Guinea Pigs Planet

 

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Welcome to Guinea Pig PLanet!
Hope you like the Guinea Pigs that are available. If you want a Pup (Baby Guinea Pig) go to >> Nursery. 
If you want a Slightly older Guinea that is ready for breeding go to >> Adoption
Female Guinea Pigs are "Sows"
Male Guinea Pigs are "Boars"
   Guinea Pigs as Pets
Names and Terms
  • Latin name: Cavia porcellus
  • Also called cavies (singular is cavy).
  • Females are called sows, males called boars, and babies called pups.
  • Hairless varieties also available, sometimes called "skinny" pigs.
Appearance

  • Approximately 10 inches long, and 2-3 pounds.
  • Rounded stout body, no visible tail (a few tail vertebrae can be felt under the skin).
  • Variety of breeds with different coat types and color patterns. The most commonly found breeds are the American (short smooth hair coat), Abyssinian (short coat with "swirls" called rosettes) and the Peruvian (long haired). A wide variety of colors are seen.
Before You Decide on Guinea Pigs
  • Guinea pigs are social animals, and you should consider keeping a same sex pair so they have company. A pair of females is a good choice; a pair of males may be fine but may fight.
  • They are a long-term commitment, with an expected life span of around 5-7 years, although up to 10 isn't unusual.
  • They need a large cage (but fortunately it is easy to meet their needs with a home made cage).
  • While usually quiet they can call out quite loudly, and can be active both day and night.
  • They may be nervous at first but rarely bite and generally become very tame with frequent handling.
  • Usually good family pets (but make sure children handle them gently).

Guinea pigs can be lovely pets, but there are a few things you should know before getting a pet guinea pig. From expected life span to the social nature of guinea pigs, here are some things to consider before choosing a guinea pig as a pet. 

1. Guinea Pigs Are a Long Term Commitment
Guinea pigs live on average around 5-7 years, sometimes longer, so be prepared to provide care over the long term.
2. Guinea Pigs are Social - Plan on Keeping More than One
Guinea pigs are very social animals, and will be happiest living with other guinea pigs (and don't worry, they will still bond with their owners, too) Guinea pigs in the wild  live in large groups. One living alone in captivity can get lonely. Several  female guinea pigs will live together happily though sometimes individual differences will mean certain guinea pigs won't get along. But two boars in the same cage will almost certainly fight. Introducing them as babies is the best way to get a pair to bond, though even adults can usually be introduced with care.  A guinea pig will willingly share its cage with a rabbit, but if it live alone it will need lots of attention from its owner to keep it happy.

3. Guinea Pigs Need a Large Cage
Guinea pigs need a lot of floor space, and most cages marketed as guinea pig cages are much too small, especially for a pair. Making a homemade cage is very easy, though, and since guinea pigs are a good size and not escape artists, making homemade cages is a great option.
4. Guinea Pigs are Generally Quiet, But Can Wheek Loudly
Guinea pigs make a distinctive wheeking or whistling type sound, often in anticipation of getting a favorite treat or when in need of some attention. Though generally not loud enough to annoy the neighbors, a wheeking guinea pig can be surprisingly loud.
5. Guinea Pigs are Generally Easy to Tame
While guinea pigs may be nervous or skittish at first, with consistent gentle handling, they usually become tame very easily. Careful handling is a must, and children should be supervised with them, but they are unlikely to bite even when stressed. 

6. Guinea Pig Require Vitamin C
Guinea pigs are one of the few animals (humans are another) that cannot manufacture their own vitamin C so need to get adequate vitamin C from the diet. Choosing a good quality diet and providing a variety of fresh foods is important, but most owners choose to also give a vitamin C supplement -- and tablets are generally a better way to supplement than adding vitamin C to the water. 
 

7. Guinea Pig Require A Veterinaria
Your guinea pig will stay healthey if you take care of it. your guine pig  shold go to the vet every six months for a checkup. If your guine pig looks sick, take it to a vet assoon as passible. 

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