Guinea pigs are great pets as they live longer than many other small-sized pets (5-8 years on average), and are highly social.The care of guinea pigs is relatively easy compared to most pets.The company of other guinea pigs in their dwellings is what makes the pigs enjoy it.There are steps you can take to make introducing a guinea pig into a community cage go smoothly.
Step 1: The cage needs to be the right size.
The cage should be large enough to hold the animals and equipment.Extra items for the pigs to play with include food bowls, water bottles, bedding, treats, and hideaways.The dimensions for the cage to fit in the room or platform you plan on setting up is included.You can use a tape measure or a sharpie to mark off the measurement.Measure height, width and depth.Make sure to double-check your measurements.A pig's cage should be at least 24 inches long by 12 inches deep and 7.5 square feet.It would be better if cages were 30 inches wide by 36 inches long.You need bigger dimensions for multiple pigs.Bigger cages are more expensive.For more elaborate multi-level dwellings, cages can be as high as hundreds of dollars.A 30” x 50” cage is needed for the two guinea pigs.Three guinea pigs need a large cage.Four animals need at least a 30” x 76” cage.
Step 2: You should get the right bedding.
You should consider this choice early on.The bedding is soft enough to absorb the waste of multiple animals.The bedding material can be used with aspen, pine, or recycled paper.In pet stores, department store pet aisles, and some supermarkets, most of this is sold.The floor of the cage has bedding on it.The bedding of the guinea pigs should be cleaned at least once a week.Change out the shavings once a month.You might want to do more spot cleanings with multiple pigs.
Step 3: The right accessories should be put in.
The food bowls, water, hideaways, and a few extras are optional but help with their well-being.guinea pigs like to have a place where they can be safe and quiet.There are wood, plastic, and edible varieties.A hideaway that is easy to clean is a must for the guinea pig.The added benefit of the hideaways is that they give the guinea pigs more safe chewing material for their teeth.These hideaways are usually covered in vegetable-based dyes.If you have a cage room and need to provide a shelter for more than one pig, you can put in two or three hideaways.These hideaways are usually cheap.
Step 4: The food bowl should be in the cage.
It should be wide and shallow.The guinea pigs will not tip it.A single bowl of pellet food is enough for two or three guinea pigs.The food bowl should be checked periodically for objects that need to be cleaned out.
Step 5: Put the bottle or bowl in the water.
Water is a choice between a ceramic bowl and a water bottle.The water bottle is a bit cleaner than the bowl as the guinea pigs can't accidentally scatter cage material into the water.The bottle tends to get wet under the cage with any bedding.guinea pigs can bang the bottle against the cage sides making a lot of noise.You will need to spot check the water in the ceramic bowl more often if you opt for it.You can get a plastic or glass water bottle in a 32 ounce size.Make sure it has a ball bearing to plug up the spout.You need to change the water once a day and clean the container.
Step 6: Hay should be added.
The usual timothy hay can be found in most pet stores and some department stores.Adding more guinea pigs will make this more important for their well being.You can leave as much as you want either in a pile on the bedding or arack accessory that can be added to the cage.Hay can help with digestion and dental health.The hay can be hard or coarse.If you notice that your guinea pigs are getting cut by the timothy hay stems, you can opt for softer varieties.If you aren't sure, consult a vet.The hay needs to be replaced daily.
Step 7: The new pig needs a separate cage.
If you want to add a new member to the community cage, you need to keep them separate.Follow the steps in the earlier method for setting up a cage.The new pig should be kept in a separate cage for two weeks.Make sure the new pig eats, drinks, and behaves normally.There should be no signs of injury or poor appetite.To make sure the new pig won't carry diseases into the community cage, have your vet check it.
Step 8: The new member should be switched to community items.
The new guinea pig may be used to the food, treats, chew toys, and similar items from the store instead of what you have in the community cage.To get them used to it, use the same bedding, food, water delivery method, and hideaways from the community cage in the new member's quarantine cage.To give the new guinea pig extra privacy, drape the cage with a light cloth.You can try to get the new pig used to being handled.
Step 9: The new pig should be used to the scent of the other pigs.
It is possible to do this at playtime.The pigs like to be in each other's company.A safe free of cords and other dangers is needed to let the new guinea pig meet the others.The guinea pigs should not be allowed to roam outside of their cage.Don't allow un-neutered males to play with females.It's best to have the same gender guinea pigs.
Step 10: The new animal should be placed in the community cage.
Look for signs of fighting or rejection in this stage.When a new member is added, it is a good idea to observe the behavior of the pigs to see if there is any trouble.There may have been fighting if you step away and come back to see an injury.You should consult your doctor in this case.There are signs that the new guinea pig is not eating, staying in one of the hideaways too much, or making complaining noises.If there are any of these behaviors, you should see your doctor.If there is difficulty, you can simply take the newer pig out and re-introduce it.The guinea pigs should be given more time to learn the other's scent.If all of the community guinea pigs are eating, active, and alert you should consider introducing them successfully.