Please Help! Guinea Pig Questionnaire

[ross.francis]

Hello all, My name is Ross Francis and I am a Graphic Design degree student at Leeds College of Art, England. I have been given a task to do on 'How to take care of a Guinea Pigs' and I have not got the first idea the subject! My dad took care of them for a short while, but I do not think he was an avid and well educated keeper.
Having done some background research already, I stumbled upon this forum and realised the friendly community that it offers. I would appreciate greatly any help that you could offer as my research to date has just been from books and pet shop guides, and it would be really valuable and helpful to get some 1st hand advice from some passionate keepers.

Here are some questions I put together, any additional information to the questionnaire is more than helpful!


As a new Guinea Pig keeper, where is the best place to buy a Guinea Pig? (are the guinea pigs from larger pet shops more aggressive etc)

As a new owner, what would be the best gender and age to buy and why? (I have read it is advised to buy two as they are sociable animals, if so what is the best gender combo)

What essentials will I need to take care of the Guinea Pig? (food/hutch accessories/etc)

What is the average life span?

What size hutch would be best per guinea pig? (any advised model/make/type)

How often should their food and water be changed and? (are their guinea pig treats? if so, how often should they be given?)

How often should the hutch be cleaned? (does the guinea pig have to be cleaned more or less regularly)

Does the guinea pig need maintaining in other ways? (i read about the teeth becoming too long? nails clipped?)

Are there any common ailments? (how can they be prevented/minimised)

Where should they be kept (outside/inside)? (can they be let out around the home?)

Is there any terminology that would be helpful when talking about guinea pigs? (male and female terms, popular domestic breeds etc)

Finally, what is it like to have a guinea pig? (the more I read about them, the more I would love to own one!)


I realise there is a lot there, so do not feel obliged to answer everything (answering a couple would still be a smashing help) but any information you could offer would be greatly received and I would be highly appreciative as I am somewhat at a loose-end!

I have not yet received the brief for the project, but I assume I will have to produce a guide for Guinea Pig Care. So anything you think I have missed would be great

Thanks Guys!

 

[flintstones]

As a new Guinea Pig keeper, where is the best place to buy a Guinea Pig? (are the guinea pigs from larger pet shops more aggressive etc)
As with any animals, Guinea pigs are being grossly overbred to meet the supply of big chain pet shops, some of these animals are bred in awful environments. They are frequently pregnant, ill or mis-sexed. If you are thinking about a Guinea pig please rescue. There are numerous Guinea pig rescues all round the UK. They will match the right Guinea pigs to you be it boars or sows.


As a new owner, what would be the best gender and age to buy and why? (I have read it is advised to buy two as they are sociable animals, if so what is the best gender combo).
I have males and females, I find the males have much more attitude and are so comical were as the females can be quite grumpy. That being said I have boar/female pairs and they get along well. Boars need more room but are able to live in pairs, as are females. Your best to meet some pigs in pigson - let them choose you.

What essentials will I need to take care of the Guinea Pig? (food/hutch accessories/etc)I have my Guinea pigs indoors - they have C&C cages there are numerous pictures on this forum. They need a hidey each, hay, pellets, water bottle along with vegetables daily which they love. We also have a list of safe vegetables, I aim to give half a cup full twice a day.

What is the average life span? The Guiness book of records oldest Guinea pig is 14,but can range anything from 5 - 10 years. A Guinea pig is a long term commitment.

What size hutch would be best per guinea pig? (any advised model/make/type).Guinea pigs are best kept in pairs minimum size is 4ftx2ft for 2 guinea pigs but of course the bigger the better. Ferplast 120 is a good cage for 2 alternatively you can make your own. C&C is 2 x4 grids recommended size for 2, of course if you have more room then bigger is always better.

How often should their food and water be changed and? (are their guinea pig treats? if so, how often should they be given?)Water needs to be changed once a day,veg is given twice daily and pellets given once a day if the pig is an adult, if not unlimited pellets for babies to help them grow.

How often should the hutch be cleaned? (does the guinea pig have to be cleaned more or less regularly)I have my pigs on Vetbed they are cleaned every 3-4 days.

