future . guinea pigs love action and will welcome a good playing session with you . making them run is a good way to keep them fit and intellectually stimulated . there are a few things to look for if you take them in the garden , make sure that they cannot escape . also make sure that there is no predator such as cats . let your guinea pig eat a bit of grass outside . its very good for them but dont let them eat too much at first . rich grass might trigger diarrhea . make sure that the temperature is right . it should be between 60 - 70°f or 15 - 21°c . dont forget to wash your hands after playing to avoid bacteria contamination . dont wait for a problem to happen to bring your guinea pig to a specialist . these tiny animals require a regular check - up to detect potential health issues . most veterinarians will take care of your pet but a few specialise only in guinea pigs . look for them on the internet or in the phone book . bring your guinea pig for a check - up at least twice a year . your veterinarian will probably recommend to neuter your male guinea pig during the first visit . this might cost a bit of money but will make your guinea pig quieter and happier in an enclosed environment . the veterinarian will also treat the animal for external and internal parasites such as worms . older guinea pigs sometimes have feet wounds . if this happens , see a veterinary surgeon and get softer bedding or spread out a soft cloth at the bottom of the cage . observe your guinea pig actions . if anything seems wrong , dont take too long to act . a small infection can be lethal . dont forget to cut the nails of your guinea pigs as they might be a cause of injury . remember to be gentle . dont give them medicine unless prescribed by a veterinarian . you might kill your guinea pig . if you notice crusty or swollen eyes , dandruff , inflamed ears or nose or irregular breathing , call immediately your veterinarian . you should also bring your guinea pig if its behaving erratically or if you notice anything uncommon . check their front teeth . only veterinarians should take care of overgrown teeth . their life expectancy can vary a lot . they can live between four and eight years . if you notice something unusual , separate your guinea pig immediately . you dont want to spread a contagious disease . weight your animals regularly to monitor their health . this will tell you if they are well and if you are feeding them enough or too much . an adult guinea pig should weight around 700 to 1200 grams . if your animal smells bad , go to the veterinarian . guinea pigs are clean animals and shouldnt be washed , except if they are really dirty .

choose a safe , snug harness . opt for a lightweight cord or leash . favor indoor walks . walk your hamster slowly . do not abuse your hamster . use treats to motivate your hamster . keep walks short .

how to walk your hamster 1

there are plenty of small animal harnesses available at your local pet store or online . it may be worth visiting the store first to familiarize yourself with the different options and sizes that are available . youll likely need the smallest harness you can find , as animals the size of hamsters are not commonly walked . go with a harness that fits snugly , without impeding the hamsters breathing or movement . velcro is the best type of clasping mechanism . velcro is secure enough to contain even the strongest of hamsters and is much safer than buckles or other clasping mechanisms . never use a collar on a hamster . most leashes that are made for walking a pet are dangerously heavy for use with hamsters . many also have heavy clasps at the end that will also endanger your hamster . unless you can find an extremely light leash with a simple , light clasp , opt for a simple cord instead . paramilitary cord or paracord is perfect , as its light and strong . simply tie the cord to your hamsters harness . never tie a cord or anything else directly around your hamsters neck . walks outside will vastly increase the risks your hamster faces . other peoples pets and many types of birds will likely attempt to kill your hamster . further , since hamsters are so small and fragile , they could easily be accidentally injured by someone who doesnt see it . the best place to walk your hamster is in a sparsely populated , well - confined area , like a hallway . if you do walk them outdoors , stay away from areas where other pets might be walked , such as sidewalks . a lap around your yard is probably safest and will be quite the adventure for your hamster . your hamsters walking pace is much , much slower than your own . while hamsters can quickly dart around for short distances , it will not be able to keep a steady pace with you at your regular walking speed . according , walk very slowly beside your hamster . moving too quickly also increases the chances that you will accidently injure your hamster . hamsters are extremely light creatures . never jerk , yank , or pull too heavily on the leash . do not attempt to drag your hamster along if they dont want to proceed with a walk . finally , do not swing the hamster around in its harness . though it looks fun , this terrifying for your hamster and risks breaking its neck and back . while formal training is an unproven practice in hamster rearing , treats can definitely help keep your hamster walking . positively reinforce the behavior you want the hamster to continue by giving them treats . this will let them know they should keep walking , for instance . opt for healthy treats . favor celery , carrots , apples , or broccoli . avoid pitted or citrus fruits and spinach . do not feed your hamster more than a bouncy - ball - sized portion of greens per day . think about the size of a hamster step versus one of your own steps . theyre taking dozens of steps for each step you take accordingly , keep walks short . further , let your hamster rest whenever they wish to stop walking . if they simple stop , conclude the walk by picking up your hamster and returning them to their enclosure . bring your hamsters water bottle with you on walks . make it available to them whenever they stop by holding it for them to drink from . while wild hamsters get most of their water from fruits and veggies , your hamster is likely used to drinking from a bottle .

bathe your guinea pigs only as needed to keep them clean . use an appropriate shampoo . check your guinea pigs ears . provide your guinea pigs with a long - stemmed fiber like timothy hay . avoid feeding your guinea pigs improper foods .

how to keep your guinea pigs smelling good 2

most guinea pigs should be able to keep themselves clean , but some long - haired guinea pigs may need to be bathed more often . bathing guinea pigs may increase their risks to becoming ill , as they become chilled easily . minimize this risk by keeping guinea pigs in warm towels until their fur is completely dry . attentive grooming and brushing can minimize your need to fully bathe your long - haired guinea pig . you can brush your guinea pig with a soft - bristled baby brush . you may also want to trim the hair around long - haired guinea pigs bottoms to minimize how dirty the hair gets while the pigs use the toilet . if you feel that your guinea pig needs frequent baths , talk to your vet about weighing the risks of frequent bathing against the benefits of a cleaner guinea pig . be sure to use only shampoo that is specifically labeled as safe for guinea pigs . avoid using human shampoo or dish detergent , as these may be too harsh and can cause skin irritation . some specific shampoos that are safe to use are scentsations premium small animal shampoo and posh ‘n go protein shampoo . guinea pigs produce a gray colored earwax that should be mostly odor free . if your guinea pigs ears smell bad or are red , schedule an exam with your veterinarian they may have ear infections . guinea pigs need the hay to keep their teeth ground down and keep their digestive tracts in balance . adding mint , dandelion greens , parsley , or cilantro to the hay may help the cage smell fresh and will continue to provide the guinea pigs with a healthy diet . some foods give guinea pigs gas and upset their stomachs . some specific foods to avoid include iceberg lettuce , broccoli and brussels sprouts . some good snack substitutes to offer are kiwifruit , orange slices , and bell peppers . all of these are high in vitamin c , which guinea pigs need to thrive . leafy greens such as kale , parsley , romaine lettuce , and turnip greens are also great options .

weigh the risk of walking . get a hamster ball , place toys inside your hamsters enclosure .

how to walk your hamster 2

even with a properly fitting harness and lightweight leash , hamsters can very easily be injured during a walk together . hamsters are extremely light and fragile . you may simply accidentally pull too hard or move your hand without thinking and seriously injure your hamster . furthermore , you cannot control the environment outside of your home . even in a seemingly safe hallway , a dog might unexpectedly appear and make quick work of your pet . you may even accidentally step on your hamster during a walk . a hamster may unknowingly scurry right beneath your foot before you put your weight down . outside , there are innumerable dangers to your hamster . you may come across a predatory bird who will never get an easier meal if it decides to attack . further , your hamster may put themselves at risk by eating something dangerous off of the ground . hamsters can safely and easily roll around in a hamster ball . hamster balls are quite literally designed to allow your hamster to safely roam outside of their cage . you can use a hamster ball inside , or in a protected outside area like a patio . only allow your hamster to run in its ball on carpeted ground , as they may roll dangerously quickly on harder ground . never leave your hamster in its ball for more than twenty minutes . only put your hamster in a ball once a day . always monitor your hamster when its in a hamster ball . keep other pets away from the hamster ball . your hamster will get plenty of exercise inside its cage . to get them running around , provide your hamster with toys . aside from running , hamsters also love to climb and chew . choose climbing structures and chew toys meant for hamsters from your local pet store or online . a hamster wheel is a great mandatory feature for your hamster cage , providing both amusement and exercise . many climbing structures will have similar moving features that will safely entertain your hamster for hours on end .

understand the concept of floor time . understand that your guinea pigs may feel scared at first . set a schedule . acquire a puppy pen or border optional . decide where you would like your floor time to be . safety check your room . set down some puppy pads or fabric . add toys . add huts and hiding holes  . add tunnels and ramps . add obstacles . include a feeding station . provide your guinea pigs with hay . supervise your guinea pigs . encourage your guinea pig with treats . take time to bond with your guinea pig .

how to introduce your guinea pig to floor time

the purpose of floor time is to provide your guinea pig with exercise , fun and a time to explore new objects and toys all in one . floor time is also beneficial to your guinea pigs mental health , as it gives them a special time to interact with new objects . floor time is an increasingly popular and effective method to keep guinea pigs fit and encourage them to exercise . during floor time , your guinea pig is promoted to move around more and manoeuvre their body to get through obstacles . floor time also allows you to play and bond with your guinea pig . the open space allows the both of you to interact better and connect with each other . during floor time , the purpose is to provide your guinea pig with plenty of toys , huts , tunnels and obstacles to explore and play with on the open floor . this is something your guinea pig probably wouldnt be able to do just as well in their confined cage . it might seem odd reading about floor time as an exercise method and then seeing your guinea pig inactively huddle in the corner of the room . this is normal and every guinea pig starts out like this . the new surroundings takes a toll your guinea pig will need some time getting use to the concept of floor time just as much as you do . the open space will scare your guinea pig at first . you can help ease your guinea pig by providing an adequate amount of hidies or pigloos . floor time should be a weekly activity for you and your guinea pig . however , the smaller the cage your guinea pig lives in , the more floor time you should introduce . a guinea pig can live comfortably in a smaller cage if they get plenty of floor time which allows them to get the proper exercise and stimulation they need . make a schedule of how many days a week , when and for how long you want your floor time to be . such as every monday , wednesday and saturday for an hour of floor time . guinea pigs thrive on consistency and schedules . considering that you will be using an open floor space , setting up a border will help construct a safer and more secure enviroment to play in . however , this is an optional decision . if you are not worried about your guinea pig wondering off around the room then skip this step . a border should be assembled if your room isnt safe or secure for your cavy to roam around in . c c cubes are a cheap and easy material you could use to make a diy play pen for your guinea pigs . there are no limits on where you can go to introduce floor time . consider arranging floor time directly outside of your guinea pigs cage . this assures that you dont have to go through the hassle of transporting your guinea pig from one room to another . of course , some rooms are safer than others . dont hold back from choosing a safer and more secure room over a room of which is closer to your guinea pigs cage . no room is off limits . if you feel that a kitchen or bathroom would be a safer place to hold floor time then go ahead however , take into account of the tiles during the colder months . try to select a room that has low traffic where you and your guinea pig are less likely to be disturbed . on top of that , it is suggested to choose a room that is well - lit and well - ventilated but no drafts . it is important to ensure that the room you choose for floor time is safe and secure for your guinea pig to play and roam around in . it is your duty to provide a safe environment for your guinea pig . this includes packing away wires sprawled around the room . you can temporarily put these into a box secured away from your guinea pig or put them up somewhere . if your guinea pig chews into the wire it will cause an electric shock . this includes phone chargers too . blocking off areas where your guinea pig shouldnt go . guinea pigs are notorious for getting into places where they shouldnt be . usually out of fright they will scamper to the first hiding spot they see , which could be anything from under a large wardrobe to hiding behind a sofa . you can block these off with something as simple as a flattened , cardboard box . removing pets from the room . other animals , such as dogs or cats , are seen as predators to guinea pigs . if you have both animals in the same room , your guinea pig might feel threatened and therefore discouraged to come out and play . closing the door to the room . remove any house plants that are poisonous to your guinea pig . if unsure about a specific plant remove it . dont put your guinea pig at risk . fleece is highly recommended to lay down before you start floor time with your guinea pigs . the material should pick up all the droppings and urine making clean - up easier and quicker for you . puppy pads can be expensive whilst fleece is reusable . it would be much more convenient opting for fleece instead . toys are the fun part of floor time . you can place as many toys as you would like , as the space is unlimited . however , do not get sucked into thinking that any toy is safe for your guinea pig . there are a few toys that should be steered away from . exercise wheels and balls are a big no these objects are commonly targeted for guinea pigs in pet shops , when they arent actually any good . unlike mice and hamsters , guinea pigs do not possess a flexible spine . using these ballswheels on your guinea pig will result in harming their back . check for splintering wood . before you add a wooden toy to the floor time area , examine the wood to check for splinters or splintering which can harm your guinea pig whenif they chew it . avoid wire treat toys . guinea pigs are known to get their head stuck in these . go for a safer alternative such as a plastic ball treat dispenser . when you first introduce your guinea pig to play time , it is common that they feel frightened and may want to hide away . huts arent only a great object for your guinea pig to explore , but they serve the purpose of providing a safe place for your guinea pig to retreat to when scared , thus reducing stress levels . guinea pigs are burrowing animals in the wild they love hiding in tunnels and climbing ramps you can purchase a safe tunnel from a pet shop or recycle a cardboard tube . ramps can be made out of almost anything . with obstacles , your guinea pig is promoted to do more exercise and manoeuvre around the objects . obstacles can be anything from toys to tunnels and ramps . anything lying around the house and is of course pet - safe can be used as an obstacle such as blocks , wood , logs , pillows , etc . you could even construct a maze with the obstacles . during floor time , guinea pigs should still be allowed to have access to food whenever they would like . add a bundle of hay , some plain pellets , water and vegetables . a water bottle is preferred during playtime to reduce leakage and mess . it isnt important to provide your guinea pigs with vegetables or pellets during floor time . however , they should continue to have access to fresh water and hay . hay can become a fun toy for your guinea pigs too - place a compacted bundle in the centre of the floor and watch your guinea pigs explore and walk around in it . alternatively you can collect a bundle of untreated , fresh grass and place it in the centre of the floor . guinea pigs love grass just as much as they love hay . during floor time , it is important that you have full supervision of your guinea pigs whilst they are playing and exploring . something can easily go wrong in an unconfined , open space where there is no supervision . use your time up effectively and wisely . bond with your guinea pigs . talk to them or even play with them . its understandable that your guinea pig might be shy at first with the new space and surroundings of floor time . you can try your best to encourage your guinea pig to walk around and explore through the use of treats . guinea pigs love fresh vegetables , or consider a forage mix . fruits make a great alternative to commercial treats which are far too sugary . fruits are just as sweet but contain less sugar and preservatives . floor time should be a special time for not just your guinea pig but you as well . in the space you are provided you should use your time up effectively . socialise and play with your guinea pig . be in the space with them and explore each object along their side .

