Potential owners of guinea pigs or those lucky ones who have these cute animals at home ask themselves: how many guinea pigs live at home? It is impossible to name a specific number, since many factors influence the duration of existence, which we will consider in this article.
General information
A domestic guinea pig is a small but very dedicated animal that gets along well in any family. Most importantly, she is unpretentious and very attached to her master. There are even cases when, upon seeing a person, an animal began to squeak with joy. Their wild ancestors were leaner and more mobile than domesticated descendants. There are various breeds, or species of guinea pigs. The main ones are:
- long-haired;
- Shorthair
- naked.
They differ for the most part in length, coat color or its presence.
How many guinea pigs live at home?
The average life expectancy of guinea pigs is 5-8 years. Of course, there are animals that delight their owners more time. To date, the guinea pig, which has lived for 15 years, is known in history. By the way, it is inscribed in the Guinness Book of Records. What influences this figure and what can the owner of the animal do to extend his life? Below we will talk about this in more detail.
Content
The cage in which the guinea pig will live must have a solid base. The material can be any. Wire flooring is not recommended as it can damage the animal’s legs. The aquarium is not suitable for guinea pigs, as the air in it is not ventilated. Choose a cage measuring approximately 1.5 square meters per pig. Sawdust or hay can be put on the floor, as well as a soft cloth litter so that the animal sleeps on it. In pet stores for sleeping, you can purchase special containers or use a small pot. In the daytime, the animal loves to play, so its home must be equipped with small cardboard boxes, pendants, tunnels, and it will be happy. Like any cargo, the guinea pig is shy, and frequent stress can also affect her well-being. Cell cleaning should be carried out as they become dirty, as a rule, at least 1 time per week.
Nutrition
How many guinea pigs live at home? For their longevity, an important factor is nutrition. The diet of the guinea pig should be as follows:
- 60% - dry food, mainly hay;
- 20% - solid food (peas, grain, corn);
- 20% - juicy food (vegetables and greens).
In order for the animal to be comfortable eating, the bowl should have two compartments: for dry and juicy food. Fresh water should always be in the cage near the guinea pig, and so that your pet does not tip the drinker, attach it to the wall.
Care
Besides the fact that you need to keep the animal in a clean cage, you also need to take care of the animal itself, even despite the fact that they are considered very clean animals. If you have a long-haired guinea pig, then do not be lazy to comb her hair daily so that she does not get confused and does not create discomfort. It is often not necessary to wash the animal, usually this happens as the coat becomes dirty, once a week it will be enough. If you suspect animal lice or fleas, then immediately contact a veterinary clinic and do not try to remove them yourself.
Games
Release the guinea pig from the cage every day for at least a few hours so that the animal can run up and play enough. However, be careful and observe all the movements of the pet, otherwise you may be unpleasantly surprised to see broken wires and bitten slippers.
So, now you know how many guinea pigs live at home, and what needs to be done so that the little animal will please you as long as possible.