tips2
Welcome back! Have you visited our new forum?
In this section, we’re going to talk about one of the most important things to a guinea pig whom you’ve just brought home. It is, of course, the cage that you’re going to house him in!
Your cage should be big enough that two or more guinea pigs can run free. I’m not saying you need a giant cage, but leaving your guinea pig in a tight space his entire life simply isn’t fair.
Basically? The bigger, the better. Whatever your budget allows for, of course – but if you can afford a larger cage, your guinea pig is going to thank you with love and happiness. If you plan on having two or more (which is recommended), you should always choose a larger size.
I’m sure you’ve read somewhere that 2.5 square feet per guinea pig is enough room, but anyone who has ever owned a guinea pig can tell you that it’s simply is not.
Estimate about 7.5 square feet for one, or 10.5 for two. Sound like a lot? Not when you consider that overweight guinea pigs are more likely to have health problems; and the more exercise a guinea pig gets, the happier he’s going to be.
Unfortunately, most pet stores do not carry cages large enough to recommend, so I placed a list here http://guineapigresource.com/guinea-pig-cage/ of some of the best guinea pig cages online. You may find this helpful.
Your cage shouldn’t have a wire bottom, but instead should be more solid. A plastic bottom is the most common.
A slide out area for easy cleaning is also a good choice, but not required; so make sure that this is a second on your list of must-haves for a cage.
A big door is also a good addition to a guinea pig’s cage, and make sure that you have plenty of room to get your hand in to pet, love, and pick up your piggy.
If you simply can’t find a cage to meet your needs, consider making your own guinea pig cage to house your new pet. It won’t take you very long, and it’s extremely rewarding – not only because you’ll have a cage that your guinea pig really loves, but because it will, without a doubt, outshine anything you could have purchased.
If you don’t follow these vital
(but easy) steps, you’ll make the same
mistake that countless other guinea pig owners make …and caring for your guinea pig can end up being a strain on you …
That’s why you owe it to yourself
and to your pet to check out my guaranteed guinea pig
care system here:
http://www.guineapigresource.com/tips/
If you use the easy methods in this
breakthrough system, your guinea pig will
be happy and healthy for years to come.
Period.
And that’s not just a promise, it’s a
guarantee.
In fact, try my system out for two
full months.
If your guinea pig isn’t happy and healthy…just let
me know and I’ll give you ALL of your
money back.
And YOU CAN KEEP THE ENTIRE SYSTEM.
No tricks, no gimmicks, no B.S.
It’s all spelled out for you here:
http://www.guineapigresource.com/tips/
If you’re serious about keeping
your guinea pig happy, healthy …and
having your pet for many years to come
then you’ll want put this amazing system
to work for you right now.
Sincerely,
Heather Jones
We’ve covered a lot in the last five emails, including “how to choose a guinea pig” and “what to put your new piggy in”.
Now, we’re going to touch on the subject of what goes in the cage, aside from the guinea pig, of course.
What do you need to keep your little guinea pig happy and content? Well, not too much – for the most part, guinea pigs are easy to please and content with what they have.
You’re going to absolutely need somewhere for your guinea pig to “hide”. Because they’re animals of prey from the wild, when scared or tired, they often choose to hide somewhere out of sight.
There are a lot of choices for you in this regard, and the more places your guinea pig has, the better.
A PVC pipe works not only as a hiding place, but it makes a great tunnel for your pet to play in and explore. This keeps him active. An overturned container with a hole in it for climbing in and out also works as well, so take your time in the pet store and see what they have.
For their water, the use of a drinking bottle is the best option. It’s easy for them to use, and easy to fill up. Your guinea pig also can’t knock it over or turn it upside down when he gets bored, which is a good thing.
A hay rack is a good choice for people who also use fresh hay as their bedding. This means that your guinea pig won’t be eating soiled hay between cage cleanings, and many pigs love to pull long strands out of the rack for fun.
Many people love to ‘change it up’ with their terrain, and add rocks, bricks, and tubes for playing in – we’ve already covered putting in PVC pipe for a lot of fun (don’t forget that elbow and ‘T’ joints!).
Bricks are very cheap additions, and rocks are often free. This will ensure that your guinea pig’s claws aren’t getting out of hand, and they love to climb and get exercise. This also keeps them agile and active.
What more could a guinea pig ask for?
In our next email, we’re going to talk about the very best guinea pig treats, and what will make your little piggy go wild.
