» Guinea Pigs http://bluestonecages.com Sat, 31 Dec 2011 05:25:00 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 Names of the BlueStoneCommerce Pigs http://bluestonecages.com/guinea-pigs/names-of-the-bluestonecommerce-pigs http://bluestonecages.com/guinea-pigs/names-of-the-bluestonecommerce-pigs#comments Fri, 10 Sep 2010 17:12:01 +0000 bob http://bluestonecages.com/?p=970 If you’ve been following us on our BlueStone Commerce site or on one of our YouTube channels, you know that we have five pigs in our family. We get emails, YouTube comments, and blog comments on a regular basis asking us the names of our pigs. So here they are:

Charlie - He’s the father and he’s dark brown in color. Pippi the mother died in childbirth. Unfortunately, she had to have a Cesarean – and guinea pigs typically don’t have a high survivability rate with this procedure. We miss her.

Cupcake – The shyest. She’s a female and looks the most like her father.

Pumpkin Spice – She’s the friendliest of the five. She has an orange/brown cinnamon-colored coat – hence the pumpkin name.

Apple  – She’s the dominant female. She has her mother’s coloration. She has a cinnamon and white “two-tone” coat.

Pippin- Named in honor of his mother Pippi who gave her life birthing the four pups. Pippin looks most like Pippi. His coat is the same color as hers and has a very similar pattern as well.

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]]> http://bluestonecages.com/guinea-pigs/names-of-the-bluestonecommerce-pigs/feed 3 What if Your Guinea Pig Grew Up to Be Larger Than Your Refrigerator? http://bluestonecages.com/guinea-pigs/what-if-your-guinea-pig-grew-up-to-be-larger-than-your-refrigerator http://bluestonecages.com/guinea-pigs/what-if-your-guinea-pig-grew-up-to-be-larger-than-your-refrigerator#comments Sat, 09 Jan 2010 18:49:43 +0000 bob http://bluestonecages.com/?p=442 What if you went down to the pet shelter and picked up a cute little guinea pig pup and brought it home to live with you? And what if, as it began to grow, it began eating unusually large quantities of grass and hay and drinking enormous amounts of water – much more than its little guinea pig brothers and sisters? After a few days, you begin to notice that the floor of the cage is beginning to sag a little – but still the pudgy little pig continues to eat.

And as the weeks go on, your cute “little” guinea pig eventually outgrows its cage and you are forced to build a little corral to house it in another room. By now, it’s about the size of a real pig – a potbellied pig. But still it continues to eat. And it continues to grow. It has now become virtually impossible to pick up the “little” guy and put him on your lap to pet him anymore.

By the time it’s done growing, it is the size of a mid-size sedan. And still it continues to eat. Of course, now that it’s more than 1400 times as large as the other cavies in your house, you’ve moved it outside.  The floor in your house is no longer able to support its weight – it now weighs in at over 1500 lbs (not to mention the smell).

No doubt about it: if you had such a pig, at more than nine-feet long, it would definitely be the biggest cavy in the neighborhood. But is it conceivable that you could you get actually get a pet like this? Surprisingly you could – but only if you could build a time machine.

Phoberomys pattersoni was such an animal – a 1500 lb. guinea pig (actually an early relative of our modern guinea pig that lived in northwestern Venezuela eight million years ago). Scientists speculate that the large rodent eventually became extinct because it was not able to escape its natural predators as easily as swifter, hoofed animals such as antelopes and gazelles. And it was unable to scurry away and hide from predators as do smaller rodents. It’s a good thing that it did become extinct because we certainly couldn’t afford to buy a cage for it.

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]]> http://bluestonecages.com/guinea-pigs/what-if-your-guinea-pig-grew-up-to-be-larger-than-your-refrigerator/feed 1 Guinea Pigs – A Cavy Q&A http://bluestonecages.com/guinea-pigs/guinea-pigs-%e2%80%93-a-cavy-qa http://bluestonecages.com/guinea-pigs/guinea-pigs-%e2%80%93-a-cavy-qa#comments Tue, 29 Dec 2009 11:00:30 +0000 bob http://bluestonecages.com/?p=422 The guinea pig is one of the most popular pets in North America. In spite of this, there are many facts about this little creature that are not commonly known by most people. Please join me as I attempt to explore (sometimes successfully) some facts regarding the history and characteristics of our friend the guinea pig.

