What to do before getting a guinea pig? Â

What to do before getting a guinea pig?  

answers 0:I already have 2 guinea pigs but I will be getting more from a rescue because I figure they would be niceranswers 1:Although they are small, guinea pigs require plenty of space to exercise â€" the more the better, although at a minimum each guinea pig requires 70xm x 70cm x 70cm (ie. two guinea pigs will require double this space) so in your case you will need enough space for each. Make sure that the design of your hutch allows for easy cleaning. Outdoor hutches must be kept in sheltered areas to protect their inhabitants from weather extremes. Hutches should have a covered section so that your guinea pigs feel safe and protected while they sleep, as well as a well-ventilated compartment. Guinea pigs like tight, dark areas to feel safe and covered. Hutches should be lined with newspaper and then soft grass hay to prevent foot injuries, the ! bedding should be changed at least every second day to prevent illness. Do not use sawdust or wood shavings as these are more likely to cause respiratory problems. Straw should also be avoided as it does not absorb urine well and the hard stalks can cause injuries. Hutches should be fitted with a water bottle (and small water bowl as well) and gnawing log (made of untreated wood).It is important to regularly change bedding and floor material and clean out the hutches to avoid ammonia build-up from urine and also to help reduce attracting flies to the area. Guinea pigs can be susceptible to flystrike (which can be fatal). It is important to fly-proof the hutch using fly-screen wire or mosquito netting.If possible create an outdoor exercise enclosure for your guinea pigs. The enclosure needs to be escape-proof and predator-proof and should be enriched with hollow logs and pipes, rocks caves and shrubbery to provide cover and protection. Keep your guinea pigs safely in their h! utch over night. Animals in hutches and cages can die form ove! rheating easily.· DietGuinea pigs are herbivores. They need to be fed the types of food they have adapted to eat.Offer a constant source of grass and/or grass hay such as Timothy, Oaten, Wheaten, Pasture, Paddock, Meadow or Ryegrass hays. They should not be fed Lucerne (alfalfa) or Clover hays as they are too high in protein and calcium. This is paramount in providing the ‘complete’ diet and encourages ‘chewing’ for long periods of time. This "chewing" helps to wear down their continuously growing teeth and is very important in maintaining dental and gastrointestinal health.Offer fresh leafy green vegetables