FAQ

Q: What size cage do I need for my Guinea Pigs?

A: Two guinea pigs: 8 square feet (minimum), but 10.5 square feet is preferred. We recommend the 2x4 C&C Cage or Midwest Guinea Pig Cage to start with the option to expand. The more room the happier your Guinea Pig(s) will be!

Q: What do Guinea Pigs eat?

A: Guinea Pigs require a diet of unlimited fresh quality Timothy hay everyday. Guinea Pigs need access to hay everyday as this helps aid their digestive system and helps grind their constantly growing incisors. Fruit, vegetables and pellets make up the rest of their diet and should be offered daily.

Q: Do I need to get 2 Guinea Pigs if I only want 1?

A: Yes! Guinea Pigs are herd animals and require a buddy as they get awfully lonely and it shows! A bonded pair of Guinea Pigs will socialize, play, chase, eat together and become 24/7 companionship for one another. Single Guinea Pigs can also be happy having a friend next to their enclosure if they lost their bonded partner so long theu can see , hear, smell and touch each other through the wires.

Q: How can I make sure my Guinea Pigs get enough Vitamin C?

A: Besides daily vegetables like Green Pepper which is very high in vitamin C, you can also give your Guinea Pigs Vitamin C tablets from Oxbow.

Q: What do I do if my Guinea Pig is not eating or drinking.

A: If your guinea pig is not eating or drinking, it could be a sign of a health issue and requires attention. Here are some steps you can take:

Contact a veterinarian immediately: It is important to consult a veterinarian who specializes in small animals, such as guinea pigs. They will have the expertise to diagnose the underlying cause of your guinea pig's loss of appetite and provide appropriate treatment. In Ottawa we recommend Lynwood Animal Hospital, Carling Animal Hospital or Glebe Animal Hospital they have exotic vets at their facility. In Montreal we recommend Montreal bird and exotic vet.
Monitor their behavior: Observe your guinea pig closely to check for any other signs of illness or discomfort. Look for changes in activity level, breathing difficulties, weight loss, diarrhea, or unusual behaviors.
Offer enticing food and water: In the meantime, you can try tempting your guinea pig with their favorite foods. Offer fresh vegetables, such as bell peppers, lettuce, or cilantro, which are typically appealing to guinea pigs. Ensure fresh water is available at all times.
Ensure proper diet and environment: Make sure your guinea pig has a balanced diet consisting of high-quality hay, guinea pig pellets, and fresh vegetables. Ensure their living environment is clean, spacious, and free from any potential stressors.
Provide warmth and comfort: Guinea pigs are sensitive to temperature changes. Ensure they are kept in a warm and comfortable environment, avoiding drafts or extreme temperatures.

Remember, it is crucial to seek professional veterinary advice as soon as possible when your guinea pig shows signs of not eating or drinking. Prompt veterinary care can help identify and address any underlying health issues and improve their chances of recovery

Q: How can I administer food to my Guinea Pig using a syringe ( syringe feeding) while we are waiting to be seen by vet?

A: Administering food to a guinea pig using a syringe requires caution and a gentle approach. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to safely and effectively syringe feed your guinea pig:

Gather supplies: Obtain a syringe without a needle, typically a small oral syringe, and the prescribed critical care formula ( oxbow critical care apple and banana flavor ) or a suitable food mixture recommended by your veterinarian.
Prepare the food mixture: Follow the instructions provided by your veterinarian or the product packaging to prepare the food mixture. Ensure it has the right consistency for syringe feeding—smooth and easily flowable, but not too thin.
Create a comfortable environment: Find a quiet and calm space where you can feed your guinea pig without distractions. It's helpful to have a soft towel or blanket to secure your guinea pig and provide support.
Position your guinea pig: Gently and securely hold your guinea pig, supporting their body and ensuring their head is positioned slightly elevated.
Introduce the syringe: Place the tip of the syringe near the side of your guinea pig's mouth, between their front teeth. Be careful not to force the syringe into their mouth, as it may cause injury.
Start slow and be patient: Gradually depress the plunger to release a small amount of food into your guinea pig's mouth. Allow them to swallow before administering more. Be patient and go at their pace to avoid causing distress.
Observe their response: Watch for signs that your guinea pig is accepting the food, such as licking their lips or swallowing. If they resist or become stressed, pause and try again after a short break.
Repeat as needed: Continue administering the food in small increments, allowing your guinea pig time to swallow and breathe comfortably. Adjust the speed and volume of food based on their tolerance and response.
Clean up and provide water: After feeding, clean the syringe thoroughly to prevent contamination. Offer your guinea pig fresh water to ensure hydration.

Remember, it is crucial to consult with your veterinarian for specific instructions and guidance on syringe feeding, as they can provide tailored advice based on your guinea pig's condition. Regularly communicate with your veterinarian to track progress and make any necessary adjustments to the feeding routine.

Q: What is a lethal white Guinea Pig?

A: Lethal white gene guinea pigs are genetically compromised and do not typically live as long or healthy a life as other guinea pigs.

They result from a recessive gene found in roan and dalmatian coat-colored guinea pigs. Breeding two of these coat types together carries a 25% chance of producing a baby with the lethal white gene and experiencing the associated disorder.

The siblings may not be affected. Lethal whites lack pigmentation and are always white with pink eyes. They are generally smaller than their siblings and can suffer from various illnesses and issues.

These guinea pigs are typically blind and deaf. Their life expectancy can range from a few months to a couple of years.

Issues commonly found in lethal whites include microphthalmia (small or absent eyes) and blindness, deafness, malformed teeth (including missing front incisors), stunted growth, neurological problems, gastrointestinal disorders, physical deformities, and weak immune systems.

Proper care for lethal whites involves making lifelong adjustments to the home environment, ensuring ongoing nursing and veterinary care, and committing to a significant financial investment.

It is important to carefully consider these responsibilities before taking on the care of a lethal white guinea pig. Their welfare must be maintained throughout their life to prevent suffering, and immediate veterinary attention should be sought if any signs of disease are observed.

At home, these guinea pigs require a single-level cage with a consistent layout to aid navigation. This helps them avoid injury from ramps or sharp edges.