|
Where to Buy Pet shops have a variety of guinea pigs in stock but they may not be purebred. If you are looking for purebred guinea pigs, we would recommend you get from a reputable breeder. You may meet breeders at shows or from advertisements in magazines or newspapers. You may also e-mail the Club for referrals or for information on where to purchase cages, food, water bottles and other guinea pig supplies.
Things you will need to prepare before your new cavy comes home: 1) Cage 2) Water Bottle 3) Food dish 4) Guinea pig pellets 5) Hay or fresh grass For information on where to obtain any of the above, you can contact the Club for referrals. Guinea pigs are herbivores, their diet is composed of vegetable matter. The eat the same foods as rabbits. One important aspect that must not be overlooked is that guinea pigs cannot synthesize vitamin C in its body so it must be provided in the diet. This vitamin is found in many foods such as greens, grasses, turnip tops, carrots, melons, oranges and other fruits. It can also be supplied via a powder, or tablet. These must be stored in a cool place. Be sure to always have fresh water available to your guinea pig at all times. Typical diet: The guinea pig diet may be divided into 2 parts which is the dry foods and soft foods. The former consists of oats, bran, maize, and what together with all products made from these. You can also add guinea pigs pellets. The PCCI has available a guinea pig mix at a reduced price for members. It contains, pellets, alfalfa and a mixture of seeds which is suitable for guinea pigs raised in the Philippine conditions. We also have available Vitamin C powder. For orders contact PhilCavy@yahoogroups.com. Sift foods cover all plants, vegetables and fruits that contain a high liquid content. Examples: strawberries, apples (without the seeds), broccoli, cabbage, cucumber, cauliflower leaves, kale, bananas, grapes, kiwis, parsley, romaine lettuce, celery, pineapple, tomato and grasses. Do not feed iceberg lettuce as it has no nutritional value. Go easy on spinach as it is rich in oxalic acid which can upset the digestive system if too much is eaten. Remove uneaten vegetables after a few hours. Dairy products cause severe problems, because cavies are lactose intolerant. Feeding Routine: Establish a regular feeding routine, this way they will come to expect food at a given time. Guinea pigs will give out their characteristic little squeal as they see you approaching with food. Feed the vegetables and fruits in the morning. As soon as your guinea pigs has eaten up all the greens you can give their dry feeds. Potentially Hazardous PlantsThis list includes many plants which may be poisonous or hazardous to your pets, but does not include all the plants. To obtain additional information, check with your local poison control center, veterinary school, or toxics expert.Goto:
B
C
D
M
P
S
TPhilippine Cavy Club, Inc. ©2001 |