allow your hamster to wake up - on their own , if you wake them up yourself they may bite or hiss , and it wont be the hamsters fault , gather your hamsters favorite treats . get your hamsters attention with the treat , then say hisher name in a clear voice . begin saying your hamsters name before showing them the treat . your hamster should now be able to recognize its name without needing a treat .

how to tell your hamster its name

seeds and vegetables are a good choice as seeds can be fed daily and vegetables every other day . for syrians and roborovskis , fruit can be fed once a week . immediately give them the treat . repeat this every day for a week . after you are confident that your hamster can recognize its name , you may begin pulling back on the treats , but still give them treats every so often . congratulations

let your hamster out of its cage carefully . make sure that it stays nearby . play with the hamster . keep all other pets away . never leave the hamster unsupervised . take this opportunity to clean the cage .

how to supervise hamsters outside of the cage 1

hamsters are really fast and are often hard to catch , so be sure you have a good grip on it before you lift it out of its cage . move the hamster quickly to the area where you want it to spend its time out of its cage . when handling hamsters , dont be shocked and dont drop them if they nibble or bite you . while you have the hamster out of its cage , you need to make sure that the hamster does not run off . if your hamster is trying to explore areas outside of the area you have established for it , then you will need to pick it up and put it back in its pen . keep the hamster out of harms way by nudging it out of areas it shouldnt be in and directing it towards toys or snacks that you have supplied . place some toys and treats around the area for the hamster to play with . this will make the time more exciting for the hamster , and it will give them more exercise . you can place a variety of items in the hamsters area . in addition to giving it store bought toys , you can try giving it paper tubes to tunnel through . many dogs or cats would love to get a hamster as a small treat . with this in mind , keep all pets out of the room when you take your hamster out of its cage . even if your other pet doesnt want to eat your hamster , its presence can scare the hamster . this in turn can cause the hamster to run away , bite you out of fear , or go into shock . while you have your pet out of its cage , you should never leave it alone . keep an eye on it constantly , as a hamster can run away and hide very , very quickly . even if your hamster is in a ball , you should keep an eye on it . a hamster in a ball can get into areas it shouldnt and can get injured if it accidentally rolls down an incline or down stairs . while your hamster is out of its cage , take the time to clean its cage thoroughly . throw all the soiled bedding away , clean all surfaces , and then replace the bedding . you will need another person to supervise the hamster while you do this task .

it is best to get a young hamster so that it will get used to you easily one around 5 - 7 weeks old is best . once you have your hamster , no matter the age , leave it in its cage with the following food dish , water bottle , exercise wheel and toys . every day talk to it gently and , after the second day , while its not sleeping or eating , let it sniff your hand , then pick it up gently and put it on the floor . feed and give water to your hamster daily . take a piece of celery , apple or cucumber and put it near your hamster . the next day , try to let the hamster eat the celery from your hand . once it eats from your hand , hold it and stroke it every day . your hamster will learn to love you very quickly .

how to raise hamsters

give it about two days to explore its new home and get used to its habitat . make sure that the area has no electric cables that the hamster can chew on , cracks it can climb through or holes it can hide in . you should always wash your hands before and after you hold the little critter . the hamster will like its owner more if it is treated well . let it eat while you stroke it gently . if it bites do not hit your hamster or yell at it . instead firmly but gently say no , then put it back in its cage . if it eats from your hand , stroke it and praise it . if not , put it on the ground , watch it eat and try again tomorrow . ,

first , you will need to make sure you have all of the materials listed below , then , you will need to set up his or her cage , make sure you feed it twice a day . you should change the bedding on your hamsters cage at least once a week

how to take good care of a hamster

first spread the bedding along the bottom of the cage . then fill hisher food bowl and attach hisher filled water bottle to the side of the cage . then , you can place your hamster inside when you wake up , and before you go to bed and make sure you also change its water daily

choose the right cage . give your hamster a shelternesting box . control the climate . limit light exposure . get the right kind of food . provide fresh water . give your hamster proper bedding . get your hamster plenty of toys . try to use the same accessories and food . keep the cage covered for the first day or two . give your hamster time and space before handling . look for signs of illness or neglect . learn about different hamster breeds . make arrangements for a vet visit .

how to prepare for a new pet hamster

the first thing youll need for your hamster is a cage . however , you should give some consideration to the type of cage you choose as this will be the primary habitat for your new pet . some cages are better than others , and certain cage designs may be downright unsafe for hamsters . wire siding allows hamsters to climb up the walls , which can help satisfy their curiosity and burn off some energy . consider getting a multi - level cage . that way your hamster can have more room to explore and play . if there are any gaps in the bars , your hamster could get stuck . a cage with a deep plastic base will allow your hamster to burrow and roam . aim for a large cage with a base thats at least 1 to 2 inches 3 to 5 centimeters deep . make sure there are no hazards , like sharp edges or bits of metal that might poke your hamster . your hamster will need a small shelter or nesting box within its cage . this structure is to allow your pet a place to hide when it wants to sleep or anytime it feels frightened . the shelter or nesting box should be big enough for your hamster to move around inside with relative ease . your hamster should also have enough room to store some food inside the shelter . make sure the shelter is dark inside . your hamster should be able to retreat inside and feel safe and protected . in the wild , hamsters live in warm , dry climates , so theyll need a similar atmosphere in your home . try to create as conducive a habitat as possible that will allow your hamster to be comfortable and safe . make sure the room where you keep your hamster is free from drafts . keep the cage away from any open windows or air conditioning vents . make sure the environment is as dry and free from humidity as possible . hamsters are sensitive to bright lights , but they cant live in total darkness . the idea for a hamster would be to have limited exposure to ambient light during the day and total darkness at night . avoid putting the cage in direct sunlight , though ambient sunlight in the room is okay . try to keep the lights in your home on a regular schedule so that your hamster can be in the dark around the same time every night . this will help your hamster stay on a regular schedule . hamsters need a complete , balanced diet in order to remain healthy and active . they typically need a somewhat broad variety of foods , including seeds , fruits , and vegetables . some hamster owners also give their pets occasional forms of protein like insects to supplement their diet . if using pellet food , choose a product with 18 to 22 percent protein content . you should be able to find this information on the packaging . some hamsters prefer seed mixes instead of pellets . if using a seed mix , make sure the mix contains a variety of other foods like dried fruitsvegetables and a limited quantity of sunflower seeds . in addition to food , your hamster will need a steady supply of fresh , cool drinking water . you can use a water dish , but this is likely to spill . a water bottle is ideal for most hamster cages , but make sure you get the right kind for a hamster . choose a water bottle with a sipper tube that does not have a valve . hamsters cannot create suction very well , and consequently , they may struggle with a ball - valve bottle design . hamsters need a comfortable substrate in their cages . the bedding material you choose should be clean , absorbent , and safe for hamsters . avoid any materials that produce a lot of dust . good bedding material choices include hardwood shavings , corncob litter , or shredded white paper or facial tissues . make sure your hamsters bedding is deep enough that it can dig and burrow through it . aim for a depth of at least two inches of bedding spread uniformly across the cage . hamsters tend to cycle between periods of inactivity and periods of high energy . theyll need toys that allow them to exercise and explore , as well as chewable objects to help keep their teeth trimmed . a hamster wheel with a solid floor and an exercise ball are both excellent choices for hamsters . look for hamster toys that involve tunnels andor tubes , as hamsters enjoy burrowing and exploring . give your hamster things to chew on like blocks of untreated wood or fresh , pesticide - free tree branches . if at all possible , try to use the same food and accessories that your hamster used in its previous home . this can make the transition a little smoother for your new pet , as it will still have familiar things in its environment . do not use the same food if it is not nutritious . likewise , avoid using the same accessories if they are unsafe or otherwise not ideal for a hamsters environment . one way to help ease the transition into your home is to cover the cage for the first one to two days . this allows the hamster to adjust to its new cage in a calm , relatively dark environment . if you decide to cover the cage , choose a light cloth that breathes well . something made of mesh or a loosely - knit cotton should work well . do not keep the cage covered indefinitely . your hamster should only need a day or two to adjust . if your hamster is still adjusting to your home , it may not be ready to be handled . some experts recommend waiting at least a few days before attempting to pet or handle your hamster . you may need to wait even longer before allowing other visitors to handle the hamster , as theyre even less familiar to your new pet . before you take home any pet , you should check to see that it is healthy and in good care . some hamsters like any other pet are raised in inhumane conditions that cause health problems and other issues . some warning signs to look for include listless behavior tilted head poor balance scabs on the ears , face , or feet sneezing or a runny nose watery eyes diarrhea there are several different types of hamsters that are commercially available . which breed you choose will depend on your needs and your desired personality traits . common hamster species include syrian hamsters - these hamsters are slightly larger than many other breeds , and they are smart enough to learn some simple tricks . they tend to be somewhat approachable and easy - going when it comes to handling and being played with . campbells dwarf hamsters - this breed of hamster is quite fast and can easily slip away if youre not careful . they are rather friendly , especially when handled from an early age . roborovski dwarf hamsters - these hamsters are very low maintenance and are very friendly . of all the hamster breeds , roborovski dwarf hamsters are the least - likely to bite . before you take home your new hamster , you should arrange for your pet to see a veterinarian . many hamsters are raised in poor conditions before theyre adopted , while even healthy hamsters are susceptible to infections and diseases . hamsters are often prone to abscesses in their cheeks , which can quickly lead to infection . any change in appearance or activity should prompt a visit to your vet . schedule regular checkups to ensure that your hamster remains happy and healthy .

pick a spot on the ground . consider using a hamster ball . pen off an area .

how to supervise hamsters outside of the cage 2

dont place your hamster on a high surface when you are letting it out of its cage . often the hamster will be scared when you take it out of its cage , and its first instinct may be to run away . if your hamster gets free from you , it could run and fall off a high surface , injuring or even killing it . when you have a hamster on the ground , it may still try to run away but it will not injure itself when it does . hamsters often move much quicker than you and this can make them hard to catch . some owners use hamster balls as a solution to this problem . you can put your hamster in one of these balls and let it roam around a large area without the risk that it will hide away and get lost . since a hamster will not have food or water while it is in a ball , only keep it in the ball for about 15 minutes at a time . in order to have your hamster out of its cage safely , you should pen off an area for it to be in . define the area by putting up barriers that the hamster cannot easily cross , such as stacks of books , boxes , or other solid barriers . you can use a box as a play pen if you like . a large box will give the hamster room to run around in and explore , but it will keep the animal contained .

make sure any exposed outlets are covered up and cords are removed . tell everyone in your home that the hamster is out . be cautious about any gaps in the walls or doors . be sure to remove items from reach .

how to supervise hamsters outside of the cage 3

hamsters have a tendency to chew on almost everything around them . if the holes are exposed or a wire is hanging out , your hamster may chew on it and get electrocuted . in order to protect your hamster from the dangers of electrical outlets , put child - proofing covers on outlets that are in the area you are keeping your hamster in . a common mistake owners can make is to forget to notify others that the rodent is out of its cage . this means that someone may open a door and allow the hamster to run away accidentally . they may even open the door and accidentally step on it . closed doors dont always keep hamsters inside . be sure to keep a blanket stuffed under any tight spaces , since hamsters have a tendency to try to escape . never give your hamster access to cracks or holes . sense they love to escape and explore , they will run towards these places . if they get into tight spaces they are likely to get trapped , injured , or lost . hamsters will go to the bathroom and chew on anything they come into contact with . if you are letting your hamster out of its cage , it is safer to remove things , such as sofas or rugs , you wouldnt want to get ruined . pick up all clothing and other items that might be spoiled as well . hamsters love chewing on wooden items , so it is best to remove any you may have lying around .

determine your hamsters gender and breed . try not to use popular names such as hammy . observe its behavior . dont make its name longer than 3 syllables . if you have more than one hamster , make sure that their names arent that similar . if you have problem choosing , try a book of baby names that will help you try to discover what would suit your hamster best . find adjectives to describe your hamster . name it after someone you like . after you decided a name , call your hamster by name with a treat .

