Buying Your First Guinea Pig
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Amanda_Toop]Amanda Toop
Choosing Your First Guinea Pig
There are lots of options when it comes to selecting a place to buy or adopt your first guinea pig. Today the most popular options are pet stores, breeders, rescue centers, clubs, and friends. Depending on where one lives there may be many options available or just a few. Beyond checking the local phone directory and doing and internet search in one's area, don't forget word of mouth. Local guinea pig owners and veterinarians may know of a great source that might otherwise be easily overlooked.
Pet Stores
Pet stores are the easiest and most available option for many families. Pet stores sell a variety of animals, not just guinea pigs, and as such may not have specially trained staff. This results in the potential for a few problems that a careful owner will need to look out for. Guinea pigs sold in pet stores tend to be very young and frequently not sexed correctly. This means that its pretty easy to go to a store buy a "male" guinea pig and then come home to find you have a very young pregnant female. If a pet store is the only option in one's area, make sure to spend some time learning to sex a guinea pig.
Breeders
In an ideal world a guinea pig breeder would be the kind of person who has a special passion for guinea pigs and in fact many breeders likely are. There are many breeders who are strictly interested in selling guinea pigs for profit. The risks of buying a guinea pig from this kind of environment are that there may be latent health problems that are not immediately visible. Mature guinea pigs between the ages of 18 months and two years may also be for sale because they have carried too many litters. Look for a knowledgeable breeder who appears driven by passion, not profit.
Rescue Centers
Keep in mind that most guinea pigs end up in rescue center through no fault of their own but rather end up in homes where the owners ultimately cannot keep them. Rescue centers make an effort to take in as many unwanted guinea pigs as possible. Furthermore, rescue centers tend to be run by passionate, knowledgeable people who are very likely to be able to help one find the best fit for one's family.
Clubs
Frequently one can find guinea pigs for sale at local club shows. This is a good chance to see lots of different guinea pig breeds and speak with owners. Club shows should be open to the public and are a great opportunity to network.
Friends
If a friend or family member has a pregnant guinea pig this can be an easy opportunity to obtain a new pet. Make sure that the puppy stays with the mother for at least eight weeks as leaving home any earlier can cause a lot of stress. Also, even though the owner is known to you, still evaluate the guinea pigs for health and behavioral problems.
Amanda is a lifelong guinea pig lover. For additional information on buying guinea pigs, visit http://www.guineapigresource.com/where-to-get-your-new-guinea-pig/
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Amanda_Toop http://EzineArticles.com/?Buying-Your-First-Guinea-Pig&id=2609305
Monday, August 3, 2009
Bringing Your Guinea Pig Home
Bringing Your Guinea Pigs Home
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Amanda_Toop]Amanda Toop
The First Week
Even though you are really excited to make friends with your new guinea pig(s) the first three or four days can be very stressful for them. The combination of a new home with new sounds, smells, and people can be very frightening. Loud noises and "hovering" can also be very scary. Please avoid touching and cuddling your new pet until they are adjusted to their new space.
One of the best things you can provide your new friend during this time is an excellent place to hide. A simple PVC pipe section would work just fine but you are also welcome to get something fancier. Be sure you provide a separate hiding area for each guinea pig as well otherwise someone will get left outside or a fight will breakout.
Don't Hover!
The best angle to observe you guinea pig is eye level with the cage. Keeping mind that looking down from above into the cage mimics the behavior of aerial predators, something a natural prey animal would instinctually be afraid of. So remember kneel down and stay at the same level as your cage to show him you are a friend and not there to eat him!
Gaining Trust
The way into your guinea pig's heart is through his stomach. That's right, treats. Offering treats is a great way to build trust. Luckily, your new companion loves to eat and there are no shortage of items to bribe him with. Chapter 5 goes into greater detail on your guinea pig's favorite treats.
Take the treat you want to offer, show it to your pet, and then place it right at the cage's entrance. Then move away, making sure you are not hovering, and wait. If you cannot get your guinea pig to move towards the treat to investigate, pick it up again, making sure you move slowly and in a nonthreatening way, and then close the cage door. You can try this technique a few times per day until your guinea pig learns he must come and pick the treat up himself.
