What do you do after you get a guinea pig?

What do you do after you get a guinea pig?

Here’s what you need to know to keep your new guinea pig happy and healthy.

1. Set the scene for a proper home.
2. Stock up on a good food.
3. Guinea pig proof your abode.
4. Give your guinea pig some space at first.
5. Understand your guinea pig’s actions.
6. Be on the lookout for any health issues.
7. Pair your guinea pig appropriately.

How much time should I spend with my guinea pig?

As they don’t have regular company make sure that you spend regular time with your guinea pig. Experts say spending around 2 hours a day with it will do it a lot of good. If you can spend more, then that’s better. 2. Give them things to do to keep them occupied.

How old do guinea pigs have to be before they can breed?

Sows can breed at the tender age of five weeks but this is too young. A sow should weigh a minimum of 400gm, equivalent to about three months of age, before being mated and should preferably be a little older than this. Male guinea pigs should be about three to four months of age before being allowed to mate.

How long does it take a guinea pig to produce a baby?

The female guinea pig takes her time to produce her babies. It will take from nine to ten weeks before you are rewarded with young ones. A sow will produce from one to six young, but three to four is the average. Large litters usually have a shorter gestation period (length of pregnancy).

How long does female guinea pig dominance last?

Like in males, female guinea pig dominance behavior can last for different periods of time. Sometimes the behavior lasts for two weeks and other times it lasts for only two days. However, the duration may become prolonged if the female guinea pig is sick.

How long does it take to introduce a New Guinea Pig?

Introducing the Guinea Pigs Quarantine the new guinea pig. You should keep your guinea pigs separate from one another in a different room for the first two to three weeks. Introduce them on a neutral ground. Once the two to three week quarantine period has passed, it’s time to introduce the guinea pigs.

When is the best time to give away guinea pigs?

If you cannot look after your guinea pig to the level it needs, you should hand them over to a reputable rescue centre as soon as possible. If you are still able to look after them, it may be best to wait until mid year as many rescues are overwhelmed after holidays like Christmas and Easter.

Can a guinea pig be alone for a long time?

Spending time with them is great therapy for them, so give them as much time as you can. So, can ‘guinea pigs be alone?’ Guinea pigs can be alone, however it is not advisable to let this happen for a prolonged period unless you have the time to spend with them to give them the company they need.

What happens when you put a New Guinea Pig in a cage?

Placing the new guinea pig directly in the cage with a new one can cause undue stress as they must be eased into a new environment, and their presence may cause the current pig to become territorial. In addition to the emotional concerns, many guinea pig illnesses, which are easily spread at pet and department stores, can incubate for long periods.