Everything you wanted to know about Guinea pigs.
Brief information for beginners vinkovatov.
Basic facts about Guinea pigs
The name “Guinea pig” consists of two parts, the “sea” and “pig.” Why it was named so weird. The first part of the “sea” most likely indicates that pigs were brought from beyond the sea, therefore, most likely, they were called, “overseas”, then simplified to “sea”.
The second part of “pig” indicates that this name was given probably because of the similarity of the sounds issued by pigs and rodents. Learn more about the origin of the name can be found here .
The average life expectancy of Guinea pigs at home is 5-7 years.
Guinea pigs can make a variety of sounds: whistling rumbling grumbling noise, the clicking teeth, etc.
Another interesting fact about the behavior of Guinea pigs is the ability to bounce sharply. In English it is called “popcorning” because she hops like a corn which becomes popcorn.
The size of Guinea pigs depend on the age. So, on average, a newborn Guinea pig has a length of 10 cm, gilt 5-6 weeks of age – 19 cm, 5 months – 23 cm and 8 months – 27 see
Gender of newborn Guinea pigs is difficult to determine. It is possible sdelat pigs, which was fulfilled about five weeks. The slight pressure on tummy near genitals (fold) in male pigs will appear reproductive organ, and the girls-pigs manifested a fold similar to “Y”.
Despite the fact that the pig is an undemanding animal, the owner still needs to create certain conditions for living in the home. For this you need to purchase some things and maintain them in a clean and dry condition:
Cage or terrarium for Guinea pigs. Selection of cells can confound the novice owner, so we suggest to familiarize with the rules of selection of cages for Guinea pigs
Bedding for Guinea pigs
Drinking bowl for Guinea pigs
Feeding bowl for Guinea pigs
Holder for hay for Guinea pigs
Toys for Guinea pigs
House for Guinea pigs. Houses for Guinea pigs you can make with your own hands .
Container-the container for Guinea pigs
About all the accessories for keeping Guinea pigs you can read here .
Of course, regular cleaning will make your pet healthier, since the inhalation of odors from uneaten food and excrement adversely affects the respiratory system of Guinea pigs. Instructions for cleaning can be found at the end of this article .
The basic principles, which include rules for the care of pigs:
The basic rule for the owner that you want to remember when selecting food for Guinea pigs is that pigs are strict vegetarians. Their diet should include hay or grass 60%, solid food (cereal) 20% and succulent feed 20% ( fruits/berries and vegetables/greens ). When this juicy food should contain more vegetables than fruit. It is also advisable to put in the cell mineral-salt stone . Monitor the availability of clean and fresh water in the cage. To the question: “What can not give Guinea pigs?”, we can answer that there are a number, at first glance, the usual vegetables that you should not offer your pet: peanut, the leaves and stems of tomatoes, potatoes, onions, garlic, potted plants. Never give Guinea pigs chocolate and candy. More information about what not to give Guinea pigs . you can find here .
To preserve the health of the pigs, you have to watch her diet, drinking water, clean cages, safe toys. But, unfortunately, the Guinea pig, like any other living creatures, can get sick or come to harm. If this happens, you should immediately consult a veterinarian. The symptoms of some diseases Guinea pigs you can find here .
There are 3 large groups of breeds of Guinea pigs:
Smooth-haired Guinea pig
Satin Guinea pig
Crested Guinea pig
Or female Abyssinian Guinea pig
Rex Guinea pig
Teddy Guinea pig
Peruvian Guinea pig
Sheltie Guinea pig
The coronet Guinea pig
The Texel Guinea pig
Alpaca Guinea pig
Merino Guinea pig
The tabernacle or Skinny Guinea pig
Baldwin Guinea pig – the bald Guinea pig
Swiss Teddy Guinea pig
Longhaired and Teddy Guinea pig
Ridgeback Guinea pig
Learn more about breeds of Guinea pigs you can read here .
If you are planning to have a pig for breeding . you need to participate in exhibitions Guinea pigs. Here you will find the show schedule for the year . which is constantly updated during the year.
