orphan baby guinea pig

Question
I have been given into my care a baby guinea pig after it was attacked by the neighbours cat. I have never had guinea pigs before. It has been three days. I has been eating but today it isn't interested in eating and appears more timid and sits in the corner. It does not seek it's shelter. I am not sure id I am caring for it correctly. I have put shredded newspaper as bedding..cold this be bad?

Answer
Hello Dorothy,

Ok, I'm going to attach a copy of my care sheet to this message, but I do recommend taking the little guy to the vet. Not eating is a sign of stress or illness and sitting hunched in a corner and not doing much (especially for a baby) is a sign of illness. The bedding is fine although there are better choices available. The newspaper will need to be changed more often is all. You little piggy sounds like he is just sick and he needs to see a vet soon. If you have any other questions regarding care, feel free to contact me or if you notice any other symptoms of illness.

Rainbow Guinea Pigs Care Sheet

Guinea Pigs (Cavies) are wonderful pets.  They are very social animals who enjoy the company of humans or other Guinea Pigs.  They are best kept in pairs.  Guinea Pigs rarely bite as long as they are not mistreated.   

Housing

Guinea Pigs need to be kept in well ventilated, draft free, solid bottom cages.  Wire bottom cages can seriously damage your Guinea Pig's sensitive feet.  Their cages must be kept clean and dry or your Guinea Pig may get sick.  Cedar and Pine shavings should be avoided as they have been found to cause liver damage and could kill your Guinea Pig.  A bedding made from paper, aspen shavings, kiln-dried pine, or hay is safer.  IMPORTANT! Guinea Pigs should NOT be housed with rabbits.  For futher information on why visit http://www.rspcareadingguineapigs.co.uk/index_files/Page1693.htm


Feeding

Guinea Pigs need to be fed a diet of timothy-based Guinea Pig food to get the proper nutrition.  They should also have a supply of timothy hay to help with digestion.  IMPORTANT!  Guinea Pigs need Vitamin C or they could get scurvy and eventually die. Most Guinea Pig foods have the Vitamin C required by your pet, other rodent foods do not. They should be fed in a heavy bottomed food dish to prevent them from dumping their food on the bottom of their cage.

Guinea Pigs need a clean, constant supply of water.  This is best given with a hanging water bottle so the Guinea Pig does not soil it's water.  The water bottle should be cleaned regularly with a small baby bottle brush.

Grooming

Guinea Pigs only need baths if they get particularly dirty otherwise they keep themselves clean.  Your Guinea Pig may be brushed with a soft cat brush to remove loose hairs.  Long haired breeds need extensive grooming and are not recommended for beginners.

Handling

Always hold your Guinea Pig with two hands securely and supporting its body.  Children should be supervised while handling any animal.  Guinea Pigs should only be allowed out of their cages and allowed to play under supervision and in enclosed "piggy safe" areas.

-kkat
www.geocities.com/abyssinianguineapigs