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Guinea Pig Secrets
A Comprehensive Special Report
Copyright 2004, Psy Tech Inc. All Rights Reserved
Disclaimer: Not for use in lieu of an evaluation by, and/or the advice of a licensed veterinarian.
Table of Contents
Introduction
1 Where Did Guinea Pigs Come From? 5
2 What Types of Guinea Pigs are Available 8
3 What You Need to Know Before Buying a Guinea Pig 11
4 Buying Your Guinea Pig 16
5 Creating Your Guinea Pig's Home 22
6 Guinea Pig Nutrition 32
7 Guinea Pig Exercise 37
8 Guinea Pig Behavior 39
9 Caring for Your Guinea Pig 48
10 Guinea Pigs & Health Problems 53
11 Guinea Pigs & Pregnancy 63
12 Other Guinea Pig Information 70
Conclusion 73
Introduction
Do you know the difference between a hamster and a guinea pig? What makes a guinea pig particularly different from a large gerbil? One big difference is that guinea pigs take naps throughout the day and night, so they are not too sleepy to play when people are awake. If you’ve ever been kept awake at night by the sound of the gerbil or hamster running on their squeaky wheel, you know that having a non-nocturnal pet can be important. Over a million people in the United States keep guinea pigs as pets. They find them to be the perfect companions for themselves or for their children. The story of guinea pigs is exciting and it explains why they are such popular pets.
Children love to touch and hold and carry their pets like babies. Guinea pigs, unlike hamsters and gerbils, are cuddly creatures and easy for small arms to hold. They even have personalities and will give you a nuzzle of affection from time to time. Guinea pigs make an excellent choice as a first pet because they don’t need to be potty trained, taken for walks or provided with special temperatures. A small cage with some bedding, newspaper and a steady supply of water and food makes for a happy guinea pig. The low maintenance of guinea pigs makes them good companions for adults as well.
Unlike snakes, rabbits, birds, dogs or fish guinea pigs are easy to handle, quiet, independent and ready to make friends with you. If you’re too busy to pet or play with your guinea pig, they will not scratch and whine at the door like a dog, demanding your attention. When the sun comes up, you will not hear them chirping like a bird. Regardless of why you want to own a guinea pig as a pet, it’s a good idea to learn more about their long and fascinating history with human beings. The history of the guinea pig is educational and helps you and your child understand the best way to take care of a guinea pig.
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