What are some cool facts about guinea pigs?

12 fun facts about gorgeous guinea pigs

• They don’t come from Guinea.
• They are not related to pigs at all.
• They don’t get on with rabbits.
• They like to chat to each other.
• They scent mark their stuff.
• They only sleep for short periods.
• They can break dance.
• They have an odd number of toes.

What do I need to know about keeping guinea pigs?

Guinea pigs should have as large an enclosure as possible, ideally with the right amount of lined, covered space and soft grass hay to provide cushioning. Sawdust or wood shavings can cause respiratory issues and should be avoided. Make sure to clean out the hutch regularly and dispose of any waste.

Why you shouldn’t get a guinea pig?

Two: they hate temperature change. Anything warmer than 80 degrees and they can boil to death; anything colder than five degrees and they will freeze. Three: their airways are sensitive. Five: their teeth are another hazard – if they get too long, they can grow together and the guinea pig will starve to death.

Are Guinea Pigs easy to take care of?

Guinea pigs are easy to care for. They require hay, fresh water, fresh vegetables and a small amount of pelleted food formulated for guinea pigs, plus a vitamin C supplement each day. They also need a fairly large cage lined with paper-based bedding.

What do you put in the bottom of a guinea pig cage?

Suitable options for bedding include soft grass hay, fleece fabric, and shredded paper. Sawdust or wood shavings can cause respiratory issues and should be avoided. Straw should also be avoided as it does not absorb urine well and the hard stalks can cause injuries.

Do guinea pigs need a wheel?

Exercise balls and wheels are deadly for guinea pigs. These activities may be appropriate for some pocket pets like rats, mice, gerbils, and hamsters, but they should never be used for guinea pigs. Guinea pigs have a different anatomy, and they can badly injure their backs with an exercise ball or wheel.

What do guinea pigs hate?

Processed, sugary, salty, and fatty foods top the list. Other no-nos include meat, alcohol, caffeine, dairy, or foods that cause gas. When in doubt about a food, ask your guinea-pig savvy veterinarian. Keep in mind that guinea pigs are herbivores.

Do guinea pigs get attached to one person?

Do guinea pigs bond with their owners? Yes, they do form bonds with their humans, very much like cats or dogs. They’re able to recognize certain people according to scent, sound, and sight cues. As such, guineas can identify and respond to who they do and do not know.

Why does my guinea pig squeak when I walk in?

Squeal: Some guinea pigs will squeal when they are experiencing potential pain or they need attention. It can sometimes be that another guinea pig is stealing his favorite spot to eat. Pay attention to your guinea pig if you hear a squeal because it could indicate that they need help from something hurting them.

Why guinea pigs are Bad Pets?

Common Health Problems. Guinea pigs are generally hardy animals but are subject to a few common health problems. The most frequently seen issues with pet guinea pigs are respiratory infections, diarrhea, scurvy (from a vitamin C deficiency ), tumors, abscesses due to infection, urinary problems, and infestations by lice, mites, or fungus.

What things do guinea pigs need?

Guinea pigs are easy to care for. They require hay, fresh water, fresh vegetables and a small amount of pelleted food formulated for guinea pigs, plus a vitamin C supplement each day. They also need a fairly large cage lined with paper-based bedding.

Why do guinea pigs make good pets?

Because they are very calm animals, guinea pigs are even good pets for very small children who might otherwise terrify a cat or dog. They are sturdy, so accidental roughness is unlikely to hurt them. Unlike smaller rodents like hamsters and gerbils, guinea pigs are not nervous animals.

Is a guinea pig a good pet?

A guinea pig is often thought of as a good pet for children, and this is true, but as with all pets, parents must make certain the child is old enough to be gentle with the animal and mature enough to care for it properly. They are sociable animals and need homes where they will receive attention and affection.