how to name your hamster

come up with something new . if it likes to stuff things in its cheeks , name it , for example , cheeks . it can get annoying to say the long name every time you refer to your hamster tic and tac are fine . tic and tick are not . , try saying them until you find one you like . ex . fluffy , fuzzy , tiny , chubby , bony for example , if you like books by charles dickens , name him charley . if it comes to you multiple times for the treat , wash your hands and try it without a treat . if your hamster likes his or her name it will come for the treat then eventually come without one . some suggestions for male names can come with personalities such as munchkin , caramel , dash , licorice , spice , cheddar or if hes really smart you can name it einstein .

try to make toys as much as possible . dont buy the plastic platform , unless it comes with the cage . skip the expensive chew toys . put that hideout back on the shelf , be creative .

how to save money when having a hamster

a simple toilet roll inner cardboard tube is just as good as any commercial toy , maybe even better as the hamster can chew on them , which helps their teeth . if you want , cut a hole in one toilet paper tube , and stuff the other one in that hole to create a maze of tunnels . use one of those cardboard flaps in a box . just cut it out , and slide it through the bars if you have a wire cage . if not , use non - toxic glue to secure it . if you want the platform to be more secure , glue together two cardboard pieces . a simple stick from an apple tree will be just as good . wash it , and if you want to , boil it . if theres any lichen on it , dont use it . bake the stick . place it on a cookie sheet or tinfoil , and bake it for an hour at 150 - 200 degrees . if you dont want to do that , just use one of those play blocks that are intended for babies . paper cups , paper plates , or paper bowls will be just as good . paper bowls are especially good as your hamster still has room to turn around and move a little while in its hideout . you can use any non - toxic suitably sized toys , or make your own toys out of cardboard , paper cups , wire , and non - toxic glue . if you want , make a small obstacle course by hanging hamster - safe materials from wire

meet your hamsters basic needs . provide your hamster with a large cage . outfit your hamster enclosure with all of the necessary trappings . put the cage in a quiet room . get your hamster a wheel . setup a tube system in your cage , if you have space . provide a variety of other hamster toys . handle your hamster often . handle your hamster carefully . allow your hamster to run around a secure location . setup a play date for your hamster .

how to make your hamster happy

the foundation of a happy hamster is a hamster whose basic needs are met . without basic needs like food , healthcare , and a good home , your hamster will not be happy . make sure to provide good and fresh food . consider making your own fresh hamster food out of leafy greens , carrots , and other vegetables . take your hamster to the vet if he or she is ill . make sure your hamsters cage is located in a space that is heated , cooled , and has a constant temperature . an optimal temperature for hamsters range between 70 and 80 degrees fahrenheit . avoid temperatures below 60 and above 90 degrees . since your hamster will spend most of his or her life in your cage or container , make sure that the cage is spacious enough so your hamster can move around , exercise , and explore as much as he or she wants . ultimately , if you coup your hamster up in a tiny enclosure , he or she wont be happy . your cage should be a minimum of 2 square feet . ultimately , though , an enclosure twice this size would be good . avoid small glass aquariums . the more hamsters you have co - habituating , the larger your enclosure should be . , ultimately , a happy hamster needs a happy and interesting environment . if your hamster is wanting for basic items , he or she will not be happy . make sure to include wood shavings or a similar substance to blanket the floor of the cage . hamsters like to burrow , so make sure there are some areas where the shavings are deep . avoid cedar or pine wood shavings , as they might be toxic to hamsters . soft bedding . make sure there are a couple of areas where you provide your hamster with soft bedding . this could be an old towel , part of an old t - shirt or something similar . a water bottle . a food dish . make sure to put your hamsters cage in a safe and quiet area . hamsters , like people or other animals , need a safe and quiet area so they can live without anxiety or danger . make finding a safe and quiet area a priority . avoid putting your hamster in a place like the kitchen or a family room . a place where the tv is constantly running or people are talking may disturb your hamster and make him or her irritable . avoid putting your hamster in a place where the family dog or cat can get next to or near the cage . your cat or dog might stop at nothing to get to your little friend . avoid putting your hamster where small children can access the cage without supervision . the big danger here is that a small child will allow the hamster to escape . hamster wheels are one of the most popular toys that people get for their hamsters to play with . the best thing about hamster wheels is that it not only provides your hamster with entertainment , but it will also help your hamster exercise and keep fit . provide one hamster wheel per hamster . make sure your hamster wheel is the appropriate size for your hamster . as there are different varieties of hamsters , you will want to make sure your hamster does not have a wheel that is too large or too small . make sure your hamster wheel is properly maintained . take it out of the cage from time to time . clean it and service it . if your wheel is rusty , discard it and purchase a new one . one great way to promote hamster happiness is to setup a hamster tube system in your hamsters cage . a hamster tube system will provide a lot of opportunity for your hamster to play and explore new areas . this will stimulate your hamsters brain and keep him or her active . provide an appropriate sized tube system for your cage . dont take up the majority of the space with a tube system . you need to leave plenty of room for a hamster wheel , other toys , and more . change the tube system around every so often . provide your little friend with opportunities to explore new areas by changing the tube system around . try to make it so there are cozy places to rest and sleep in the tube system . , while a hamster wheel and a tube system will provide a lot of fun , entertainment , and exercise for your hamster , you should also consider a number of other hamster toys . a variety of toys will keep your hamster busy and entertained . consider cardboard boxes . boxes are a great place for your friend to hide or play in . consider constructing a two story hamster house out of tissue boxes . popsicle sticks . you can fashion a number of hamster toys , like ladders for them to climb , and bridges for them to cross , out of popsicle sticks . empty toilet paper rolls . these are great for your hamster to crawl through or for them to chew . while many hamsters like syrians are solitary animals , they do like companionship , too . provide your hamster a friend in yourself and handle your hamster every couple of days . handling your hamster often does not have to be a strenuous activity . you can do this simply by holding your hamster gently , allowing him or her to rest in your hand , or allowing them to crawl all over you . make sure to handle your hamster every day or two . neglecting your hamster will hurt his or her socialization and affect his or her happiness . if there are days you are unable to handle your hamster , recruit a friend or family member to fill in for you . when handling your hamster , you need to be gentle and handle your friend with care . being rough with your hamster could injure your friend or cause him or her to be wary of interaction with humans . do not be rough . do not handle your hamster in a place where you might drop him or her . hamsters are very fragile animals and you can easily hurt or kill your friend . start handling your hamster by introducing your scent to it by putting your hand in his or her cage and cleaning or repositioning toys . move on to petting your hamster without picking him or her up . when your hamster seems comfortable and does not run away from you , pick him or her up . always wash your hands before and after you handle your hamster . your hamster will probably enjoy getting out of his or her cage every so often and explore new places . if youre careful , this can be a fun activity for you and your friend . however , consider make sure you secure a location in advance so your friend cant escape . pay specific attention to making sure your hamster cant slip under a door , into a vent , or any other opening in the room . remove all other animals from the room . remove all poisons or anything that could hurt your little friend . dont leave your friend unattended and watch him or her at all times . note that your hamster might pee or poop in the room . be prepared to clean it up . , while your hamster might enjoy interacting with you , he or she will probably also enjoy playing with other hamsters . even if you have two or three of your own , you might consider finding someone else who has hamsters and setting up a play date so the hamsters can play together . consider make sure they play in a neutral location . a good place might be an old and unused cage that is big enough for everyone to play in . make sure to put toys in the cage . talk to the owner of the other hamster about health issues . you dont want your hamster playing with another hamster who might be sick or contagious . if you have a syrian hamster , dont set up a play date . syrians are very territorial . never leave your hamster unattended with a new hamster . female hamsters may be more aggressive than males . as a result , you should be careful when allowing females to interact with each other .

talk to him softly . offer him a treat . blow in his face . avoid poking him . move slowly .

how to wake up your hamster without scaring it 1

try waking your hamster with the sound of your voice . go near his cage and begin speaking softly . you may even try humming or singing until he is awake . another way to rouse your hamster is to offer him a treat . try holding a treat out where he is sleeping close enough for him to smell it and allow this to draw him from his sleep . you may use a small piece of a vegetable like carrot or broccoli , or a store - bought hamster treat . if your hamster is sleeping out in the open , another option is to gently blow in his face . of course , you do not want to startle your hamster , so begin with a mellow release of air , and increase in intensity until your hamster begins to wake . whatever you do , avoid jabbing or poking at your hamster . this is not an effective way to wake him up because he will immediately become defensive . if he is roused in this way , he will not want to be held or to play . remember , the point is to wake him without scaring him , so avoid swift or jarring movements . instead , whenever you approach your sleeping hamster , move slowly . this allows him to wake gently and in a good mood .

make the room dark . change the temperature . jiggle his food bowl . lift up his hut . tap lightly on his cage .

how to wake up your hamster without scaring it 2

hamsters begin to wake up and move around at dusk and dawn or twilight . thus , you may be able to wake your hamster by dimming the lights in your room . if you can make it dark enough , your hamster should rouse in response to the change in light . another idea is to alter the temperature of your hamsters environment . hamsters sleep more when it is cold , and wake when it is warm . you can try warming up the whole room by turning up your heat or using a space heater , or warming only your hamsters cage by using a heat lamp or heating pad . you can appeal to you hamsters sense of hearing and desire for food at the same time by reaching into his cage and jiggling his food bowl . place a little bit of fresh food into his dish and move it around making a subtle noise until he wakes . often hamsters will sleep inside of a hut or enclosure within the cage . one method for rousing your hamster is to simply lift up his hut . you may to choose to lift up the hut and move it to another location in the cage exposing the hamster , or simply lift it up and put back down which may rustle him enough to wake him up . you can use soft noises in conjunction with vibration by tapping lightly on your hamsters cage . using your finger , gently rap on his cage near where he is sleeping until your hamster is awake .

understand that hamsters are crepuscular . hamsters are commonly though mistakenly called nocturnal , when in fact they are crepuscular . whereas nocturnal animals are most active at night , your hamster will be most active during twilight hours dusk and dawn . track your hamsters schedule . feed him at the same time each day . begin moving your feeding time back . be patient .

how to wake up your hamster without scaring it 3

understanding this about your hamster will help you better understand and cope with his sleep patterns . if you would like to train you hamster to wake up a bit earlier so that you can spend time with him , the first step is to track his schedule . spend 3 - 5 days writing down precisely when he is asleep and awake . , once you know your hamsters schedule specifically what time he wakes in the evening , begin feeding him at this time each day . for example , if your hamster wakes each night at 830pm , begin feeding him at 830 on the dot . do this for at least one week before moving on to the next step . begin moving the feeding time back in 15 - minute increments . for example , after the first week , youll begin waking your hamster up a bit earlier by feeding him at 815pm . continue this until he begins waking at 815 on his own this should take about one week . then , begin feeding your hamster at 800pm , and so on . this technique needs to be done subtly , over time , in order for it to work . so be patient through this process . once again , understand that it is your hamsters innate nature that causes him to wake at dusk and dawn . you are not going to alter that overnight . furthermore , youre never going to change it completely . at best , you may be able to train your hamster to wake one hour earlier than he did before .

tell them what food your hamster eats , what foods it likes and dislikes , or any medication it might need . explain that they need to clean the cage weekly and change the food and water everyday . show them how to properly hold the hamster and tell them that they need to play with it everyday and let it out make sure they know all the rules about other household pets . if you have rules about what your hamster can and cant do when your friends are around , make sure that they know those rules . make sure it is someone you absolutely trust and that they have a lot of time to make sure they dont forget your hamster dont ask someone who doesnt have a very good memory give them a way to contact you if something happens .

how to make sure your hamster or any other pet is taken care of while you are gone

make sure they know that they cannot give the hamster a bath , make sure you can also contact them if you forgot something . like if hes allergic to mushrooms and you didnt tell them that before .

have play sessions with it . replenish its food and water . groom your hamster . talk to your hamster . maintain a cozy environment in its cage . keep its cage clean . exercise your hamster .

how to keep hamsters happy

you should spend time with it on a daily basis , which prevents your hamster from becoming bored and allows it to bond with you . swapping the toys in its cage is a good way to freshen up its routine and allow it to participate in different activities . you could also place it in its wheel and help push it , encouraging it to exercise . to give it some time out of the cage , gently pick it up and allow it to climb over you , but make sure you are in an enclosed area that prevents it from escaping . on a daily basis , make sure to change the water in its bottle to prevent bacteria from forming or the nozzle from clogging . you should also empty out its bowl of old food and replace it , as it could be spoiled . be sure that you give your hamster a variety of grains or seeds to choose from , as theyll be able to tell which ones their body needs . fresh vegetables rinsed with water - such as romaine lettuce and carrots - are also good ways to keep it full and happy . occasional treats are also recommended , as theyll excite your hamster and give it something new to enjoy . maintaining a healthy , balanced diet will boost your hamsters health and ensure that its receiving the proper nutrients . you should keep an eye on its weight to make sure you arent feeding it too much or too little . while your pet may keep itself clean , it still requires some help in maintaining its soft fur . you should brush it once every two to four weeks , using either a pet comb or a clean toothbrush . this is a good chance to bond with your hamster and show that you care for it . you can reward it with a treat during or after the session to encourage good behavior . even if it may not understand your words , it finds the sound of your voice reassuring and will help it grow closer to you . by speaking to it in a soft , soothing tone , you can help it feel at ease with you . spend some time telling it about your day or talking about different topics . to please your hamster even more and encourage it to relax , you can pet it during your quiet moments with it . if you have no time to sit quietly with it , you can still speak to it as you go about your routine . to boost your hamsters happiness , its best to make its home as comfortable as possible . a large cage - perhaps with plastic tubes - is ideal , as it allows your hamster plenty of space to run around . you should line the floor with soft , absorbent bedding and give your pet places to hide ex a small hutch or box so that it can have privacy or rest . make sure to provide a running wheel so that your pet can exercise and work off energy . to make it even happier , you can also give your hamster chew toys and extra accessories , such as a hammock . all of this will help keep your pet occupied throughout the day or night . hamsters love to remain clean , as they keep their sleeping and toilet area separate and do their best to groom themselves . however , understand that cleaning their cage too frequently or rarely can cause your pets happiness to deteriorate . its best to keep a regular cleaning schedule so that your hamster can become accustomed to it . every day , you can remove soiled bedding and old food from the cage . once a week , you should scrub the cage and change the bedding . this helps maintain a clean environment and allows your hamster to remain happy and healthy . note that hamsters have a tendency to remove food from their bowls and hoard it . you should check for any food that it might be hiding , as it could be spoiled and potentially harm your pet . this is extremely important and will help boost your hamsters health , as well as keep its weight in check . you should encourage your hamster to use its running wheel every day , but letting it out of the cage is also a good idea . you can place it in a hamster ball and allow it to roam throughout the house , but make sure to follow it so that it doesnt get into trouble . giving your pet toys to interact with is also good because it can exercise its body and mind . hamster tubes are also an excellent way to encourage your hamster to move around .

