1. Do buy a cage as large as you can afford for future expansion of our piggy population. Any guinea pig fancier will agree that they will not be satisfied with just one or two piggies. Guinea pigs are not as cute as rabbits but your affection towards them will grow slowly but very readily.
Owners having over 10 piggies are not uncommon.
2. Do cover half of the bottom of your cage with a mat for leg comfort if you are using a wire mesh bottom cage for your long haired piggy.
3. Do provide your piggy with a shelter inside the cage where he can hide himself and some wooden toys for him to chew. A big cage is really necessary to house these items.
4. Do separate the housing for your piggy and bunny. A Bunny has strong hind legs that can unintentionally kick her piggy friend to death.
5. Do fix meal times for your piggy so that he will not be over-weight. You know piggies don't exercise as much as bunnies. Besides, you can gain their squeaking respect almost at the same time every day when you uncover your pellet container.
6. Do stroke the chin and the muscle behind the ears of your piggy every time before you put the food bowl into the cage. Continue this practice and one day he will come forward to welcome you at the cage door every time you open the door to pet him.
7. Do add a few sunflower seeds as a treat to add a shine to your piggy's coat.
Note: Don't give them too many seeds as guinea pigs cannot take a high fat diet. Some owners recommend no seeds at all.
8. Do provide a safe free run for your piggy daily but look out for cats.
9. Do hold your piggy with head facing you and bottom facing the cage when you put him back into his cage (ie. moving backward direction) so that he won't struggle cos of natural height fear.
10. Do handle baby piggies regularly
before weaning age to allow them to
establish a human bond behaviour.
Unlike hamsters, piggy mothers will not reject their babies even after
they're having been touched by humans.
11. Do trim your piggy's toenails regularly. Once a month is fine, but with extreme care.
Terry
Terry presently has 13 guinea pigs and is always looking forward to increasing this number.