Things have to be assessed first. First, income should be stable since guinea pigs tend to rely on so many things like proper cage measurement and cage stuff as well as the right food content in their diet. Second, you need enough spare time from your busy life. Guinea pigs need attention, from cleaning their cage from time to time to observing them to check possible signs of illnesses like diarrhea. Finally, they ask attention through body language simply because they want to be pampered for a day.
When you already have …show more content…
decided to get a guinea pig, there are certain things to check first. You don’t want to waste money and time by buying the wrong stuff like the wrong size of cage for them, or the wrong food that should not be included in their daily diet.
Being a pet parent means being responsible for buying the important stuff your guinea pig needs. Before getting yourself a cavy, try to avoid these three things to have the best pet parent experience.
Never get a guinea pig without a cagemate
Guinea pigs are very sensitive when it comes to their companion. They need a cage companion because they are sociable and active most of the time. Cagemate helps them to enjoy their time inside the cage. Without a cagemate, it will start to become lonely and dull.
You need to get a pair of guinea pigs. It takes two to tango in a cage. When you are not around, it helps them to have a companion to play together. They tend to be too active about so many things, like roaming around the cage. So a cagemate would help them to meet this attention.
Personality type is important to determine the right cagemate for your guinea pig. It is not a good way to assume that two male guinea pigs won't fight, and two female guinea pigs will get along. Like humans, they also have different personalities.
Aside from personality type, gender needs to be considered as well. In an article from Petful, it stresses the importance of gender when getting a cagemate for your guinea pig. Male and female pairing will, obviously, give you more pups. The most common pairing is two or more guinea pigs of the same gender.
Never assume that a cavy alone can live its life all by itself. They need attention from another guinea pig, if not from a pet parent. They will always seek a companion to play around their cage.
Never buy a cage that is too small
Sometimes, buying a cage for your guinea pig won't help.
The cages available in the marketplace are mostly too small, and a small cage is not good for your guinea pig. The best way to maximize the cage for the guinea pigs is to customize the cage according to the particular need of the guinea pigs.
Small cage prevents guinea pigs from moving and doing exercise since they are active at all times. In an article from PetHelpful, the longevity of a guinea pig is pointed out to why there is a need for a spacious cage for guinea pigs. It will be considered animal abuse if they live in a small cage that prevents them from doing exercises.
The article further explained the guidelines of cage size and how gender affects the size needed for the guinea pigs' cage. In building up a good cage, the preferred size is around 10.5 sq ft for a pair while 7.5 sq ft is the minimum size acceptable. Meanwhile, male cavies tend to fight more. This means the preferred size is important because they need alone time after the fight.
Aside from the size of the cage, you may also consider the stuff that is inside of it. They roam around their home. That means there should have at least some toys for activities for them to play. But you need to put the appropriate ones that won't harm them. Include those which are mostly needed for their
exercise.
Never neglect nutrients they need in their diet
Pellets, hay, and fruits & vegetables are the most important foods that should be in their diet.
In buying a pellet, make sure that they are high quality by checking the nutrition facts. Pellets have been tagged as the building blocks of guinea pigs' diet because they remain to be the staple food, and it is good for a balanced diet.
There are certain ingredients to avoid in buying guinea pig pellets. In an article from Guinea Lynx, the list of ingredients includes beet pulp, corn products, seeds, nuts, rice flour, vegetable fiber, and animal products.
There should also have an unlimited supply of hay as they are dependent to it more often, and fruits and vegetables should be in their diet to meet the proper nutrients they need. It is good to consider fruits and vegetables as mix-up of their regular pellet and hay. It will let them acquire other nutrients they need, which are not present in pellets and hay.