Guinea pigs, also known as guinea pigs, are adorable rodents native to South America. Despite their small size, these pets captivate with their charming personality and sociable behavior.
In this article, we will explore everything related to guinea pigs in detail, including their care, needs, and characteristics.
Responsible choice of a guinea pig as a pet
The decision to adopt a small pet like a guinea pig requires careful thought.
Before taking this important step, it is essential to consider several aspects to ensure that you are fully prepared to provide a suitable home for your future guinea pig.
It is also essential to evaluate the amount of time you can spend interacting with her daily. Despite their size, guinea pigs need time to socialize, play, and explore. Additionally, their habitats must be maintained regularly, including cleaning and a constant supply of fresh food and water. Ensuring you can fulfill these responsibilities is essential to your pet’s well-being.
Breeds and species of guinea pigs
Next, we tell you which are the most common breeds of domestic guinea pigs:
short-haired guinea pigs
With a smooth coat that is soft to the touch, it is one of the most common types. Its care is relatively simple compared to others that have a longer coat.
Crested guinea pig or self-guinea pig
These guinea pigs have a crest of hair on the top of their heads, giving them a quirky and distinctive look. In addition, their playful and curious nature makes them charming companions for any home.
skinny guinea pig
If you are looking for something out of the ordinary, you will love the skinny guinea pig. With their wrinkled skin and a scant amount of hair, they have a unique appearance that attracts attention.
Teddy Guinea Pig
Its short, dense fur resembles a stuffed animal, hence its name. This breed of guinea pig is known for their calm personality and affectionate disposition.
long-haired guinea pigs
This type of guinea pig stands out for its lush hair and requires special attention to keep its fur healthy and tangle-free.
Abyssinian Guinea Pig
It is easily recognizable due to its voluminous and textured coat, a sign that makes it one of the most easily recognizable breeds of guinea pigs.
Peruvian guinea pig
If you are a lover of furry guinea pigs, the Peruvian guinea pig is an ideal choice. Their long, wavy hair is their most striking feature and requires meticulous care.
texel guinea pig
Its curly and spiral coat is the main characteristic of this breed of guinea pig.
Lunkarya Guinea Pig
Similar to the Texel guinea pig, but with a much more voluminous coat, Lunkarya guinea pigs are known for their curious and social nature.
Sheltie Guinea Pig
With a long, ready coat that flows back, Sheltie guinea pigs have a sleek and beautiful appearance.
Habitat and accommodation of guinea pigs
Providing a suitable and comfortable habitat is essential for the well-being of your guinea pigs. Below, we tell you the basic requirements for your guinea pig’s cage or enclosure.
Basic requirements for a guinea pig cage
For the cage to be comfortable for them, it must have a minimum measurement of 80 cm long, 40 cm wide, and 40 cm high. But remember that they are minimum measurements, if you can afford a larger cage, your guinea pig will thank you forever.
As for location, your guinea pig’s cage should be away from drafts and direct sun.
Inside the guinea pig cage, you should have a specific container for hay, a waterer of approximately 500 cc, and a feeder.
Enrichment and care
As a general rule, guinea pigs like to be hidden, so the ideal is for them to have a wooden hut or shelter where they can do so.
And for their playtime, you can include rodent toys specially designed for them, since we don’t want them to get hurt.
Additionally, keeping the cage clean is crucial to prevent the buildup of bacteria, unpleasant odors, and diseases. Guinea pigs are sensitive to dirty environments, which can negatively affect their health. Perform regular cleaning, including removing excrement, changing substrate, and sanitizing accessories to provide a hygienic and comfortable environment for your guinea pigs.
The bedding for your guinea pig, whether made of wood, paper, or corn, should be changed as needed, keeping the cage accessible so that the legs are not damaged by moisture or excess dirt.
As for hygiene, it is not advisable to bathe a guinea pig frequently, but if you do you should dry it well to avoid possible respiratory conditions and brush it to eliminate excess moisture.
Feed for guinea pigs
Guinea pigs require a complete, fiber-rich diet that includes:
- Quality hay.
- Extruded food or pellets.
- Fresh foods such as apples, bananas, carrots, cucumbers, peppers, or peas.
However, it is essential to avoid fruits and vegetables with high water content and few vitamins, such as lettuce, to prevent diarrhea or dehydration.
