Essential Tips for Dutch Bunny Care: A Comprehensive Gu

Caring for Guinea Pigs: Methods and Important Considerations

I. Choosing a Healthy Guinea Pig

1. Guinea pigs are social creatures, so it's advisable for pet owners to purchase at least two guinea pigs of different genders to ensure they have companionship.

2. Healthy guinea pigs are generally lively. When you pick them up, they might struggle or even bite your fingers. However, if you offer them food, they will readily eat it.

3. Unhealthy guinea pigs may exhibit signs such as excessive eye and nose discharge, misaligned teeth, diarrhea, and patchy hair loss.

II. Selecting and Arranging the Guinea Pig Cage

Adult guinea pigs can grow up to about 20 cm in length. For a single guinea pig, choose a cage that is approximately 60 cm long and 40 cm high. For a pair, a cage measuring around 100 cm long and 70 cm high is recommended. Stock the cage with essentials like dental stones, ball water bottles, wood shavings, plastic boards, food bowls, hay racks, and small houses or boxes with two exits. Arrange these items thoughtfully.

III. Feeding Your Guinea Pig Properly

1. Guinea pigs are herbivores and enjoy a diet of hay, vegetables, and fruits. When feeding them vegetables and fruits, chop them into small pieces for easy consumption.

2. Guinea pigs eat slowly and spend much of their day eating and drinking. Therefore, ensure their food bowl is always filled with fresh food, and their water bottle contains clean water.

3. Avoid feeding guinea pigs spicy foods like onions and garlic, meats, and human snacks.

4. While food bowls are practical, handfeeding hay or vegetable leaves can enhance their bond with you.

Important Notes:

1. Guinea pigs are quite shy. When holding them, use the correct technique: one hand to support the front chest, allowing the front paws to be visible, and the other hand to cradle the lower body.

2. Cats and dogs are natural predators to guinea pigs. Avoid mixing them in the same living space.

3. When taking guinea pigs outside, avoid peak sun hours and opt for cooler times like dusk. Keep them in their cage to prevent them from wandering off.

4. Guinea pigs thrive in temperatures between 18 to 29°C. Ensure they are wellprotected from the cold, especially during winter, by using a heating pad in their cage, maintaining a temperature of around 25°C.

IV. Daily Care and Maintenance

1. Brushing your guinea pig's fur can help remove old skin flakes and dirt. Gently comb from the neck to the rump using a brush.

2. Overgrown nails can affect their walking and cause foot injuries. Regularly trim their nails with a small human nail clipper, being careful not to cut the quick.

3. Bathe your guinea pig during sunny, warm periods to prevent them from catching a cold.

We hope these guidelines on caring for guinea pigs prove helpful to you.