Adopt a Guinea Pig
Happy March!
With March comes warmer weather, peeks of green (we hope!), and GUINEA PIGS!
It’s Adopt a Guinea Pig Month, and The Androscoggin Animal Hospital loves to see these little friends, and welcome more to our hospital!
Here’s why you might love a Guinea Pig:
- They’re very social animals that appreciate sharing their space with another Pig
- They expressively vocalize, grunt, and squeal with happiness at breakfast, dinner and snack times, and even when their favorite humans enter the room
- Guinea Pigs rarely bite, but they can nip if mishandled or are in fear of something
- Guinea Pigs can easily become hand tamed, and love to play in boxes and tubes
- When a Pig is happy, it jumps straight up in the air, which is known as Popcorning!
Cage Set-up for a Pig:
- The cage should be large, with proper bedding (pine/cedar shavings are not recommended which contain oils that can be harmful) like hardwood shavings or timothy hay
- A Guinea Pig’s cage/environment should be free of drafts and be kept inside. No glass aquariums for these guys, due to improper ventilation
- Pigs like a “cave” for hiding and resting in, like a medium flower pot, or sleeping box that is readily available at pet supply stores
A Pigs Diet:
- Guinea Pig pellets are the basis of your pet’s diet. They consume about 1/8cup daily. Timothy-hay based pellets are recommended.
- Fresh, clean water!
- Small amounts of snacks, like green, leafy vegetables, peas, apples, blueberries, and oranges AVOID: iceberg lettuce, potatoes, cabbage, broccoli, and anything that is spoiled
- Grass hay is absolutely vital to the digestive health of your guinea pig. It helps prevent obesity, dental disease, diarrhea and boredom. Your guinea pig should eat a pile of hay twice the size of his body every day. Guinea Pigs less than 6 months old can be fed alfalfa hay in addition to grass hay.After 6 months, alfalfa hay should only be fed as a treat.
Guinea Pigs should be seen annually for a basic exam. Common signs of illness include sneezing, weight loss, loose stool, itchy/scaly skin, and change in behavior.
If you have any questions about your guinea pig, please don’t hesitate to call!