youll need a great lighting area , preferably on the balcony but be careful if you live in an apartment because the hamster could fall , a closed window , or just in your house . get the right timing . check the weather . make sure your hamster is tidy , well groomed , and is in an enthusiastic and joyful mood . get your camera equipment . recheck every step and make sure everything is ok and you are ready . welcome your model and make sure its comfortable around its settings . comfort it with your hands , softly and gently place it onto the setting of your picture . get your hamster in the pose you want . quick , if you didnt succeed , thats okay . add some effects or corrections to your picture . add a little text . have your bff or one of your friends look at the finished result first . present , celebrate , as your friends says how cute it is .

how to make cute pictures of your hamster

any would be fine , and make sure the area is bug - free , food - free , and hazard - free as these can harm your hamster . make sure you carry your hamster in either a travel cage , a bucket thats safe , or anything else that your hamster could fit in and breathe if you are going outdoors . try to avoid people walking dogs outdoors because the dog could try to bite the hamster or eat it , or even play with it which could suffocate your hamster if the dog steps on it . it is not recommended to let your hamster roam around indoorsunless you hamster - proofed your house while you try to take pictures of it . maybe in the morning might be good , but really cute hamster pictures have the hamsters in a soothing light source . noon and afternoon would be also great , but it would usually be the sunniest and warmest which could harm hamsters as they cannot go in direct sunlight . the best time would be before noon , around 1100 am . usually , the sun isnt so direct , and the light is perfect outdoors . now for indoor pictures , noon would be the perfect time for you unless your apartmenthouse window is facing the sun directly , then afternoon would do . open up those curtains , let the sun shine across to the building in front of your house and the lighting wouldnt hurt your hamster nor be too dark . is it raining is it snowing is it cloudy is it sunny if it is sunnynot too much sun , then you can skip this step right away . if your hamster is excited and extremely active , wait for it to settle down before you continue . feed your hamster some treats before and during the photo shoot , to keep them in a happy mood . award the model , not the photographer . might be your brand new iphone 6 , might be your good old trusty iphone 4s , might be your fantastical samsung galaxy note 3 , or it might be a digital camera which works extremely well and is excellent for you . get any camera supply , the better it is the more realistic and cute it will be . use a tripod if you are taking a picture of your hamster on a high stool or chair , something high . get this ready before you take the picture , as its very important to prepare before youre ready . prepare the model , setup your supplies , get the perfect angle ready by checking your camera , making sure you have time , etc . it might be curious , but try to keep it still the best you could . talk to it or make noises so your hamster gets curious and stays still . staring into the horizon , looking straight at the camera , standing up , smelling something , leaning forward , anything you think would be cute . your hamster may be distracted by your hands by doing this , so its better to let it do the pose itself . before it turns away , snap a picture when its in the perfect pose be fast repeat step 3 and step 4 and try again . if you did succeed , congrats look at your final best cutest picture , and think about is it good enough andor cute enough . not too much because you want it to look natural and realistic for the cuteness . maybe your hamster is screaming , what in the hammies is that , and in a pose where its standing up and facing something . suit the text to the surroundings and the angle and the hamsters pose . think of something funny , or something cute for your hamsters to say . if its an exclamation , consider using words like hammies or hamsters , or use your hamsters favourite things . like , what in the sunflower seeds is that would work . ask them if its cute or not . it would be best to ask best friends , as usually bffs tell you actually whats cute and whats not . post the picture on facebook and other social medias as youd like , add a little caption to it or something to say to go with it , or you could just keep the picture for yourself to show to your family and friends . celebrate with your hamster by sharing a couple pieces of sunflower seeds , and to reward your little furry for being a fantastic model .

let sleeping hamster lie . wash your hands first . rub your hands in clean hamster bedding . hand - tame your hamster . make sure your hamster cannot escape when playing outside her cage . remove any hazards when playing outside the cage . be careful when playing with your hamster on a table or counter . remove your other pets from the room when playing with your hamster out of the cage . know how to recapture your hamster if she escapes . watch your hamster run . add some nature . create a cardboard tube maze . make a swing with a little string and a used roll of duct tape or packaging tape . tie shoelaces to the top of your hamsters cage . hide food in your hamsters cage and watch her find it . let your hamster out of her cage to play every day . cuddle your hamster and let her crawl on you . get a hamster ball . make a maze . put your hamster in a playpen with toys . watch your hamster gather food .

how to have fun with your hamster

hamsters sleep most of the day and are most active in the evening and night . if you wake your hamster , she may be grumpy and resistant to handling . always let your hamster wake up on her own before playing with her . hamsters have a very keen sense of smell . it is important that you wash all food scents off your hands , or your hamster may bite you . the smell of bedding will make your hamster feel safer in your hands . before you can play with your hamster outside her cage , you need to get her used to being handled by you . start by feeding your hamster treats from your hand . when your hamster approaches you without fear , try letting her play in your hand . when she is comfortable there , pick her up . gradually increase the amount of time you hold your hamster . always let your hamster sniff at your closed fist before attempting to pick her up . do not surprise her . always handle your hamster over a table or while sitting on the ground . otherwise , your hamster might suffer a serious injury if she squirms out of your grasp . a fall of only one foot can seriously injure a hamster . if your hamster tries to squirm away or bites you , put it back in its cage . it is tired of being held . play with your hamster in an enclosed area . be aware that hamsters can escape through very small spaces , such as under doors , so you will need to keep your pet under supervision when playing outside its cage . dont play in an area with a small space that your hamster can squeeze into to hide , such as underneath couches or drawers . bathrooms are convenient enclosed space to play in , but be sure to shut the toilet lid . consider purchasing a hamster playpen to make sure your pet cant escape . it should be larger than the hamsters cage . also consider covering the pen with a mesh screen so your pet cant escape . purchasing a childs wading pool is an easy way to provide an enclosed , inexpensive play space . if its there , your hamster will probably chew on it . be sure to remove all electrical cords from the area where your hamster is playing . also remove any toxic plants , such as azalea , daffodil , oleander , speedwell , buttercups , bindweed , bluebells , ragwort , elder , hemlock , and privet . for a complete list of toxic plants , see here . hamsters have almost no instinctual fear of falling , and a tumble off a high table or counter can seriously injure your pet . dont leave your hamster alone in high places , and always be on hand to keep her from falling . imagine sharing a room with a giant monster that wants to eat you . not fun . even if your hamster is safe , they will find the presence of your dog or cat stressful . if your hamster gets loose , all is not lost . having a plan in advance can ward off panic and make it much more likely you will find your pet . search near the hamsters cage first . look in small places behind and underneath furniture , in between cushions on sofas and chairs , on bookshelves , in drawers , and inside shoes , tissues boxes , and shoe boxes . if your search fails , leave the cage open and place your hamsters favorite food near and inside it . turn out the lights and wait for your hamster to come . if that fails , set out some food before you go to sleep and surround it with flour so that your hamsters tracks lead you back to its hiding place . wild hamsters run miles each day to find food . your pet doesnt have to work that hard , but she still has the instinct to run . put a hamster wheel in your pets cage and watch her go . the wheel should be large enough that your hamsters back does not bend . solid wheels are preferable , as your hamsters toes or legs may get caught between the bars of a wire wheel . check the wheel periodically to make sure it is rotating freely . remove any obstructions as needed and grease with olive oil or vegetable oil . wooden branches give your hamster something to chew and climb on in her cage , but make sure they are thoroughly cleaned first . wash each branch with soapy water , let it dry , and then bake it for 45 minutes at 200°f to kill any bugs or eggs . and be sure to use wood that is not toxic to hamsters , such as willow , pear or apple , cottonwood , pecan , or mulberry . for a full list of safe and unsafe woods , see here . hamsters love to crawl through leftover toilet paper and paper towel tubes . try taping several together to make a tunnel maze for your pet . simply run the string through the roll and tie it to the top of your hamsters habitat so that it hangs just off the floor . tie several laces from side to side or leave a few hanging down . your hamster will love to climb and pull on them . but be sure to remove the plastic tips covering the ends , so that your pet does not eat them and get sick . hamsters love to forage for food . hide food all around your hamsters cage – in tubes , on platforms , in corners – and watch her find it . to maximize your hamsters health and happiness , you need to give her time outside her cage . and its fun just be sure your that hamster is hand - tamed and that you play with her in a safe , enclosed area . hamsters enjoy being cuddled , so long as you dont squeeze too hard , and theyll also have fun exploring you . this is a great way to bond with your hamster and teach her to trust you . be sure you are seated on the ground so that your hamster doesnt hurt herself if she falls . better yet , try lying on your back with your hamster on your chest . make sure you are in an enclosed area so your hamster cant escape . limit your time handling your hamster to 10 - 15 minutes , and for the first few times only 3 - 4 minutes . if you handle your hamster for too long , she will try to escape or bite you . these are plastic or rubber balls that you can place your hamster inside so that she can safely explore your home . they are basically a hamster wheel on the go . be sure to get a ball with ventilation slots . wash the ball with soap and water after each use . let it dry completely before re - using . limit time in the ball to 10 - 15 minutes , and giver your hamster a chance to drink and eat afterwards . you can make your maze walls out of anything glued together popsicle sticks , cardboard , blocks , books , etc . place some treats in the maze and watch your hamster explore . to make sure your hamster doesnt escape , consider placing the maze inside a large cardboard box . any secure area with no means of escape can serve as a playpen for your hamster . you can purchase a variety of toys , but your pet will also enjoy exploring household objects such as paper towel or toilet paper tubes tissue or shoe boxes paper bags shoes ramps a propped up piece of wood or cardboard cereal boxes a hamster can carry up to half her body weight in her cheek pouches scatter grains or crumbs on the table and watch your hamster collect them . but be careful what you feed your hamster . foods to avoid includejunk food pizza , chocolate , potato chips , pickles , salted peanuts or other high salt foods citrus fruits , dried fruits , fruit pips , or apple seeds iceberg lettuce , parsley , or rhubarb avocado , eggplant , onions , peppers , mushrooms , or garlic potatoes , kidney beans or red beans red meat

get to know your hamster . begin handling him slowly . develop your bond . consider setting up a play area outside his cage .

how to keep a happy hamster 1

spend some time watching your hamster and getting to know his personality and mannerisms . all hamsters will have their own personalities , so you should try to get know your hamsters and respond to it accordingly . some hamsters will be more shy and reclusive , and you should respect this and not disturb him unduly if this is the case . for example , your hamster might lower himself to the ground and flatten out when you approach or attempt to pick him up . this is an indication that he does not want to be handled at the moment . if your hamster is squeaking it could indicate that he is agitated or anxious . this can occur especially when a hamster is introduced to a new environment . allow him time to adjust . if you want to handle your hamster its important that you are slow and patient , and dont try to handle him too frequently . you can start by giving your hamster a treat from your hand . lay your hand flat on the ground and let your hamster get used to it . do not lift your hand yet . once your hamster is running around your hand like it is just another toy , you should stop for the day . give your hamster a treat . if your hamster gets scared , take your hand away slowly . be patient , some hamsters are more nervous than others . over time you will find that he becomes more comfortable and walks onto your hand with no hesitation . continue doing a similar routine of spending time together and allowing him to get used to your presence . start putting treats on your hand and trying to get your hamster to eat them while sat on your hand . once your hamster is very comfortable doing that , start slowly lifting your hand slightly above the floor . if your hamster gets too afraid , go back to just putting treats on your hand . always do this close to the floor , or another safe surface , so if he jumps off your hand he wont be hurt . if he is distressed or bites you , just put him down and give him a treat . whenever you try to pick up your hamster you should scoop him up from below . never disturb him while he is asleep . one way to give your hamster the chance to get out of his cage , and get used to spending time with you , is to set up a secure play pen somewhere in your house . to do this , find a flat and clean area of the floor and ensure it is closed in so the hamster cant escape . place some toys and items like cardboard tubes inside the play pen . you can move your hamster over to the play pen by hand , or by using the hamster ball . he will enjoy running around a more open space , but be sure to keep a very close eye on him . be patient and let him explore the area at his own pace . once he is more comfortable with you , you can get in the pen with him and play together . you will become another thing to climb on . a play box is a good way to provide an area to play in outside of the cage .

