The Guinea pig never had it so good. Thanks to its starring role in the Disney blockbuster G-Force, interest in the little critter has never been so high. Even though the Guinea pig is a relatively easy animal to keep, caring for this pet properly requires a serious commitment on the part of owners. For starters, Guinea pigs are relatively long-lived by small animal standards. They can easily enjoy a lifespan of six years, which is almost biblical in longevity compared to the two years or so that most hamsters and mice enjoy before they pass on to that big exercise wheel in the sky. So anyone buying a Guinea pig today should be aware that their pet will still be there needing care, long after G-Force has disappeared from their local movie rental store. Guinea pigs are social animals and do better when living in same-sex pairs, but males should be introduced at a very young age to make sure they get along. Guinea pigs’ teeth continue to grow throughout their lifetimes, so if they cannot wear them down through gnawing and chewing, they will grow too long and the guinea pig will starve. So, a Guinea pig needs plenty of safe wooden chew toys and grass hay, which will wear down the teeth and prevent overgrowth. Guinea pigs cannot manufacture their own vitamin C; they must get it from their food, such as Hagen’s Living World Guinea pig food, which is enriched with vitamin C. Whether obtaining a Guinea pig from a breeder or a pet shop, you want to bring home a healthy pet. A healthy guinea pig should be active and running around on all four paws, have bright, clear eyes and a nose free of discharge. It should also have steady breathing, a strong heartbeat and skin free of flakiness or bald patches. His body should be plump without lumps or swellings. Finally, he should have a clean bottom and properly aligned teeth – the top two should neatly overlap the bottom two. Welcoming your new Guinea pig home is simplified when you have everything you need in advance. Hagen’s Living World Guinea pig resort starter kit comes with everything needed to set up a first-class home for a Guinea pig…except the Guinea pig!