Does the guinea pig need maintaining in other ways? (i read about the teeth becoming too long? nails clipped?)Yes Guinea pigs need their nails clipped, you should never clip a Guinea pigs teeth. If however they have trouble eating they may need a dental but this must be done by a vet. Two of my pigs have needed dentals out of my 6 pigs. Both over the age of 3.

Are there any common ailments? (how can they be prevented/minimised)Urinary tract infections are common as they are so close to the ground a clean environment can help. Guinea pigs can also catch Upper respiratory infection, they should be a draft free room.

Where should they be kept (outside/inside)? (can they be let out around the home?) You can have free ranging pigs but I must warn you they will not toilet in the one place so lots of cleaning would need done and of course you would need to teeth proof the room. Many people have Guinea pigs outdoors I personally would not as in the winter my Guinea pigs needs would not be met as it's to cold outside, they live indoor all year round but go out on the grass in the nice weather.

Is there any terminology that would be helpful when talking about guinea pigs? (male and female terms, popular domestic breeds etc)
Sows and Boars - Many different breeds again you would be best to meet them at a rescue. Long haired breeds requirement slightly more work as they need groomed.

Finally, what is it like to have a guinea pig? (the more I read about them, the more I would love to own one!)
Depends which guinea pig you own, I have guinea pigs which dislike human attention and don't like being cuddled or stroked. I have others that love human attention and will jump on your lap to come out, Again this is down to the individual pig. Do be prepared to syringe feed your guinea pig if it is ill, also guinea pigs go down hill very quickly when they need a vet, they need a vet now - as they tend to die quickly if veterinary treatment is not sought. It is a good idea to weigh your guinea pig weekly, they hide illness very well and there weight is almost, always the first indication of illness. Continuous weight loss must be investigated quickly.

..

 

[Connie]

There is never a good place to "buy a guinea pig" guinea pigs are best adopted from a rescue ensuring their health and lack of pregnancy.

There is no best gender or age. Its best to go and meet the piggies at the rescue and adopt the pair that you feel best connected with. You can either get 2 males, 2 female, a neutered boar and a sow, or a boar and a spayed sow. All of these pairs can be great provided they have been bonded by the rescue to ensure they get along

You will need a hutch or cage, A food bowl, a water bottle, A hay rack, Bedding, some hiding places and toys. You will also need an unlimited suply of hay, a good brand guinea pig specific pellet food, and 1 cup of selected fruit/veg per guinea pig per day.

I believe the average life span of a piggy is 5-7 years however we do have a couple of 10 year olds on here. The life span depends on the standard of care.

Two guinea pigs need ATLEAST 2ft by 4ft of space. Boys really need a little more however can manage with that. Obviously more piggies need more space. really you dont want a hutch you want a cage, because if the piggy is kept outside in a hutch serious precautions need to be taken to insulate it to keep them warm in winter. In my opinion C&C cages are the best.

The will need unlimited hay, so given whenever needed, untill they reach 6-9 months they will also need unlimited pellets, after that they will need 1 handfull of pellets per piggy per day. They will need 1 cup of fruit and veg per piggy per day. Guinea pigs do not need treats, although you can buy them they love their veg so its like a treat for them.

The hutch will need to be clean roughly twice a week. Obviously exactly how often depends on the bedding you use. Guinea pigs only need a bath when they are dirty, so this depends on how dirty the piggy is.

If the piggy is given unlimited hay their teeth shouldnt over grow, although this does sometimes happen for other reasons and need to be seen by a vet. Periodically their nails will need clipping, either by the owner, or another experienced person.

Skin conditions are common in piggies but if the signs are known they are easily treated.

Guinea pigs can be kept outside but need serious weather protection in the winter, or you can have them outside in summer and inside in winter. Personally i prefer having them inside all year round.

Guinea pigs are amazing, you only need to have a look around for more opinions.

Males and females are called boars and sows. Babies are called pups.

 

[Connie]

There is never a good place to "buy a guinea pig" guinea pigs are best adopted from a rescue ensuring their health and lack of pregnancy.