think like a hamster . check the walls and doors of your home for cracks and crevices . look everywhere . restrict your other pets access . leave the doors closed overnight . select treats that you know your hamster likes . leave the treats out overnight . sprinkle flour or cornstarch around the area of the treats . set your hamsters cage on the floor . set a shallow pail or pan on the floor . check his cage or trap in the morning . inspect the bars of your hamsters cage . secure the door latch of your hamsters cage . secure the lid of your hamsters cage . tape the lid of his plastic ball . seal cracks and crevices in your home .

how to find a lost hamster

approaching your search from a hamsters perspective can help you focus your search . for example , hamsters are very inquisitive animals . if given the chance , a hamster will explore everything in his environment . it is likely that your hamster wasnt trying to escape—he just saw something that piqued his interest . hamsters love food . your hamster may have made his way into your kitchen because he smelled the food . hamsters are nocturnal . you probably will not have much luck finding your hamster during the day . you may have more success if you start your search late at night . hamsters are timid animals . even though your hamster probably found a dark and warm place to hide , he would much rather get back to a familiar place , like his cage . when your hamster escaped , he may have found a crack or crevice in which to squeeze . use a flashlight to look for any possible opening in a wall or door that your hamster could have gotten through . cracks and crevices are more common in older apartments or houses . your hamster may have gotten himself stuck when he squeezed through the crack or crevice . if you are unable to get him out , consider calling an animal removal service for assistance . you can try listening for scratching noises in the wall or door to locate where your hamster is hiding . you will probably need to look underneath , inside , in between , behind , and beside everything in your home . if you think this sounds like a daunting task , then you are right . hamsters are small animals and will squeeze into just about any small space that offers them a dark , warm , and safe place to hide . it may help to first look where you last saw him . consider searching one room at a time to make your search more methodical and efficient . in the kitchen , pay special attention to looking inside , underneath , and behind all appliances . do not forget to check bags , shoes , and boxes including tissue and shoe boxes . laundry bags or baskets may be particularly appealing to your hamster , since they provide a dark and warm place to hide . bookshelves , couch cushions , beds , and chairs are other potential hamster hiding places . because your hamster could have gone anywhere , the list of items and places to check could feel like it is endless . check every possible place where your hamster could hide , and then think of even more places where he could be . you certainly do not want your cat or dog finding your hamster before you do . when you are finished searching every nook and cranny of one room and are pretty sure that your hamster is not in there , put your other pets in that room . your other pets may not enjoy being restricted to one room , but it may help your search go a little more smoothly . as you search more rooms and determine that your hamster is not in those rooms , you can give your cat or dog less restricted access . given his nocturnal nature , your hamster will be most active during the night . keeping the doors closed will prevent him from running from room to room while you are sleeping . leaving the doors closed may not be as helpful in areas of your home that are more open , such as the kitchen or family room . if looking through everything that you can think of has not been successful , try leaving out treats to entice him out of his hiding place . select hamster - appropriate treats , such as fresh fruit , nuts , and seeds . your hamster may be a little thirsty , depending on how long hes been hiding . leave out treats with a high moisture content , such as seedless grapes , cucumbers , and apples . peanuts and raisins are also good treats to leave out for your hamster . cut up the treats into small bits to make it easier for your hamster to eat them . you have different options with how to leave the treats out . one option is to put the treats in a saucer or small bowl . you could also put the treats on some newspaper or tinfoil , which would both make noise when your hamster eats the treats . place the treats in areas where you think your hamster is hiding . if you decide to stay up late , you could sit quietly near where you placed the newspaper or tinfoil . the noise may help confirm the general area where your hamster is hiding . if possible , tie a long string or strand of thread to some of the treats . if your hamster takes the treat back to his hiding place , you may be able to see the string or thread sticking out . count the number of treats you leave out so you can determine if your hamster ate any . be mindful that leaving treats out in multiple areas at the same time could make it more challenging to narrow your search . your hamster could have moved from one area to the next eating treats . similar to footprints in the snow , your hamsters prints in the flour could direct you to where he is hiding . make sure not to sprinkle too much flour or cornstarch on the floor—if its too deep , you may not be able to see your hamsters footprints . the further away from the treats that you sprinkle the flour or cornstarch , the better you will be able to track your hamsters movements . your hamster probably wants to get back to a familiar place . place the cage where you think your hamster is hiding . putting some treats in his cage may entice him out of his hiding place and back into his cage . placing the cage sideways on the floor would make it easier for your hamster to climb in . keep in mind , however , that he could easily walk back out of the cage if he wants to continue exploring . if catching your hamster is his cage did not work , then try trapping him humanely , of course . place the pail or pan on the floor where you think your hamster is hiding . put some tasty treats at the bottom to entice your hamster . the shallow pail or pan should be shallow enough to lessen the likelihood of your hamster injuring himself , but not so shallow that he could easily climb back out . use books to create a stairwell up to the top of the pail or pan . the books should be fairly small so that your hamster will not struggle with climbing them . once your hamster climbs into the pail or pan to get to the treats , he will not be able to grip the sides to get back out . you may be pleasantly surprised to find your hamster sleeping in his cage the morning after you left his cage out . if you set out the trap , you may find him sleeping in the pail or pan . if he is not in either the cage or trap , consider moving them to a different potential hiding place and trying again . the bars of a wire cage can become bent or disconnected over time . with enough persistence , your hamster could squeeze through any widened spaces between the bars . inspect the bars at least as frequently as you clean your hamsters cage once a week . you can try to manually correct the irregularities in the bars . if this is not practical for you , you can purchase an external wire grid and attach it to the outside of the cage . this is especially important for wire cages . to keep himself busy , your hamster may try everything he can to open the door latch . visit your local pet store to purchase a locking device to keep the door latch securely closed . your hamster could use his nose to push open the mesh lid of an aquarium cage . rather than putting weights on each corner of the lid , which could compromise the cages air circulation , consider purchasing locking clips at your local pet store . you would place the locking clips on each corner of the lid to keep it in place . if you like to place your hamster in a plastic ball so that he can roll around outside his cage , you may to need to reinforce the balls lid . lids on plastic balls are typically just pegs that fit into slots . your hamster may entertain himself by gnawing on the pegs from time to time . over time , the pegs would become so loose that the lid may just flip open when your hamster is in his ball . use a generous amount of tape on the balls lid , especially where it connects to the ball . you may need to apply the tape each time you put your hamster in his ball . if your hamster does get out of his cage , sealing the cracks and crevices would give him fewer places to hide . your hamster can still hide in plenty of places , but you could minimize the number of areas where he could crawl into and potentially get stuck .

provide a healthy diet . give him occasional treats . ensure there is constant clean fresh water .

how to keep a happy hamster 2

take care to ensure your hamster is getting enough of the right food to keep him healthy and happy . although your hamster will be very active and have a quick metabolism , he can still become overweight if you overfeed him . generally you should provide around a tablespoon of pellets or seed mix daily as the core of his diet . you can supplement this with occasional treats . you can provide some nice treats to add variety to your hamsters diet . you can add a small amount of greens , a slice of apple or a few raisins , and a floret of cauliflower to his daily pellets . this is plenty to keep him well fed . keep an eye on how much he is eating and tend to give treats in small quantities . you dont want uneaten greens to go bad in his cage , so remove uneaten treats . you can also provide some hard treats , such as small dog biscuits , branches from fruit trees , or commercially produced treats that help wear down his teeth . only provide hard treats such as these once a week . remember that hamsters stash their food in hidden stores , so an empty bowl doesnt necessarily mean he has run out of food . an important part of keeping your hamster healthy and happy is ensuring that he has access to a constant supply of fresh clean water to drink from . make sure you give him fresh water every day and check his bottle for leaks . be sure to clean the bottle and nozzle regularly to avoid potential contamination .

give your hamster plenty of space . ensure there are things to play with . get a hamster wheel .

how to keep a happy hamster 3

although they might seem to be asleep a lot of the time , hamsters are very active at night and need plenty of space to run around to keep them stimulated and happy . you should try to provide as much space in your hamsters cage as you can . your hamster will use different areas of his cage for different things , so having enough space to spread out is important . the recommended minimum size for the cage is 12 inches width x 12 inches height x 18 inches length . but the general rule is the bigger the better . wire cages , plastic moulded cages , and converted fish tanks are all good homes for hamsters . there are advantages and disadvantages to each . a wire cage gives your hamster more things to climb on , and a tank will require more thorough cleaning . ensure your cage has a solid base which is at least 3 - 5cms deep and covered with dust free wood shaving or another safe nesting material , or substrate . try to provide substrate that is around 6cms deep so your hamster can dig into it . hamsters like to play and need things in their cage to keep them stimulated and occupied . a wheel is one way to get exercise and run , but you need to provide more varied stimuli to keep your hamster happy . wooden chew toys offer a fun activity and also help keep his teeth in shape . be sure you only use wood that is safe for pets . you can also make toys at home . for example , put empty cardboard tubes in for him to chew on and tunnel through . plain brown cardboard boxes can be chewed up and hidden in . you can fill a small box with substrate to make a good burrowing and digging place for your hamster . be wary of using cardboard that has glue or ink . stick to plain cardboard to avoid any potentially harmful chemicals . hamsters like to get a lot of exercise , but in a relatively small cage the amount they can run around is limited . one good way to enable a hamster to run for longer periods is to get a hamster wheel . ensure you have a solid wheel not a mesh one which your hamster could catch his foot in , and get a wheel with a large diameter . if your hamster is running with an arched back , you need to get a bigger wheel . wheels intended for rats have a large diameter and are a good choice for your hamster . as well as a hamster wheel , getting a hamster ball can enable him to run around for longer periods . this is also a fun way to get him out of his cage . be sure you keep a close eye on him and that there are no potential dangers , such as another pet , in the room with you .

keep the cage away from extremes of hot and cold . keep him away from sources of light and sound . clean the cage regularly .

how to keep a happy hamster 4

where you position the cage in your house is an important factor in the health and happiness of your hamster . dont put the cage anywhere that he will be exposed to a lot of heat , such as next to a radiator . you should also avoid placing the cage anywhere that gets direct sunlight . it is equally important to make sure that the cage is not somewhere especially cold or draughty . if it is somewhere that gets a little cold , be sure to provide extra bedding for warmth . hamsters are exceptionally sensitive to high frequency sound and light , and he can become distressed if exposed to these . for this reason you should take care when finding a place for his cage . dont put his cage in a room where the lights are going on and off through the night . nocturnal animals need the darkness at night . keep the cage away from sources of ultrasound such as televisions and computer screens . also keep it away from sources of running water and loud appliances such as vaccum cleaners , which can be highly distressing for hamsters . its important to regularly clean out the cage to ensure it remains a healthy environment for your hamster . you should take a few minutes every day to remove any substrate that is wet from urine , and spot clean the cage to remove hamster poo in order to prevent wet - tail . try to clean out the cage more thoroughly once a week . if possible , you should try to keep to a basic cleaning schedule for this . if you clean the cage too frequently or infrequently it could cause distress for your hamster .

use toilet paper rolls or rolled up blankets that hamsters can go through . be sure to use their hamster ball , wear a hooded sweatshirt and let them ride in the hood . get tubes and ladder a seesaw would do to play with your hamster . let it run around in an enclosed space . feed it strawberries , grapes and or cheese and watch them gobble away for a nice , delicious treat

how to have a good time with your hamster

they love this . let it in there maximum 30 mins . they love this ,

clean your helmet regularly . maintain the hygiene of your helmets lining . check for static build up in your helmet . wear a do rag , skull cap , or bandana under your helmet . carry replacement liners when traveling .

how to stop helmet itch 1

if your scalp is itching or you notice a smell , its time to wash your helmet . you may wish to wash it on a regular schedule , such as every two weeks , or after a long ride . if your helmet does not have a liner , it may be a good idea to get a helmet pad to put inside the helmet , as this can make cleaning easier . to wash the inside of your helmet , fill a bucket with warm water and a mild shampoo . agitate the water until it is sudsy . if there is any dirt or grime on your helmet , rinse that off with water before submerging it in the bucket of soapy water . allow the helmet to soak for a few minutes . use your fingers to gently scrub the liner inside the helmet . then rinse the helmet in your shower or sink until you have rinsed out all the soap . after cleaning your helmet with shampoo , let it air dry instead of blow drying , which can damage the liner . if can , however , place the helmet in front of a fan to speed up the process . you can also use a spray cleaner to eliminate odors , though this will not replace a proper cleaning . helmet lining should be cleaned on a regular basis after all , youre likely sweating into your helmet lining regularly when you wear it . your helmet liner should be removable . if its not removable , you should still be able to clean it while in the helmet . the best way to clean a helmet liner is to get helmet interior spray . you can let this spray sit overnight on the liner and it should improve the cleanliness and smell of the liner . static build up is common in helmets , since your hair and the material of the helmet liner are conductive to static electricity . if static is a problem for your helmet , there are a few ways to combat static buildup . the material of your helmet liner may be causing static build up . if you use materials like cotton or cashmere , they are less likely to have static buildup than synthetic materials . you can also change the shampoo you are using with your hair . leave in conditioners can fight against static due to dry hair , while hair styling sheets can be rubbed over the helmets interior to smooth over any static cling . if you find your scalp is even irritated by the helmet lining , it may be a good idea to wear something to protect your scalp from the helmet itself . there are a lot of options of coverings for your head that will differ based on the type of helmet you are wearing . do rags or skull caps may be best to wear if your helmet has a tight fit . these coverings are relatively tight and should fit easily under your helmet . bandanas usually fit looser and are bulkier . if your helmet is roomier , a bandana may be a better option for a covering under your helmet . when purchasing any physical barriers for your helmet , make sure to buy products that are of high quality . if possible , products designed to wear under helmets may be the best to prevent helmet itch . if you are traveling for a long distance , such as a cross - country motorcycle ride , its a good idea to bring additional replacement liners . when one gets dirty and causes itching of your scalp , you can replace it with another liner . replacement liners can be purchased at many motorcycle or biking shops . you can also get additional helmet pads if your helmet does not come with a liner . you can wash your liners when you stop for the evening on your trip . this will enable you to have clean liners to use for each new day .

