Guinea Pig Information and Smart Things to Know

The arrival of your new guinea pig (or cavy as they are called) is a joyous occasion. These little fur balls will no doubt add big smiles, lots of laughs and tons of fun to the household. To make this passage easy and comfortable for you and your pet, I invite you to learn more guinea pig information.

Initially when you get your pet home, you're going to want to hold and pet the little critter. That's alright if you do it sparingly for the first few days. You should give them a little space to adjust to this strange new land. The up and down with new hands and fingers can be traumatic. A hiding place in the cage is a must. You should have separate hideouts for multiple pets to avoid a guinea pig tussle.

Occasionally, when walking up to your cavy's cage, you'll notice they scurry for cover or duck out of sight. This natural instinct is brought about by the fact that, in the wild, guinea pigs were preyed upon for food by larger animals.

Feeding your cavy the right foods is an important part of this guinea pig information. To assure a long, healthy life for your new pet, follow this simple and easy formula. Meat, dairy products, and potatoes, are off limits and can quickly prove fatal. Fresh water is a must. The main source of the diet (75%) should be dry hay and guinea pig pellets with vitamin C. Fruits and vegetables, like bananas, kiwi, apples, carrots, kale and broccoli will fill the other 26% of their daily diet.

Adjusting to a new environment can be a somewhat anxious time for your new pet. To make this change a more comfortable one you should avoid placing your cavy where frequent changes in light, temperature, and sound take place. Stereos, TVs, refrigerators, heaters, air conditioners, fans and direct sunlight can be harmful to your cavy's health. A mild or tranquil setting is best for the break-in period.

Get to know your guinea pig and develop a little trust before you decide to introduce the other household pets to the new arrival. A chance or sudden meeting from Baron or Muffin can spook the life out of your cavy. A slow and gradual introduction from a distance is best. Guinea pigs can be friendly with other pets when you use discretion and patience.

Being a diurnal rodent, guinea pigs spend their days active and awake. Cavys get their rest and sleep at night.

This concludes our brief on guinea pig information. It is my hope you can take some ideas you find here and apply them to your guinea pig experience.