An ordinary day with my cavies

Starting the day involves checking on the cavies if they still have pellets left in their bowls. Once I approach the cage, I was greeted by the cries of wheeking from the cavies, while some are already standing on their feet. Initially, the trays are removed and cleaned, while the remaining vegetables are taken away. With their food bowls replenished with the appropriate amount of pellets, the cavies happily munched on their food. The water bottles are also cleaned and replaced with fresh water. 

During the morning, the regular routine of the cavies is to eat their morning serving and spend some time on small naps with intervals of popcorning or eating. The cavies are also given their daily dose of vitamin C and a treat afterwards.

In the afternoon, the cavies typically go on short naps and enjoy eating breaks every now and then. If the weather is too hot, they are provided with frozen water bottles wrapped in cloth for added coolness. We already had one cavy that suffered from the symptoms of heat stroke in the past. Luckily, it was immediately prevented and our cavy was in good condition. Late in the afternoon, we noticed that our cavies are more active with the regular popcorning of the younger cavies. It is also the time that we provide servings of fresh grass from the garden or a mix of vegetables, depending on what is available – lettuce, cucumber, sweet potato leaves and red pepper.

Grooming also is provided, especially to the long haired cavies. With brushing, it helps remove hair that can lead to tangles. Since activity is important for guinea pigs, we provide them with time to exercise in an enclosed area that was made out of carton sides and formed into a square space. It was adequate space so that the cavies can exercise and run around all they want. This is essential so that the cavies will not end up overweight. 

Once the sun sets, it is time to check their food bowls if there is still enough food and provide the appropriate amounts. Additionally, the trays are cleaned once again to maintain appropriate cleanliness. Life with cavies is definitely an enjoyable one. As these creatures look up to you for food or attention with their friendly eyes, you simply cannot just ignore them. Cavies are indeed lovable pets that truly deserve the best when it comes to providing care and love.

New Products for our cavies

After our 1 kilo supply of Versele Laga Cavia Crispy have been depleted, we decided to order again from an online seller - http://multiply.com/gingersweethouse.

This time we ordered the Vitakraft Menu Vital for guinea pigs.

Surprisingly, our cavies enjoyed the new pellets.

 



As an additional housing for our cavies aside from the cardboard tunnel, a sandal hut was added. It was made out of lotus grass so that the cavies can chew on them safely.

These are definitely great products for my cavies. Nevertheless, I wish there are more products available for guinea pigs in the Philippines, particularly in our city.

Diet for Cavies

Vitamin C

On a daily basis, guinea pigs require vitamin C. This is due to the fact that guinea pigs are not capable of producing their own vitamin C. They need 10-30 mg/kg of vitamin C on a daily basis in order to prevent scurvy. It is important to provide your cavies with enough vitamin C such as plain or chewable vitamin C tablet or a small amount of liquid vitamin C drops for every guinea pig. Pregnant, young, sick and nursing guinea pigs all need extra vitamin C every day.

Just take note not to add vitamin C to their water.

• If vitamin C is add to their drinking water, it changes the flavor, thus your cavies might drink less.
• Ascorbic acid easily degrades the moment it is added to water.
• Remember that some guinea pigs tend to drink more while some less, thus it is not easy to determine to amount of vitamin C that are included in their diet.

Pellets

Guinea pig pellets that are high in quality yet plain and free from dyes can be given in small ceramic bowls. Just make sure that you will choose those that are added with vitamin C. For every cavy, they will consume about 1/8 cup of guinea pig pellets every day along with fresh vegetables and hay. 

Majority of the guinea pig pellets are made out of alfalfa. These pellets are ideal for growing, pregnant and young cavies. Once your guinea pig reaches one year old and fully developed, it is time to switch to pellets that are made out of timothy. This is the best choice since they have less calcium.

Water

Cavies need fresh water on a daily basis. It is best to provide water through a drip bottle.

Grass Hay

Always remember that grass hay, particularly timothy must be provided to your cavies at all times. The reason for this is that it keeps the digestive system of your cavies in motion as well as preventing over growing teeth. For cleanliness of the cage, it is best to use a hay rack.

For young, pregnant, sick, malnourished and nursing guinea pigs, alfalfa hay must be given. Just remember that alfalfa hay has a rich calcium content, thus it must be given sparingly to the adult guinea pigs. Excess calcium will result to the bladder stone formation in older guinea pigs. 

Vegetables

You should provide small amounts of fresh vegetables or a cup every day is essential since it serves as an additional source of vitamin C as well as other nutrients. Vegetables such as romaine lettuce, parsley, red pepper and even tomato are good choices. 

For more information, simply visit http://www.guinealynx.info/index.html.