Watch your guinea pig and carefully try to move closer without scaring him. This will ensure that over time he will get used to your presence. Your goal is to work up to a point where you can offer the treat from your hand and your guinea pig will come and take it. After a while you will find he will come to enjoy taking his treat and begin to associate your presence with treats.
Learning to Pick Up Your Guinea Pig
Okay so now that you've taught your guinea pig to trust you by the offering of treats, now it comes time to learn how to acclimate him to being held. Do not try to lure your pet into being held by offering treats. The fear he or she may experience over being held when it is not welcome will overcome the fragile bond you have built with treats. Instead what you want to do is get him or her used to being touched by gently petting. The best thing to remember is that in the wild, he would be food for anything that could catch it.
When picking up your guinea pig remember to be gentle. Its actually quite easy to accidentally damage their lungs by squeezing too hard. Gently grasp your pet's torso, then support their rear end - make sure you are being gentle and providing full body support. Always supervise young children as your guinea pick can be injured easily if mishandled or dropped.
In Conclusion
Spending time cuddling and playing with your guinea pig is worth the time and patience necessary to build a trusting relationship. Make sure that when you are practicing the steps above that you do so in a quiet room without loud noises or unexpected disturbances. Have a treat ready to place on your lap and over time he or she will trust you enough to come and eat it. Your patience will be worth it when you see your new friend get excited and squeal for joy when he sees you.
Amanda is a lifelong guinea pig expert. For more great tips on bringing guinea pigs home, visit [http://guineapigresource.com/bringing-your-guinea-pig-home/]http://guineapigresource.com/bringing-your-guinea-pig-home
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Amanda_Toop http://EzineArticles.com/?Bringing-Your-Guinea-Pigs-Home&id=2466215
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Amanda_Toop]Amanda Toop
The First Week
Even though you are really excited to make friends with your new guinea pig(s) the first three or four days can be very stressful for them. The combination of a new home with new sounds, smells, and people can be very frightening. Loud noises and "hovering" can also be very scary. Please avoid touching and cuddling your new pet until they are adjusted to their new space.
One of the best things you can provide your new friend during this time is an excellent place to hide. A simple PVC pipe section would work just fine but you are also welcome to get something fancier. Be sure you provide a separate hiding area for each guinea pig as well otherwise someone will get left outside or a fight will breakout.
Don't Hover!
The best angle to observe you guinea pig is eye level with the cage. Keeping mind that looking down from above into the cage mimics the behavior of aerial predators, something a natural prey animal would instinctually be afraid of. So remember kneel down and stay at the same level as your cage to show him you are a friend and not there to eat him!
Gaining Trust
The way into your guinea pig's heart is through his stomach. That's right, treats. Offering treats is a great way to build trust. Luckily, your new companion loves to eat and there are no shortage of items to bribe him with. Chapter 5 goes into greater detail on your guinea pig's favorite treats.
Take the treat you want to offer, show it to your pet, and then place it right at the cage's entrance. Then move away, making sure you are not hovering, and wait. If you cannot get your guinea pig to move towards the treat to investigate, pick it up again, making sure you move slowly and in a nonthreatening way, and then close the cage door. You can try this technique a few times per day until your guinea pig learns he must come and pick the treat up himself.
Watch your guinea pig and carefully try to move closer without scaring him. This will ensure that over time he will get used to your presence. Your goal is to work up to a point where you can offer the treat from your hand and your guinea pig will come and take it. After a while you will find he will come to enjoy taking his treat and begin to associate your presence with treats.
Learning to Pick Up Your Guinea Pig
Okay so now that you've taught your guinea pig to trust you by the offering of treats, now it comes time to learn how to acclimate him to being held. Do not try to lure your pet into being held by offering treats. The fear he or she may experience over being held when it is not welcome will overcome the fragile bond you have built with treats. Instead what you want to do is get him or her used to being touched by gently petting. The best thing to remember is that in the wild, he would be food for anything that could catch it.
When picking up your guinea pig remember to be gentle. Its actually quite easy to accidentally damage their lungs by squeezing too hard. Gently grasp your pet's torso, then support their rear end - make sure you are being gentle and providing full body support. Always supervise young children as your guinea pick can be injured easily if mishandled or dropped.
