4 replies to this topic

[Poptart~]

I am considering getting some guinea pigs but I have a couple questions that I can’t seem to find the answer to.

• what should the GA be for there pellets
• how much hay do they go through daily
• what temperature is ideal for them and what is to hot
• how much vegetables do I feed daily
• what are the best vegetables to give them
• do they need to be tamed like hamsters, if so how?
• how hard is it to litter train them
• do you have to brush them, if so how often and what brush is the best to use
• Any toy recommendations

Thanks!

Edited by Poptartandchicka, 02 May 2021 - 05:00 AM.

[TurboHamster]

I am considering getting some guinea pigs but I have a couple questions that I can’t seem to find the answer to.

 

• what should the GA be for there pellets

I'm not sure, but generally the Oxbow pellets are recommended, the "guinea pig essentials" pellets.

• how much hay do they go through daily 

A big handful per piggy in my experience 

• what temperature is ideal for them and what is to hot

In my experience 65-75 is good, although since my piggies live in the desert with me (Mohave, second driest desert in the world I believe) they can tolerate temps up to 78 degrees and by that temp I put my foot down and provide ice packs and cold ceramic tiles for them to sit on as well as turning the fan and AC on. At 82 they will get heatstroke. They can get wet though, so if they are okay with you gently misting them with cool water that'll help. 

• how much vegetables do I feed daily

 I feed around 1 roimane lettuce leaf or green leaf lettuce per piggy daily, plus about a small handful of cucumbers, carrots, celery, parsley, bell pepper, or grape tomato. they should take about 8-10 minutes to eat it all up. 

• what are the best vegetables to give them

Roimane lettuce, green leaf lettuce, power/spring greens, bell pepper, grape tomato, carrot, cucumber, watermelon occasionally, parsley, cilantro, celery. 

• do they need to be tamed like hamsters, if so how?

You don't have to tame them like hamsters, you kind of just spend lots of time with them and handle them frequently while giving them lots of food. If you do wish to handle them, just grab them as quick and steathly as you can, don't worry about stress. Your hands chasing will be a lot more stressful than a quick pick-up. Give them lots of lettuces/veggies during this time so they feel safe.

• how hard is it to litter train them

I've never tried! So I don't know. 

• do you have to brush them, if so how often and what brush is the best to use

You can brush them if you have longer haired varieties, espiecally during the summer when they shed. I use just an old, soft baby brush for this, they seem to enjoy it. 

• Any toy recommendations 

Basically just wooden toys and ferret toys that aren't small enough for them to eat and choke on. Some piggies will enjoy them more than others. 

 

Thanks!

 

Hope this could help!!

[lil BIG dwarf]

Try this- https://www.theguineapigforum.co.uk/

 

Also, make sur eno matter what they have unlimited hay

[Poptart~]

Also a couple more questions

• is this cage suitable if I get the XXL size-https://www.petco.com/
• Can I bring my guinea pig out for yard time cause I know my grass is untreated and not fertilized
• How much out-of-cage time do they need daily
• How often do I feed fruits
• If I use fleece as the bedding, then how often do you need to wash it.
• is it okay it use fabric hides or will they chew them.
• ive seen people bathe them in water, is that okay to do

Edited by Poptartandchicka, 02 May 2021 - 08:54 PM.

[Robin~]

That cage would be fine, but it is a bit expensive. You’d probably be better off using a C&C cage or dog pen. Also keep in mind 2x4’ is the bare minimum for two sows; the recommended size for two sows is 2x5’ and the recommended size for two boars is 2x6’.

Yard time is great! Just be sure to keep them penned and watch them very closely. An enclosed pen outside would be ideal to prevent attacks from predators.

They don’t absolutely need out of cage time, but 30-60 minutes of free roaming time daily would be great if you can provide it!

Most recommend ~1 tablespoon per pig 1-2 times a week

I washed mine 1-2 times a week. If you use smaller pads for high traffic areas they may need to be washed more often.

Fabric is great! Guinea pigs aren’t super chewy, or at least know what’s good to chew and what isn’t.

Boars can get “bum baths” to clean their genital area when it gets dirty, but baths should be generally avoided unless for medical purposes. Full body baths should be completely avoided.