Today’s Guinea Pig Supplies

Have you been entertaining the thought of bringing a guinea pig home to stay? Are you curious about the things you’ll need for your new pet? Could it be that your looking to make some improvements to an existing habitat? Whatever the case may be, this article will not only lend some simple and smart ideas and about guinea pig supplies, but also some tried and tested techniques that get favorable results.

Cavys(another name for guinea pigs) are often thought of by some as being difficult to care for. Don’t believe it for a minute! Looking after your guinea pig(s) can be trouble free with the right set-up and day to day care.

Although this report is directed at the first time owner, experienced life long cavy lovers may find something new and interesting to add to their pet’s lifestyle.

First up:

Living quarters. Open air six sided cages are always best. Pull out bottom trays are recommended for easy cleaning. You want big doors for simple access. Maybe something with wheels you can move around. Choosing the right cage or hutch is very important. It must be something you are comfortable with, as the life of your pet depends on the attention you give them. Generally 7 square feet for one pet and 10 square feet for two Cavys is optimal. A three foot long and four foot wide cage would suit two guinea pigs just fine. The bigger the better. Wired bottom cages are not recommended, as injuries to limbs and snouts are frequent with these styles. Cleaning a wired bottom cage is one big hassle! Not recommended. Also, aquariums and closed style containers are not acceptable because they are prone to bacterial growth and very hard to keep clean.

Bedding. This is the substance that is evenly spread about the bottom tray of your pet’s habitat to absorb the waste (urine and feces). There are many different types of bedding or litter material you can find at stores that offer guinea pig supplies. Timothy hay, crown pellets, careFresh and newspaper shredding are best. Separately or mixed will do the job. Pine, cedar and other oily wood shavings can poison your pet and should be avoided. Straw is not my choice because it does not absorb waste. Stay clear of magazine shredding and make sure newspaper shredding is very dry. Ink from a recently printed paper is to be avoided. You can usually spot soiled areas and quickly remove and replace the bedding. I recommend changing all bedding once every ten days. You should wash and disinfect the cage and tray every three weeks or as needed.

Water Jug. An attachable bottom dispensed jug is a good choice. Quart sized for a single piggy and larger or multiple jugs for two or more guinea pigs. Fill and change water frequently. A “bowl” of water used as the main source is asking for trouble, as waste products can quickly contaminate and cause problems.

Food tray. A bowl big enough to carry two cups of food will suffice for one pet and three cup size (or two bowls) for two piggies. Remove uneaten fruit and vegetables from day to day.

Hiding place. 4 inch PVC pipe or larger make good hiding places for cavy’s and can be customized fairly easy with tees and elbows. Guinea pigs love to play in and around the pipe. Throw in a ball and they will have hours of fun. When shopping for guinea pig supplies, you will find a variety of hideouts available. From the simple and inexpensive to the more extravagant type the choice is yours. Guinea pigs must have a place where they feel safe.

First aid.Minor wounds are easily dressed, while more serious injuries require a trained Vet. Put together a kit containing hydrogen peroxide for cuts and scrapes, tweezers, cotton swabs and pads, and a small flash light for minor mishaps.

Food. Guinea pigs don’t need to eat do they? Oh yes they do, and it will seem that’s all they do! But this is not the case. What they do is chew. And chew, and chew some more. Chew is what they do! Cavy’s are rodents, and rodents chew and gnaw all day long. Their teeth never stop growing. This is important to know when selecting the foods for their diet. Your Guinea Pigs diet should consist of 75% dried foods and 25% wets foods. Wet foods meaning fruit and vegetables. Dried foods should consist of hay and store bought guinea pig pellets with vitamin C. Never give your little fur balls meat or dairy products.Here is a brief list of some recommended foods. Apples, oranges, tomatoes, spinach, kiwi, parsley, loose leaf lettuce, kale, broccoli. Not recommended! Meat, dairy products, corn, tomato leaves, no sugar, beans, celery, iceburg lettuce, potatoes. Too many fruits and vegetables can cause diarrhea which can lead to serious problems. Stick with the 75/25 rule for best results.

Now you have a basic understanding of the guinea pig supplies you will need to introduce your little fur ball to his new home. I wish you and your cavy the best of health!