Words to know:
Cavy: the group a Guinea Pig is classified in. The term "cavy" is often used to represent "Guinea Pig"
Ivermectin: what is used to treat mites in Guinea Pigs.
Mites: a common pest in Guinea Pigs, which live under the skin and is not visible to the eye. Symptoms: hairloss, excessive scratching, dandruff, and irritated skin mostly around the ears.
Infestation: When something (like mites) shows up on your whole "herd"
Herd: Your group of animals.
Sows: female cavies
Boars: male cavies
FAQ's
Q. Do I have to bathe my Guinea Pig?
A. Not necissarily, unless he/she is vey dirty or has lice. Too frequent bathing will dry out his/her skin. If you do need to, use kitten shampoo in a sink (some Guinea Pigs will try to "swim" when others will not, so keep it shallow) Don't get their faces wet. Make sure they are COMPLETELY DRY , so you don't cause him/her to get sick. You can try a hair drier to dry them. Most Pigs like this, but if yours does not, put him/her in a box with a hot water bottle with a towel wrapped around it, untill he/she is completely dry.
Q. Should I breed my Guinea Pig?
Breeding is very risky thing to do. It is a risk to your sow and the babies. Birth complications can be fatal. There have been up to 12 babies- can you find homes for all of those? If you want another pig, rescue one. (Note: I am only meaning that you should not breed them just because you want babies or think it would be fun)
Q. Is one pig a lonely pig?
You can feel free to have just one pig, but it has to have you be it's friend. Having two pigs will allow you to let them bond, and keep each other company on those lonely nights when you can't be there. Just because you have two doesn't mean they won't bond with you. The more you spend time with them the more they'll bond with you.
Q. What excatly does it take to have a Guinea Pig?
It takes time, patience, and room. You need room for a big cage, and time for floor time.
Q. Do two males fight?
You may have heard that two males fight. This is a total myth. Males have as much of a chance to fight as females. And no, three don't fight, four, five, six... Of course they might fight, but the same chance as females.
Q. Can you neuter them?
Yes, you can neuter them. It is less risky to neuter a male than a female, but it still risky, so it would be safer to get two of the same gender.
Q. Alfalfa or Timothy?
For Guinea Pigs under six months, nursing, or Preganant you can feed them Alfalfa Hay. For over six months, Timothy is the way to go. Alfalfa has a lot of Calcuim, which can cause bladder stones or other bladder problems.
Q.What do you feed them?
Q. What's the scoop on cedar bedding?
Cedar bedding is extremely toxic to Cavies, which have a very sensitive respiratory system and can get sick from strong-smelling, dusty bedding such a cedar. Cedar isn't only bad for cavies, it is also bad for mice, rats, hamsters, gerbils, you name it. Cedar should not be sold in stores, it is not good for any type of small animal. It's just a way to make money off of people who don't know better.
Q. PINE- Good Or Bad?
Pine is bad unless it's kiln-dried. Kiln-Dried meaning odorless, dustless, and dry. One kiln-dried brand is Pestell.
Q. So, what bedding should I use?
