Baby guinea pigs are tiny, and hence they need a lot of precaution and care to make sure that they are safe in their cage. The first thing when you get a baby guinea pig home is to find a warm and quiet place to set up its cage until they are big enough to be left alone. Make sure that the spot does not have any loud noises or other pets wandering around the area. Guinea pigs are basically very nervous mammals and will get anxious and feel unsettled.
Once you have found the right place, then setup the cage and arrange soft bedding. Also, make sure that the cage has a dark nest area so that they can take refuge in the place at any time that they want. Once you have the baby guinea pigs in the cage leave them alone and make sure that there is no disturbance in the area. This allows them to get adjusted to the new environment. They are likely to be shy for a day or two and would only come out when they feel at home.
You should start being friendly with the baby guinea pigs by making them get used to your touch. Slowly put your hand in the cage and continue this for a while. Feed them yourself with some vegetables like carrots, flowers and lettuce. In this manner, the baby guinea pigs will get used to your presence and scent and start associating with you. You can gradually start brushing their coat with a toothbrush. They love such treatment. You can also buy some nice nutritional wheels for them to keeping nibbling on.
Guinea pigs love some of the toys and this can add an attraction to their cage. This will also help them put in use some exercises and keep themselves entertained. These small creatures just love small corners and hides where they can sneak in. You can add some soft plastic pipes to their cage through which they can pass and play around. You can also have a cardboard box with a hole cut in it to keep the pets amused.
Guinea pigs are herbivorous and they should be fed with the guinea pig mix. Baby guinea pigs should be given soft foods that are easy to swallow. You are supposed to include vitamin C regularly in the diet of the pets because they lack the enzyme that produces vitamin C. It is important to note that you should not feed the guinea pig with rabbit food. Some of the vegetables that you can feed the pets with include: apple, broccoli, beetroot, carrots, cucumber, parsnips, turnips, and banana.
To make sure that your baby guinea pig does not contract any disease keep the cage and the environment clean. Keep observing the pet, if it scratches too much, then it is suffering from skin problems. If you observe bald patches on the face or body, then it indicates a fungal infection. Clean the fur of your pet regularly and brush the coat well to help prevent any fur infection. If there are any indications of infection that is spreading then take your pet to a vet who will take further care.
Copyright 2009
Healthguidance.org. All rights reserved.
E-mail. DISCLAIMER: By printing,
downloading, or using you agree to our full terms. Review the full terms at
the following URL:
http://www.healthguidance.org/pages/Terms-of-Service. If you do not agree to the
full terms, do not use the information. We are only publishers of this
material, not authors. Information may have errors or be outdated. The
information on this website is not intended to replace a one-on-one
relationship with a qualified health care professional and is not intended as
medical advice. Statements made pertaining to the properties or functions of
nutritional supplements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug
Administration. If you have a medical problem or symptoms, consult your
physician. User assumes all risk of use, damage, or injury. You agree that we
have no liability for any damages. We are not liable for any consequential,
incidental, indirect, or special damages. You indemnify us for claims caused
by you.