The Challenge Of Raising Guinea Pig Babies

You brought your guinea pig home from the shelter

, pet store or breeder. Now what? Don't worry, your adventure is not as scary as it may seem. Here are some simple steps to making sure your guinea pig develops into a healthy, loving and wonderful pet. Environment is a key to first step health.

Baby guinea pigs have small feet and heads. Cages are made for all kinds of rodents, not just guinea babies, and their heads can get easily stuck in the wire mesh on the sides or bottom of a cage. Therefore consider first a cardboard box, or solid floor small mesh cage. Avoiding a trip to the vet will be so much more enjoyable, believe me.

Feeding your guinea pig is not as difficult as it seems as long as you follow certain rules. First remember that they are vegetarians and need lots of fresh veggies. Also they cannot produce vitamin C, and therefore need Timothy hay and other foods high in vitamin C to avoid scurvy.

The guinea pig will show signs of happiness, when squealing and popcorning. Consider the various noises they make during the day. Soon you will be able to identify their noises as happy or sad, but to be sure, consider a book or article about their noises.

A great list of foods are cucumber, carrots, including the green tops, celery and other green leafy plants. Be aware though, do not give your guinea pig snacks that you would eat like potato chips and meat. Even though they may want a taste, these products can hurt your little friend.

The baby guinea pig will immediately bond with its mother after birth. There is great controversy about holding the young before they are fully independent from the mother. It is now widely practiced, that you leave your pig to acclimate for several days after bringing it home. This will provide your pig time to adjust.

Like children, guinea pigs are shy at first, but once they love you, they love you for life. Give it a couple of days and then start approaching your pig with a little patience and food bribery to come to you. However, do not trick your guinea pig into coming to you then abruptly pick it up.

You may hear the squeal of death, as if you were torturing the poor thing. Instead, slowly entice your pig toward you each day. Finally one day put the food down just inside the cage and when your pig approaches, lightly reach out and stroke her. Then after she trusts you, with two hands scoop her up like you would a two handed splash of water for your face. You did it. Look forward to enjoying your guinea pig for many years to come.

by: James Ballidis

POST COMMENT

New Baby Page Embellishments Bippity Boppity Boo! Transform your special girl into a princess with the latest fashion trend... baby headbands! Neonatal Nurse, Helping The Baby and The Mother Four Bad Habits That Harm Your Baby's Teeth Plush Baby Blankets- The Perfect Gift Item Bathing a Newborn Baby Nothing Says, "adorable!" Faster Than A Baby Onesie Finding The Perfect Babywagen For Your Baby Trendy And Comfortable Baby Girl Dresses Baby Gifts That Are Best For Shower Parties Baby Feeding Bottle – Some Important Tips Items To Take Into Account Prior To Purchasing Two Of The Most Formidable Baby Fixtures Today Baby RoomInterior design