Guinea pigs must have adequate amounts of vitamin C in their diets, since their bodies are not capable of synthesizing the vitamin internally. Commercial guinea pig rations, in pellet form, can more than satisfy this requirement if the pellets purchased are fresh. However, to be safe, offer fresh fruits (e.g., one-quarter of an orange or apple) and vegetables (e.g., collard greens, parsley, kale) along with the regular pelleted rations to ensure adequate amounts of vitamin C in the diet. Like rabbits, guinea pigs also enjoy gnawing on carrot sticks.
Because a guinea pigs teeth are in a constant growth mode, provide a hardwood chew block and/or tree branches (e.g., elm, maple, birch, napple, pear, peach) to help keep the teeth worn down properly and to nsatisfy its desire to chew. Avoid branches from trees such as cedar, nredwood, cherry, and oleander, as these can be poisonous.
Clean food bowls (these should be ceramic to discourage chewing) ndaily, as some guinea pigs enjoy defecating therein. Also, provide nplenty of clean, fresh water delivered through a water sipper that hangs from the side of the cage.
Reproduction
Female guinea pigs cycle every 16 days and, if mated, will carry the developing offspring for an average of 68 days. Females that are not bred until after 6 months of age have a higher incidence of birthing complications than do those bred earlier in life. If a pig is not bred before nthis time, its pelvis might nfuse together, making passage through the birth canal difficult. As a result, a C-section operation might be necessary to deliver the litter. Also, pregnant guinea pigs are especially susceptible to heat stroke if environmental temperatures are not kept well regulated.
Litter sizes usually range from one to eight cavies. Baby guinea pigs are born with eyes open and with hair. This enables them to be weaned almost immediately if the situation warrants it. However, survival rates are better if babies are weaned around 3 weeks of age. Sexual maturity in guinea pigs is reached at 3 months of age.
Because a guinea pigs teeth are in a constant growth mode, provide a hardwood chew block and/or tree branches (e.g., elm, maple, birch, napple, pear, peach) to help keep the teeth worn down properly and to nsatisfy its desire to chew. Avoid branches from trees such as cedar, nredwood, cherry, and oleander, as these can be poisonous.
Clean food bowls (these should be ceramic to discourage chewing) ndaily, as some guinea pigs enjoy defecating therein. Also, provide nplenty of clean, fresh water delivered through a water sipper that hangs from the side of the cage.
Reproduction
Female guinea pigs cycle every 16 days and, if mated, will carry the developing offspring for an average of 68 days. Females that are not bred until after 6 months of age have a higher incidence of birthing complications than do those bred earlier in life. If a pig is not bred before nthis time, its pelvis might nfuse together, making passage through the birth canal difficult. As a result, a C-section operation might be necessary to deliver the litter. Also, pregnant guinea pigs are especially susceptible to heat stroke if environmental temperatures are not kept well regulated.
Litter sizes usually range from one to eight cavies. Baby guinea pigs are born with eyes open and with hair. This enables them to be weaned almost immediately if the situation warrants it. However, survival rates are better if babies are weaned around 3 weeks of age. Sexual maturity in guinea pigs is reached at 3 months of age.
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