There are cute and wonderful guine pigs to keep as pets.You will need to know what is involved in properly caring for pups, whether you buy a baby from your local pet store or have a female give birth at your home.When pups are properly cared for and attended to, they will grow up to be happy and healthy adults that will continue to make great pets.
Step 1: You can measure the size of the cage.
It is recommended to have your pups in a cage that is an adequate size for an adult guinea pig because they will reach adult size very quickly.The cage needs to be at least 7.5 square feet.Before you leave the store, make sure the cage is large enough for the pups.Your pups will appreciate the extra space they will have to run and explore, even though the cage may seem a bit big for them.The cage should be large enough to hold all of the babies through the nursing stage.If your current cage isn't large enough, visit your local pet store for help selecting the right size cage.
Step 2: Your pups will not be able to escape.
Adult guinea pigs are the majority of the cages built for them.There is usually one-inch spacing between the bars.It is possible that your pups are small enough to squeeze through this spacing.Purchase a cage that has a deeper pan at the bottom to prevent them from doing this.The pups wouldn't be able to climb out of the deeper pan.You can buy grids with smaller spacing at your local pet store.Attach the grids on the outside of the cage with cable ties.
Step 3: Put the inverted plastic water bottle in the cage.
The water bottle should be positioned low so that your pups can easily reach and sip from the sipper tube.The water bottle may need to be moved several times before it's at the right height.You can buy these water bottles at your pet store.The water bottle may be too low for your pups' mom.It may be helpful to place a second water bottle at a higher height for her if you see that she is struggling to sip from the bottle.
Step 4: The cage should be placed in a quiet area of your house.
Whether you are bringing home pups or caring for the ones that your female guinea pig has given birth to, this is important.During their first few weeks of life, your pups will need to stay in a quiet area because they are very sensitive to noise.The cage needs to be out of the path of sunlight and away from the vents that blow air on the cage.The cage should be placed at waist-level.It can be easier to clean.
Step 5: Early and often, handle your pups.
As soon as possible, pups should be held so that they are comfortable with humans.The more comfortable they are with people, the better socialized they will be, making them better pets.The mother guinea pig won't reject her babies if you hold them, but she will need time to complete the birthing process before they are ready to be held.Female guinea pigs give birth to an average of three pups per litter.The birthing process takes about 30 minutes, with three to five minutes between pups.When all pups have been delivered and the mother has eaten the placenta and cleaned the pups, you will know.guinea pigs are not used to being held and may feel scared when picked up.It may take some time to get your pups to be comfortable with you.Pick up one of your pups by slowly reaching into the cage and reaching for them from the front.Use your other hand to support their back end as you slide one of your hands under their chest.Pick them up and hold them against your chest.As you are handling your dog, speak with a gentle voice.If the pup becomes uncomfortable when you hold them, gently lower them into their cage.When you take your pup away from his mom, he may start to cry.Don't keep them away from their mother for a long time.When your pups are sleeping or nursing, don't try to handle them.
Step 6: The sex of your pups can be determined.
If you bought your pups from a local pet store, you don't need to know if they are male or female.You can try to determine the sex of the babies soon after they are born if you have an adult female guinea pig.A small grain of rice will be found in the genital area of a female guinea pig.There is a white ring in this area.If you haven't already done it at the pet store, it is a good idea to have your doctor determine the sex of your pups.
Step 7: The male and female pups can be separated.
If necessary, the male pups should be separated from their sisters and mother and moved to a different cage at the time of sexual maturity, which is around three to four weeks of age.It's necessary to separate to prevent accidental pregnancies.Men should be moved to a different cage around three weeks of age.Female pups can stay with their mother until four weeks of age.If necessary, you should separate the pigs by three to four weeks of age when they are around six weeks old.
Step 8: You should learn what you should feed your pups.
You don't need to feed a specialized baby diet because pups eat the same thing as adults.pups need more calcium in their first few weeks of lifeThe extra calcium will help their bones grow.Young, pregnant, or nursing Guinea Pigs need unlimited pellet food throughout the day.The hay is high in calcium.There are also hay-based pellets available.Bell peppers, oranges, and other fresh fruits and vegetables are good for you and your pups.
Step 9: You can learn how to feed your dogs.
Feed your pups twice a day by placing small amounts of food in a bowl.It's a good idea to remove any leftover food.There is a constant supply of fresh water for pups.Once a week, you can refill the plastic water bottle and clean it with hot, soapy water.If the pups are still with their mother, they will start nursing within 24 hours of birth and will continue nursing for three weeks before they reach sexual maturity.During the first few days of life, they will nurse from their mother and then transition to solid food.
Step 10: Make sure your pups are well.
heat stress, foot pad infections, and pneumonia are some of the diseases thatguine pigs are susceptible to.Because pups need a lot of vitamins in their diet, a deficiency can cause a disease called scurvy.Symptoms of scurvy include swollen and painful joints, lack of appetite, and reluctance to move.Take your pups to the vet if they show signs of scurvy.Depending on the severity of the deficiency, your vet may need to give your pups injections.
Step 11: The cage bedding needs to be changed frequently.
shredded paper or pine shed bedding is the ideal bedding for your pups' cage.Food and droppings can quickly ruin this bedding.Dropping water from a water bottle may cause it to become wet.The bedding needs to be changed a minimum of twice a week.
Step 12: Provide your pups with things.
Like adults, pups love to play.If your cage is multi-level, your pup would enjoy tunnels and ramps.You can buy toys at your local pet store or make your own with items such as empty milk cartons and toilet paper rolls.Outside of their cage, you can let your pups play.To make the play area as safe as possible, you will need to guinea pig-proof a room.