Heather Jones
P.S. Head over to http://www.guineapigresource.com/tips/ to get information on guinea pigs now, instead of waiting for the next email!
Here are a few good options:
Buy guinea pig food pellets with added vitamin C and store in a cool dry location.
Feed your guinea pig fresh fruits and dark leafy greens (think parsley, kale, spinach, collards, chard, and dandelion greens) every day. This is actually much cheaper and more effective than buying fancy supplements. Just make sure you quickly clean up any uneaten food as fresh foods spoil faster and this can make your guinea pig sick.
More is more, right?
If you follow the steps above, there is very little chance your guinea pig can get TOO MUCH vitamin C but it is possible to overdose so don’t give more than 5 mg per pound body weight per day. If your guinea pig is pregnant you’ll want to double that amount.
Whew! That’s all for today, see you tomorrow!
Heather
P.S. If you haven’t checked out http://www.guineapigresource.com/tips/ please do so! You’ll be glad you did.
We’re going to cover something that’s near and dear to your guinea pig’s heart. His food, of course!
Guinea pigs are unique in the way that their bodies don’t produce Vitamin C. Because of this, you need to feed them plenty of Vitamin C-rich foods, or they can develop scurvy (Oh yes, just like the pirates used to.)
Guinea pigs are also herbivores, not carnivores. This means that they can’t process any meats or meat products; and what’s more, they don’t even like them.
Dairy products are also dangerous for guinea pigs, and they’re simply not made to consume them. You need to remember to avoid these altogether with your guinea pig, and you’ll be doing good.
Instead, feed your guinea pig treats that have fresh greens like spinach and loose leaf lettuce, kale, and even parsley. Guinea pigs also have a wide variety of foods they enjoy, so don’t skimp when it comes to dandelions (not treated with chemicals) and even kiwi.
Guinea pigs can also eat carrots, celery that’s been cubed, mustard greens, tomatoes, and even apples. The guinea pig diet is wide; but remember, it has to stay fresh with plenty of vegetables – meat just isn’t a choice.
Your pet’s main diet should be made up of mostly timothy hay and commercially available food pellets, complimented by the fresh fruits and vegetables that you can purchase.
You should look for a pellet that is 20% crude protein and 16% fiber; and make sure that it has some Vitamin C listed in the label, as guinea pigs are unable to produce it themselves.
Some of the best foods for them are simple grass (free of chemicals, of course), carrots, and tomatoes because of the high levels of Vitamin C that are found. Here are links to what I feel are the best quality products on the market: Oxbow Cavy Performance Guinea Pig Food Oxbow Cavy Cuisine Oxbow Timothy Hay Oxbow Daily C Chewable Vitamin Supplement
Now that you have their diet down, in our next email, we’re going to talk about a guinea pig’s undying need to chew, and one of the most interesting things about their personalityl.
Until next time,
Heather Jones
P.S. Want more? Go to http://www.guineapigresource.com/tips/ and learn more about guinea pigs, the adorable little creatures.
Why hello there,in this section, we’re going to cover two things – one is your guinea pig’s need to chew, chew, and then chew some more.
The second is something that many owners absolutely adore, and something you don’t see anywhere else.
You might roll your eyes when you see that your beloved pet has, yet again, chewed through that toilet paper roll. But don’t get too annoyed, it’s actually a very important thing!
Like most rodents, your guinea pig’s teeth are going to continually grow throughout their entire life. Really, from the time of their birth, their teeth never stop growing.
Because of this, a guinea pig has a near undying need to chew. And boy, do they chew – the majority of their time is going to be spent chewing on one thing or another.
Make sure to regularly head to the local pet store and keep safe chew toys close at hand. If you want to go more organic, you can give your pet untreated branches and twigs from the tree out in the backyard. However, you shouldn’t give your pet wood from cedar, apricot, peach or cherry trees, as this is extremely toxic to them.
The Popcorning Effect?
Have you ever noticed a guinea pig jumping straight up in the air, much like a piece of popcorn does when it’s being cooked? Well, if you haven’t, you’re in for a treat.
This adorable and loveable reaction isn’t out of the ordinary – he’s doing it because he’s simply too happy to contain himself. This is a wonderful sign that your guinea pig loves you, and is leading a happy life.
In our next section, we’re going to talk about guinea pig exercise, and what you should do to ensure that your guinea pig is in top health his entire life.
Best, Heather Jones
P.S. http://www.guineapigresource.com/tips/ has more information on raising and caring for a guinea pig, so don’t hesitate to head there now and find out more.
