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Looking after Cavies
There are many different colours and fur types found in the domestic guinea pig. There is the normal agouti, similar to the wild species. Each hair has two colours, and there are three recognised agouti colours, which are golden, silver and cinnamon. Self-coloured guinea pigs have a solid coloured coat and can be any shade of gold, beige, saffron, black, chocolate-brown and even lilac. marked guinea pigs have a combination of two or more colours. Fur types are dependant on breed. The Abyssinian has harsh, wiry hair which foms distinctive rosettes. The Peruvian guinea pig has straight silky hair, which can exceed 30cms in length. The Himalayan are pure white at birth, but later the area above the nose, ears and paws - the 'points' - darken. They always have red eyes, as do the Albino guinea pigs, which are pure white because there is no pigmentation in their skin, eyes or fur. Other breeds include the Sheltie and the rex or teddy. Looking after your guinea pig Guinea pigs need attention every day. They need to have fresh food daily. Their accommodation should be cleaned out regualrly, and should be cleaned out completely, at least twice a week. Older guinea pigs sometimes need to have their claws cut, as they are unable to wear them down properly themselves. This needs to be done by a responsible person who knows waht they are doing. Guinea pigs can be accommodated in a suitable sized hutch. A layer of woos hsavings, topped with hay or straw makes appropriate bedding. Smooth-haired and Abyssinian guinea pigs should not need grooming if kept under normal conditions. Long-haired guinea pigs require daily combing. Feeding you guinea pig In the wild, grass and plants form the basic diet. Guinea pigs are unable to produce vitamin C, and therefore have to obtain it from the foods they eat. Guinea pigs need to eat little and often. Green food and hay is a good mixture for them in spring. Commercially produced guinea pig food is usually well balanced, but needs to be stored in a sealed box, and used by it's sell-by date for the vitamin C to still have a nutritional value. They also enjoy carrots, apples, tomatoes and even potatoes. Dandelions are a treat that is welcomed by all gionea pigs, and a continuos supply of good quality hay provides them with roughage. Fresh drinking water must be supplied daily. Health and care A healthy guinea pig should have bright eyes, a full shiny coat with no bare patches, clean ears and unbroken teeth. It should run around actively, but when a hand is extended towards it, it should be curious but not frightened. When picking up your guinea pig, it should be held gently but firmly around the shoulders with one hand. The other should be used to support the guinea pig, making it feel safe and secure. Careful and regular observation of your guinea pig should help toward keeping it healthy, any illness or common ailments can be spotted early and a trip to the veterinary surgeon aid quick recovery and unnecessary suffering. Sound and communication They have exceptional hearing and produce a variety of audible sounds.These sounds are used to display a variety of emotions, signalling fear, expressing satisfaction or as a warning of a dispute between adult males. **Warning!! - Guinea pigs need to be protected from predators such as dogs, cats and foxes. Guinea pigs make wonderful pets. they love to play, especially hide-and-seek. With a little love, kindness and patience, they can even be taught a few tricks. For example, to sit up and whistle, run around in circles or to follow their owner when their name is called! Think carefully before purchasing a guinea pig. They need:
Information on guinea pigs is available in pet sections of local libraries, in book and leaflets available in pet and books shops, and in leaflets available from the vets. Guinea Pig Facts Guinea pigs, or cavies are small mammals classifies as rodents. Male guinea pigs are called 'boars' and females are called 'sows'. However, they do not have piglets. They give birth to live young, referred to as 'pups. Unlike their rodent cousins, they usually only have between one and six babies. Only two pups can be fed at a time. Older females may be at risk of experiencing difficulties giving birth because the pelvic bones will have become fused if they hav their first litter after the age of nine months. Guinea pig pups are born with a fully developed coat of fur. They can see and hear at birth, their eyes open before they are born, and all their permanent teeth are present, only the back molars have to break through the gum line. They can run around a few hours after they are born, and can be separated from their mothers at the age of 3-4 weeks. They live to an age of 5-8 years, although they may live for 10 years. They are classed as 'old' at about 6 years of age. All domestic guinea pigs are descended from a sub-species that originated in South America. They were probably first domesticated in the Inca period, when they were used for food and as sacrificail offerings. Even nowadays they are still a valuable source of meat in Peru, Colombia, Ecuador and Bolivia, where large guinea pigs are bred especially for this purpose. In Peru alone, it is estimated that 67 million are kept, providing some 17,000 tonnes of meat each year. The first guinea pigs arrived in Spain and Portugal soon after the New World was discovered in 1492. It is believed that Dutch explorers introduced them to Europe. The name 'guinea pig' is thought to reflect the worth of the original rare and expensive creatures - a whole guinea - or one of their places of export, that of 'Guiana' in South America. Edited by Emma L Corboy Last updated 31December 2002
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