put your hamster in a box . supervise your hamster at all times when outdoors .

how to entertain your hamster 1

take outside . you can let it run around your yard or take it to the park . look for big patches of clover , which hamsters enjoy eating . take care to only go where you know it is safe no dogs or rowdy people , running kids , etc . dont let your hamster eat grass or any plants that you arent sure about . if the plant is not safe for hamsters or has pest control chemicals it , it may harm your hamster . if you dont know , dont let the hamster eat it .

identify the underlying cause of helmet itch . consider that it may be contact dermatitis . check for ringworm . check for lice . consider static as the cause of helmet itch . think about the length of your hair . note the hair products you are using .

how to stop helmet itch 2

helmet itch can be caused by a variety of things . while some causes may be due to your helmet or helmet lining , your itchy scalp may be due to a medical condition , such as contact dermatitis or even lice or ringworm . youll wan to check with your doctor if you have an on - going issue with helmet itch so that you can be properly diagnosed . other things can also cause helmet itch , from static to hair length to hair products . the causes of helmet itch may be due to potential issues with your scalp rather than the helmet . if this is the case , simply cleaning your helmet may not alleviate helmet itch . when you are trying to figure out the cause of helmet itch , try different tactics until one works . even though one issue may be solved , another may be the one causing helmet itch . this is a condition in which your skin is exposed to an irritating foreign substance or an allergen , leading to itching , redness , and discomfort . you may be reacting to the material in your helmet or possibly a chemical used to treat the inside of your helmet . make an appointment to see your doctor for a proper diagnosis . your itchy scalp may be caused by more than just sweat or irritation — you may have dermatophytosis , or ringworm , which is a fungal infection of the skin dont worry , theres no actual worm in ringworm . ringworm commonly affects the scalp and can cause itching . look also for raised , red , scaly patches patches that resemble a ring blisters that begin to ooze . see your doctor for a diagnosis of ringworm . if ringworm is confirmed , then your doctor can prescribe you medication and discuss treatment . if you have a ringworm infection , you will need to thoroughly clean your helmet , as you could reinfect yourself . discuss this with your doctor . another common cause of an itchy scalp is a lice infestation . lice are parasites whose bites can cause itching . if you have lice , you may notice a tickling sensation on your scalp red , itchy bumps difficulty sleeping or tiny white objects in your hair , which are lice eggs , or nits . get someone to check your hair for lice or visit your doctor for diagnosis and treatment . youll need to thoroughly disinfect your helmet as well as your bedding , clothes , and other items that might harbor lice to ensure you dont become reinfested . in most cases , helmet itch caused by static occurs pretty quickly after putting on the helmet . if static is the issue , you can try to wet your hair and scalp before putting on your helmet . for helmet itch caused by static , the best tactic is to have wet hair when putting on your helmet . wet hair is heavier and is less inclined to produce static electricity . static electricity can also be dangerous . if you are riding a motorcycle , static electricity could potentially spark a fire when youre filling up your bike . hair length can be a factor and may also contribute to increased itchiness . if you have long hair , youre more likely to experience moderate to severe itch more frequently , since your helmet will be more humid . if your hair is especially long , it may be a good idea to braid it or put it in a bun . this can keep your hair out of your face , but also keep it isolated to avoid helmet itch . very short hair can also cause itchiness . if you have very short hair , try wearing a protecting covering to keep your hair protected from the helmet . if possible , avoid using hair products that dry out your hair , which can cause scalp irritation when placed on the skin . these products can be especially itchy in humid conditions . switching to hair products that moisturize your hair can help prevent itchy scalp . in particular , try to avoid products that contain sodium lauryl sulfate sls since these can dry out your scalp . additionally , eating healthy fats such as nuts and avocado can provide your hair with plenty of natural oils . these can make your hair less dry and make you less prone to itchy scalp .

follow your doctors orders . use a topical scalp stimulant . use a low irritant shampoo . dont scratch your helmet itch . use hair products specifically designed for use with helmets . get a new helmet .

how to stop helmet itch 3

if you have been diagnosed with contact dermatitis , ringworm , lice , or another medical condition that is causing your helmet itch , you will need to carefully follow your doctors orders . you may be required to take oral medication , use topical creams , and it may even be necessary to replace your helmet . consider holding off on riding and , therefore , wearing your helmet until your condition has resolved completely . this can help to prevent and treat itch while youre wearing your helmet . though it can be annoying , its important to never try to reach an itch beneath your helmet while youre on the go . topical scalp stimulants work by cooling your scalp . they also relieve any irritants and sooth your scalp from helmet itch . these stimulants are good short - term solutions when youre on the go however , you may need something more intensive to prevent helmet itch long term . low irritant shampoos leave your scalps lipid barrier intact . the lipid barrier protects the scalp from infection and keeps it healthy . additionally , dying your hair can irritate your scalp and damage its lipid barrier . in its more natural state , your hair will grow a healthy protective layer to prevent itch . if your shampoo still irritates your scalp , you can use moisturizing products as well . these products can help to replenish your scalps natural barriers . scratching can often make your helmet itch worse , especially using fingernails or other sharp objects . this can cause lesions in your scalps surface , allowing bacteria in the lining to infect your scalp . scalp infections can make helmet itch worse . they can also lead to hair loss if left untreated . if you are actively suffering from helmet itch , wetting your hair can provide some relief . additionally , using a topical scalp stimulant will provide temporary relief . some hair products have been developed specifically for helmet wearers . these products may be the best type to get to avoid helmet itch . you should be able to purchase these products at most bike and cyclist shops . it may also be a good idea to ask other cyclists or your hair stylist . many of these products may focus on helmet hair . while some of these products may be useful , make sure they do not dry out your hair , which will irritate any existing helmet itch you have . if your helmet itch is especially bad , it may be a good idea to get an entirely new helmet . bacteria can build up in a helmet , even if it is cleaned on a regular basis . when you have cleaned your helmet , helmet lining or physical barrier , and your scalp , you may still have helmet itch . at that point , it may be better to start over with a brand new helmet entirely . reaction to helmet lining is less likely , but possible with new headgear . if the problem persists , continue to try working with your helmet , lining , and scalp to keep away helmet itch .

take your hamster for a walk . try building some sort of obstacle course or maze . create a den or run for your hamster . hide food and toys under bedding .

how to entertain your hamster 2

place your hamster on one hand and place the other hand in front of that hand so that it can walk onto your hand . continue doing this you should find your hamster keeps getting faster and faster . it will think its going somewhere when really it is just on your hands . there are youtube videos and wikihow articles showing you how to make hamster mazes . let your hamster explore its new surroundings . just be sure that any structures you make are safe for your hamster and will not collapse . when your hamster is burrowing itll find them . hide treats in the wood chips . if you use hamster - safe fruits and vegetables , remove those not eaten within 24 hours .

buy a ball for your hamster . make fun hamster - safe toys .

how to entertain your hamster 3

make sure its the right size for your hamster . let your hamster roll around for fifteen - thirty minutes . every now and then , take your hamster out and give it a break by giving some food and water . always supervise your hamster in a ball make sure it doesnt roll down the stairs these can be as simple as just putting a toilet paper role in your hamsters cage .

hold your hamster while watching tv . sit in your closet with your hamster . shut the door to your room .

how to entertain your hamster 4

pet your hamster and talk softly to it . just hang out there together . you can meditate or relax , your hamster can explore safely in the confines of the closet . lift up long - hanging clothes unless you want your hamster climbing up them in no time , possibly ripping them if theyre delicate . let your hamster have free roaming rights as you sit and do your homework . be sure to let others know to knock before entering , to give you time to find your hamster and put it back safely in its cage .

make your hamster some hamster - safe treats . change the cage layout each week .

how to entertain your hamster 5

there are safe treat recipes found on wikihow , youtube and in a big book called happy hamster a cookbook for hamsters with hamster - safe recipes . place treats inside toilet tube rolls . this provides enrichment as the hamster needs to find the food , climb inside , then maybe even roll around a bit . or , make it harder by closing down the ends , so that your hamster has to work harder to get at the treat . expect the toilet roll to be destroyed remove once the treat has been consumed . this will give the hamster new exploring options and it makes cleaning out the cage more entertaining for you too . if possible , buy your hamster a bigger cage 360 square footage plus . hamsters with bigger cages live longer and are happier and healthier .

get spray starch . check the care instructions on your polo shirt . wash your shirt ahead of time . partially dry your polo shirt . set up your iron and ironing board . iron the collar . turn the shirt inside out and starch it . iron the top of the shirt . iron the middle and bottom of the shirt . turn the shirt right - side out .

how to iron a polo shirt

you can purchase spray starch online or at your local supermarket . there are several types , including traditional aerosol cans and eco - friendly spray bottles . another option is to make your own cornstarch spray at home . the tag is usually located inside the collar of the shirt . if not , check the sides of the shirt on the inside . the back of the tag should tell you what material it was made of , how to wash it and any other special care you should take . the specific instructions on the tag of the shirt come from its manufacturer , and should trump any care instructions you read elsewhere if they contradict whats on the tag . make sure you treat any stains for example , ink stains or underarm stains before you wash the shirt , since ironing can set the stains permanently . use a quality , non - bleach detergent and choose a cold - water machine wash . dont add any fabric softenersor bleach . wash your polo shirts alone or along with other knitted clothing . you should wash dark colors separately from light colors . wash your shirts inside - out to reduce fading . you can start out the drying process in a dryer machine on a low tumble - dry setting . alternately , hang the shirt up to line dry . either way , dont dry the shirt completely unless you plan to use a steam iron or spray bottle of water . its best to iron the shirt while its still a bit damp . if line drying , put the shirt on a hanger and button the placket . the collar should be folded down . smooth it with your hands . if the shirt is cotton , you may want to dry it on a drying rack so that it doesnt shrink . make sure your iron is clean . if your shirt is 100 cotton , set it to high heat . if your shirt is a blend , use low heat . if the fabric is cotton or polyester and your shirt isnt still damp from washing , put your iron on a steam setting or have a spray bottle of water ready to dampen the shirt . dont use steam if the fabric is silk . test iron a small piece of fabric on the inside bottom hem before you fully iron your polo shirt . if the high temperature seems too much for the fabric , lower the irons temperature . lay the shirt on the ironing board . fold the collar down as you would like it to appear . make sure the collar is damp , then iron it gently . turn the shirt over and iron the other side of the collar . spray the collar lightly with starch and iron the collar again . then turn the collar inside - out , spray starch again , and iron again . this will prevent the collar from curling . use the point of the iron for the point of the collars and any corners . use your hands to smooth the shirt down . also smooth the collar down from the inside . you dont need to use starch on the body of the shirt . however , you can if you want it to appear stiff , like a button down dress shirt . lightly spray starch all over both sides of the shirt . starch can leave white marks on clothes , which is one of the reasons for ironing the shirt inside - out . the other reason is that some fabrics are sensitive to ironing , and this will guard the exterior of your shirt from getting shiny or singed from the iron . iron the sleeves first , one at a time , by pressing the iron down and smoothing the fabric from the shoulder towards the cuff . avoid ironing over the edge on the shoulders , or it will form a crease . next , go over the placket and shoulders with your iron . iron the chest of the shirt by moving from the center placket towards the shoulders . your motions should be continuous . dont leave the iron too long in one place . if there are any patches or silk - screened logos on the shirt , avoid ironing those areas . when youre finished with the top front of the shirt , set the iron to rest on its bottom feet . move the shirt up so that the front middle is laid out on your ironing board . begin at the uppermost part of the shirt and move your way downwards with the iron . repeat this process for the front bottom of the shirt , working downwards towards the hem . turn the shirt over . it should be on its back and remain inside out . smooth out the wrinkles , then repeat the process on the entire back of the shirt . check for wrinkles . store it on a hanger until it is time to wear it . if you dont have the closet space , you can fold the shirt .

if it is your first ever lesson , dont worry about buying jodhpurs and a hat . if you need a hat , go to a reputable saddlers or tack shop . get the right boots for your type of riding . buy some jodhpurs . if you want , you can also buy a body protector or a safety vest . these are good for jumping , cross country and riding unpredictable horses . the next thing to buy is gloves

how to dress for horse riding

dress in sensible shoes not trainers , and comfortable trousers leggings or tight fitting jogging bottoms are best . dont worry about a hat , most riding schools will let you borrow one for your first lesson , but you will need to buy your own . hats come in different shoes and sizes , so you will need to ask a person to fit one for you . the person will measure across your head , and then find a hat to fit your head type . dont be tricked into buying a cheaper one , as these will have less safety kite marks and standards than expensive ones . make sure you wear your hat at all times when on a horse , as they will keep your head safe the next most important thing are boots . these are easy to fit as they are your shoe size . you can buy long boots which tend to be more expensive or short boots and half chaps . half chaps will protect your leg from pinching from the stirrup leather . you can buy boots which are steel toe capped , which protect your toes from your horses feet these come in a variety of colours , but cream is traditional . these will either come in dress sizes e . g 6 , 8 or sizes in inches . to find out your jodhpur size , you need to measure you waist with a tape measure . you can also buy breeches , which are best for long boots , as they dont create a bulge inside your boots . most saddlers will have them , and will fit them for you . however , body protectors do cost a lot , so you dont really need one until you start jumping . special riding gloves will protect your hands from chafing and being pulled through the reins or a lead rope . you can get cotton ones or leather ones , and they vary in price . they all have reinforced pads where the reins sit in between your fingers . they usually come in x - small , small , medium , large and x - large .