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Thanks for signing up to receive my Guinea Pig Care and Information Email Course at http://www.guineapigresource.com/tips/ (if you didn’t mean to request this information you can unsubscribe by following the link at the bottom of this email.)
You should expect to find useful information in every newsletter edition – and if you don’t, please let me know. I read every email sent from my subscribers and I usually respond within a day.
All of the tips I have included in this newsletter come straight out of my book “The Complete Guinea Pig Handbook” which is compiled of all of the best guinea pig care information that I found through hours of research online and directly with breeders and rescue groups. “The Complete Guinea Pig Handbook” is full of information that will ensure that you can build a close, loving relationship with your sweet smelling, healthy guinea pig that may live twice as long as the average pet guinea pig.
So what are my most crucial life span doubling guinea pig tips?
Here you go:
1. Pine and Cedar bedding smell great and you may think this is just the key to keeping a sweet smelling guinea pig. Guess what? These products will actually cause your guinea pig to develop respiratory problems and even possibly liver failure due to the resins contained in the wood. Safe alternatives include Timothy Hay, careFresh, Aspen bedding, and fleece. My book covers the pros and cons of each in detail.
2. Have you already bought your guinea pig? 99% of all people buy guinea pigs from local pet stores but before you do, consider this – half the time you will come home with a immature pregnant female because the store staff cannot tell the baby males from the females.
3. Looking for the best guinea pig for your child? Consider an American Guinea pig – this is a short haired guinea pig that will be sweet and delightful for years to come. Longer haired guinea pigs require daily grooming and have a tendency towards matted hair.Also, I have noticed that children have a harder time keeping a safe grip on guinea pigs with long silky hair. They are just too slippery! Dropping guinea pigs even from short distances can result in serious injuries, so it is best to avoid.
4. A pet store cage is probably cheaper than a fancy special online guinea pig cage, right? Wrong! Most pet store cages are too small and lack proper ventilation (plus wire cage bottoms will destroy your guinea pig’s feet!) This is going to lead to TONS of health problems (which means vet bills) and believe it or not – the small size of these cages is what leads to the horrible odor people hate so much. There are great cages to be found online for as little as $60 and $20 shipping. You can get that money back just by avoiding a SINGLE veterinary visit! Stay tuned for the next part of this Email Course – it will arrive in your inbox tomorrow. To get you started, here is a listing I have compiled of all the best guinea pig supplies here in your free report:http://guineapigresource.com/tips/mastersupplylist.html and tomorrow we’ll talk about more about your guinea pig.
The First Few Days
The first 3-4 days you bring your guinea pig home, it can be very tempting to pick them up and cuddle with them.However, they’re in a new area – and very scary area – and they need time to get used to that.
Give them several days to adjust to their new areas and life, because this is a very stressful time for them. Try to avoid making loud noises and hovering around them, because they need to take their own time to get used to what’s around them.
Note:
You need to ensure that when you bring one or more guinea pigs into the house that they have a good area to hide – each guinea pig needs his or her own place, too, or a fight could break out!
Don’t Loom!
Ever catch yourself just looming over your dear pet’s cage,shadowing them as you’re watching what they’re doing? This is going to scare the sweet out of your little pet!
This makes your pet think that an eagle is swooping down to attack, and causes him to be very scared. Instead, when you want to observe your pet, kneel down to eye level with the cage. This will allow him to see you as more of a friend, and less of a foe.
Bribery
The best way to get your pet to trust you is, without a doubt, bribery. Sound crazy? Perhaps. But it’s true! Bribing the small animal that you want to love and adore is the best way for trust.
The best things to bribe with? Treats, of course. Because the guinea pig has so many things it loves to eat, you’re going to have no shortage of bribing tools. Check out Chapter Five for more information on your guinea pig’s favorite things to eat.
Best Bribing Ways?
Ready to bribe your new pet right into your open arms? Good!
Start by showing your pet the delicious treat you’re offering them, then set it at the open door of the cage. Sit just outside, with your hands in your lap, and wait.
After a certain amount of time, if he hasn’t taken the treat, carefully and slowly pick it up again, close the cage door, and leave. Try this several times a day until he gets the idea that he has to come and get it.
Each time he comes, try to move a little closer to your pet’s cage. This way, he’s going to get used to your presence slowly.
Its Heather Jones here from GuineaPigResource. In this section, we’re going to give you a little history of the guinea pig, and how he became such a… well, such a wonderful pet.
