Fruit and sweeter vegetables are an ideal snack to give your guinea pig. Try feeding him a slice of banana or apple once a day, or a piece of bell pepper. Guinea pigs have different food preferences, just like people. Try different types of fruit and vegetables until you find the one that seems to make your pet the happiest. All should be fed by hand. Doing this at regular intervals will cause your guinea pig to associate you with food and care.
The key to a successful hold is to make sure your guinea pig feels secure. He will have a harder time trusting you if he is afraid of falling. Hold him securely, but loosely enough that he is still comfortable. This includes supporting his rump to get rid of that ‘falling’ feeling.
Guinea pigs love to play hide and seek. When you are playing with your pig out of the cage, place several empty paper sacks around the room. Place treats in some of them, and watch your pet have fun exploring![3] X Research source Make sure to keep a close eye on your pet when they’re on the move. They could easily search out several good hiding places, and you don’t want to lose them. When approaching your guinea pig for playtime, offer them a small treat. They will begin to associate positive incentives with spending time with you.
Use your guinea pig’s name frequently. By using their name, your pet will learn when you are specifically talking to them. They’ll learn to look forward to the special attention.
Guinea pigs are highly social and they love company. Consider getting a companion for your pet. It’s not much harder to care for two guinea pigs instead of one. And it can make it easier on them when you aren’t constantly there to give them the attention and socialization they require. Don’t worry if your guinea pig does not immediately respond to your affections. As with any animal, it can take time to earn a guinea pig’s trust.
A good water bottle is one of the most important items you will need for your new pet. Ask the pet store to recommend a brand. A good water bottle will provide your guinea pig with the supply of fresh and clean water they need without any leaks. [6] X Research source
If you can’t find an appropriate cage, you can make your own. A good suggestion could be a C&C cage, which is spacious and affordable. Plus, you can customise the cage! Make it interesting. Guinea pigs like to move around, so try to find a cage that includes ramps and different levels. Include bedding. Guinea pigs like to nest and burrow, so make sure that they have the material to do so. Pine and cedar shavings, though widely sold, are not good for small animals, because of chemicals. Instead, ask the pet store for a paper-based bedding product, or use fleece with some type of absorbent liner underneath.
Your guinea pig should be eating a few servings of vegetables and fruits each day. Guinea pigs cannot produce Vitamin C so you must supplement their diet, as pellets are not enough. Some pig-safe vegetables are kale, romaine lettuce, carrot, celery (strings removed) spinach, parsley, and cilantro. Keep in mind that some different vegetables will have different limitations on how much you can feed them per week. Fruits are sugary but can be fed once every week. Apples (seeds removed), blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, banana, oranges, peaches (pits removed) and cherry (pits removed) are fruits that you can try. You can look online for more safe veggies and fruits. Remember to feed organic if you can, and always, always, always wash your vegetables and fruits thoroughly with water before feeding. Remove any food remains after 4 hours to prevent bacteria buildup. [8] X Trustworthy Source The Humane Society of the United States National organization devoted to the promotion of animal welfare Go to source
Use a small amount of shampoo and work it into a lather in your guinea pig’s fur. Then gently but thoroughly rinse. Just bathe your guinea pig’s body, not her head. You don’t want to get water in her eyes. Gently pat your pet dry with a clean, soft towel.
Take your guinea pig to the vet anytime they show signs of illness or significant changes in behavior.