There is no best gender or age. Its best to go and meet the piggies at the rescue and adopt the pair that you feel best connected with. You can either get 2 males, 2 female, a neutered boar and a sow, or a boar and a spayed sow. All of these pairs can be great provided they have been bonded by the rescue to ensure they get along

You will need a hutch or cage, A food bowl, a water bottle, A hay rack, Bedding, some hiding places and toys. You will also need an unlimited suply of hay, a good brand guinea pig specific pellet food, and 1 cup of selected fruit/veg per guinea pig per day.

I believe the average life span of a piggy is 5-7 years however we do have a couple of 10 year olds on here. The life span depends on the standard of care.

Two guinea pigs need ATLEAST 2ft by 4ft of space. Boys really need a little more however can manage with that. Obviously more piggies need more space. really you dont want a hutch you want a cage, because if the piggy is kept outside in a hutch serious precautions need to be taken to insulate it to keep them warm in winter. In my opinion C&C cages are the best.

The will need unlimited hay, so given whenever needed, untill they reach 6-9 months they will also need unlimited pellets, after that they will need 1 handfull of pellets per piggy per day. They will need 1 cup of fruit and veg per piggy per day. Guinea pigs do not need treats, although you can buy them they love their veg so its like a treat for them.

The hutch will need to be clean roughly twice a week. Obviously exactly how often depends on the bedding you use. Guinea pigs only need a bath when they are dirty, so this depends on how dirty the piggy is.

If the piggy is given unlimited hay their teeth shouldnt over grow, although this does sometimes happen for other reasons and need to be seen by a vet. Periodically their nails will need clipping, either by the owner, or another experienced person.

Skin conditions are common in piggies but if the signs are known they are easily treated.

Guinea pigs can be kept outside but need serious weather protection in the winter, or you can have them outside in summer and inside in winter. Personally i prefer having them inside all year round.

Guinea pigs are amazing, you only need to have a look around for more opinions.

Males and females are called boars and sows. Babies are called pups.

 

[Coconut]

Ewww questionnaire time .

1. In my opinion a good rescue is the best place to get a Guinea pig. It means you are offering a home to a pig that really needs it but also can be sure your not getting a pregnant Guinea pig or one in a horrible state and will have the support and help of the rescue throughout your pet's life. A rescue can give you valuable advice, make sure your circumstances are right and you know what owning Guinea pigs will bring which is especially important for a first time owner. Going to a rescue myself was quite bitter sweet as although I was getting to see all these lovely faces I was also looking at animals that didn't have a home and didn't get the treatment they deserved. After that I'd go for a responsible breeder, if they are doing for the right reasons and have the pig's best interest at heart to me they aren't bad and are a good alternative if a rescue isn't possible. Pet shops are the worse and it is too easy to find someone with a sad experience of buying a pet from one of the big pet shops.

2. Having them in at least a pair is a definate as they are social animals that need their own company and not that of other species e.g rabbits. Gender is pretty much up to the individual and pretty much personal preference. If you want more than two or may want to add more to the pair you are getting in the future then go for girls (or a neutered boy with a girl or number of girls) as they are a lot easier to bond and keep a happier relationship. If your just looking for a pair then it is totally personal choice, some people find boys are a little more affectionate but personally i haven't noticed a different between mine. Older piggies are probably best for a first time owner as they are normally not as skittish but obviously a lot of people want a baby which isn't a bad idea if your willing to give them more time and handle them a lot more.

3. Just the normal things: a cage/ hutch (though if a hutch warmer accomodation for the winter is needed), fresh food, pellet food, bedding/ litter to go in the cage/ hutch, toys, cleaning essentials, a good vet, bowls, water bottles, houses to hide in, treats, erm I think that's pretty much it.

4. I'd say between 6-10 years but bad breeding has lead to much shorter life spans.

5. I don't know hutch size but C&C indoor cages are great and can be changed around the individuals needs. For a pair it is recommend to have at least a 2x4 grids. From their it goes up a gird per pig. In terms of a commercial cage it should be at least 120cm for a pair so like the Ferplast 120.

6.Pellets I leave until eaten and then refill when it is needed, so it's normally refilling the two bowls once a day for five pigs. Water at least once daily. And hay as much as it is needed, if it is soiled or if they don't have any left I refill it. Fresh food they get once of twice a day and I don't have a chance to need to change it |). Treats are pretty much fresh food but I do have pet shop bought treats and they get maybe a few of these per week.

