After I adopted my first guinea pigs, I made so many widespread errors! I didn’t learn about the entire objects offered by pet shops which can be harmful for guinea pigs. Fortunately, there’s now much more data on the market to coach new piggy house owners.
Widespread objects which can be unsafe for guinea pigs embody small cages, hamster wheels and balls, harnesses, and a few meals and treats labeled as guinea pig-safe. Additionally, keep away from objects with holes sufficiently small in your piggies’ heads to get caught inside.
On this article, I’ll take you thru 13 objects which can be unsafe for guinea pigs with explanations and different purchases that can hold your piggies wholesome and joyful.
Unsafe Guinea Pig Cages and Equipment
1. Unsuitable Cages and Hutches
Sadly, most pet retailer cages and hutches are a lot too small for guinea pigs, who want not less than 7.5 sq. toes of ground house.
Not having room to run round may cause poor health, boredom, and despair. Small cages additionally turn out to be soiled extra rapidly, which might result in well being points like bumblefoot or respiratory infections if the cage isn’t cleaned typically sufficient.
2. Wheels
Not like hamsters, guinea pigs don’t want wheels to run on. They’ll truly trigger spinal harm and needs to be averted!
As an alternative, present a big cage with loads of room to run round. Bear in mind guinea pigs don’t want a number of ranges however ought to have ample flat house on the primary degree of their cage.
Along with a big cage, common ground time (in case your guinea pigs get pleasure from it) is an effective way to train them.
3. Hamster Balls
Hamster balls are unsafe for all pets and needs to be averted fully. They trigger stress and don’t have correct air flow. In case your guinea pig bumps into issues whereas within the ball, they’ll injure themselves.
4. Harnesses
It sounds enjoyable in concept to take your piggy for walks, however harnesses can harm their fragile spines. As an alternative, I opted to let my guinea pigs journey in a piggy-proofed room. They particularly beloved crawling inside the underside homes of my cat timber (with the cats safely within the different room, in fact)!
It’s also possible to deliver them open air in a playpen as long as you present fixed supervision. Nevertheless, please keep in mind to be cautious. Ensure the temperatures are protected, present shade on scorching days, and look out for rain or predators.
5. Hay Racks
Not all hay racks are unhealthy, however many are harmful! Keep away from hay racks with holes your guinea pig can’t match their entire physique inside.
You don’t need them to get their heads caught, as they’ll injure themselves or turn out to be ailing from not having the ability to eat or drink.
I made the error of shopping for hay racks with holes smaller than my piggies’ heads, however the issue with these is that they prohibit their hay entry and sometimes don’t maintain a lot hay. Your guinea pigs want to have the ability to eat their hay simply with out working for it.
I desire hay piles for the added enrichment, however you can too buy hay baggage or racks with massive openings.
6. Hides and Toys with Small Openings
Home windows in hides are sometimes too small, and your piggies can get their heads caught inside. The identical goes for toys with loops or openings.
Guinea pigs are most definitely to get their heads caught once they’re reaching for meals or chewing edible objects, however any merchandise with a small opening is a threat.
7. Toys with Small, Detachable Items
Guinea pigs like to chew, so it’s very important to not give them objects that may turn out to be choking hazards. Keep away from toys with small items that may be damaged off and choked on.
8. Pet Pee Pads
Many individuals line their cages or litter packing containers with pet pee pads, and that is fantastic! However if you happen to use disposable ones, be certain that they’re lined in order that your piggies can’t chew on them. In any other case, they could trigger intestinal blockages.
9. Plastic Gadgets
Plastic objects just like the hidey homes offered in most pet shops aren’t all the time unhealthy, however they are often harmful. In case your guinea pig chews on their plastic objects, please take away them instantly.
In the event that they depart the plastic alone, there’s no hurt in maintaining it within the cage! I personally desire to keep away from plastic as a result of, in my expertise, it does get chewed–and I don’t like shopping for issues I probably gained’t have the ability to use for my piggies.
10. Open-top Outside Playpens
An out of doors playpen isn’t all the time unsafe however is usually misused. Leaving your guinea pigs unsupervised in an open-top out of doors pen is harmful. They’ll be uncovered to birds of prey, out of doors cats, and a number of other different predators who could enter your yard.
Please do not forget that it solely takes a second for one thing to go unsuitable. By no means flip your again in your piggies open air!
Unsafe Meals Bought for Guinea Pigs
11. Pellets with Vibrant Items or Seeds
For ample vitamin, your guinea pigs ought to have a plain, timothy-based pellet from a trusted model. Veterinarians most frequently advocate Oxbow, however there are just a few high quality pellets in the marketplace to select from.
Brightly-dyed pellets look extra appetizing to the human eye, however that is all advertising and never in guinea pigs’ finest curiosity. Mixes that include seeds are additionally dangerous as seeds ought to by no means be part of your piggies’ weight-reduction plan.
12. Dairy Treats
It’s additionally widespread for pet shops to promote yogurt drops or different dairy treats, although guinea pigs ought to by no means have dairy. Keep away from these treats and as an alternative feed a small piece of fruit as soon as every week or hand-feed your piggies their each day veggies.
It’s also possible to buy protected guinea pig treats however I do advocate researching every ingredient, and choosing ones with few substances when doable.
13. Vitamin C Drops
After I first adopted my guinea pigs, I keep in mind shopping for vitamin C drops to place into their water. These are sadly nonetheless generally offered and beneficial at this time.
The issue with these drops is that the vitamin C degrades in daylight, making it ineffective. The style of the drops can cease your guinea pigs from consuming sufficient water.
As well as, it is best to by no means depend on dietary supplements alone in your guinea pigs’ well being. Even protected dietary supplements shouldn’t be a substitute for recent veggies which can be wealthy in vitamin C.
General, it’s straightforward to make errors when shopping for provides in your first guinea pigs. Please don’t beat your self up if you happen to’ve bought one thing unsafe–merely exchange it with a greater merchandise now that you understand higher!
Bear in mind to all the time analysis new objects earlier than buying, since sadly pet shops market many objects towards our pets which can be unsuitable for them.