Author’s note: No pigs were harmed in the writing of this article.

Q: How much do guinea pigs weigh at birth?

A: Guinea pigs (also known as cavies) only weigh in at around three ounces at birth.

Q: When guinea pigs are born, do they hold them up by their legs and spank them like human babies?

A: No! Absolutely not. (See author’s note above).

Q: How large do they get to be when they grow up? Do they weigh more than a sweet potato? They’re kind of shaped like a sweet potato.

A: The average adult boar (male) weighs around three pounds. The smaller adult sow (female) averages only about two pounds. I don’t know how much the average adult sweet potato weighs.

Q: What is the difference between a sweet potato and a yam?

A: This one deserves a two-part answer: 1) Neither one is a mammal and 2) remember, we’re talking about guinea pigs!

Q: How big do guinea pigs get? How long is the average adult cavy?

A: As adults, guinea pigs average about 9 – 14 inches in length. (At least as long as most adult sweet potatoes).

Q: How long do guinea pigs live? How long would that be in dog years?

A: On average, this little rodent has a life expectancy of about five to seven years. I don’t know how long that would be in dog years – but I can tell you from experience; in husband years, it’s about seven minutes.

Q: How come dog years are a measurement of time whereas light years are a measurement of distance?

A: Yams and sweet potatoes are both angiosperms. However, yams are from the Dioscoreaceae family whereas sweet potatoes are botanically unrelated and are from the Convolvulacea family…

Q: What do you call baby cavies? Piglets? Piggies? Kittens? Sprouts? Futons?

A: Nope, oddly enough, although adult males are called boars and females are called sows; baby guinea pigs are not called piglets (or futons). They’re called pups. So, if our dog gave birth to pups, I’m sure it would really confuse our guinea pig because…

(our dog is a male).

Q: What is a group of cavies called? A pack? Flock? Covey of cavies? Gaggle of guineas? A pride of pigs?

A: Wrong, wrong, wrong, wrong… and… wrong. A group of guinea pigs is called a herd.

Q: Herd of guinea pigs?

A: Of course I’ve heard of guinea pigs! (Rimshot).

Q: What’s a henway?

A: Not fallin for that one.

A: How come a cavy’s eyes are on the sides of its head instead of in the front like ours? Doesn’t that make it harder to wear glasses?

Q: In the wild, guinea pigs are a prey animal – that is, they get eaten. Their eyes are on the sides of their heads in order to widen their field of vision and allow them to better detect predators. Also, most cavies wear contact lenses because – glasses on a guinea pig? That’s just silly.

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]]> http://bluestonecages.com/guinea-pigs/guinea-pigs-%e2%80%93-a-cavy-qa/feed 0 Guinea Pigs – The History and Origins of the Guinea Pig http://bluestonecages.com/guinea-pigs/guinea-pigs-the-history-and-origins-of-the-guinea-pig http://bluestonecages.com/guinea-pigs/guinea-pigs-the-history-and-origins-of-the-guinea-pig#comments Sun, 27 Dec 2009 11:00:33 +0000 bob http://bluestonecages.com/guinea-pigs/guinea-pigs-the-history-and-origins-of-the-guinea-pig Guinea pigs and humans share a history of more than 10,000 years. The cavy originated in Central and South America. In the wild, their domain extended through Uruguay, Argentina, Bolivia, Ecuador and Peru. The cavy was domesticated by the Inca Indians somewhere around 7,000 or 8,000 years ago. They were used as not only a food source but also as a sacrificial animal – sacrificed to the sun god – in religious ceremonies.