7. I clean mine every 5 days but it's dependent on the size of the cage, bedding being used, how much the pigs poo and wee, etc.

8. Teeth should be fine as long as they have unlimited hay, the right diet and some wood things to chew on. Other than that just nails trimmed and long haired Guinea pigs have to have their hair groomed daily and regular cuts to keep it manageable. Some older boys need their greese gland cleaned regularly when they get older.

9. Just different bits but as long as the pigs are given the right care and problems are stopped as soon as they are noticed most of the common aliments avoidable or easy to get rid of.

10. Personal preference again but during the winter it is better to have them in inside accomadation so they aren't cold but it is possible to keep them warm enough outside throughout the year.

11. Boar= male guinea pig, Sow= female Guine pig
Breeds= long haired, short haired, crested, rosettes, peruvian, Teddy, Rex, roam, there's loads.
Can't really think of other ones worth a mention

12. It's brilliant. They are great company and listen a lot better than my family seem to lol |). They're great to have smuggles with but also fun to watch and also make great pets for children as long as they are supervised together.

Hope that helps .

 

[ross.francis]

Thank you so much guys! I really appreciate the feedback. I apologise for appearing somewhat ignorant about guinea pigs! thanks again, can't tell you how much this helps.

 

[Ziggy]

Hello all, My name is Ross Francis and I am a Graphic Design degree student at Leeds College of Art, England. I have been given a task to do on 'How to take care of a Guinea Pigs' and I have not got the first idea the subject! My dad took care of them for a short while, but I do not think he was an avid and well educated keeper.
Having done some background research already, I stumbled upon this forum and realised the friendly community that it offers. I would appreciate greatly any help that you could offer as my research to date has just been from books and pet shop guides, and it would be really valuable and helpful to get some 1st hand advice from some passionate keepers.

Here are some questions I put together, any additional information to the questionnaire is more than helpful!


As a new Guinea Pig keeper, where is the best place to buy a Guinea Pig? (are the guinea pigs from larger pet shops more aggressive etc)

As a new owner, what would be the best gender and age to buy and why? (I have read it is advised to buy two as they are sociable animals, if so what is the best gender combo)

What essentials will I need to take care of the Guinea Pig? (food/hutch accessories/etc)

What is the average life span?

What size hutch would be best per guinea pig? (any advised model/make/type)

How often should their food and water be changed and? (are their guinea pig treats? if so, how often should they be given?)

How often should the hutch be cleaned? (does the guinea pig have to be cleaned more or less regularly)

Does the guinea pig need maintaining in other ways? (i read about the teeth becoming too long? nails clipped?)

Are there any common ailments? (how can they be prevented/minimised)

Where should they be kept (outside/inside)? (can they be let out around the home?)

Is there any terminology that would be helpful when talking about guinea pigs? (male and female terms, popular domestic breeds etc)

Finally, what is it like to have a guinea pig? (the more I read about them, the more I would love to own one!)


I realise there is a lot there, so do not feel obliged to answer everything (answering a couple would still be a smashing help) but any information you could offer would be greatly received and I would be highly appreciative as I am somewhat at a loose-end!

I have not yet received the brief for the project, but I assume I will have to produce a guide for Guinea Pig Care. So anything you think I have missed would be great

Thanks Guys!

Ok, I'll give you two answers: buy at pets at home and get at a young age. (cheeper and you can train them, a bit.)

 

[flintstones]

Ok, I'll give you two answers: buy at pets at home and get at a young age. (cheeper and you can train them, a bit.)

In dept answer I see - Yes, buy at Pets at Home and get an ill, pregnant or mis-sexed pig. Brilliant idea!

Not to mention support mass breeding.

I won't comment any further as you are clearly a young person or a troll here to wind people up either way you may want to open your eyes and learn about where your animals come from!

 

[Pat Shields]

Dear Ross,
Please stay in touch here; I for one, having been a graphic artist working in Hawaii, California, and North Carolina (I guess I still am one, but I just can't work in the field any more, different story) am curious as to how this project will turn out. Updates and further questions would be nice.