In Conclusion
Spending time cuddling and playing with your guinea pig is worth the time and patience necessary to build a trusting relationship. Make sure that when you are practicing the steps above that you do so in a quiet room without loud noises or unexpected disturbances. Have a treat ready to place on your lap and over time he or she will trust you enough to come and eat it. Your patience will be worth it when you see your new friend get excited and squeal for joy when he sees you.
Amanda is a lifelong guinea pig expert. For more great tips on bringing guinea pigs home, visit [http://guineapigresource.com/bringing-your-guinea-pig-home/]http://guineapigresource.com/bringing-your-guinea-pig-home
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Amanda_Toop http://EzineArticles.com/?Bringing-Your-Guinea-Pigs-Home&id=2466215
Creating an Ideal Guinea Pig Home
Creating an Ideal Guinea Pig Home
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Amanda_Toop]Amanda Toop
Cage Location
One of the first decisions you will need to make before you bring your new guinea pig home is - do you want him or her to live inside or outside? While the outdoor option may seem more convenient consider a these factors first - if your pet lives outdoors, the two of you may not form as tight of a bond unless you make the extra effort. A lot of what people find enjoyable about guinea pig ownership is simply the shared companionship - sitting together, watching your furry friend play with toys in his cage, etc. Outdoor pets also do not have as long of a lifespan due to increased exposure to extreme weather conditions and neighborhood predators. Finally, if you are not regularly monitoring your furry friend, days can go by before you realize he or she is ill. This could be potentially life threatening if your guinea pig has contracted a rapidly developing illness. For the reasons above, we recommend keeping your pet indoors.
The greatest consideration when locating your guinea pig cage in your home is selecting a spot that will remain at an ideal temperature for your pet. Avoid close proximity to direct sunlight and other heating elements such as radiators and stoves. Extreme cold is also deadly so avoid cage placement near doors, windows, or directly on the floor as this is likely to be drafty. Avoid areas that are dark and damp - this includes basements and garages (especially because of car exhaust fumes.) Finally, avoid any location that is very noisy as guinea pigs have very sharp hearing. This would include televisions and stereo systems. The ideal spot will be somewhere in the center of your home where he or she can watch household activity. Any area where people are interacting should be fine - just not an area that is so busy that your new companion becomes stressed due to a lack of rest.
Cage Basics
Look for cages with removable bottom trays and sturdy wire. Sturdy wire will not be vulnerable to gnawing and will provide excellent access to ventilation and light. A removable bottom tray will make the task of cleaning much easier. Make sure the cage floor is either hard plastic or some kind of non-rusting metal. If your cage is all wire, you will need to add a wood floored area (any wood but toxic redwood.) Mesh and wire cage floors are going to be very uncomfortable and not entirely safe for your guinea pig as his leg can get caught in the gaps and the wire will make his feet sore. The cage you select should also be easy to take apart as you will need to clean it once per week. Make sure the cage comes with an opening on top so you can easily reach in without your guinea pig running out. A side door is also an excellent option for when you want to let your guinea pig out to play.
Many so-called experts recommend cages that are simply too small to ensure the maximum health and happiness of your guinea pig. The most common recommendation is that you find a cage big enough to accommodate your guinea pig, his food, water, nest box, and toys. The cage should be large enough that your pet cannot reach the top. Unfortunately this information is too vague and can result in an owner buying a cage that is too small. Other "experts" recommend 2.5 square feet per guinea pig. This is also inadequate. We strongly recommend 7.5 square feet for one, or 10.5 square feet for two. Remember, the more exercise and space your guinea pig has the healthier he will be. This will ultimately save you the stress and financial burden of a sick guinea pig later on.
Amanda is a lifelong guinea pig lover. For more great tips on bringing guinea pigs home, visit http://guineapigresource.com/bringing-your-guinea-pig-home/
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Amanda_Toop http://EzineArticles.com/?Creating-an-Ideal-Guinea-Pig-Home&id=2469376
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Amanda_Toop]Amanda Toop
Cage Location
One of the first decisions you will need to make before you bring your new guinea pig home is - do you want him or her to live inside or outside? While the outdoor option may seem more convenient consider a these factors first - if your pet lives outdoors, the two of you may not form as tight of a bond unless you make the extra effort. A lot of what people find enjoyable about guinea pig ownership is simply the shared companionship - sitting together, watching your furry friend play with toys in his cage, etc. Outdoor pets also do not have as long of a lifespan due to increased exposure to extreme weather conditions and neighborhood predators. Finally, if you are not regularly monitoring your furry friend, days can go by before you realize he or she is ill. This could be potentially life threatening if your guinea pig has contracted a rapidly developing illness. For the reasons above, we recommend keeping your pet indoors.