In the wild, guinea pigs lived in small groups or herds. For this reason, they are inherently social creatures and do not do well if kept in solitude. It is recommended that they be kept at least in pairs.

Cavies first made their way back to Europe on the ships of Spanish conquistadores during the 1500’s. They eventually also came to Holland, England and France. At first, these pets were reserved only for the wealthy and elite. They were much too expensive for anyone but the rich. But their ability to reproduce so quickly soon made the European supply of guinea pigs swell. As the price fell, popularity of the little beast increased as they became affordable to the common people of Europe. It was not until the 1800’s – more than 300 years after it landed in Europe – that the cavy finally made its way to the United States.

Sadly, in the mid 1800s, the cavy was put to use in laboratories as a research test subject. In fact, it was used so extensively for this purpose that its name eventually became synonymous with this function. Fortunately for the guinea pig, this usage has dropped off in recent years as laboratories turn to other rodent species for these purposes.

In any event, it is not known for certain how the guinea pig received its name. It is obviously not a pig, nor is it from Guinea. People have speculated that perhaps roasted guinea pigs reminded Europeans of suckling pigs (piglets). Others suggest that the cavy may have been transported to Europe on ships from the port of Guiana. Others feel that the guinea pig’s squeal may have reminded people of a pig’s squeal. In the end, the origin of the guinea pig’s unusual name has most likely been lost to us forever.

The proper name for the guinea pig is the cavy (pronounced kay-vee). This name is derived from the scientific name: Cavia porcellus. Technically speaking, guinea pigs are caviomorphs. Caviomorphs are South American rodents who share the following characteristics: a single pair of mammary glands, four toes on each front foot and three toes on each back foot.

The history of the guinea pig has been intertwined with that of humans for thousands of years. The cavy was first domesticated as early as 5,000 B.C. by the Inca Indians of South America. They were brought to Europe in the sixteenth century and they made their way across the Atlantic Ocean to the United States of America in the 1800s. And today they have taken their place, here in North America, as one of our most favorite pets.

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]]> http://bluestonecages.com/guinea-pigs/guinea-pigs-the-history-and-origins-of-the-guinea-pig/feed 240 Guinea Pigs – How to Care for Your Cavy http://bluestonecages.com/guinea-pigs/guinea-pigs-%e2%80%93-how-to-care-for-your-cavy http://bluestonecages.com/guinea-pigs/guinea-pigs-%e2%80%93-how-to-care-for-your-cavy#comments Fri, 25 Dec 2009 11:00:42 +0000 bob http://bluestonecages.com/?p=418 The guinea pig – also known as a cavy – is one of the more popular pets in North America. This is largely because they are friendly, docile and amiable creatures. And with few special needs, they are also relatively easy to care for. There are many varieties of guinea pigs varying in color, size, markings and hair type.

When choosing a cage for your guinea pigs, be sure to select an enclosure with adequate ventilation and sufficient floor space. Never put your pig in an aquarium or a deep-walled box. The ammonia fumes produced by your pigs’ urine can cause respiratory problems for your pets if they are concentrated by glass or other solid walls and not allowed to dissipate into the surrounding air.

Also be sure to provide ample living space so that your pigs can live comfortably and enjoy the opportunity for sufficient exercise. A standard rule of thumb for living space requirements is to allow a minimum of 6 square feet for a single pig, 7.5 square feet for two pigs living together, 10.5 square feet for three cavies and 13 square feet for four pigs. Keep in mind that these are minimum requirements. When it comes to cage size – more is always better.

Your cage should be filled with bedding to absorb urine and keep your pigs clean and dry. Clay litter should never be used. Dust from this type of litter can also cause respiratory problems if inhaled by your pigs. Bedding produced from recycled newspaper is an effective and healthy choice.

Fleece is becoming a popular alternative to bedding. Fleece does not absorb the urine, but allows the liquid to wick through – thereby keeping your cavies dry and happy. A layer of absorbent material should be placed under the fleece in order to contain the urine after it passes through the layer of fleece.