The question about how long do they live - - you will see a range of x number of years in books and other treatises. Yet much of that information comes from people who got the information from other places that said whatever, and if the poor little beasties are not fed correctly or do not have their health looked after, why, their life spans will be shorter than they can be. A loved guinea pig fed a variety of food (not just guinea pig pellets which you don't know really how old they are and can therefore be stale and have diminished nutrients), kept clean and vetted will, if healthy, live much longer than one merely thrown a few pellets every day and kept in a box to run around with no attention. I think the information should read
guinea pigs with little to no attention and inadequate feeding might live so long,
but guinea pigs with proper and adequate nutrition and care might live and have lived x years.
It's like I used to read that the life span of a cat was 8 or 9 years. My cat Thomas lived to be over 20 years old; I got him at age 1 year when my son was a boy, and my son was a grown man by the time Thomas passed on from right heart failure. Thomas was fed good food suitable for cats and with adequate nutrition, and he had excellent veterinary care. Humans used to have a life span of 30-40 years; nowadays with better nutrition and medical care the number of those over 100 is increasing yearly.
I guess what I am saying is don't just go for a number; strive to tell people how to take care of the little guys for maximum health and life.

p.s. I think Ziggy = troll, or at least in this instance.

 

[MerryPip]

Hello all, My name is Ross Francis and I am a Graphic Design degree student at Leeds College of Art, England. I have been given a task to do on 'How to take care of a Guinea Pigs' and I have not got the first idea the subject! My dad took care of them for a short while, but I do not think he was an avid and well educated keeper.
Having done some background research already, I stumbled upon this forum and realised the friendly community that it offers. I would appreciate greatly any help that you could offer as my research to date has just been from books and pet shop guides, and it would be really valuable and helpful to get some 1st hand advice from some passionate keepers.

Here are some questions I put together, any additional information to the questionnaire is more than helpful!


As a new Guinea Pig keeper, where is the best place to buy a Guinea Pig? (are the guinea pigs from larger pet shops more aggressive etc)

I have both bought and rescued piggies in my lifetime and have found neither more aggresive than the other however it is possible to get a badly matched pair or group from a pet store where as rescues will bond pairs or herds well and with careful consideration to each pigs personality and needs. Rescues provide superb back up and give needy pigs a second chance but I understand people who can't rescue or have no option to have a petshop or breeders pig. I don't like to judge.

As a new owner, what would be the best gender and age to buy and why? (I have read it is advised to buy two as they are sociable animals, if so what is the best gender combo)
Always have a pair if possible as pigs are sociable creatures and need the company of their own kind. A well bonded pair of males is no problem however a random pair put together could spell trouble. A neutered male with a female is afairly stable combo as are two sows. I love my boars but I'm biased ( I have 3 after losing my oldest this week)

What essentials will I need to take care of the Guinea Pig? (food/hutch accessories/etc)
The boiggest cage/hutch you can. Pigs need a lot of excercise, most of them love to run and jump abut the place. You can multi level a cage but some pigs never get the hang of ramps.. They are also a prey species so a hidey area like a pigloo or house is a good idea to give them shelter and security. Toys can be hit or miss, some can love tennis balls, toilet roll tubes, paper bags etc but some will ignore them. Simple toys they can chew are best.

What is the average life span? 4-8 years in general

What size hutch would be best per guinea pig? (any advised model/make/type) The bigger the better really Ferplast do great cages ike the 120 & 140 but a lot of people choose to make their own more flexible housing usiung cubes and coroplast (C&C)

How often should their food and water be changed and? (are their guinea pig treats? if so, how often should they be given?)

How often should the hutch be cleaned? (does the guinea pig have to be cleaned more or less regularly)

Does the guinea pig need maintaining in other ways? (i read about the teeth becoming too long? nails clipped?)

Are there any common ailments? (how can they be prevented/minimised)

Where should they be kept (outside/inside)? (can they be let out around the home?)

Is there any terminology that would be helpful when talking about guinea pigs? (male and female terms, popular domestic breeds etc)

Finally, what is it like to have a guinea pig? (the more I read about them, the more I would love to own one!)


