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1. How old is this guinea pig?
Guinea pigs need to stay with their mothers until they are six weeks old. A cavy that is younger than that will have a much more difficult time thriving in a new environment.
2. Is it a male or a female?
Ask this question even if you end up sexing the guinea pig yourself. No guinea pig is too young to be sexed.
3. Have the males and females been kept in different cages?
Since many pet store owners or their employees cannot tell the difference between the sexes, they may believe they have kept the males separate from the females, when in fact they haven’t
Check the guinea pig's health
After you have asked your questions, move down the page to this checklist.
??Is the guinea pig socializing with other guinea pigs and with people? If you see a guinea pig sitting by itself in a corner, chances are it is unhealthy.
??Is the guinea pig’s skin evenly covered with fur, without bald patches? Are its eyes and nose clear of discharge?
??Do the droppings in the cage appear to be solid? Diarrhea signals an unhealthy animal.
??Does the female guinea pig have an oversized rump? This is a strong sign that she is pregnant.
Many animal diseases are contagious. Be sure that the guinea pig that you bring home will not contaminate your other pets. It’s disastrous to have to prepare a funeral for a brand new pet and deal with your child’s disappointment.
Chapter 5
Creating Your
Guinea Pig's Home
Homecoming can be a joyous event for you and your new guinea pig. Be sure to be prepared. There are a number of things to think about. First, will you keep your pet inside or outside? Second, what sort of cage will you provide for the guinea pig? Finally, to make a cage a home, do you have all of the necessary bedding, food, water, hiding places and toys for your guinea pig’s health and comfort?
Cage Placement
Some people like to allow their guinea pig to move between an indoor and an outdoor environment. At first, you may want to choose one or the other. Guinea pigs need at least two square feet of cage space including space for their hiding places and food bowls. Each additional guinea pig needs and extra two to four square feet. Many people feel that only outdoor environments give guinea pigs enough space for them to be healthy and happy.
Guinea Pigs Previous Page (10)
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