Guinea pigs are fond of fresh fruits and vegetables. Be sure to choose fruits and vegetables that are dark in color. In general, lighter colored fruits and vegetables are lacking in nutrition. Never feed your cavy pale-colored vegetables (such as iceberg lettuce) which offer very little besides water and empty calories.

Like humans, guinea pigs lack a critical enzyme that allows its body to manufacture vitamin C. For this reason, it is critical that your cavy receives a vitamin C supplement every day.

It you want your guinea pig to like and trust you, you will need to treat it with respect. Never handle it roughly. When picking it up, always support your guinea pig’s bottom from underneath. Also, your cavy’s bones can be easily broken, so be careful not to squeeze your guinea pig too tightly nor drop it from excessive heights. The more you handle your guinea pig (providing you handle it gently), the more comfortable it will become with you.

The guinea pig is one of the most popular pets in North America for many reasons. It can be an affectionate and enjoyable little animal friend when treated with kindness and respect. And with appropriate parental guidance, its docile and friendly nature makes it an excellent pet for a young child.

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]]> http://bluestonecages.com/guinea-pigs/guinea-pigs-%e2%80%93-how-to-care-for-your-cavy/feed 0 Guinea Pigs – Characteristics of the Common Guinea Pig http://bluestonecages.com/guinea-pigs/guinea-pigs-characteristics-of-the-common-guinea-pig http://bluestonecages.com/guinea-pigs/guinea-pigs-characteristics-of-the-common-guinea-pig#comments Sat, 19 Dec 2009 13:00:09 +0000 bob http://bluestonecages.com/?p=335 Over the past century, the guinea pig has become a popular pet in the United States. While we are all familiar with this common animal, there are many facts concerning it that are not necessarily common knowledge. Please read along as we discover and discuss some interesting facts about this common and loveable house pet.

The guinea pig has a very delicate bone structure. Because of this, guinea pigs bones break fairly easily. For this reason guinea pigs should be handled carefully and loosely. Never squeeze or hug a guinea pig tightly. Also, one must be very careful to insure that guinea pigs are not dropped from excessive heights nor allowed to jump from high surfaces such as tables, chairs or sofas.

Guinea pigs have a total of 14 toes. Each front paw has four toes and the back feet each have three toes. When guinea pigs walk or run, they do so only on these toes. The entire foot rests on the ground only when the pigs are standing.

Unlike squirrels, mice or many other rodents; when eating, guinea pigs do not sit on their haunches and grip food between their front paws. Their style is to feed more like a horse or a dog – simply standing on all fours and grazing out of a dish, a bowl or from the ground.

In general, guinea pigs are friendly, congenial and peaceful animals. Two females can easily live with each other with little or no conflict. A male and a female nearly always get along very well (although one of the pair should obviously be neutered in order to prevent an in-cage population explosion). Two males, if raised together will also generally make a good pair. However, if a new male is introduced into another male’s home, there will most likely be some hostile behavior – at least in the beginning.

Two males in the presence of one or more females are a bad idea. They can become quite aggressive and adversarial toward one another as they compete for the females. In the wild, guinea pigs used to live in packs. The pack’s dominant male was the only male allowed to mate with any of the females. This increased the chances of survival of the offspring because it insured that all of the children were descended from the strongest and fittest male available. Although guinea pigs no longer exist in the wild, this holdover behavior can still be observed in our domesticated pigs.

Guinea pigs have a very acute sense of hearing. Like dogs, they are able to hear frequencies or tones above the human range of hearing. Human beings can only hear frequencies up to 20 kHz (vibrations at 20,000 times per second) whereas cavies can hear frequencies as high as 33 kHz.

The guinea pig is very dependent upon its very keen sense of smell. The cavy’s sense of smell is one-thousand times more sensitive and discerning than that of a human being.

The guinea pig is an animal that is very common to most of us in the western world. And although it is quite familiar to us as a family pet and as a laboratory animal, there is much information about this little rodent that is not commonly known. I hope that the newly-gained knowledge from this discussion will help you to better understand the actions and behaviors of your own pet guinea pigs as you interact with them on a daily basis.

