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Step 1
First of all a guinea pig is a herbivore which means that its teeth will keep growing all of its life, so you need to make sure that you keep them worn to a good length. This requires Vitamin C, which is contained in carrots, hay (be generous in cage/housing) spinach and many other vegetables.
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Step 2
The first major food which guinea pigs love is grass, this provides them with exercise whilst grazing and substance to grind their teeth down with. Always make sure that they have access to grass because this also means that you don't have to worry too much if you forget to feed them one morning.
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Step 3
As a general rule guinea pigs will eat most green vegetables. Spinach, Lettuce and leaves of vegetable plants go down well with guinea pigs and maintain high iron and vitamin C levels.
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Step 4
At the same time you need to make sure that they eat enough dried food, which you can buy from all major supermarkets and pet shops. The dried food makes sure that their teeth are ground down.
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Step 5
Water is essential for all life let alone guinea pigs, so always make sure that there is always water available for your pet. If there is a lack of water in the hutch or housing, it can lead to dehydration which is hard to spot and can be fatal. Ways of making sure that water is accessible is by buying a special rodent water bottle which hangs upside down and has a nozzle for the guinea pig to drink from. Also I place a bowl of fresh water in their hutch (needs to be a low down and fat bowl otherwise they will tip it over).
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Step 6
Guinea pigs enjoy special treats such as mint leaves, strawberry leaves, lemon balm and other plants which I grow in my garden. Also experimenting with different foods (ones which we can eat) such as strawberries can help you find new favourites for the guineas. Usually guinea pigs don't like strawberries (or any berries) but I tried it with my guinea pig and it seemed to do the trick.
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Step 7
Malocclusion is a huge problem with guinea pigs and can be prevented by good grinding foods and high levels of vitamin C, if your guinea pig is diagnosed with malocclusion then you should make sure they receive enough water and whilst they are being treated they can usually deal with long strands of food with can be fed into their mouth, such as grass. You cannot always prevent this, as one of my guinea pigs has it and we are trying our hardest but it is hereditary which means we can't completely get rid of it.
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Step 8
That should be it but if you need any more information or advice on raising guinea pigs I would be happy to help, just inbox me!
Also when I first got my guinea pig I checked out www.guinealynx.info
This website provides you with emergency veterinary advice for your pet and also if your guinea pig is ill. Obviously if you pet is ill it is always better to be safe than sorry and see a vet as soon as possible.
Comments
bmroute said
on 8/10/2009 I really think you should revise this article for safety. I've read about owners who've had to take their gps to the vet because mint leaves made them sick. Don't want any owners making their furry friends sick by thinking they're giving them a treat.