Guinie pigs?!?!!?

[tatsxxx11]

All the other piggie moms have already given you great advice...but one thing I would like to stress, PLEASE adopt from a shelter! There are so many surrenders out there Happily our shleter's piggies are guaranteed a home at the shelter, should they not be adopted!

Also, they have very fragile spines. Dropping them, holding them on their backs, allowing them to climb stairs can be dangerous. And so are those ball thingys. They are not recommended for guinea pigs as they are for hamsters, mice, etc.

Large cardboard tubes make great toys They love to explore!

Many piggies are labeled as not lovable, not liking to be handled, but I have found that this most often comes from a lack of being handeled by their previous owners/exposure to humans. With time and lots of daily handling, my Moon has come to love cuddling and being held. Rosie's always been a love bug

Yes, they are VERY social animals and if you don't have the time for daily playtime, handling, do consider getting a playmate. But keep them in separate cages and don't allow them to interact outside of their cages unless you are sure they are same sex or one is "altered."

Their nails need regualr clipping...easy once you get the knack and if your pig's not a squirmer. Mne have come to love manicure time/bath time!

My cats LOVE the pigs and the pigs LOVE when the cats come to the cage to explore and wheek like crazy Oliver loves eating the hay that's fallen out of the cage

Pigs cannot manufacture Vit. C, so if unless you supplement their diet with lots of good fruits and veggies, do add the Vit C supplement to their water. But it must be changed daily as the Vit C breaks down quickly when exposed to daylight. My "pocket pet vet" recommends a small slice of orange every few days; the girls love though it stains their cheeks But not too much; the high acid contact can cause mouth sores.

Parsley and spinach are piggie favorites but give in moderation as too much can result in the formation of bladder stones. Rommaine lettuce is a good green to feel regularly. No iceberg though; it's mostly water.

Playtime at our house is in a large bathroom, safely away from the dogs and cats, wires, cords and other things that might harm them. They get about an hour of "free roam" every day.

OH!!! Piggies are very sensitive to temp. changes. Many piggies have died from heat stroke, having been left outdoors in the sun without adequate shading. Pref. temps are from 65-75 degrees. Try to keep them away from drafts. But my girls love to go out in my fenced in garden during the summer where they can munch on fresh grass and herbs. But watch out for hawks, that can swoop down and scoop up a piggie in a flash, so never leave them unsupervised outdoors!

Here's a link to a great cavy forum. Lots of very experienced cavy people, great info. and lots of support

Good luck! Can't wait to hear what the decision is

Cavy Forum