| OWNING A CAVY |
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| So, you decided that you would like a pet and think that a GUINEA PIG might be right for you.... |
| BEFORE YOU BUY A GUINEA PIG There are a few things you need to consider before buying a cavy. The first thing is time - do you have the time to look after guinea pigs? Cavies are very easy pets to look after and need minimal care - mainly a feed twice a day, fresh water daily, and a clean once a week (depending on the state of the cage). Anoth thing is the cost - cavies are very inexpensive animals to look after. The main cost is the house, water bottle, feed bowl and the guinea pigs themselves. The general upkeep cost would be less then $5 per week (for two cavies) including food, vegie scraps and bedding. Refrer to the General Care page below for rough costs. Guinea Pigs can sometimes be scarred animals, as when they originally used to live in the wild, their only defence was to run and hide - this is instinctive and sudden movements, loud noises (including very loud children near by) can frighten them. It is recommended that guinea pigs are not ideal for very young children, as the child may be too rough in handling the small cavy - often squeezing a bit too tight. The following will give more information on the equipment needed, and other basic care information for owning a guinea pig. WHERE IS THE BEST PLACE TO BUY A GUINEA PIG - breeder or a pet shop? This debate is the same as in purhcasing a dog or cat- do you buy it from a reputable breeder - or from a pet shop? The price for a cavy from a pet shop is generally between $8-$15, while a cavy from an experienced breeder from the club, sell their cavies between $10-$40 (for pet and show quality animals). So, as you can see there is not much of a price difference as there is on other animals from a breeder (such as dogs, where breeders can sell their pups for $1,000+). The advantages from buying from a breeder are that you will know where the cavy has come from- you will receive a pedigree certificate with the cavies DOB, breed and names of parents, grand parents and great grand parents. From this it will give you an idea of the stock that the cavy has come from. Being a breeder, we carefully select which cavy is to be bred to which - making sure to be careful about inbreeding and immediately stop breeding from any lines that have produced weak babies- therefore making sure that the babies remain healthy and illness free. Buying from a breeder you will also definately know what sex cavy you are buying - we have heard many tales from pet exhibitors who purchased "two females" and ended up some little additions a short time later. Also, because of this, the babies may be from a 'brother/sister' mating, and when these are taken to the petshop, the cycle might start again. Not only the above mentioned reasons, there are such a varitey of breeds and colours of cavies - and buying from a club member- we hopefully will be able to match you with the breed of your choice. HOW MANY DO YOU WANT? The best thing to have when owning a cavy is another cavy! Cavies are social animals and love the company of other guinea pigs - so when thinking about buying a cavy you should start off with TWO. This gives them someone to talk to and snuggle up to on those lonely night - especially when you are at work, or the kids at school. WHICH TO BUY - MALES OR FEMALES? To buy males or females - this is the question. I personallty feel (and this is only my opinion) that there is no real difference between buying two males or two females. Males can fight - but this is mainly a territorial thing (especially if there is a female scent around!), so if you decide to buy two males, it is best to get them at around 8-10 weeks so that they learn to live together and will grow up happily. Two females may have their little squabbles to decide who will be the dominant one and settle the "i'm boss" dispute. When it comes to the smell, some males are known for having a 'smell' about them - such as mice, however I have not had this problem owning cavies - both male and female. Male and a female - if you decide to breed and get one of each sex, be prepared to purchase TWO CAGES, they will need to live apart until you decide to breed the female (not to be put in with the male any earlier than 5 months). When the sow gives birth, she can become pregnant straight away, so they will need to be seperated before this - and really end up spending most of their time on their own (refer to BREEDING in general care) PURCHASING AND SETTLING IN YOUR NEW PETS Once you have decided that a cavy is the pet for you - and have thought about the previously mention questions on where to buy them, and what sex to get just be sure to set up all the needed items needed before bringing your little piggies home (refer to general care below). On the car ride home, place the cavies into a carry box (or similar) and try to make sure that they are not disturbed too much on the way home (it is scarry enough being in a box -away from mum, let alone being uncovered with people patting you and making noise) Have minimal handling for a day or two, allowing your new pets to settle into their new home. Every time you do get them out, or hold them, or even if you are near the cage, offer them a small piece of food - such as a few blades of grass - this will slowly give them the impression that being around you means food which = good fun, and will make them more likely to come out, rather than hiding. ENJOY. |
| CLICK HERE FOR BASIC CAVY CARE INFORMATION housing, handling, feeding, breeding, bathing, grooming, clipping nails, exercise, etc. |