Guinea pigs are cute creatures that make great pets. Guinea pigs are naturally happy and enthusiastic creatures that make sweet noises.
They are extremely easy to take care of and even though they don’t require much attention, they do need a few basic things.
These cuddly little creatures can display depression-like symptoms such as loss of appetite and inactivity if they don’t receive proper care. So what can you do to make your guinea pigs happy?
What Makes Guinea Pigs Happy?
To keep your pets content, you need to provide them with basic things, such as a clean and cozy home, healthy diet, love and care, space for activities and a few other companions.
If you bring these tiny little creatures to your house, it’s your responsibility to keep their life interesting and exciting.
You might not know how to properly look after your little piggies, especially if you’re a new guinea pig owner.
Here are a few ways in which you can keep your little guinea pigs happy, healthy, and fluffy.
Ensure That Their Home Matches Their Needs
Guinea pigs, like humans, can only thrive in a good environment. They require a steady and secure home where they can live peacefully.
Most cages that are found at fancy pet stores aren’t only expensive but also offer very disappointing value for money due to their insufficient size.
It’s important to consider the cage as a home for at least 2 fully-grown guinea pigs as they need to be raised in pairs.
A normal-sized cage might seem like it’s sufficient for a baby guinea pig, but these fluffy creatures grow fairly quickly.
The rule of thumb when buying a cage for a pair of guinea pigs is that the cage should be at least 7.5 square feet, if not more, in size.
If you have a single guinea pig, then the cage should be at least 30″ x 36″ and if you have a pair of guinea pigs, the cage should be about 30″ x 50″.
These furry creatures require enough room to be able to run around, exercise, and play.
Ensure that there’s enough space for a food bowl, a tunnel, a small box for your piggy to hide in and to excrete.
It is important for their home/cage to be neat and tidy as these tiny creatures can have an instantly negative reaction to a dirty cage.
So, make sure that you get rid of the leftover food and poop every day.
Feed these Tiny Creatures Properly
Guinea pigs require a strict and healthy meal plan to ensure they don’t suffer from any digestive issues.
You don’t always have to feed them some fancy or exotic food; a few basic items will work just fine.
These fluffy creatures, like any other living thing, require a nutritious diet.
Fresh hay is a great option to include in their diets and helps them grind their teeth. Guinea pigs can indulge in the hay while running and playing, so this keeps them really happy.
Additionally, they require unlimited grass hay, as food pellets don’t have enough fiber to aid their digestive system.
Your tiny pet will require 1/8 cup of food pellets along with a cup of vegetables each day.
Guinea pigs require significant vitamin C that can be gained by eating vegetables, specifically leafy greens, such as kale and spinach.
You can also offer them other veggie options, such as bell peppers, carrots, peas, tomatoes, and Brussel sprouts.
Veggies are the primary source of food for these creatures as they contain high vitamin and nutrient quantities.
Avoid feeding them iceberg lettuce as it can cause diarrhea, making them very uneasy. However, you will have to experiment and see what your tiny pet likes.
Another must-add item to the diet of your guinea pig pet is fruit.
These fuzzy creatures love fruits, especially those that contain high vitamin C levels such as kiwi, strawberry, and cantaloupe.
You can also offer them other yummy fruit treats such as blueberries, strawberries, grapes, oranges, pears, watermelon, and even cranberries.
Due to their high sugar content, these fruits should only be offered as special treats about once or twice a week— not on a regular basis.
Bond with Your Little Pet
Guinea pigs are highly social creatures. Even though in moderate amounts, these tiny creatures require attention to be happy.
You should spare at least 15 to 20 minutes a day to pet and stroke these fluffy babies as a reward.
This enforces bonding, reduces skittishness, and also makes them very happy.
This bonding time also allows you to assess and monitor their physical health and wellbeing. Bonding with your guinea pig is good for its health as well as yours.
Be careful when handling your pet. Handle your furry little pet with complete care.
These beautiful creatures are tiny animals with delicate bones. Make sure to support their body when handling them.
Some guinea pigs also tend to jump when they’re being returned to their cages, resulting in broken bones and injuries.
Hold your pet against your chest to ensure their security.
Check Their Health From Time To Time
When guinea pigs aren’t feeling well or are in pain, they naturally get very depressed and sad.
For this reason, it is essential to take them for regular checkups and bathe them with anti-parasite shampoos at least once a month.
Keep checking your pet to see if you notice anything out of the ordinary. Ensure that you take swift and quick action if you notice something is wrong.
It’s difficult to keep a check as guinea pigs are really good at concealing their health issues, so in case an issue seems obvious, it’s often serious.
Find Your Guinea Pig a Companion
Guinea pigs are social animals that do well in herds. No amount of emphasis can be placed on the fact that these furry beings require a partner or companion.
As its owner, you can provide it with all the affection in the world and develop a really strong bond with it, but it’ll still crave a companion that belongs to the same species.
In many countries, buying a single guinea pig is illegal as it’s mandatory to purchase them in pairs.
If you’re worried about the costs associated with adopting another guinea pig, you don’t have to worry as you can adopt them from shelters at a very affordable price.
Bring Them Outside
The glorious grass and the amazing tree branches can be a real vacation for your pet.
Your furry little pet will get exhausted locked up in the cage by itself. Take your guinea pig out for a real adventure in your backyard.
Ensure that you check the weather before taking them out as it should be neither too hot nor too cold.
Guinea pigs are used to being more active in dusk and dawn. Avoid putting these tiny babies directly under the sunlight as they can overheat.
The best time to take them out is early morning or in the evening.
Place your guinea pig inside a playpen so that it doesn’t run too far. Also, ensure that they stay away from areas that could have chemical pesticides.
Conclusion
Guinea pigs are furry creatures that are extremely special and make amazing pets for any family.
Unlike other pets, they don’t demand much care and are easy and inexpensive to maintain.
If you have guinea pigs that seem depressed or bored, follow the tips mentioned above to keep them happy!
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