keep your maine coon active . decide on dry or wet food . stick to a feeding schedule . watch for certain health problems .

how to take care of your long haired maine coon 1

maine coons need a lot of exercise for their health due to their big size . some maine coons may have a tendency to stay on the couch during the day , so take steps to make your maine coon cat healthy and happy . you should provide cat perches and trees in your home so your maine coon can get exercise when youre not there . maine coons also enjoy interactive play . you should buy toys , like string or fishing pole toys , and play with your maine coon each day . maine coons are very friendly animals and will be eager to play with any household member . both wet or dry food can be a healthy option for a maine coon or any other cat . however , there are benefits and drawbacks to each to consider before selecting a food for your cat . if youre on a budget , dry food is generally a more economical option . it also does not spoil as easily . however , its more calorie dense than wet food and may not be great for a cat with a weight issue . canned food is generally more expensive , but has more protein and less carbohydrates . this could be helpful for a cat with a weight issue . if your maine coon has any specific health concerns , talk to a vet before selecting a cat food . maine coons do have a tendency to overeat if free fed . a male maine coon should weigh between 15 and 25 pounds while a female should weigh between 10 and 15 . its a good idea to establish a feeding schedule for your maine coon cat . a feeding schedule can involve portion controlled feeding . this means giving your cat a specific amount of food once or twice a day . if your maine coon tends to overeat , this is the best option . some people also use timed eating . you make food available for a set amount of time and then remove it . if your maine coon does not tend to overeat , timed feeding may work . one pound equals roughly 0 . 45 kilograms . like all breeds , maine coons need regular vet visits . however , they are prone to breed specific health problems . watch for signs and symptoms of such problems and have them promptly treated by a vet . maine coons are prone to hip dysplasia , which can cause lameness . maine coons are prone to kidney disease , which can include symptoms such as bloody urine or stools , a lack of appetite , and a lack of energy . you also may want to have maine coons tested for genetic diseases , such as certain heart conditions , that are difficult to detect based on symptoms . talk to your vet about whether your maine coon is at risk for inheritable disorders .

wear moisture wicking clothes . wear light colored clothes . avoid wearing heavy clothes . wear natural fabrics . try sleeveless shirts . wear moisture wicking jeans , or pants . wear shorts . wear loose clothing . use moisture wicking socks . wear a hat . wear lightweight shoes . avoid layers . use a hand held misting fan . take breaks . dont over work . ride in the shade . keep it short . dont ride too hard . drink a cool glass of water every 20 minutes . keep a bandana in your pocket . change your clothes . use ice packs to cool down . put your hair up . pack drinks . pack food . cool off with the hose . stand in front of a fan .

how to stay cool while working with horses over the summer

moisture wicking clothes including under wear and bras help to wick the moisture off your body , keeping you cooler . there are even moisture wicking show clothes for hot weather . dark clothes tend to trap more heat , making you feel hotter . lighter clothing reflects more of the heat , helping you to feel cooler . , the list below features good fabrics to wear if you cant afford to buy moisture wicking clothes . good fabrics include cotton linen flannel hemp leather silk seersucker velvet denim corduroy mesh––although this isnt a natural fabric , it is good to wear in hot weather . tank tops work well , also . mesh tank tops are good to wear . be sure to use sunscreen on all uncovered areas of skin . these can be expensive , but are worth it if you need to wear jeans in the summer . you cant wear shorts while riding , but you can while working . mesh pants work best . your shirts , pants or shorts should not be tight . if you cant use moisture wicking socks , then use thin socks , and not thick ones . hats can help keep the sun off your face , and out of your eyes . heavy shoes , and working boots normally are insulated . this will make your feet sweat , and your feet will become very sticky and hot . the less layers , the cooler you will be . while you are working , spray yourself every 15 minutes or so . once the water on your skin gets warm , dry it off , or else it will just cause you to feel hotter , and will turn to sweat . every 30 minuets or so or shorter so , sit in an air conditioned room , or in the shade . drink some water , and take time to cool down . know your limit , and how long , and how hard you should be working . dont work too quickly , either . take your time , and go slow . if possible , ride under trees , or in a covered arena . dont ride for very long . the heat effects your horse as well as you , so only ride for about an hour . some days , you might have to only ride for 30 minutes . keep it easy . this will benefit both you and your horse . this will help to cool you down , and keep you hydrated . that way , when you need to , you can dry off any sweat . if you are at the barn for a long time , change your clothes . this will help you to stay dry , and fresh . chance shirts , pants , socks , and underwear . the main clothing to change would be your underwear , shirt , and socks . keep them in a cooler so that they stay cold . if your hair is off your neck , your neck wont sweat as much . for example , water , energy drinks , sodas and drinks made from powders or concentrate cordialssquash . the following foods are good for hot weather eating watermelon you can give the rinds to the horses apples give the core to the horses oranges chips pineapples granola bars . spray your face , hair , and body with the hose . after enjoying the cool water , dry off with a towel , to prevent the water from sticking and turning to sweat . if your barn doesnt have a fan , bring one and plug it in .

prepare a thermal t - shirt or long sleeve top - sometimes called a skin . put on some thick jodhpurs , maybe even two pairs of them . put on one or two sleeved tops . put on two or three hoodies or jumpers . put on a thick coat or puffypuffer jacket . wear a neck warmer . have lots of fun

how to dress warmly for horse riding

these are very handy , but are optional , as they can be expensive . if you do not have a skin , just wear a fitted t - shirt as your first layer . you need to keep your legs warm and moving so that the horse is still responsive to your aids . this will enclose the heat in your first layer , making sure that no body heat escapes from you . it doesnt have to be a particularly tight , clean , expensive or thermal one , just one that fits and isnt too small . these will enclose more heat , are really cosy and they are fashionable . you can get a fairly high quality one for not a lot of money . this will wrap everything up and will keep you warm and trendy this is like a scarf , but is a wool tube that fits around your neck to prevent you from being choked , very thick socks or a couple pairs of normal thermal socks , and earmuffs . you can get earmuffs that fit nicely under your horse riding hat . you can get special headbands which go over your ears . but make sure you can still hear the instructor winter can be cold and miserable , but if you follow these instructions , you should be toasty warm and you can enjoy riding in winter months

wear a helmet . pick a suitable shirt . buy a jacket . buy gloves . buy supporters preferred for males . pick out breeches . buy socks made specifically for riding . buy boots .

how to dress for an english horse show if you are a male

for virtually all english shows excluding dressage a helmet is required . there are a couple types of helmets to choose from . the all - velvet helmet . it is the traditional helmet of the sport and has a low profile . the velvet and strip . this is becoming the most popular helmet for shows . it is all velvet except for a ventilation strip going down the front . the dark helmet . this can be any helmet that is dark enough to pass for velvet . you can also buy velvet covers for helmets to convert a schooling helmet into a show one . you can buy a helmet at most tack shops . they should fit you there . the helmet should be tight enough not to move around on your head , but not tight enough to cut off circulation . the standard shirt is a white button down shirt with a collar , although most light colors are allowed . in some shows , a polo shirt is allowed due to the heat or casualness of the show and host barn . with the shirt , you will need a tie that does one of the following matches your breeches andor the braids of your horse . goes nicely with your jacket . you can purchase a shirt and tie at any clothing outlet . unless otherwise stated , you are expected to wear a show jacket in the ring . the jackets you wear can be many different colors , but the safest most preferred and popular with judges colors would be black , gray , or navy blue . please heed this advice if you are amazingly wealthy , you might want to buy a specially - made mens show coat . however , since they cost more than 500 , go to a normal clothing store and buying a jacket that fits nice and does not go over 130 . you almost always wear a number on the outside of your jacket so loop the string around one of the buttons and then push the button through the hole . then tie the two ends of the string together and this will secure your number . also , make sure the jacket has some sort of flap in the back so it looks like a show jacket . gloves are preferred by the judge and can help protect your hands if your horse is a little up at a show . you have a fairly wide range to choose from . the best color to go with is black unless riding dressage or sidesaddle . you can find gloves all over the place . just google riding gloves . synthetic synthetic gloves are cheaper , more durable and washable , and are generally cooler in the summer . they can look like leather , but most do not . these are good if you are on a tight budget or just getting into showing . leather leather gloves are more expensive , but they look nicer and can be very light and durable depending on the price and brand . these are what the most traditional riders wear and have a very comfortable grip . hybrids these gloves are the best of both worlds they are a mix of leather which gives them a nice , traditional appearance and synthetic materials which make them lighter , cheaper , and gives them a better grip . they also usually come with ventilation strips on the back of them . the main disadvantage of being a male rider is that we have to protect more of our bodies than females have to . so , you have to wear a supporter , even in a show . the best ones are the ones that you can find in an athletic department . make sure that the supporter is not designed to hold a cup because that means there is too much space for your testicles to fall . it must be tight and hold them up and close to your body . you can buy them at many clothes stores . do not use a cup . there is an ongoing debate on which color of breeches should be worn at shows . you should only wear light colors in the range of rust , beige , tan , and light khaki white for dressage . they should fit tightly and be durable . you can find breeches at any tack store . you should find a belt that matches your coat . the belt must be narrow enough to fit through the small belt loops on your breeches . cotton socks are fine for barn work and schooling , but for shows , riding socks will help you maintain greater control of your feet . they also wick away the sweat from your feet , which is good because dress boots are extremely hot . this is a large topic , especially with mens boots . there are 3 basic options for boots lacezip , dressfield , and leathersynthetic . lacezip - it is extremely difficult to find pull - up boots for men anymore . many prefer pull - ons because they fit your leg better and do not break as easily . if you can find a pair that fits and you can afford them , do yourself a favor and buy them youll have to buy a boot jack also . otherwise buy a zip - up pair . make sure the zipper is not made of plastic , as they will break easier . dressfield - the only difference between them is that dress boots do not have a lace while the field boots do it can be real or fake . if you buy a field pair , make sure the laces are in good shape so they dont break on you it has happened to me . leathersynthetic - the same general rules apply with boots as they do with gloves . synthetic is cheaper , washable , etc . make sure you are truly happy with your boots before you buy them they are a large investment and should make you feel happy about buying them . make sure you break your boots in at least 1 month before a show . especially with zipper boots . otherwise , you will be in pain and , as a result , your equitation and control will suffer greatly .

keep your cat indoors . make sure you maintain a clean litter box . give your maine coon plenty of attention . monitor your maine coons interaction with children .

how to take care of your long haired maine coon 2

maine coons are susceptible to many dangers , like cars or predators , when they go outdoors . in addition to this , maine coons are a large and beautiful breed that are expensive to purchase . while its rare , people do steal maine coons they see outdoors . for your cats safety , keep it as an indoor cat only . a clean litter box is important to any cat . maine coons in particular , due to their long hair , require a clean litter box . debris from litter can easily get caught in their fur , so clean your litter box daily . each day , scoop any feces or clumps of urine out of the litter box and add a small amount of fresh litter . swap the litter out completely once every two to three weeks . when you do so , make sure to scrub out the inside of the box and let it dry before replacing the litter . maine coons are one of the most social cat breeds . they do not do well without daily attention . make sure to give your maine coon plenty of love to keep it happy . maine coons may follow you around . you can pet them on occasion , but if youre busy theyre generally happy to observe you . its a good idea to pet them and snuggle at the end of the day , when you have time . in addition to keeping your cat active , playing can help you bond with your maine coon . maine coons , due to their friendly demeanor , generally do well with young children . however , interaction should be supervised . maine coons are tolerant of children , as long as kids are taught to handle them gently . encourage your kids to treat your cat with respect . let them know they should only handle your cat when it comes to them and should not attempt to grab or restrain a maine coon . young children may sometimes try to dress up an animal , or place it in a toy like a toy high chair or stroller . maine coons are more tolerant of this behavior than many house cats , but you should still keep an eye on your kids when they play with your maine coon . make sure the cat does not seem aggressive or frightened during play .

brush your maine coons coat daily . brush your maine coon carefully . deal with knots carefully . check for injuries when grooming . minimize hairballs .

how to take care of your long haired maine coon 3

a maine coons long coat requires daily care . while many house cats can get by with weekly or no brushing , a maine coon requires daily brushing for its health and comfort . make time to give your cat a daily brushing . strive to start brushing a maine coon when it is relaxed . this way , the experience will be calm for both of you . start by brushing your cats abdomen and legs . from there , you can brush the neck , chin , and tail . with a longhaired cat , you want to brush upward . reward your maine coon with a treat or praise for behaving during a grooming session . you want your cat to come to look forward to being brushed , as brushing will occur each day . you may see knots or mats in your maine coons fur . this is common with long - haired cats . if you see a mat or knot , it can easily be addressed with talcum powder . sprinkle a small amount of talcum powder on a brush or mat . then , use your fingers to gently separate the fur . grooming is an excellent time to check for any unusual changes in your cats body . when brushing your maine coon , run your hands along your maine coons body to check for injuries or unusual bumps or lumps . you should also look for common pests , like fleas and ticks . if you notice any unusual changes in your maine coons coat , see a veterinarian for evaluation . most long - haired cats are vulnerable to hairballs . hairballs are rarely a serious medical concern , but you can take measure to reduce their severity for your maine coons comfort . look for a cat food formula designed to reduce hairballs . make sure your maine coon drinks plenty of water . keeping the water bowl away from the food bowl can help , as cats are hesitant to drink water near their food due to instincts . in the wild , an animal would not eat near water because they fear contamination . keep your maine coon active . a healthy cat has a smoother coat , which can cut down on hairballs .