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]]> http://bluestonecages.com/guinea-pigs/guinea-pigs-characteristics-of-the-common-guinea-pig/feed 0 Guinea Pigs – The Role of the Guinea Pig in Today’s World http://bluestonecages.com/guinea-pigs/guinea-pigs-%e2%80%93-the-role-of-the-guinea-pig-in-today%e2%80%99s-world http://bluestonecages.com/guinea-pigs/guinea-pigs-%e2%80%93-the-role-of-the-guinea-pig-in-today%e2%80%99s-world#comments Thu, 17 Dec 2009 11:00:49 +0000 bob http://bluestonecages.com/?p=315 Guinea pigs – we’re all familiar with this small rodent. We know what they look like and what they’re used for. They’re cute little rodents and they are pets. As far as most of us in the western world are concerned, that’s the complete story. But there is much more to the tale of the guinea pig’s history and its contribution to human society across the globe.

 In the United States and Europe guinea pigs have become popular pets. Known and revered for their docile and friendly nature and for their cute demeanor, guinea pigs are adored by children and adults alike in the west. They have become the family pet of choice in thousands of households. They are relatively easy to care for and inexpensive to own. They are generally good natured and rarely bite.

Guinea pigs live an average of about five years and may even live to seven years. They are best kept indoors in a temperature-controlled environment.  They do best in a standard “room temperature” setting (65 to 75 degrees).

In addition, serious cavy breeders raise these animals as show animals. Guinea pigs are exhibited in sanctioned events across the nation. The American Rabbit Breeders Association is the official registry for cavies in the United States.

Unfortunately, the common usage of the “guinea pig” label in our English language is derived from one of our poor cavy’s more unpleasant roles – that of the laboratory test subject. They were used extensively in the 1800’s and 1900’s as research test animals. So much so that the name guinea pig gradually became a popular idiom denoting a test or sacrificial subject. Fortunately for the guinea pig, this usage is decreasing as laboratories turn increasingly more to other rodents – most notably rats and mice.

In South America, the story is very much different and bleaker for our furry little friend. The cavy has a completely different history in this area of the world. The guinea pig originated in South America. Today there are no guinea pigs left in the wild. However, in years past when they did live in the wild – South America was their stomping ground. The originally came from in the Andean region of South America. Nowadays this region is made up of modern day Bolivia, Ecuador and Peru.

The Inca Indians domesticated this little beast around 5000 B.C. and raised it for food. Because of this unfortunate precedent, the cavy is still eaten today in this region of the world. In small Indian villages, people still raise the little rodent for food just as western farmers raise and eat barnyard animals.

Yes, we think of the guinea pig as only a pet – as a companion for our children and for us. But this creature has other roles – some familiar and some extremely foreign to us. They are raised and sold by breeders to be used as show animals. Some guinea pigs are specially bred and sold to research companies to be used as laboratory test subjects. And in South America, they are a food source. We should be grateful for the guinea pig. Over the years, this seemingly insignificant little rodent has contributed to the human race in many ways.

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]]> http://bluestonecages.com/guinea-pigs/guinea-pigs-%e2%80%93-the-role-of-the-guinea-pig-in-today%e2%80%99s-world/feed 0 Guinea Pigs – 7 Interesting Facts You Should Know http://bluestonecages.com/guinea-pigs/guinea-pigs-%e2%80%93-7-interesting-facts-you-should-know http://bluestonecages.com/guinea-pigs/guinea-pigs-%e2%80%93-7-interesting-facts-you-should-know#comments Fri, 11 Dec 2009 10:00:23 +0000 bob http://bluestonecages.com/?p=283 As a guinea pig owner, you no doubt have a keen interest in learning about their origins, habits, behaviors and characteristics.

