January 8, 2009
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| Pet Tip: Facts About Guinea Pigs |
Guinea pigs' front teeth and molars grow continually. Don't bathe a guinea pig unless its coat is dirty or oily. Bathing removes natural oils in the skin and will dry out the coat. Guinea pigs cannot manufacture their own vitamin C and require 10 to 30 mg daily to prevent scurvy. Cedar and raw pine (non kiln-dried) shavings contain aromatic oils which can contribute to respiratory problems in guinea pigs. Penicillin is toxic to guinea pigs. In both male and female guinea pigs, teeth chattering is the precursor to a fight, and nasty bites can follow if no one backs down. Guinea pigs often squeak and grunt as they move about, which is a sign of general contentment. While grooming, the guinea pig may produce a white liquid in the eye. This is a normal reaction which washes away particles that lodge in their eyes. It is like having their own special eye cleaning solution. Guinea pigs attain sexual maturity between four and seven weeks of age. Males are boars, females are sows and babies are pups. Click here to return to the pet tips list. |
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