 guinea pigs from predators and from getting up to mischief. Guinea pigs love to explore their surroundings. If you are worried that they will run and hide from you, a play pen with bars less than 2cm wide can be used.
Exercise balls and wheels are not recommended for guinea pigs as they can damage their spines and legs.
Guinea pigs get enrichment from their diet and exercise time. They tend not to play with toys but do enjoy a varied and interesting diet. They also love new and different things to hide in such as upside down boxes, PVC pipes, cardboard rolls... It is very important to handle guinea pigs as much as possible. They can be nervous creatures but with lots of handling and love and care they can become very tame little beasts.
Guinea pigs are hardy, stocky creatures however if handled incorrectly or dropped they can break their bones.
The best way to pick up a guinea pig is to scoop it under the chest with one hand and then place your other hand under its bottom and lift it from the floor. Young children should be encouraged to sit with the guinea pig on their lap.
Guinea pigs are very vocal especially when cornered and lifted however tame guinea pigs will quieten quickly once picked up.
If you are unsure how to handle your guinea pig safely, please contact the clinic.
As previously mentioned guinea pigs reach sexual maturity at a very young age. 3-4 weeks for a male and 4-5 weeks for a female. Litters of guinea pigs therefore need to be separated quite early to prevent unwanted pregnancies.
Females that are to be bred, must be bred and have their first litter BEFORE they are 8 months of age. After this time, the pubic symphysis stiffens (fuses) and therefore cannot separate properly during labour leading to an obstruction. These guinea pigs need an emergency caesarean which is a dangerous procedure for both mum and the piglets.
NB: The pubic symphysis is a fibrocartilage joint that holds their pubic bones together.
Dental disease -
Just like rabbits, guinea pigs can suffer from dental disease if they aren't supplied with a balanced diet that encourages chewing. If your guinea pig is not eating or is salivating excessively, please contact the clinic for an appointment.
At the Rowville Veterinary Clinic we strongly recommend desexing your male guinea pigs if you do not want to breed and you have a mixed pair.
Castration will not always be successful if you have 2 males and they are fighting.
Guinea pigs can suffer from a mite which causes scabies. This mite causes extreme itchiness and guinea pigs will often be seen to scratch until they bleed and pull their fur out.
If you think your guinea pig has mites, please make an appointment to see the vet at the clinic
Guinea pigs do NOT require vaccination
Guinea pigs do not suffer from pathological intestinal worms and therefore unlike dogs and cats, they do not need to be wormed.
Interesting Guinea pig links:
Photos on this page are used under license from iStock Photo