  1. Guinea pigs are herd animals – that is, their wild ancestors used to live together in groups called herds. As such, guinea pigs are very social creatures and do not do very well in solitary situations. Consider purchasing more than one guinea pig rather than a solitary pig. Two pigs is only slightly more work than one and your pigs will be very much healthier and happier if they live in the company of other cavies.
  2. When housing two pigs together, a male a female couple make the best combination – just be sure at least one of them is “fixed” or you will soon be looking at your own private herd. Two females are the next best choice and almost always get along. Two males can sometimes be confrontational and aggressive toward each other unless they were raised together. Be very cautious when introducing two boars to each other as they may not initially get along.
  3. As social animals, guinea pigs also enjoy the company of human companions. Your cavy may be shy at first and hide from you – that’s okay. Remember that this was a very useful trait out in the wild where almost everything they encountered was trying to eat them. If you are gentle and affectionate with your pet, they will in time, come to enjoy being petted and spending time with you.
  4. As you interact with your pigs, try to do so at their level. Make an attempt to avoid towering over them as you stand near their cage. Remember, in the wild all predators came at them from above. They were assaulted by either ground-dwelling animals that loomed above them, or birds of prey that struck from out of the sky. On the other hand, friends and companions approached them at their own level.
  5. Just like humans, guinea pigs need regular exercise. In general, standard pet store cages are too confining and are the equivalent of you or I spending our entire lives living in a bathroom. Larger cages – especially C&C (cubes and Coroplast) cages are preferred by many today and are a much healthier environment for your piggies. Good guidelines for cage size are to allow between six and seven square feet for a single pig and at least 7.5 square feet for two pigs living together. When it comes to living space, more is better.
  6. Humans and guinea pigs share a common physiological trait. Neither can manufacture vitamin C within the body. Unlike many other mammals who synthesize vitamin C from glucose in the body, humans and your cavies are both missing a particular critical enzyme needed to carry out this process. Thus, guinea pigs and humans must both satisfy their vitamin C requirements through external sources.
  7. Guinea pigs like to eat many kinds of fruits and vegetables. Generally the darker and richer colored a fruit or vegetable is, the more vitamins and nutrients it contains and the better it is for your cavy. In general, avoid pale light-colored items like iceberg lettuce which provide only empty calories.

Guinea pigs are cute and lovable animals that make wonderful pets. They are generally good natured and relatively easy to care for. The seven facts presented describe just a few of the behaviors and characteristics that make the guinea pig such an endearing and lovable animal.

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]]> http://bluestonecages.com/guinea-pigs/guinea-pigs-%e2%80%93-7-interesting-facts-you-should-know/feed 0 Guinea Pigs – Guinea Pig SoundsWhat is Your Pig Saying to You? http://bluestonecages.com/guinea-pigs/guinea-pigs-%e2%80%93-guinea-pig-soundswhat-is-your-pig-saying-to-you http://bluestonecages.com/guinea-pigs/guinea-pigs-%e2%80%93-guinea-pig-soundswhat-is-your-pig-saying-to-you#comments Wed, 09 Dec 2009 10:00:31 +0000 bob http://bluestonecages.com/?p=280 Unlike rabbits, guinea pigs are not quiet animals. Guinea pigs make a lot of noise – especially in groups – and are in constant communication with each other and with their owners. As a guinea pig owner, you may be interested in the meaning of some of these sounds.

 

Loud Squeaking

Loud, piercing squeaking (often referred to as “wheeking”) is generally a cry for food. Your pigs are informing you that they are hungry and asking (actually insisting) that you feed them – NOW. This sound is most often heard around your pigs’ regular feeding time and often starts when your pigs first see you or when they hear the sound of plastic bags “crinkling” or any other clue that sounds like you might be preparing food for them.

 

Purring

Just like a cat, purring is a soft low-level rumbling sound that generally indicates contentment and comfort. Your pig will often purr when being petted. Listen to the purring for feedback as you scratch your piggy behind the ears or between the eyes. She will tell you when you hit the “sweet spots”.

