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Guinea Pigs are a common furry friend of islanders, but there are frequently a number of misconceptions around looking after one.
However, this Guinea Pig Awareness Week, JSPCA Fundraising Manager Michelle Parker is on hand to help us understand our little companions better, and what we need to do to take care of them...
Pictured: "Owning guinea pigs can be really fun and rewarding, but it must not be underestimated how much time and care they need."
"Guinea pigs originate from South America and are thought to have been domesticated and brought to Europe as early as the 16th Century.
Their scientific name is 'Cavia porcellus', which is why they are sometimes referred to as 'cavies'. The word 'porcellus' is Latin for 'little pig'. This name may have come about because of the pig-like squeaking noises they make.
Owning guinea pigs can be really fun and rewarding, but it must not be underestimated how much time and care they need to stay happy and healthy. And we are here to bust some myths...
Pictured: "Small animals are often more complex to feed and care for than a cat or a dog."
Yes, they do, as long as children handle them carefully and respect their need for space.
But while it’s lovely for children to enjoy the company of guinea pigs, the responsibility for any animal’s wellbeing lies with adults. Small animals are often more complex to feed and care for than a cat or a dog.
Pictured: "Guinea Pigs are very sociable animals, so do home them in pairs or small groups."
They may both be small animals, but for multiple reasons they should not be housed together. Although they are both herbivores, the nutrients they require are quite different, and feeding the wrong diet could result in medical conditions, such as scurvy.
Rabbits are also much bigger than guinea pigs and a hind leg kick could seriously injure the piggy. Also, rabbits can carry bacteria that is severely harmful to guinea pigs. However, guinea pigs are very sociable animals, so do home them in pairs or small groups. Just be sure that animals in mixed sex groups have been spayed to avoid any unwanted patter of little feet.
Pictured: "Guinea pigs are vegetarian and need high levels of fibre to keep their digestive system working correctly."
Guinea pigs are vegetarian and need high levels of fibre to keep their digestive system working correctly. But this does not mean you can just throw in the scraps destined for the compost heap.
Their gut should be in constant motion with two types of fibre (digestible and indigestible). They get this mainly from high quality feeding hay which should make up the bulk of their diet. The diet also needs to be supplemented with plenty of vitamin C, as they lack the enzyme needed to produce it and can only store vitamin C for short periods. Vitamin C can be found in good quality, high fibre nuggets and certain fresh greens.
Pictured: "Housing should be viewed as your guinea pig’s bedroom and should be permanently attached to a much larger run."
Although guinea pigs can be housed outdoors, during very cold weather you should consider finding somewhere indoors that they can go. Housing for a guinea pig should be draught-free, predator-free and provide a cosy place to sleep.
Housing should be viewed as your guinea pig’s bedroom and should be permanently attached to a much larger run. These little rodents are active for up to 20 hours a day and sleep for only short periods, so they need plenty of space to exercise.
Pictured: Guinea Pigs need "need lots of enrichment such as hiding places, items to chew and opportunities to forage for their food."
Guinea pigs make a wonderful friend, just be prepared for some upkeep. They tend to toilet in multiple places around their cage, so it will need regular sweeping and daily changing of bedding.
They also need lots of enrichment such as hiding places, items to chew and opportunities to forage for their food. Guinea pigs have a longer lifespan than other small animals such as hamsters or mice, so be prepared for a commitment of up to 10 years."
If you would like to rehome a guinea pig, please complete an online form and the JSPCA team will be in touch if anyone in their care who is ready for rehoming matches what you can provide : https://jspca.org.je/2019/07/15/adopt-another-animal/