consult your vet . brush it regularly . acclimate your cat to nail trimming . clip its nails carefully . brush its teeth daily . check its ears once a week . make sure its litter box is clean .

how to take care of a scottish fold 1

take your cat to the veterinarian at least once a year for routine check ups and dental appointments . also , make sure your cat is up - to - date with its shots and vaccinations . if your cat exhibits pain or stiffness in its tail or legs , then you should take your cat to the veterinarian . these are signs of a health issue common to scottish folds called osteochondrodystrophy . to optimize your cats health , ask your veterinarian about the scottish folds nutritional , grooming , and health needs . if you have a shorthaired scottish fold , then brush it once or twice a week using a metal comb . if you have a longhaired scottish fold , then you will need to brush it daily . use a wire slicker brush to comb your longhaired scottish fold . brush in the direction of its hair growth and make sure to brush its whole body , including its chest and abdomen . if you decide to clip your cats nails yourself , then you will need to acclimate it to having its paws and nails handled . you can do this byrubbing or massaging your cats paws and toes for two to three seconds a day . pressing the pad to expose the nail for trimming . if your cat pulls away , wait until it is calm before handling its paws again . reward it with treats and praise for good behavior . using the nail clippers to clip a piece of macaroni near your cats ears as you handle its paws . the sound of the macaroni will familiarize your cat with the sound of its nails being clipped . reward your cat with a treat and praise for good behavior . clip the white part of the nail only . do not clip near the pink part of your cats nails , also known as the quick . because the quick contains nerves and blood vessels , it will bleed if you clip it . keep a styptic stick or powder nearby just in case you clip the quick . trim only two or three nails at a time . do this until your cat is comfortable with having its nails clipped . remember to reward your cat with praise and treats for good behavior . trim its nails every 10 to 14 days . if you cannot brush its teeth daily , then once or twice a week will suffice . do not use human toothpaste or toothbrushes to clean your cats teeth . purchase specially formulated toothpastes and toothbrushes from your local pet store . clean your cats teeth by touching its teeth and gums with a q - tip , or by gently massaging them with your finger . this will introduce your cat to the feeling of getting its teeth brushed . practice this for a week . placing a small amount of toothpaste onto your cats lips . this will introduce your cat to the taste of the toothpaste . do this daily for a week . pushing its lips back gently and touching the toothbrush to its teeth and gums . this will introduce the toothbrush to your cat . practice this for a couple days . reward your cat with praise and treats for good behavior . gently scrubbing your cats teeth in a downward motion . you want to use a downward motion so you can remove plaque and tartar away from its teeth and gums . do this once your cat is used to the toothpaste and toothbrush . check the outside of its ears for bald spots , and make sure the inner surfaces of its ears are light pink and clean . check its ear canals by gently folding its ears back . the ear canal should be dirt - free , have a healthy pink color , and have minimal earwax . if your cats ears look dirty , then use a damp cloth or cotton ball to wipe away dirt and debris . you can moisten the cloth with an equal parts water and apple - cider vinegar solution for a thorough clean . never stick anything into your cats ears to clean them . if you notice swelling , a large amount of wax , bleeding , pus , or smell an odor , then you should take your cat to the vet to see if it has an ear infection . check your cats litter box twice a day for cleanliness , i . e . once in the morning and once in the afternoon . make sure to remove any waste and re - fill the litter box with fresh , clean litter . wash your cats litter box with hot water and a mild , unscented soap every two weeks . do not use scented cleaning products especially lemon - scented products or cleaning products that contain ammonia or deodorants to clean your cats litter box .

feed it age - appropriate food . choose a high - quality , brand name food . do not overfeed it . provide it with fresh water daily .

how to take care of a scottish fold 2

you will need to feed your scottish fold kitten food when it is a kitten . once it is one - year old , you may feed it regular , adult food . check the foods label to make sure the food you have chosen is age - appropriate . before purchasing a brand , make sure to check the ingredients list . the first two or three ingredients listed should be named meats like chicken , beef , salmon , or tuna , to name a few . if not , then choose a different brand . you can feed your cat both wet and dry food . you can even mix its dry food with a little bit of wet food to make it more enticing . you should feed your adult cat twice a day . however , how much you feed your cat depends on its activity level and health . therefore , make sure to consult your veterinarian about your cats diet . your veterinarian will be able to recommend a diet that is appropriate for your cats specific needs and lifestyle . overfilling your cats food bowl may lead to obesity . treats should make up no more than 5 to 10 percent of your cats diet . change out your cats water bowl at least twice a day . this will guarantee that your cat has fresh water every day . make sure to rinse out its water bowl before refilling it if you see any dirt and debris . rinse dirt and debris from its water bowl at least once a week .

provide it with a variety of toys . play with it daily . provide a companion .

how to take care of a scottish fold 3

because scottish folds are intelligent , puzzle and teaser toys are a great choice . you can also keep your cat entertained with ping - pong balls , cardboard boxes , and crumpled pieces of paper . make sure the toys you choose are safe and cat friendly . avoid toys that contain feathers , cords , strings , and ribbons , and toys that contain small pieces that can be chewed off and ingested . throw away and replace damaged toys . scottish folds love human interaction and they love to spend quality time with their humans . therefore , provide your cat with daily attention and affection . you can do this by brushing or petting it , or by playing with it for at least 30 minutes a day . scottish folds do not like being left alone . if you are gone most of the day because of work and other obligations , then you may need to get another cat to provide your scottish fold with some company . because scottish folds are dog - friendly cats , you could even get a dog to keep your cat company while you are away from home .

select a pair of skinny jeans . consider the color and wash . a traditional blue denim works great with riding boots of all shades and styles , but you can also have a little fun by playing with skinny jeans in different colors . create a western look with the right blouse . if you have brown riding boots , you can use them in a country - western inspired outfit . go for an equestrian style . riding boots are worn when riding horses , so adding a hint of equestrian flair to your style pays homage to this fashion fads origins . attempt a casual look .

how to wear riding boots 1

the jeans you wear need to hug your leg in order to fit beneath your riding boots without bunching up . for this reason , skinny jeans are the best option . if you do not have skinny jeans , you can fold another pair of jeans into your riding boots . select the snuggest pair of jeans your own to accomplish this . create a clean , even cuff by folding the bottom of each leg up . roll up enough of the material to reveal your ankle . pull the extra material at the back of each leg out and fold it over , creating a crease . roll the leg of your jean up once more to create another cuff that can secure the cuff in place . other neutrals , like black and gray , can create a flattering and mature look . white skinny jeans have a clean yet daring appearance . nowadays , jeans come in a variety of bright and pastel hues , as well . you can add a fun shock of color to an otherwise plain outfit simply by exchanging your standard blue jeans for a magenta jean or light orange jean . while riding boots and cowboy boots are two very different beasts , brown riding boots are reminiscent enough of cowboy boots to make the look work . wear a simple plaid button - down shirt . you can choose a shirt in a loose or fitted style , but either way , it should have some volume to it in order to balance out the sleek , slim silhouette of your lower half . stick with medium to dark wash , blue denim skinny jeans . accessorize as desired . you can wear simple jewelry or look for a few country - inspired pieces to accent this ensemble . keep things fairly understated , though . trading cowboy boots in for riding boots softens the western style , so your accessories need to be softened , as well . wear white or cream colored skinny jeans and black riding boots . select a crisp , fitted shirt with clean lines . a standard white button - down shirt works well , but there is room for variety here as long as the silhouette remains clean . slip a blazer on over your shirt . wear a fitted blazer in black or navy blue for a more traditional look , or try a colored blazer for a fun spin on this style . the simplest way to wear your riding boots is with a standard blouse and your usual accessories . select riding boots and skinny jeans in any color and style . just make sure that the colors coordinate with the colors of your blouse . while most tops work well enough , the best option is a loose , flowing blouse made of soft , draping fabric . you can choose an empire - waist top to define your waist , or you could simply wrap a belt around an airy blouse at the waist to add the same sort of definition . regardless , a shirt with volume creates a smart contrast with the skinny silhouette of your bottom half .

wear bootcut jeans . alternatively , trade your jeans for corduroys . dress the look up . dress the look down .

how to wear riding boots 2

these jeans are aptly labeled as bootcut because they flair out just enough at the bottom to slip comfortably and loosely over boots of all heights and styles , including riding boots . this style works best when work with standard blue denim , but you can select any wash that appeals to you . if you do opt for a colored jean , stick with neutral colors like black , gray , white , and brown . make sure your jeans are long enough to cover the majority of your boot but short enough to reveal the toe and heel of the boot . as with bootcut jeans , you should wear your corduroys over the boots so that just the toes remain visible . play with the color of your corduroys . you can wear corduroys in a traditional color , like tan , brown , black , or gray , or you can opt for a deep shade of a less traditional color , like olive green or midnight blue . this look can be turned into a business - casual style with relative ease when you select a pair of dark wash jeans or corduroys and black riding boots . wear a simple button - down shirt over your pants or a well - fit blouse in a solid color or fine pattern . you can wear a blazer over the shirt to add a greater degree of professionalism to this look , or you could leave it off for a stronger casual hint . accessorize , but keep it simple and classy . plain metal jewelry is preferable over elaborate costume jewelry with large gemstones or bright colors . by wearing light to medium wash jeans and a less professional top , you can easily make black or brown riding boots work for a chic , easy - going weekend ensemble . your top can be loose and flowing or snug and fitted . since your jeans flare out at the bottom , the silhouette on your legs is not quite as skinny as it is when you wear skinny jeans with your riding boots . as a result , you can wear a loose , flowing shirt to maintain an overall air of balance or you can go with a snugger top to create a smoother , more streamlined appearance from top to bottom .

mix things up with a maxi skirt . show off your legs with a shorter skirt . decide between bare legs and covered legs .

how to wear riding boots 3

select a maxi with more volume so that the skirt does not cling to your boots . also consider trying out a maxi skirt or dress with a long slit up the side to transform the look from dowdy and maternal to daring and flirty . to prevent the look from becomes too boxy or shapeless , wear something fitted at the top . choose a fitted top with a daring neckline or exposed back when wearing a maxi skirt . if wearing a maxi dress , shrug a fitted cardigan , blazer , or jacket on over the dress to create more shape around your torso . select a full , a - line , or pleated skirt to balance out the slim silhouette of your lower leg . go with a mini skirt if you have riding boots that extend up to your knee or past it . the idea is to allow a portion of your leg to peek through in between the boot and lower hemline of the skirt . a knee - length skirt works well if your riding boots hit below the knee . moreover , knee - length skirts flatter most body types and can be used to create both sweet and sexy looks . you have considerable room to play around with tops when wearing a shorter skirt . fitted tops are often used to balance out the curves created by a flared out skirt , but whether you choose a shirt with a demure or sultry style is up to you . if wearing a thin , flowing fabric , bare legs often looks best . for heavier materials , leggings and tights may look more appropriate . a knee - length skirt made of a stiff material like wool , tweed , corduroy , or denim is often associated with cooler weather , so tights often seem fitting in this instance . short and long skirts made from light , breezy materials like linen and various cotton blends often look better when worn with bare legs , since this style is more commonly associated with warmer weather .

pick out an appropriate color and texture . wear leggings with a skirt and riding boots . the most common thing to wear leggings and riding boots with are winter skirts and dresses . slip on a pair of shorts for a funky , fashion - forward style . try on a long tunic . a loose tunic that comes down to your mid - thigh can create a stylish yet casual weekend look when matched with riding boots and simple leggings .

how to wear riding boots 4

a smooth legging in a shade that matches your riding boots will create a crisp , trendy appearance , but you can play with color and texture to put different spins on your style . cable - knit leggings have a warm , cozy ambiance , while other textures and patterns , like lace - overlay , can have a flirty or playful air . you can also wear leggings that contrast against the riding boot in order to show your boot off more . for instance , white leggings against black riding boots can create a dynamic contrast capable of making your riding boots stand out more . consider wearing smooth , solid leggings with a sweater dress for a sleek fall and winter look . to create a cozier appearance , trade the smooth leggings for a cable - knit pair . when selecting a separate skirt to wear with your riding boots and leggings , choose a heavier material like wool or corduroy over something light and airy like linen . this look is a little bolder and less common than many others , but it can create a dramatic effect when done well . select a pair of fitted shorts that come down to the mid - thigh . super short shorts can work , as well , but long shorts that come down to the knee reduce the effect by shortening the leg too much . the shorts can be standard blue denim , but you can also have fun with a gray denim , colored khaki , or patterned pair of shorts . this is also a good opportunity to play around with colored and patterned leggings . for example , you could try metallic leggings to give your style added sheen . when wearing colored or patterned leggings , though , you should avoid shorts with bright colors or patterns . you should also keep your shirt fairly subdued to prevent anything from clashing . the loose , flowing appearance of a tunic balances out the slim - fit style of leggings and riding boots . for this look , smooth leggings that closely match the color of your boots work better than leggings in elaborate patterns or contrasting colors .