Hello, getting a GP + after some advice!

[MummyGez]

Hello everyone

I'm getting 2 GP's in the next few weeks but would just like abit of advice on them really.

I'm unsure if this is the correct section to post in.

Here goes..

Ive never owned a GP in my life. Ive never handled one. Never really interested me.

I've got a cat, and 2 rabbits.

Me and my partner have been thinking that its time for another pet and another forum I go on, rave about GP's. We thought we'd look into them and basically get advice on everything they need.

So, bedding? Is this usually sawdust?
Food? Hay, a good dry mix and fresh veg? Am I right? Anything else?
Excersize? An hour in the run a day, this is what my rabbits have?
Anything for vets that I should know about, are they prone to any condition? Do they need anything regular?
How much, on average, do they cost to neuter? (SP?)


We've bought a few books off eBay but they havent arrived yet so thought i'd join this forum to get some advice off people who obviously know about guinea pigs!

Please don't slate us for not knowing a thing about pigs, and considering getting one because we're doing the right thing by asking around, doing our research and we are going to a rescue centre next week to handle a few and to make sure theyre the right animal for us.

Thanks to everyone who replies

 

[ILoveGilbertTheGuineaPig]

Good thing you went online for some research before you actually got a guinea pig. You should definitely consider adoption/rescues. There are many guineas without a home

Bedding: Typically, people on this forum use fleece as it is very comfy on the piggies feet. We use C&C cages because they are very easy to customize and cost a lot less then pet store bought cages. Below the fleece is usually newspapers and/or puppy pads, to keep the wet spots from completely soaking the bottom.

Food: Take a look at the food section. There are many stickies there and a Guinea Pig Shopping List that shows what you can and cannot feed piggies along with how much and how often. Feel free to ask any questions. Unlimited hay should be supplied and a bowl of nuggets or pellets a day. Then you have the veggies.

Exercise: It really varies, there is no exact amount of time the guienas should be out of their cage, but I have them out for atleast 3 hours, typically 4 or 5 hours. Do not leave guinea pigs with rabbits. They cannot be together because the rabbit could possibly harm your guinea pigs.

You should explore around this forum. When I first joined this forum (around Feb.) I was a complete newbie! Now i feel much smarter You can learn LOTS and soon you will become an expert and also a cavy (which is another name for guinea pig) slave.

LOVE: amelia

 

[Laura-CCC4]

Welcome to the forum Gez, thank you for doing some research before you actually get the pigs. Are you adopting from a rescue?

To answer some of your questions:

1. Bedding: Sawdust is not recommended due to concerns about how it may affect the respiratory systems and skin condition of guineas. Many owners keep their pigs on sawdust without a problem, but there are far preferable beddings. The traditional beddings that go on top of thick layers of newspaper include CareFresh, Megazorb and hay. Alternative beddings, material ones which can be reused time and time again, include fleece and Vetbed. The type of bedding that suits you will depend on if you have any allergies, the type of cage cleaning you wish to do (e.g. throw all the waste out, or wash and reuse material bedding), and whether the guineas will be kept indoors or out.

2. Food: Plain pellets/nuggets are preferable to a muesli mix. Good plain pellet feeds in UK include Science Selective Guinea Pig, Burgess Excel Tasty Nuggets, Wagg Optimum and Oxbow Cavy Cuisine. Lots and lots of hay - as with rabbits, it is essential for dental wear and healthy digestion. A grass hay - such as meadow, timothy, orchard grass, oat or brome - is ideal.
Fresh fruit and veg is important to give daily - see the following threads for ideas on a healthy variety: http://www.theguineapigforum.co.uk/showthread.php?t=42
http://www.theguineapigforum.co.uk/showthread.php?t=30297

3. Exercise: The amount of time they need out of the cage depends on the size of the cage/hutch. For two pigs, their enclosure must be a minimum of 4ft x 2ft. The bigger the better, generally speaking. Aim for at least 1 hour of exercise time outside the cage daily, two or more hours if possible.

4. Health Problems: Guineas don't need vaccinating against any diseases, as bunnies do. Generally they don't require any preventative treatment or supplements provided they have a good, varied diet.
Piggies as a species are prone to skin problems, both parasitic and fungal, although many pigs never have either condition. Each type of skin problem requires different treatment, so if it does come up, seeking advice from a good vet (one who is very experienced in the diagnosis and treatment of guinea pigs) and asking here on the forum should help you deal with the illness.
Respiratory conditions are fairly common also, this can be as simple as an allergy (hayfever) or more serious, such as Upper Respiratory Infections or pneumonia. If caught early and treated properly, guinea pigs can recover from serious respiratory trouble. Allergies rarely need actual treatment, just an awareness and attempts to reduce allergens in the environment.

5. Neutering males costs around £45, on average. There is no need to neuter a guinea pig unless you intend him to live with one or more females. Neutering does not alter any aspect of their behaviour, it simply renders them infertile.

I do hope some of this info helps. Often you will find much useful information simply by browsing the forum, so feel free to have a good look around and ask any questions you want.

 

[KingBoris&HisFollowers]

Hello and welcome,

Sawdust can cause respiratory problems so it isnt recommended,good beddings can involve hay,fleece and there are a few other options,vet bed is also commonly used

good food is,
Hay(non dusty),pellets rather than a mix otherwise they pick out favourite bits and dont get full nutrition,fresh veg and small amounts of fruit,plants such as dandelions (not sure what else you have over there).Lucerne which is called pasture over there i think, is only good for young piggies or pregnant sows as its high in calcium so thats the only one not to get,definantely no straw as it can injury piggy eyes etc,

Guineas are happy with a few hours a week in a run whether its indoors or outdoors,as long as they have at least an hour of cuddles a day and some run time they are fine.I'm sure you already know this but piggies cannot play or be house with rabbits as one playful kick from a rabbit can kill.

Unfortunantly with piggies its rather common that things can happen,they could be perfectly healthy there wholes lives or could be plagued by illness its down to the individual pig,as far as funds go i cannot stress enough to put away as much as you can as my experience with them hasnt been cheap.
Another good thing is to find a qualified piggy vet or someone that has a good knowledge of them as incorrect dianoses will cost you more money in the long run.
Laura has told you about neutering as i wouldnt have a clue and am also in oz so prices are different here,
Basically piggies are so much fun and are loving beautiful little animals but as with any animal they are a commitment for in some cases up to 8 years and if they are problematic with illness or behaviour you have to be prepared for that too,when i got my first piggy i assumed it would be an easy care pet and everything would be straightforward,
i soon learnt that they can be royal handfuls(especially when poorly),but in saying that i wouldnt trade them for the world and just in the time of being on the forum i have gone from 3 to 8 so be prepared to get addicted,goodluck with your new piggies when they arrivexxxxxxxxxxxxxx