Guinea pigs once roamed the wild, crawling and running through trees and brush, scurrying from predators (big surprise – the guinea pig is a prey animal!) and munching on delicious grass and greens.
While they can sometimes be found in the wild, guinea pigs are mostly at home in a cage with a good selection of hay and a few playmates for friends. At least, in this country.
In the Andes and all over South America, guinea pigs are still a large part of the cultural experience. They were domesticated thousands of years ago, but not for pets – they were actually domesticated for food purposes.
Many people believe that the guinea pig has supernatural abilities and properties, and because of that, they’ve been incorporated into a great deal of folk medicine. Where Western medicine isn’t available (or widely distrusted), the guinea pig is there.
A little scary? Don’t worry, we’re not going to recommend a guinea pig over toast! Just keep in mind that this is a wonderful pet with a unique and colorful history.
And we mean colorful in a good way!
In our next section, we’re going to talk about choosing guinea pigs, and how many you should have… because one is just never enough.
Best, Heather Jones
P.S. Want more now? Head to http://www.guineapigresource.com/tips/ to discover more about guinea pigs!
To Pick Your Guinea Pig Up…
Don’t lure your guinea pig with treats in order to pick him up, because you’re going to hurt the tentative bond of trust you’ve built with him, and possibly damage any relationship in the future.
Instead, build trust by petting and loving your guinea pig, and showing him that you’re not a scary predator, but instead a loving friend. Remember that in the wild, people like you would eat this poor little critter!
The Actual Holding
Be careful when you pick up your guinea pig! Because of the shape of their body, you can damage their lungs if you grasp them too hard.
Gently cup the torso of your guinea pig, and support the rear as you lift up. Don’t hold them too hard, and instead carry them gently, ensuring that you’re supporting their entire body well.
Remember to carry them with care, and small children should always hold their guinea pigs with great supervision – because of their small bone structure, they can be easily injured if dropped.
Relaxing Your Pet
Don’t you just love the idea of sitting on your couch, petting your guinea pig in your lap, and reading the paper or watching the news? It’s a great idea, but in practice, it takes a while.
When you first handle your guinea pig, do so in a quiet room, and make sure that nothing is going on. Have a treat ready, and see if you can get him to eat it on your lap.
In this section, we’re going to talk about choosing a guinea pig, and how many guinea pigs you should house.
While one guinea pig is probably enough to keep you entertained and alert, you should put some serious thought into purchasing two or more guinea pigs.
Not only are guinea pigs extremely social creatures, they love the company of others. They can get lonely by themselves, and their health will suffer if left alone.
“Well, two guinea pigs are more work!” Many parents cry when their children ask for not one, but two, of the adorable rodents. However, that entire mindset is completely wrong.
Guinea pigs need attention, and if you have just one, your guinea pig is going to get lonely very fast, and cry for your attention. If he or she has a partner or playmate to keep them entertained, you don’t have to spend quite as much time with them.
And considering that guinea pigs are extremely inexpensive pets to begin with, it’s not going to strain your budget like getting a second dog might do (especially if it’s a large one!).
When choosing a guinea pig (or guinea pigs) make sure that they’re plump and firm, with no eye, ear, or nose discharge, and they’re alert. Guinea pigs will naturally shy away from strangers, too, so don’t let this dissuade you.
And most important, choose those that you like. Their personalities are an important part, and these little guys do have distinctive personalities!
By following the above guidelines, you’ll be sure to pick a healthy guinea pig that’s right for you.
Of course, there is a lot more to it, that and I couldn’t possibly lay out the entire system in this email.
Fortunately, it’s all laid out for you in an easy, step-by-step format in my new eBook:
“The Complete Guinea Pig Handbook”
Not only do my methods work great for guinea pigs but they’re also really fun.
You can get the full scoop here:
http://www.guineapigresource.com/tips/
Here’s just a taste of what’s revealed in
this amazing guinea pig care system:
- A complete guide to the guinea pig cage and how to easily maintain a healthy environment.
- The 5 things you must do before placing your guinea pig in his new home.
- What to feed your guinea pig – and what not to give him! There is a ton of inaccurate info out there. I’ll tell you the truth so you never have to wonder again!
- How to care for a single guinea pig and more than one!
- The importance of bedding and why this is a crucial component of your cage. I’ll tell you what type of bedding to buy and how much to use.
- How to choose a healthy guinea pig from the store — there are little known things to look for that the pet store owner’s don’t want you to know!
- The surefire signs of guinea pig illness that will tell you if your guinea pig needs medical attention.
