Rabbits & Other Small Animals

Just something different to get your attention LOL.

James got a guinea pig last Saturday.  It's a long story....

First he wanted fish, but I tried to persuade him to get something else.  It was his birthday and he turned 5.  The fish themselves aren't too expensive, it's all the other crap you need that is and they're hard work cleaning them out etc.

Anyway, so I asked if he wanted a turtle and I got his Father to look them up on the net.  Ok..... that was out of the question too.  They cost between about $400-$800!!!  For a freaking turtle! LOL.

So I said we'd get him something later on and I took him instead to the big supermarket and let him choose some presents he wanted for his birthday.  I let him choose because it's more fun for him.  He had a family party later on that day, so he had other presents he could open.

Anyway, while he was gone at the party with his Father, I went back to the petstore to get the fish afterall.  But after talking to the chick and looking at all the stuff that would be needed, I decided on a very talkative guinea pig.  They were a pair, one had a lot of fur, the other didn't.  The talkative one that is.  So I took the short furred one.  I already have several cages for my rabbits, so I didn't really need anything but guinea pig pellets.

So now I have some questions:

Is it true gp's need to have extra Vitamin C in their diet?

And do they really need a salt licking thing?  I know rabbits don't if they have a well balanced diet.  This gp definitely has a good diet because it's practically the same as my overly spoilt fat (except Jack) piggy rabbits LOL.

The lady got me to buy some small block of stuff that looked a bit like the rubber at the end of a grey pencil LOL.  Is it the Vitamin C she was talking about?  There was no information on the package.

Do gp's like to use ramps?  If I build him one and make a second level in his cage, will he use it?  So he can be higher up and see the rabbits.

I put Jack in the cage with him on Saturday evening and yesterday.  He's my friendliest rabbit towards other furbutts, at least to the other rabbits.  He doesn't fight etc, only with me because I tease him will rolled up paper LOL.  Anyway, the gp came out of hiding and was talking away to Jack and Jack didn't know what to do and he tried to get as far away from the gp as possible.  My Jack was scared.  Isn't that funny? LOL.

I didn't put Jim because he's a grouchy old cow these days.  He's even been growling at Baby and chasing her.  What a grump.  And Baby is probably more than 5 times the size as the gp, so if something went wrong, she'd be able to squish him LOL.

Also, can you put those wood shavings in their cages?  I know you can only use safe ones in rabbits' cages.  I don't use them because I haven't been able to find the safe kind, but they do seem to use them alot for gps here.  It doesn't cause cancer in male buns does it?

Gp's poo is very funny shaped compared to rabbits.  I gather they don't eat as much hay?  And the poop comes out in these long pellet shapes.

The gp's name is Larry.  Yeah you read right.  Rather odd LOL.  Maybe he'll end up being more of my pet than James' LOL.  Doesn't matter, he's loved anyway already. 

That message header sure did get my curiosity. LMBO!!!!

Congratulations on Larry your new guinea pig!! I know they do need vitamin C and I highly recommend if you can find Oxbow guinea pig food and hay that is is formulated with the proper nutrition. I love the organic the best:

http://www.oxbowanimalhealth.com/products/type/detail?object=1574

Here's their vitamin C supplement specifically for GPs:

http://www.oxbowanimalhealth.com/products/type/detail?object=1696

I don't have GPs myself but have read a lot since they are in some ways similar in care to chinchillas that I do have.

GPs benefit from some fruits & veggies too. They do NOT ever need mineral wheels or salt licks so those pet store people are selling things that are unnecessary and potentially harmful. A pumice stone (perhaps the grey block you got?) is good for them to chew and keep their teeth in condition. Do not ever feed them rabbit pellets as some of them can be toxic to GPs.

Here's an excellent site with lots of info on safe foods, bedding, etc. for GPs.

http://www.guinealynx.info/healthycavy.html

Their poops are like pellets. My chinnies are like that too.

You can safely use kiln dried aspen shavings but Care Fresh or Oxbow's non-toxic Eco Straw bedding is better if you can find it.

They probably eat a good hand full of timothy hay per day.

I'm sure there are GP owners here who can give more advice. I hope this was of some help anyway.

Congrats again on your new GP Larry!!

Congratulations on Larry! I like that name. It's quirky for a pet name. lol

I bet all your buns are going freak out. Mine did. Every time one of them moved, Lollipop took off for the bedroom. And they eventually approached the cage very, very, very slowly. I also got MAJOR disapproving looks when I would hold them. HAHAHAHA

Eddie and Lollipop!  

Congrats on Larry! I know he'll have a blast with your buns. I used Oxbow vitamin c tablets for my gpig and she loved it. I also used carefresh pet bedding for her which was pretty easy to keep clean. Pigs are supposed to have timothy hay always available. Mine loved it but she was bad about throwing it out of her cage.

Have fun with Larry!

Congrats on the gpig!! I LOVE their talking, it's such a great sound.

If you can handle it, I'd suggest going back to the store and getting Larry's original cagemate. Guinea pigs are pack animals and do better in pairs. Plus if you get the one that Larry already knows you won't have to deal with introductions.

They do need Vitamin C and from what I understand the Vitamin C doesn't stay in the pellets. So the best way for them to get it is through fresh fruits and veggies, which is an important part of their diet. They should get pellets, hay and fruits and vegetables regularly.

Don't use Pine or Cedar shavings. You can't find Aspen shavings in your area? People are always using the wrong stuff here too so even if you see people using the wood shavings doesn't mean they should be.

One of the best sites for cavy care is: http://www.guinealynx.info/

They will give you the run down on EVERYTHING!! The cage, the food, health, everything.

So what color is Larry? I want to see pictures. And a big Happy Birthday to James.

http://www.zazzle.com/itsaratsworld/