 

Rumbling

Rumbling sounds similar to purring but is a deeper, stronger, more intense sound. While purring represents relaxation and contentment, rumbling is more associated with excitement – sexual excitement. You most often hear this sound from male pigs when they are around females who are in season. The rumbling sound is often part of a mating dance commonly called the “rumble-strut” in which the male struts and parades around the female – all the while emitting the rumble sound.

 

Chattering, Burbling, Muttering

This is a hard sound to describe, but a common one to hear if you own guinea pigs. This is the sound of guinea pig activity. It is kind of like the background din of chatter and conversation you may hear in an office or workplace. You will hear it when your pigs are engaged, active and content. You might hear it when you let your pigs out of their cage to exercise. After they relax and get used to their environment, they often start their low-level muttering as they wander and explore. It often sounds as if they are just muttering to themselves as they focus on different activities.

 

Teeth Chattering

When your guinea pig is chattering their teeth, it is not a good sound. It is the sound of an angry, frightened or otherwise upset pig. This is the sound of a pig who is annoyed and grumpy. Teeth chattering is a warning. He is saying, “Stay away! Leave me alone!”  Two males may chatter at each other as they try to establish dominance over each other. Or your cavy may chatter at you as you try to pick them up – or “annoy” them in other ways.

 

Guinea pigs are not a silent pet. In fact, their rich, varied and frequent communication is one of the properties that makes them so endearing. The longer you own your pets, the more attuned you will become to the nature and meaning of their auditory messages.

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]]> http://bluestonecages.com/guinea-pigs/guinea-pigs-%e2%80%93-guinea-pig-soundswhat-is-your-pig-saying-to-you/feed 0 Guinea Pigs – A Great Pet for Animal Lovers http://bluestonecages.com/guinea-pig-care-and-feeding/guinea-pigs-%e2%80%93-a-great-pet-for-animal-lovers http://bluestonecages.com/guinea-pig-care-and-feeding/guinea-pigs-%e2%80%93-a-great-pet-for-animal-lovers#comments Thu, 03 Dec 2009 10:00:16 +0000 bob http://bluestonecages.com/?p=271 Guinea pigs are intensely social creatures. In the wild they used to live in groups called herds. If you are planning on getting a guinea pig, you must realize that, in addition to obtaining a new family member, you are also making a binding social commitment. As descendents of herd animals, guinea pigs do not do well in solitary situations. As such, you must be prepared to set aside significant time each and every day as a guinea pig owner to interact with your pet – an easy and enjoyable task for animal lovers. If you are more of a hands-off admirer of animals – or if your busy schedule prohibits rich daily interaction with your cavy, then it is highly recommended that you get a second or third pig to satisfy your pet’s social requirements.

As I wrote earlier, owning a cavy should be viewed as a commitment. Either you must commit to spending extensive time with your pet each day or you must commit to being a multiple pig owner. Anything less would be a disservice to the animal.

In addition, to maintain good health (like humans) guinea pigs need regular daily exercise. Guinea pigs generally do not tend to use exercise wheels like hamsters. Instead you must either provide a cage large enough for your pig(s) to run around in – or you must give them daily exercise time. They will need to run freely but supervised in a protected room or other large area.

If your guinea pig is sharing the house with a dog or cat, you must take special care to protect your cavy. Dogs and cats are instinctively both predators and may very well view your precious cavy as prey. You will need to insure that your guinea pig is adequately protected from these types of inherent predator animals as well as young children. Very small children, while not technically predators, can still cause great harm to your guinea pig simply by exercising their sense of curiosity and playfulness.

One of the greatest pleasures in life is the joy of pet ownership. Guinea pigs can provide both entertainment and companionship. They can be very playful – especially in groups – racing around the cage, popcorning in the air like tiny Thomson’s Gazelles or nudging one another with their snouts. They can bring a smile to your face as they stand up against the cage wall in the morning and call to you with their squeaky “weeking” noises as they beg for their breakfast. Best of all, they can bring a warm glow to your heart as they relax and purr softly in your lap while you scratch them gently behind their tiny little ears.

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