- An entire chapter devoted to guinea pig illnesses and cures. Your guinea pig has the potential to completely recover from an illness, but it’s not how you think. I’ll show you the truth about curing your guinea pig.
- Why a specific type of bedding – frequently recommended – is actually extremely dangerous for your guinea pig. It’s known to cause respiratory problems.
and that’s not nearly all. I am also offering these F.REE Bonuses:
- The Guinea Pig Adoption Master Guide – Everything you need to find and adopt a guinea pig! Includes 35+ local rescue organizations.
- The Guinea Pig Breeder Master List – 20 regional guinea pig breeding clubs and 65+ additional sources for Abyssinian, American, Coronet, Dalmatian, Dutch, Marten, Silkie, Peruvian, Teddy, Texel, and White Crested guinea pigs!
- The Guinea Pig Quick Start Guide “Bringing Home Your Guinea Pig” – How to make the most of the crucial first few days, how to teach your children to pet and handle their new guinea pig, secret “cheats” to gain your guinea pig’s trust even faster, and how to introduce your guinea pig to other pets in your household.
- Daily, Weekly, and Monthly Care Checklists
- The Ultimate Supply Guide
- The Complete Guinea Pig Handbook Audio Companion – Newsletter Subscribers Only!
Get the full scoop at my special Guinea Pig web page
here:
http://www.guineapigresource.com/tips/
Talk soon,Heather Jones
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Guinea Pig Life Span
How Long Can I Expect My Guinea Pig To Live?
Anywhere from five to ten years. In general anything over five or six years in considered “older.”
What Can I Do To Extend the Life of My Piggie?
The best indicator of a long life in guinea pigs is consistent high quality care and living conditions. This means making sure you are providing the best food (especially fresh foods and those high in vitamin C), spacious cages (3 feet by 3 feet for a single guinea pig, 3 feet by 4 feet for two), and safe bedding. Guinea pigs also need plenty of social interaction and exercise time. Consider keeping a minimum of two piggies for maximum results and remember to provide an hour daily for exercise.
The second secret to guinea pig longevity is observation. If you check on your guinea pig regularly you will know when something changes BEFORE it becomes serious. This is why it is generally recommended to keep one’s guinea pig in a central location. Every night when providing lap time or exercise do a quick health check – listen for any breathing problems, rattling noises etc. Starting early on its a good idea to weigh your guinea pig weekly. Sometimes it is difficult to spot weight gain or loss. A simple digital postal or kitchen scale will work really well. Your veterinarian will also appreciate records of what was considered “normal” weight.
Keep a close eye on food and water consumption. If at all possible just measuring scoops when you dish out pellets and fresh foods. This way you know that you are feeding your guinea pig the same amount every day. If you see an increase in the food left uneaten, this is a good sign something has gone wrong. Excessive water consumption (or too little) can also be a sign of illness – such as diabetes. Rule out obvious problems like leaky or malfunctioning water bottles and if still concerned call your veterinarian.
Problems to Watch Out For:
- Increasing problems with brittle teeth – may need to be trimmed by a veterinarian.
- Broken or misaligned molars – watch for problems eating.
- Cataracts
- Dry eyes – May need lubrication drops.
- Eye inflammation or infection
- Stiff limbs – remove anything from the cage area that you see your guinea pig struggling to climb over or get around.
- If you are concerned about arthritis note there are anti-inflammatory medications that can be quite helpful.
- Continue to watch out for calluses and foot sores. Use a medicated ointment or switch to softer bedding if need be. Remember foot problems can rapidly develop into life threatening infections.
Death of a Spouse or Companion
Guinea pigs feel sorrow and mourn at the death of a cage mate much as we do. Keep a close eye on your pet to make sure he or she is still eating. Weigh daily if need be. Sorrow at the death of a friend can lead to depression and a rapid decline in health. Once you are ready, it is highly suggested to go to a shelter or rescue and bring home a new cage mate. If not, be sure to spend more time socializing with the remaining guinea pig. Also, some people have had good luck with switching up the guinea pig’s surroundings for added distraction. Move the cage to a higher traffic area, consider even a new cage, and so on.
Pet Loss
The death of a pet can be very difficult for everyone involved. Its a personal decision but your family may want to consider holding a small funeral for the pet. Sometimes parents hate to see children experiencing pain so much that they try to sweep the whole experience under the carpet. This does not necessarily help children as they need a chance to grieve. Hold off on getting another pet until the time feels right for everyone.
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