Taking Care of Your Guinea Pigs

Guinea pigs are a rather unique creature that also have a very interesting history. They, at one time, existed in the wild and they were also raised by Inca Indians in Peru. Several centuries ago, this unique animal was also introduced in Europe as a pet. Many people still enjoy having the guinea pig as a pet, both because of its gentle nature and because of what it is able to bring to a family. If you love guinea pigs yourself and would like to have one as a pet, there are a number of things for you to consider which can really help to make your pet as happy and healthy as possible.

Guinea Pigs Along for the Ride by Richard Carter

As with most types of animals, your guinea pig is going to need to eat a well-balanced diet in order to remain healthy. Much of the commercially available guinea pig food is going to suffice in this regard, but many people also like to supplement the guinea pig diet in order to provide them with additional nutrients and some interesting eating. Feeding them alfalfa, hay, various types of sprouts and other raw vegetables from the refrigerator is always an excellent choice for these animals. Make sure that whatever you feed them, however, is pesticide free.

Interestingly enough, a guinea pig is unable to produce its own vitamin C as many other animals in the wild are able to do. Humans share this inability with the guinea pig, and just as you would want to supplement your own source of vitamin C, you would want to make sure that your guinea pig has a ready supply of it available as well. Sprinkle a little bit of vitamin C on their food on a daily basis, and it will help to keep your guinea pigs as healthy as possible.

Something else that every guinea pig needs is a great place to sleep. Many of us tend to take the guinea pig out of its hutch on a regular basis, but it is still going to need to be put into its own area from time to time. It is not necessary for you to go to the extremes as far as the guinea pig hutch is concerned, but there are some that are commercially available which do a fairly good job. Choosing the right type of bedding, such as pine shavings is also a good idea in order to keep your guinea pig as healthy as possible.

One final thing that I would like to mention about the guinea pig is the fact that it requires a lot of interaction and absolutely loves human contact. That is one of the reasons why so many people fall in love with this unique animal and want to have them as part of their family. Make sure that you are giving the guinea pig what it needs in this regard, and you will help to make it as happy as possible. As with most animals, a happy animal is a healthy animal so giving it attention can really make you a responsible pet owner.

Author Resource: Alison Wood shares her tips for living with all different types of pets over at the aptly named pet blog, Pet Hooligans. To find out more about all your favorite little hooligans and how to increase their health and happiness, take a look at the website today ==> http://www.pethooligans.com/

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