Guinea Pigs Home



Posted: Tuesday, July 21, 2009

by Lee Martin
http://www.TakePainAway.info

Guinea pigs have been kept as pets by human beings for thousands of years. Archaeologists have even found statues of them in Central America dating to over two thousand years ago. Of course, by now, they have become familiar to virtually everyone, though no one really knows how they got their name. What is, perhaps, less commonly known is that the domesticated species of the guinea pig (cavia porcellus) does not exist in the wild. This makes it hard to decide what to do when you are thinking about what to do for your pet guinea pig's home.

There are several species that exist in the wild that resemble guinea pigs, and the habits of these creatures might offer some suggestions when creating a home for your guinea pigs. But animals closely related to guinea pigs do not tend to burrow homes of their own; instead preferring to seek shelter in burrows created by other animals.

Guinea pigs like to live in groups, so, if you are considering getting one as a pet, you may want to consider getting several. Unlike cats, for instance, which tend to fight even if they are generally friendly with one another, guinea pigs make and true and lasting bonds with one another. This has been proven scientifically. So, if you only get one guinea pig, he or she might get a little lonely. But, if you get several, they are more likely to thrive. Just make sure that you have enough space for the guinea pigs you decide to get. They may thrive in groups, but no one likes to be crowded.

When choosing a home for your pet guinea pigs, there are several things to keep in mind. For instance, many cages have wire mesh floors, which can injure your guinea pigs and may lead to an infection known as bumble foot. This means that a solid floor is probably a better option for your guinea pig's home. Also, it is common to line cages with softwoods like cedar and pine, but these woods are now believed to contain chemicals that can be harmful to guinea pigs. A better choice is a hardwood, like aspen, or shredded paper.

As much as people may joke about using guinea pigs in experiments, if you have one as a pet, you want it to feel at home in your home. So, when you are picking out a cage for your guinea pigs, keep these things in mind: choose something with a solid floor, and line it with hardwood chips or paper. That way, not only will your guinea pigs feel at home in their cage, they will bring joy to your home for many years to come!

Resource page: http://www.Guinea-Pig-Lovers.com




By: Lee Martin


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