I realise there is a lot there, so do not feel obliged to answer everything (answering a couple would still be a smashing help) but any information you could offer would be greatly received and I would be highly appreciative as I am somewhat at a loose-end!

I have not yet received the brief for the project, but I assume I will have to produce a guide for Guinea Pig Care. So anything you think I have missed would be great

Thanks Guys!

Sorry I will answer the others but gotta run and make dinner before the OH comes home!

 

[MerryPip]

Hello all, My name is Ross Francis and I am a Graphic Design degree student at Leeds College of Art, England. I have been given a task to do on 'How to take care of a Guinea Pigs' and I have not got the first idea the subject! My dad took care of them for a short while, but I do not think he was an avid and well educated keeper.
Having done some background research already, I stumbled upon this forum and realised the friendly community that it offers. I would appreciate greatly any help that you could offer as my research to date has just been from books and pet shop guides, and it would be really valuable and helpful to get some 1st hand advice from some passionate keepers.

Here are some questions I put together, any additional information to the questionnaire is more than helpful!


As a new Guinea Pig keeper, where is the best place to buy a Guinea Pig? (are the guinea pigs from larger pet shops more aggressive etc)

I have both bought and rescued piggies in my lifetime and have found neither more aggresive than the other however it is possible to get a badly matched pair or group from a pet store where as rescues will bond pairs or herds well and with careful consideration to each pigs personality and needs. Rescues provide superb back up and give needy pigs a second chance but I understand people who can't rescue or have no option to have a petshop or breeders pig. I don't like to judge.

As a new owner, what would be the best gender and age to buy and why? (I have read it is advised to buy two as they are sociable animals, if so what is the best gender combo)
Always have a pair if possible as pigs are sociable creatures and need the company of their own kind. A well bonded pair of males is no problem however a random pair put together could spell trouble. A neutered male with a female is afairly stable combo as are two sows. I love my boars but I'm biased ( I have 3 after losing my oldest this week)

What essentials will I need to take care of the Guinea Pig? (food/hutch accessories/etc)
The boiggest cage/hutch you can. Pigs need a lot of excercise, most of them love to run and jump abut the place. You can multi level a cage but some pigs never get the hang of ramps.. They are also a prey species so a hidey area like a pigloo or house is a good idea to give them shelter and security. Toys can be hit or miss, some can love tennis balls, toilet roll tubes, paper bags etc but some will ignore them. Simple toys they can chew are best.

What is the average life span? 4-8 years in general

What size hutch would be best per guinea pigyou use and your piggies.? (any advised model/make/type) The bigger the better really Ferplast do great cages ike the 120 & 140 but a lot of people choose to make their own more flexible housing usiung cubes and coroplast (C&C)

How often should their food and water be changed and? (are their guinea pig treats? if so, how often should they be given?)

They should be fed daily and fresh water daily too. I feed my boys twice a day. They easily learn a routine and will wheek at you if you forget food time!

How often should the hutch be cleaned? (does the guinea pig have to be cleaned more or less regularly)

I clean my boys out every 4-5 days or so but it depends on the bedding you use and my boys like to make things really smelly so I do mine quite often. I bath my boys as little as neccessary but they can get pretty grotty sometimes...

Does the guinea pig need maintaining in other ways? (i read about the teeth becoming too long? nails clipped?)

Nails need clipped regularly to prevent them getting long. Generally teeth aren't a problem if they are fed the correct diet especially lots of hay. Certain pigs do have dental problems though most commonly lost incisors or overgrowth of molars

Are there any common ailments? (how can they be prevented/minimised)

Where should they be kept (outside/inside)? (can they be let out around the home?)

My boys are indoors for maximum interaction and they spend most o the evening everyday free ranging in the living room as long as I fence off cable etc.

Is there any terminology that would be helpful when talking about guinea pigs? (male and female terms, popular domestic breeds etc)

There are a huge number of breeds including Rex, Sheltie, alpaca, dalmation, roan, tricolour, dutch, himlayan,lilacs, coronet, crested, self, peruvian, abyssynian and many more. There are many breed lists on the net that might help.

Females are called sows and males are boars. Little ones are pups.

