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One of the Least Favorite Guinea Pig Behaviors
It is a little known fact that guinea pigs’ bodies actually create two kinds of droppings. One is normal excrement and the other comes from a small sack near the anus. This second form of feces is really a concentrated does of nutritional elements that the guinea pig needs to stay healthy. Guinea pigs routinely eat these special droppings. Owners sometimes become worried when they see this, thinking that there must be something wrong with their pet. No, this is just nature’s way of keeping the guinea pig functioning and feeling good.
Chapter 9 – Caring for Your Guinea Pig
By now, you have probably realized that as cute as they are, guinea pigs require more care than most pets. Of course, having a happy, healthy cavy is worth the extra effort! Nevertheless, even if your child starts out very committed to maintaining a guinea pig and its environment, eventually the chores will become more than they can handle. I highly recommend that the guinea pig’s care belong to the entire family and that its upkeep become a communal project.
Not only does this approach allow your family to share time with each other but it also keeps the guinea pig living in a warm, caring family environment.
The following sections give explicit directions on the cleaning of cages, grooming and bathing of guinea pigs. Every living creature has certain sensitivities that must be taken into account if they are to thrive.
Cage Cleaning
Let’s face it; cavies create a lot of solid waste and urine. Their cages can become unsanitary after only a week if not cleaned. Not only does this smell bad, but it can also make your guinea pig sick. The best practice is to remove soiled bedding every day or so and put in some fresh bedding. Then, once every seven days, remove all of the bedding and replace it with fresh. Every thirty to forty-five days you will need to clean the whole cage and all of the accessories. By cleaning, I mean disinfecting with a citrus-based cleaner that does not harm pets. The rule is that the more guinea pigs that live in a cage, the more often it has to be cleaned.
Grooming
Cavy teeth, hair and nails all need regular attention. You now know about a guinea pig’s front teeth and how they grow constantly. Unless the animal keeps the teeth pared down by chewing on hard things like carrots, turnips, chew sticks, branches or wooden blocks, they will grow so long that it hurts the cavy to eat, and then it will stop eating altogether. Each week, check to make sure that your pet’s teeth are not growing inward or getting too long. If you see that this is happening, then take them to your vet to have their teeth trimmed.
Guinea Pigs Previous Page (27)
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