Guinea Pig Care

[Claire K]

Hi All,

Could anyone possibly advise me on what regular care my guinea pigs should be getting.

My little ones are 8 weeks old at the moment!

When I say care, I mean parasite treatments or anything else that should be done on a regular basis regardless of whether or not its required for medical purposes !

Am used to having dogs and cats which have to be wormed, have de-flea treatments etc but I'm new to Guinea Pigs!

Many Thanks
Claire

 

[Wiebke]

Guinea pigs normally don't need regular pre-emptive treatment.

However, keep a careful eye out for skin diseases, as you will have to treat both piggies for them. I haven't found that any pre-emptive treatment makes a difference.

 

[sophiew (EAGPR)]

There is a really good weekly checklist on Summerleaze's site for Little Brambles

http://www.littlebramblesguineapigr...er_op=view_page&PAGE_id=19&MMN_position=32:32

And a form you can download and keep as a reference, and also a weigh-in form to keep a note of the piggies weights, this might be a useful starting point!

Sophie
x

 

[Laura-CCC4]

As Wiebke said, there isn't really anything that has to be done as medical preventatives.

However, many owners do "worm" their piggies. There are two choices for this:

- Once a month with a herbal wormer: http://holisticpetsupplies.co.uk/product_info.php?products_id=87
- Once every three months with Ivomec and Panacur.

I usually advise worming (preventing against intestinal parasites and worms) mainly if the pigs graze outside, or if they are fed unwashed vegetables. However mine do neither and I still worm them with Ivomec and Panacur. I had a few cases of "unexplained weight loss" prior to routinely worming, which a one-off dose of Panacur solved, and had no trouble since routinely worming.
Such worming is by no means essential, it is down to personal preference.

Weekly weight checks are quite important, and basic health checks are also good to get into the habit of performing frequently.

 

[Claire K]

Great, thanks for those tips. Will certainly print off the form so I can keep a weekly check on their weight etc and will consider worming them as they will be garzing outside from next weekend.

Thanks for All your help guys!