The greatest consideration when locating your guinea pig cage in your home is selecting a spot that will remain at an ideal temperature for your pet. Avoid close proximity to direct sunlight and other heating elements such as radiators and stoves. Extreme cold is also deadly so avoid cage placement near doors, windows, or directly on the floor as this is likely to be drafty. Avoid areas that are dark and damp - this includes basements and garages (especially because of car exhaust fumes.) Finally, avoid any location that is very noisy as guinea pigs have very sharp hearing. This would include televisions and stereo systems. The ideal spot will be somewhere in the center of your home where he or she can watch household activity. Any area where people are interacting should be fine - just not an area that is so busy that your new companion becomes stressed due to a lack of rest.
Cage Basics
Look for cages with removable bottom trays and sturdy wire. Sturdy wire will not be vulnerable to gnawing and will provide excellent access to ventilation and light. A removable bottom tray will make the task of cleaning much easier. Make sure the cage floor is either hard plastic or some kind of non-rusting metal. If your cage is all wire, you will need to add a wood floored area (any wood but toxic redwood.) Mesh and wire cage floors are going to be very uncomfortable and not entirely safe for your guinea pig as his leg can get caught in the gaps and the wire will make his feet sore. The cage you select should also be easy to take apart as you will need to clean it once per week. Make sure the cage comes with an opening on top so you can easily reach in without your guinea pig running out. A side door is also an excellent option for when you want to let your guinea pig out to play.
Many so-called experts recommend cages that are simply too small to ensure the maximum health and happiness of your guinea pig. The most common recommendation is that you find a cage big enough to accommodate your guinea pig, his food, water, nest box, and toys. The cage should be large enough that your pet cannot reach the top. Unfortunately this information is too vague and can result in an owner buying a cage that is too small. Other "experts" recommend 2.5 square feet per guinea pig. This is also inadequate. We strongly recommend 7.5 square feet for one, or 10.5 square feet for two. Remember, the more exercise and space your guinea pig has the healthier he will be. This will ultimately save you the stress and financial burden of a sick guinea pig later on.
Amanda is a lifelong guinea pig lover. For more great tips on bringing guinea pigs home, visit http://guineapigresource.com/bringing-your-guinea-pig-home/
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Amanda_Toop http://EzineArticles.com/?Creating-an-Ideal-Guinea-Pig-Home&id=2469376
Selecting and buying your guinea pig
Selecting and Buying Your Guinea Pig
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Amanda_Toop]Amanda Toop
How Much Should I expect to Spend?
The average guinea pig purchased at a pet store should cost between $5 and $15 per guinea pig. If you purchase a guinea pig from a breeder (or choose a long haired guinea pig) you could end up spending closer to $45 per guinea pig.
An average cage will cost between $30 and $60 if you purchase it in a pet supply store. If you choose to make your own cage this can be done for as little as $35.
Expect to spend up to $15 on grooming tools.
Food (vegetables) and pellets should cost around $10 per bag.
Hay is relatively inexpensive. Expect to pay $5-10 per bag and remember while hay doesn't spoil, if you use it as bedding you will need to switch it out once per week.
How many Guinea Pigs Should I Start With?
If you are just getting started with guinea pigs your natural inclination might be to start with a single guinea pig. In fact this is not that uncommon. Unfortunately many people do not know that guinea pigs are social creatures and much happier in groups of two or more. Like people, guinea pigs are looking for other guinea pigs to play and share their day with. If you try to raise a single guinea pig alone you will have to provide them all the attention and social interaction yourself, which you can never fully replicate. This means you will need to spend more time playing and petting. While enjoyable you need to ask yourself if this will really fit with your lifestyle or work schedule as you cannot keep your guinea pig company while away from home. A single guinea pig will lack the social interaction and attention necessary to stay happy and as a result their health can suffer. For this reason we strongly recommend you select a playmate and partner for your guinea pig.
Male or Female? Single or Mixed Groups?
