CARING FOR PET GUINEA PIGS
General Information:
Guinea pigs are domesticated descendants of wild
and semi-domesticated rodents living in the highlands of north
central and north west South America. They have been bred for
over 400 years and are selected for color, hair-coat pattern,
and disposition. They first became popular as pets in Europe around
the 16th Century. Guinea pigs are strict herbivores,
social and most active at twilight or before sunrise.
There are several color and hair-coat varieties of
guinea pigs. They may be mono-, bi-, or tricolored and have short
regular hair (English or shorthair); long hair arranged in whorls
(Abyssinian); long strait hair (Peruvian); or medium-length fine
hair (silky). These varieties may interbreed.
Anatomical and Biological Characteristics:
Housing:
Guinea pigs are best housed in open-top bins (walls
at least 10" high) or in cages with solid floors because
wire floors may injure limbs. Bedding (wood shavings or shredded
paper) is used, as are hopper feeders and sipper tube bottles.
All must be cleaned often. They should be kept away from drafts,
chills, excessive heat (over 85 degrees Fo), temperature fluctuations
(maintain between 65 and 75 degrees Fo), and other environmental
disturbances. They may be housed in groups, but will establish
a pecking order.
Restraint:
Guinea pigs are restrained by supporting the chest
with one hand (placed under the chest) and the rear quarter with
the other hand. Grabbing a guinea pig over its back may inhibit
respiratory movements.
Nutrition:
Guinea pigs are strict herbivores and cecal fermenters,
as are rabbits and horses. Food intake is not controlled by calories
ingested, but by bulk consumed. They require special amounts of
calcium, phosphorous, magnesium and potassium. Therefore, feeding
table scrapes should be avoided. Guinea pigs should be fed a feed
prepared specifically for the species. It should be supplemented
with a source of ascorbic acid (Vitamin C). Food containing ascorbic
acid should not be used 90 days after the milling date without
supplementing with vitamin C. They require 10 mg/kg daily and
20 mg/kg if pregnant. Vitamin C may be supplemented by:
- One 250mg tablet crushed and added to 250 mLs
of drinking water (changed daily)
- Feed the following amounts of foods (to provide
10 mg/kg) daily
- 1\3 ounce turnip greens
- 1\2 ounce parsley
- 1 ounce broccoli florets
- 1 and 1\2 ounces of orange or cabbage
A commercial pelleted diet containing 18 to 20 %
protein, 4 % fat and 16 % fiber is highly recommended. They will
consume approximately 6 grams of food and 10 ml of water per every
100 grams of body weight per day.
Common conditions:
Common problems in guinea pigs include vitamin C
deficiency, respiratory infections, abscess, skin mites, overgrowth
of premolar teeth, cystitis and bladder stones.
Barbering is another condition common in guinea pigs,
this is when a dominate (alpha) male chews the hair off of the
back of a subordinate animal (may lead to skin infections).
Public Health Significance:
A few organisms that infect or inhabit guinea pigs
are potentially zoonotic, but these organisms are seldom associated
with human disease. Special precautions should be taken if housed
with an immunocompromised individual. These organisms include
Salmonella, Campylobacter and Sarcoptes (mites).
Allergy to guinea pig dander is another frequently
reported condition in people handling guinea pigs.
We hope
that you have many years of enjoyment with your new pet. There
are numerous literature sources available for more detailed information
on guinea pigs and their care (see our section on Building Your Own Library, but if you believe your veterinarian's
office can be of service to you please feel free to call.
We hope that you will find this information helpful in your quest
for better pet care. If you have any questions or comments, please call your
veterinarian's office, or feel free to
e-mail us.
David E. Hammett, DVM
and the Staff of All Creatures Veterinary Clinic, PC