Finally, what is it like to have a guinea pig? (the more I read about them, the more I would love to own one!)
Amazing! They are such characters and worm their way into your heart and suddenly they are the centre of oyur life. If you read some of the threads on here about how peoples other halfs have moaned about their piggies etc but we always find them cuddling/feeding/chatting to or building things for the little things. You can't help but love them. They just have so much personality. Really I think they are the ideal small animal.

I realise there is a lot there, so do not feel obliged to answer everything (answering a couple would still be a smashing help) but any information you could offer would be greatly received and I would be highly appreciative as I am somewhat at a loose-end!

I have not yet received the brief for the project, but I assume I will have to produce a guide for Guinea Pig Care. So anything you think I have missed would be great

Thanks Guys!

 

[ross.francis]

Dear Ross,
Please stay in touch here; I for one, having been a graphic artist working in Hawaii, California, and North Carolina (I guess I still am one, but I just can't work in the field any more, different story) am curious as to how this project will turn out. Updates and further questions would be nice.

The question about how long do they live - - you will see a range of x number of years in books and other treatises. Yet much of that information comes from people who got the information from other places that said whatever, and if the poor little beasties are not fed correctly or do not have their health looked after, why, their life spans will be shorter than they can be. A loved guinea pig fed a variety of food (not just guinea pig pellets which you don't know really how old they are and can therefore be stale and have diminished nutrients), kept clean and vetted will, if healthy, live much longer than one merely thrown a few pellets every day and kept in a box to run around with no attention. I think the information should read
guinea pigs with little to no attention and inadequate feeding might live so long,
but guinea pigs with proper and adequate nutrition and care might live and have lived x years.
It's like I used to read that the life span of a cat was 8 or 9 years. My cat Thomas lived to be over 20 years old; I got him at age 1 year when my son was a boy, and my son was a grown man by the time Thomas passed on from right heart failure. Thomas was fed good food suitable for cats and with adequate nutrition, and he had excellent veterinary care. Humans used to have a life span of 30-40 years; nowadays with better nutrition and medical care the number of those over 100 is increasing yearly.
I guess what I am saying is don't just go for a number; strive to tell people how to take care of the little guys for maximum health and life.

p.s. I think Ziggy = troll, or at least in this instance.

Thanks for that! Thats a more optimistic way of looking at things. I have been set a brief on 'How To....Take care of your guinea pig'. Currently gathering research and looking into concepts at the minute, but it is an interesting brief and I am really happy with some of the ideas I have had thus far. I will keep you updated!

Ross

 

[ross.francis]

Dear Ross,
Please stay in touch here; I for one, having been a graphic artist working in Hawaii, California, and North Carolina (I guess I still am one, but I just can't work in the field any more, different story) am curious as to how this project will turn out. Updates and further questions would be nice.

The question about how long do they live - - you will see a range of x number of years in books and other treatises. Yet much of that information comes from people who got the information from other places that said whatever, and if the poor little beasties are not fed correctly or do not have their health looked after, why, their life spans will be shorter than they can be. A loved guinea pig fed a variety of food (not just guinea pig pellets which you don't know really how old they are and can therefore be stale and have diminished nutrients), kept clean and vetted will, if healthy, live much longer than one merely thrown a few pellets every day and kept in a box to run around with no attention. I think the information should read
guinea pigs with little to no attention and inadequate feeding might live so long,
but guinea pigs with proper and adequate nutrition and care might live and have lived x years.
It's like I used to read that the life span of a cat was 8 or 9 years. My cat Thomas lived to be over 20 years old; I got him at age 1 year when my son was a boy, and my son was a grown man by the time Thomas passed on from right heart failure. Thomas was fed good food suitable for cats and with adequate nutrition, and he had excellent veterinary care. Humans used to have a life span of 30-40 years; nowadays with better nutrition and medical care the number of those over 100 is increasing yearly.
I guess what I am saying is don't just go for a number; strive to tell people how to take care of the little guys for maximum health and life.

p.s. I think Ziggy = troll, or at least in this instance.

Thanks for that! That's a more optimistic way of looking at things. I have been set a brief on 'How To....Take care of your guinea pig'. Currently gathering research and looking into concepts at the minute, but it is an interesting brief and I am really happy with some of the ideas I have had thus far. I will keep you updated!

Ross