How many guinea pigs live at home and how to extend their life?

Potential owners of guinea pigs or those lucky ones who live at home with these cute little animals, wonder: how many guinea pigs live at home? It is impossible to name a specific number, since many factors influence the duration of existence, which we will consider in this article.

General information

Home guinea pig is a small but very devoted animal, which perfectly coexists with any family. Most importantly, she is unpretentious and very attached to her master. There are even known cases when, seeing a person, the animal began to squeak with joy. Their wild ancestors were more lean and mobile than the domesticated descendants. There are different breeds, or species of guinea pigs. The main ones are:

• Long-haired;
• Short-haired;
• Naked.

They differ for the most part in length, the color of the coat or its presence.

How many guinea pigs live at home?

The average life expectancy of guinea pigs is 5-8 years. Of course, there are animals that please their owners more time. At the current moment of history, the guinea pig is known, which lived for 15 years. By the way, it is inscribed in the Guinness Book of Records. What influences this figure and what can the owner of the animal do to prolong his life? Below we will discuss this in more detail.

Content

The cell in which the guinea pig will live must have a solid foundation. The material can be any. The wire floor is not recommended, as it can damage the legs of the animal. The aquarium for keeping guinea pigs is not suitable, since the air in it is not ventilated. Choose a cell about 1.5 square meters in size for one pig. On the floor, you can put sawdust or hay, as well as a soft cloth lining, so that the animal on it sleeps. In pet stores you can buy special containers or use a small pot. In the daytime the animal loves to play, therefore its dwelling should be equipped with small cardboard boxes, pendants, tunnels, and it will be happy. Like any squid, the guinea pig is fearful, and frequent stresses can also affect her well-being. Cell cleaning should be carried out as far as contamination, as a rule, at least once a week.

Food

How many guinea pigs live at home? For their longevity, an important factor is nutrition. The diet of guinea pig should be compiled as follows:

• 60% - dry food, mainly hay;
• 20% - solid food (peas, corn, corn);
• 20% - juicy food (vegetables and greens).

In order for the animal to be comfortable to eat, the bowl should have two compartments: for dry and juicy food. Fresh water should always be in the cage of guinea pig, and in order for your pet not to overturn the drinking bowl, attach it to the wall.

Care

In addition to keeping an animal in a clean cage, you also need to look after the animal itself, even though they are considered very clean animals. If you have a longhaired guinea pig, then do not be lazy to comb it every day so that it does not get confused and does not create discomfort. It is often not necessary to wash a small animal, usually this happens with the contamination of the fur, once a week it will be enough. If you suspected an animal of lice or fleas, then immediately contact the veterinary clinic and do not try to bring them yourself.

Games

Release the guinea pig from the cage daily for at least a few hours so that the animal can run and play. However, be careful and watch all movements of the pet, otherwise you may be unpleasantly surprised to see the gnawed wires and bitten slippers.

So, now you know how many live guinea pigs are at home, and what you need to do to make the little girl happy you as long as possible.