FAQ
Here is a list of questions I am frequently asked.
Is it best to have a cage mate for your cavy?
YES! Research shows guinea pigs are happiest and live longer lives when they live in groups or pairs, as they are very social animals. I have observed this first-hand, hence why I choose not to sell mine before the age of about 3 months, if they will be caged alone. I know babies have stopped eating, due to being lonely and stressed :(
YES! Research shows guinea pigs are happiest and live longer lives when they live in groups or pairs, as they are very social animals. I have observed this first-hand, hence why I choose not to sell mine before the age of about 3 months, if they will be caged alone. I know babies have stopped eating, due to being lonely and stressed :(
Is there a difference in temperament between an adult or baby guinea pig?
Yes, there IS usually a difference in personality between a young adult or adult and a baby guinea pig. Babies until about 3 months of age tend to be more skittish as they have not yet learned to fully trust you. Guinea pigs are naturally wary of humans, as they are prey animals. Once they have formed a bond with you and learned to trust you they are very friendly and affectionate! When socialized and handled frequently, they become calm and learn to trust you as a companion. Babies are cute, but be prepared to "tame" them. If you'd prefer a well socialized & calm guinea pig, an adult would be a better choice.
Yes, there IS usually a difference in personality between a young adult or adult and a baby guinea pig. Babies until about 3 months of age tend to be more skittish as they have not yet learned to fully trust you. Guinea pigs are naturally wary of humans, as they are prey animals. Once they have formed a bond with you and learned to trust you they are very friendly and affectionate! When socialized and handled frequently, they become calm and learn to trust you as a companion. Babies are cute, but be prepared to "tame" them. If you'd prefer a well socialized & calm guinea pig, an adult would be a better choice.
If purchasing a pair of cavies, must they be females?
No. Age & personality plays a big role in pairing males together. I usually always have a cage with newly weaned boars together.
No. Age & personality plays a big role in pairing males together. I usually always have a cage with newly weaned boars together.
Do most breeders make money from selling their guinea pigs?
No. Absolutely not. They usually spend over a $1,000 out of pocket a year on their care. The money they receive in sales, goes to pay for their bedding, feed, hay and some veggies. It doesn't cover their monthly treatment for mites, vitamin C, cage accessories & supplies, etc.
No. Absolutely not. They usually spend over a $1,000 out of pocket a year on their care. The money they receive in sales, goes to pay for their bedding, feed, hay and some veggies. It doesn't cover their monthly treatment for mites, vitamin C, cage accessories & supplies, etc.
Do males or females make better pets?
I personally have a favorite in each gender. Each one has their own little personality. Their personality is determined by both socialization and genetics. Handling & interacting with them often, helps to make a calmer & more friendly cavy. Some are clowns, some are more laid back, some are spunky, and some are cuddle bugs. I try to breed only cavies with favorable personalities, as they make the best pets!
I personally have a favorite in each gender. Each one has their own little personality. Their personality is determined by both socialization and genetics. Handling & interacting with them often, helps to make a calmer & more friendly cavy. Some are clowns, some are more laid back, some are spunky, and some are cuddle bugs. I try to breed only cavies with favorable personalities, as they make the best pets!
Do you recommend supplementing with vitamin C?
Yes! I have seen first-hand what a deficiency in vitamin C can do. It is the most common nutritional deficiency in guinea pigs! Feeding fresh veggies daily definitely helps. Especially kale, red peppers and parsley. I recommend giving all veggies & especially fruits in moderation. Here is a link to a chart for the vegetables & fruits with the highest vitamin C content. http://www.guinealynx.info/diet_order-c.html
Yes! I have seen first-hand what a deficiency in vitamin C can do. It is the most common nutritional deficiency in guinea pigs! Feeding fresh veggies daily definitely helps. Especially kale, red peppers and parsley. I recommend giving all veggies & especially fruits in moderation. Here is a link to a chart for the vegetables & fruits with the highest vitamin C content. http://www.guinealynx.info/diet_order-c.html
Do male cavies smell more than females?
Male cavies do not have a strong smell to them like male rabbits. Usually the only time you'll smell a male is when they activate their scent gland. This happens when they're first put in with a sow for breeding. They'll mark their territory by dragging their scent gland around the cage. This usually only lasts a few minutes. Males kept in pairs or alone do not normally display this behavior.
Male cavies do not have a strong smell to them like male rabbits. Usually the only time you'll smell a male is when they activate their scent gland. This happens when they're first put in with a sow for breeding. They'll mark their territory by dragging their scent gland around the cage. This usually only lasts a few minutes. Males kept in pairs or alone do not normally display this behavior.