PIGGIES ~ PIGGERS ~ PIGGLES ~ PIGLETS

Any way you say it, it's still a

GUINEA PIG!!!

But is it the right pet for you?

Guinea Pigs are awesome little companions! They interact with each other as well as their human friends. Guinea pigs also require a lot of care to keep them healthy and happy. Do some research before adopting a Guinea Pig. (there are more than 1100 piggies available for adoption on Petfinder alone!) Here are a few things you should know:

Guinea Pigs come in many colors and fur variations. Longer fur, such as the Abyssinian or Peruvian varieties, require grooming to prevent knots. All Guinea Pigs shed, so even the smooth haired American pig would benefit from a good brushing now and then. Most piggies learn to enjoy being groomed. Pigs nails need to be trimmed every other week or so. This can be done with baby nail scissors, or as pigs get older, toe nail clippers. As with any pet, take care not to nip too short.

Guinea Pigs like companionship. Two or more of the same sex is always better. Myth: male pigs (boars) will fight if kept together. The truth is, ANY pig will get cranky if the cage is too small. Piggies need plenty of room to run around as well as daily "out of the cage" time.Aquaruim and wire bottom cages are not suitable pig cages. A "C&C" (cube & coroplast) cage provides the most space and ventilation for pigs. This 2x3 foot cage with a ramp and loft is perfect for 2-3 pigs. C&C cages can be made at home, or ordered on line. Many Guinea Pig rescues (listed below) sell C&C cages, built to your specifications. www.guineapigcages.com is also an informative web site to check out. 

Marchioro brand cages are also suitable. The "Tommy K 120" is the minimum size,  47x23x22 inches, for one to two pigs.

Guinea Pigs love to lounge, run, root and "popcorn" (leaping in the air, wiggling and wheeking, all at the same time!) in their bedding. Aspen or Carefresh is ideal. NEVER use pine or cedar bedding as these can cause severe respiratory issues! Spot cleaning the cage daily, or at least every four days will keep the cage fresh and the piggies healthy. Urine build up can make pigs sick and encourage bacteria to grow. The crusty mineral deposits on the bottom of the cage can be removed with a safe bird cage cleaner called "Poop Off". Never use household cleaners on your cage. 

 Our pigs have wooden bird toys with bells hanging in their cage. They love to run through them, bite and tug on them. Active pigs are happy pigs!

Guinea Pigs require Guinea Pig specific pellets, not rabbit pellets. Even though they are in the Cavy family, they cannot produce their own vitamin C, most quality foods provide the correct amount. We love "Oxbow" brand "Cavy Cuisine". These are Timothy based pellets, Alfalfa based pellets should be used only for babies and pregnant or nursing moms (sows). Steer clear of foods with colorful shapes, nuts and seeds- Guinea pigs will pick out the yummy shapes and ignore the nutritional pellets. It's like diet of Frito's! Seeds are a choking hazard and should be avoided completely. Mineral wheels are not needed. Guinea Pigs are vegetarians and should not be fed meat or dairy products.

Guinea Pigs must have vitamin C rich fresh fruits and veggies daily, in addition to unlimited Timothy hay to provide fiber and keep things "running smoothly". A variety of fruits and veggies as a secondary food source can include sliced seedless oranges, green bell peppers, parsley, leaf or romaine (never iceberg) lettuces, dandilion leaves, apples (remove the seeds), bananas, and melon. Piggies have different tastes, like people- try different things- see what your pigs like best!

Guinea Pigs love attention! About an hour a day should be spent in a "pig proof room" or a "play pen". Pens can be made out of storage cube squares held together with plastic zip ties. This is important to your pigs health and happiness and also strengthens the human-pet bond.

As with any pet, find a veterinarian who can care for your Guinea Pig should they become ill. Pigs almost never bite unless injured, scared or sick. Sneezing, coughing, watery eyes and congestion are signs of respiratory illness. Excess scratching, loss of fur and sharp wheeks when touched can indicate skin problems or even lice or mites. Pigs should never have loose stools. A build up of poop in the rectal area could indicate an impaction. If your pig stops eating or drinking, or becomes lethargic, call your vet! 

Accidental pregnancy in a female more than 8 months old can be fatal. Never intentionally breed your Guinea Pigs or allow opposite sex pigs to play together, even for a minute! Inspect your pig daily for injury or anything out of the ordinary.

To adopt a Guinea Pig check out www.petfinder.com, Furry Friends Guinea Pig Rescue at www.ffgpr.org or Have a Heart Guinea Pig Rescue at www.petfinder.org/shelters/NJ250.html.

For additional information and links to Guinea Pig care, check out

www.guinealynx.com