General Care

[Jennifer256]

Well we have had out two girlies nearly a week and I just want to check with people in the know lol if I am doing things right

They have a 2 tier hutch, never go on the bottom though!
I have sawdust on the floor then meadow hay for bed, in the other section they have timothy hay to eat, water bowl and water bottle as not sure what they are really using much, then food bowl which is pellets.

They have had lots of fresh food this week, mainly cabbage, brocolli, parsley, basil as thats what I have had in, also had a few treats of apple, banana, pear and they have had a few sessions out in their run when it has been nice so lots of fresh grass and dandilions!
They also have a salt lick, cardboard tunnel and chewing sticks in the hutch.

They are spot cleaned everyday but I near enough take most of the bed out and sawdust as the wee and poo everywere lol! I have gone through a bag of sawdust in a week, Is that about right?

They get covered with carpet and tarpulin everynight, do you think that is enough? Also it has been raining today so have kept them covered so there hutch doesnt get wet inside, but feel awfull on them!

Handle them everyday and although they tolerate me I wouldn't say they love it, calm down and sit on my knee ok!

Is the general care I am giving them ok or is there anything else I should/could be doing?

Thanks Jen xx

 

[piggyfan]

Hi there. I would take out the salt lick. They are no good for piggies and just a way of making money for pet shops. With cabbage you can give it but not often as it can cause gas. I personally do not like sawdust and use fleece but everybody uses different things. It is great you are holding them everyday as they will get tame and soon be enjoying cuddles.

 

[sport_billy]

Hello, Welcome to the forum.

Your girlies seem to be settling in fine from what you have said. What are their names?
Sawdust can be a bit dusty for them - Dust Extracted Wood shavings are a better way to go, it is often compacted in a bag so you'll use less of it.. We use a quarter of a bag each clean normally (in a ferplast 120cm cage)
No need for a salt lick, guinea pigs don't need one at all.

They sound like they are having a good diet with lots of variety and Timothy hay - which most piggies adore...You can get an idea of other food they can eat at http://www.theguineapigforum.co.uk/showthread.php?t=42 and also this thread http://www.theguineapigforum.co.uk/showthread.php?t=30297 Halfway down the thread it gives you an idea on the frequency that food should be fed at.
They don't need the salt lick by the way.

They'll soon get use to lap time and get a lot more relaxed around you. Our girls have always hated being picked up but enjoy sitting on our laps, it took over a year before they really started relaxing.

Be great to see some photo's of your piggies, there is a great sticky thread http://www.theguineapigforum.co.uk/showthread.php?t=88068 by Twiams, which shows you how to post them.

Any other questions, just ask.

 

[ortonc]

Are they not going on the bottom because the ramp is a bit scary for them? I had to cover mine with carpet before my three would use it. For some of the steeper ramps, some people have covered them with a tunnel to encourage them to use it.

 

[Jennifer256]

Right the salt lick thing has gone lol! It did specifically say for guinea pigs hence why I bought it!

Still got no names........thinking of ariel and fiona as in the little mermaid and princess fiona from shrek since they are the childrens piggies.

I think it is wood shavings I am using they are from a pet shop and compacted together, just seeming to use a lot not sure if it is because I am cleaning them so often, but the poo and wee everywere lol

Is the carpet and tarpulin enough covering them at the min? Going to put them in the shed when it gets too cold but for now they are outside xx

 

[Wiebke]

There are alternative beddings to wood chippings (megazorb, care fresh, aubiose).

Please give fruit only twice a week; too much can cause mouth and lip sores; rather add one high vitamin C veg like a slice of pepper, a bit of broccoli or a sprig of fresh coriander/cilantro, parsley, dill, mint or basil (please vary) to the cupful of mixed veg a piggy should get in a day. Make sure that your girls have lots of hay - it should make up to 80% of their food intake; that is most important to keep the guts and the piggy healthy. A good place to order cheaper but better quality hay from is: http://www.hayforpets.co.uk/
With a good diet, salt licks are not necessary and you will find that your piggies simply ignore them! Please do not add to anything to the water, either.

Hutch ramps are often very steep, so piggies (who are not climbers) are reluctant to use them. Some people use velcro-on fleece tunnels to give their piggies a feel of safety, or make railings.

Please move your piggies indoors as soon as the difference between day and night temperatures rises; guinea pigs are very sensitive to sudden changes in temperature.

 

[arrabi]

carpet?

hi i want to insulate my hutch for winter a picture would be very helpful thanks.