Further Guinea Pig Information - Q&As
This page is dedicated into answering the many questions iv been asked over the years and to clear up any myths etc. Its good to remember that not everyone does everything the same, we do what works for us and our pigs. There is also a fair bit of inaccurate information that is given out so its best to source your information from a reputable breeder/rescue.
* I will update this page as often as i can, if you would like anything added please message me *
The Five Freedoms for all animal care :
- Freedom from hunger or thirst by ready access to fresh water and a diet to
maintain full health and vigor - Freedom from discomfort by providing an appropriate environment including
shelter and a comfortable resting area - Freedom from pain, injury or disease by prevention or rapid diagnosis and
treatment - Freedom to express normal behavior by providing sufficient space, proper
facilities and company of the animal's own kind - Freedom from fear and distress by ensuring conditions and treatment which
avoid mental suffering
Some useful information -
* A sow can be bred from 8 - 16 months of age for the first time although i would advise breeding from 10 months. Ensure the sow is fit, healthy and of a good weight (usually over 950grams). A sows pelvic bones will NOT fuse together. The pelvic fusing myth has been going around for a while now. What happens is as a sow gets older the oxytocin levels decrease which can cause issues during labour. Problems can arise in all pregnancies regardless of the sows age.
* Choking on seeds - This is another odd phrase i hear a lot, truth is a guinea pig like any animal can indeed choke on just about anything, hay being the most common thing. (hay has seeds too) They could choke on a pellet feed too. There is no need to remove seeds from bell peppers, fresh pumpkins, melons, cucumbers (yes iv had that question asked). A guinea pig is more likely to choke by eating too fast, iv had it happen in my herds. Guinea pigs have 20 teeth, very well equipped to deal with many foods and grasses.
* I do not supplement my guinea pigs with vitamin c. I feel that if a guinea pig is fed the correct diet (guinea pig pellet which has vit c included) with a nice selection of fruit/veg then they shouldn't need supplemented. I would only supplement a pig with vit c if they were unwell and under a vets say so.
* Neutering guinea pigs does not change their behavior so if your pigs dont get along, neutering wont help this.
* I do not agree with housing rabbits and guinea pigs together. They have different dietary requirements, rabbits can carry bacteria which can cause URI's in guinea pigs. Rabbits have very powerful back legs and can cause fatal internal injuries to guinea pigs.
* Leads(harness)/wheels/balls are a big NO. They can cause serious spinal injuries and are another pet shop money making scheme. If you want to exercise your guinea pig, provide a secure run area where they can move about freely and safely.
* Treats , pet store treats can contain sugars and nuts/seeds which are "junk" food to guinea pigs. Most pigs would much rather have fresh veggies/fruit, a nice range of grasses/herbs or some freshly picked grass/dandelions etc.
* Guinea pigs can begin reproducing at a young age, Boars can be safely removed from their mum/sisters between 4-6 weeks old. There is no risk to the mother or siblings prior to 4 weeks of age. The way the mothers seasons work means she would have had 2 seasons prior to the boars being 4 weeks, her third season would be when the pups are around 42/48 days old. I remove my young boars at 4-5 weeks and place them with an "uncle" pig (adult male). ** Note each pig should be assessed individually as some need a little extra time with mum ** Please note sows usually have their first season around 6 weeks of age.
* Loose Hay must be provided at all times, hay cookies, twists, blocks are an addition to loose hay.
* Toys may be appreciated by many pigs, many people use toilet roll tubes stuffed with hay/grasses (ensure you slit either side to prevent pigs getting their heads stuck) Paper bags for them to chew/run through. Chubes (large cardboard tubes found in pet stores) You can also use hammocks (low to the ground to prevent injuries) Pigloos (large plastic hideys) You can also get snuggle sacs (fleece/material sleeping bag type hideys)
* Clipping a pigs nails should be done frequently to prevent overgrown/curled nails. I clip mine every 6-8
weeks.
* Guinea pigs will NOT fight to the death, this is another myth. When introducing pigs its our duty as owners to ensure fights don't break out, we are there to prevent injuries if and where possible. Remember all pigs have different personalities so not all pigs get along. We should never force animals to bond.
* Grooming may be needed to keep the coats clean, tangle free and in good condition.
* Boars can and do live in pairs, trios and even quads, its about finding pigs with personalities to match.
* Toilet training guinea pigs has been attempted by many, it can work but not 100% like rabbits. Guinea pigs tend to go when they want, where they want. A fair few will have a specific area they use.
* Guinea pigs can live between 4 - 8 years depending on general care, health etc
* Sows usually have between 1 - 6 pups, some sows have been known to have more.
* Do not provide your guinea pigs with salt/mineral licks, they often cause more troubles in later life.
* Siblings do not always get along, do not assume because they are litter mates that they will get along all their
lives.
* Guinea pigs breeding through cage bars? This would be fairly impossible due to how the mating process works and how a boars penis is positioned. I dont want to say never as there will always be that (<1%) chance that a boar figures out how to!
* Guinea pigs teeth are constantly growing hence the need for unlimited access to hay. If a tooth breaks or chips it should grow back within 3-4 weeks. A vet may be needed to remove a damaged tooth to allow the new tooth to come in.
* Breeding - A sow can ONLY get pregnant when she is in season. Seasons happen every 16days odd and last 24 hours max. The sow will only accept the boar for approx 12 hours during this period of time. A sow cannot get pregnant outwith a season.
* Guinea pigs are mammals, all mammals (except for the monotremes) have nipples. Sows and boars both have two nipples.
* Guinea pigs all have bald areas behind their ears, this is totally normal and nothing to worry about. The bald areas vary in shape/size and pigmentation depending on the guinea pigs colour.
* Chirping - some guinea pigs have been heard to chirp. This is a high pitched noise, similar to a bird (hence the name chirping) there is no definite answer why they chirp, some think its a danger call., others think its just a call they make to communicate with others.
* Climbing/Jumping - some guinea pigs are excellent at parkour, they have been known to jump 30cm with ease, bare this in mind with housing and runs.