Guinea Pigs: The Tiny Creatures With Huge Personalities

There is much confusion over the origin of the name guinea pig. They are not related to pigs and they don't come from Guinea. The term guinea pig was created before the guinea coin was invented, so it doesn't relate to their cost either! Their popularity as a pet in the United Kingdom has increased over the years. They are sometimes referred to as “creatures of habit”, because they like routine and tend to stick to those that they are accustomed to. If you get them used to a particular diet, then change it, they may refuse to adapt to the new diet. When they feel that there is danger approaching, they remain still, making no movement whatsoever. When they are in a jovial mood, they tend to be jumpy and very active. Excitement also makes them stand on their hind legs. They have a very cute squeak. Keep your guinea pig happy and you should hear plenty of this.

Guinea pigs, like rabbits, have teeth that never stop growing, and this is the reason they gnaw, to prevent overgrowth. They feed on hay, vegetables, fruits, and pellets. They require a diet that is high in fibre. Their digestive system is quite similar to that of a rabbit, where fibre is required for the movement of food in the system to be smooth, but they also have different dietary requirements, so it's not a good idea to feed rabbit food to guinea pigs. You should always buy a purpose made guinea pig food. It is important that your guinea pig food contains vitamin C. There are various types of hay available that can be used to feed to your guinea pig but Timothy hay is the most recommended. This is because unlike other types of hay, it contains a high calcium and fibre content, has a pleasant smell and its stalks give guinea pigs something to gnaw on. It is also readily available and shouldn't be too costly. These creatures are known to get bored easily; therefore giving them plenty of hay gives them something to keep them busy.  It is important to ensure that the hay is fresh and of high quality. Storing the hay in a dry, clean place is important because moisture will destroy its nutritional value and also the taste. Water is very important as it is always good to keep your pet hydrated. It should be clean and fresh so make sure you change it on a daily basis. Maintaining the cleanliness of your pet’s cage is paramount. This is because a dirty cage exposes the pet to diseases and it may also become depressed. 

Guinea pigs do not like being in an isolated place, and if they do not have company, they can fall into a depression. For this reason, you should find them toys to play with, or get them a fellow pet. It is also important that you spend time with them. This will help them to feel confident with you, making them tamer and therefore more rewarding. It is quite interesting how they mark their territory: they brush their chins, cheeks and backside on their surrounding items. Have fun with your guinea pig!

For more information about caring for your guinea pig then please visit the Excel Feeding Plan -http://www.burgesspetcare.co.uk/excelfeedingplan/looking-after-your-fibrevore/guinea-pig.html