How many Guinea Pigs?
Guinea Pigs are social animals take this into account when you are
planning to keep them. The only number not to consider is one.
However do make sure the cage/hutch you choose if big enough for
the amount of piggies you choose. Make sure you know the piggies
you choose are the same sex. I have lost count of the number of
times people take two piggies home believing them to be the same
sex and to find out months later when the pups arrive that this
wasn't the case. A good breeder will never make this mistake and
here at Grosvenor Guineas is no exception.
Older Guinea Pig Consideration
Older pigs can sometimes get over-looked in favour of young
guineas when a potential owner is choosing a new pet. Older
Guinea Pigs are calmer and better to handle than youngsters
especially for young children. They will not wriggle as much and
they will also sit still on a child lap enjoying the attention and
will never usually nip like a youngster might.
Consider Boars (Males)
Some people think Sows are better pets than Boars but in truth
both make excellent pets. Some people also think Boar will fight
but I have several pairs of boars that live very happily in the same
cage and even get upset if they are seperated for any length of time.
Some people think boars smell more than sows but this is also not
true. if they are kept clean they have little or now smell at all so they
make great pets for keeping indoors. Boars can be very cuddly, calm
and tame. Given a little time and encouragement they can eat from
your hand come when you call and even lcik you or give you kisses
which is very rewarding.
Where to purchase your new
Guinea Pig.
There are loads of places other than pet shops to buy your piggies.
Breeders, Shows and of course Sanctuaries and Rescues are much
better places. A good place will never let just anyone walk away
with a Guinea Pig without telling them how to look after their new
pet and making sure it has everything it needs to be healthy and
happy e.g. proper housing, food etc.
What to look for in your new Piggy.
Clean bright eyes
Glossy coat
Lively and alert
Eating well
It is important to choose a healthy animal, I know it is tempting to
take home the runt of the litter or one who is huddled in the corner
but unless you have plenty of funds to take them to the vets please
don't choose them.
I know it's hard but in the long run it's best even if this seems harsh
and uncaring. If you see any animal in distress or suffering the best
thing to do is contact the R.S.P.C.A.
5 Reasons why Rabbbits &
Guinea Pigs should never mix.
Rabbits and Guinea Pigs should never share a cage for many reasons
but these are the 5 most important ones.
1. Rabbits can be carriers of a bacteria called Bordetella which does
not cause any illness in the rabbit but causes pneumonia in guinea pigs.
2. Rabbits can cause injuries to Guinea Pigs as they have very
powerful hind legs that can kick a Guinea Pig causing broken
bones and even death.
3. Rabbits and guinea Pigs have very different dietry needs.
Guinea Pigs need vitamins C and they need lots of vitamin rich veggies.
They can eat lettuce or cole family vegetables such as cabbage, kale,
kohlrabi, brussels sprouts, cauliflower, or broccoli. However rabbits
can get enteritis and possibly die if they eat these.
4. Some Rabbit mixes and pellets are bad for Guinea Pigs as they
contain antibiotics that can make them very ill or even cause death.
5. Rabbits will burrow, and if placed on grass outdoors will soon
escape by burrowing under the hutch. Guinea pigs do not have this
burrowing instinct, but will be quite happy to use any tunnel provided
by an obliging bunny.
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