Did you get a chance to check out the links above? Guinea pigs really do require some extra special diligence in certain areas, e.g. maintaining proper room temp., no drafts, or being left in direct sunlight. Temp. should be pretty constant, between 65 and 75 degrees. Vit.c supplementation (or diet high in) plenty of fresh, cold water daily (make sure you clean out the water bottle weekly with a very mild bleach solution; toxic algae will form around the bottle neck, bottom and cap) and absolutely NO cedar chips as bedding!! They can be toxic! And only some types of "untreated" pine bedding. As has been said, a safe place in the cage to hide and sleep, like an igloo or "timber hideaway." Plenty of fresh veggies, especially dark, leafy greens or parsley, baby carrots, red pepper (only romanine for lettuce) and smaller amts. of fruits like apples, raisins, blueberries, bananas and fresh orange bits...not too much, high acid! Timothy or fresh Meadow hay is essential for good digestion, and about 1/4 cp of pellets daily. Baths every few months are great. I place a washcloth in the bottom of the bathroom sink, plop him in, and fill with warm water up to his shoulders. I use baby shampoo as recommended by the vet. Squeekers loves his bath and purrrrrrrs all the way through! Try not to get water in the eyes or nose area. And make sure you dry him off well in a towel and either "blow dry" him on the LOWEST setting and/or keep him in a nice, warm, draft free room. Make sure you keep the nails clipped using regular human nail scissors or baby nail scissors. And OF COURSE, tons of love and companionship. Two piggies are great together. They are SO social. If not, lots of human loving and cuddling. Mine loves music and the "company" of the kitties and doggies! Check on the links. Lots of great Guinea Pig sites, health and dietary info., veterinary care and message board links. Good luck!
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