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Care of your Cavy
Feeding
Cavies are generally fed a special pellet mix designed especially for guinea pigs. They can be fed rabbit pellets if guinea pig pellets are not available but they may not do as well on this diet . Guinea pigs are the only species besides humans who require Vitamin C added to their diet.
Vit. C can be added by giving it in the water as crystals or the effervescent tablets , which may also contain other vitamins and Calcium. Cavies love having lots of fresh vegetables and fruits too. Romaine lettuce, oranges (peel too), apples and carrots are particularly enjoyed. Most
important of all is fresh, clean water at all times. We prefer using water bottles, but some people have an automatic watering system or use water dishes. If you use dishes, be careful to keep them clean at all times.
Housing
Any secure cage that the cavy cannot escape from or fall out of accidentally will do as long as the animal has sufficient room. The large plastic "critter pens" work very well for one or two cavies, even three in a pinch. Rabbit cages may work well too as long they do NOT have a wire bottoms as cavies can get their feet caught in the wire and break a leg. If you Must use wire
bottom cages, lay a thick layer of newspaper down first or a very fine mesh wire then a layer of shavings so tiny feet do not get trapped. NEVER have babies in a wire bottom cage. Some of our cavies enjoy living in a large kids swimming pool about 5 foot in diameter, with sides about 16" high. We have to be careful that they don't try to jump out. Yes, some cavies do jump and you might be surprised at how high they can jump. We don't encourage this. as a general rule of thumb - allow at least 1 square foot of space per cavy and a bit extra for "time out" area .
Cavies are not hardy types and must be kept in an area that is free from draughts, and where the temperature is comfortable - no lower than 55º F, and no higher than 85º F.. In summer this may mean shade or air conditioners, as cavies die easily if overheated or over-stressed. Chills can lead to colds and death.
Shavings or shredded paper are most often used for the guinea pigs on, and this must be changed regularly and kept clean. Wet pigs are soon sick pigs. Wood chips can be used too, but are not as absorbent. Some people even use a new type of kitty litter made from old newspapers called "Yesterdays News", or bedding made from dried shredded corn cobs.
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