Female guinea pigs tend to be more agreeable and less active than males. Male guinea pigs are known to have more energy and require more activity. Many people believe that due to their competitive nature, male guinea pigs will cause problems and fight. This is not necessarily the case. If you place two male guinea pigs in a cage that is too small there will be a problem with fighting as the creatures are not able to establish harmonious territories. However if you place two males in a cage with a female, problems are guaranteed.
Each male will fight for the dominant position as this is a danger to both the males and the female trapped in the cage. One dominance is determined, the weaker male will be deprived food and water by the dominant male. If you do not remove the second male from the cage at this point, starvation can occur. Females will also fight for dominance but these fights will seldom reach the level of violence described above. So what works best? Well a single male and female actually get along best with each other as there are no fights for dominance BUT...well then there's the issue of puppies as the guinea pigs are likely to breed. When you consider the fact that females are fertile every 18 days, a litter is carried around two months...in a year you could have dozens of guinea pigs.
Note: Even though the pet store you visit will likely have dozens of cages of guinea pigs and we know its tempting to go from cage to cage selecting - please, if buying more than one - get them all from the same cage. Litter mates are much less likely to fight and much more likely to get along.
Amanda is a lifelong guinea pig lover. For more great tips on buying a guinea pig, visit http://guineapigresource.com/where-to-get-your-new-guinea-pig/
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Amanda_Toop http://EzineArticles.com/?Selecting-and-Buying-Your-Guinea-Pig&id=2466160
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Amanda_Toop]Amanda Toop
How Much Should I expect to Spend?
The average guinea pig purchased at a pet store should cost between $5 and $15 per guinea pig. If you purchase a guinea pig from a breeder (or choose a long haired guinea pig) you could end up spending closer to $45 per guinea pig.
An average cage will cost between $30 and $60 if you purchase it in a pet supply store. If you choose to make your own cage this can be done for as little as $35.
Expect to spend up to $15 on grooming tools.
Food (vegetables) and pellets should cost around $10 per bag.
Hay is relatively inexpensive. Expect to pay $5-10 per bag and remember while hay doesn't spoil, if you use it as bedding you will need to switch it out once per week.
How many Guinea Pigs Should I Start With?
If you are just getting started with guinea pigs your natural inclination might be to start with a single guinea pig. In fact this is not that uncommon. Unfortunately many people do not know that guinea pigs are social creatures and much happier in groups of two or more. Like people, guinea pigs are looking for other guinea pigs to play and share their day with. If you try to raise a single guinea pig alone you will have to provide them all the attention and social interaction yourself, which you can never fully replicate. This means you will need to spend more time playing and petting. While enjoyable you need to ask yourself if this will really fit with your lifestyle or work schedule as you cannot keep your guinea pig company while away from home. A single guinea pig will lack the social interaction and attention necessary to stay happy and as a result their health can suffer. For this reason we strongly recommend you select a playmate and partner for your guinea pig.
Male or Female? Single or Mixed Groups?
Female guinea pigs tend to be more agreeable and less active than males. Male guinea pigs are known to have more energy and require more activity. Many people believe that due to their competitive nature, male guinea pigs will cause problems and fight. This is not necessarily the case. If you place two male guinea pigs in a cage that is too small there will be a problem with fighting as the creatures are not able to establish harmonious territories. However if you place two males in a cage with a female, problems are guaranteed.
Each male will fight for the dominant position as this is a danger to both the males and the female trapped in the cage. One dominance is determined, the weaker male will be deprived food and water by the dominant male. If you do not remove the second male from the cage at this point, starvation can occur. Females will also fight for dominance but these fights will seldom reach the level of violence described above. So what works best? Well a single male and female actually get along best with each other as there are no fights for dominance BUT...well then there's the issue of puppies as the guinea pigs are likely to breed. When you consider the fact that females are fertile every 18 days, a litter is carried around two months...in a year you could have dozens of guinea pigs.
Note: Even though the pet store you visit will likely have dozens of cages of guinea pigs and we know its tempting to go from cage to cage selecting - please, if buying more than one - get them all from the same cage. Litter mates are much less likely to fight and much more likely to get along.
Amanda is a lifelong guinea pig lover. For more great tips on buying a guinea pig, visit http://guineapigresource.com/where-to-get-your-new-guinea-pig/
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Amanda_Toop http://EzineArticles.com/?Selecting-and-Buying-Your-Guinea-Pig&id=2466160
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