Guinea Pig Husbandry & Diseases Flashcards
What order and suborder are guinea pigs a part of?
order: rodentia
suborder: hystrichomorpha
T/F: guinea pigs come in many breeds similar to dogs.
true
common ones: american/english, abyssian, peruvian, hairless
T/F: guinea pigs do not have premolars
false – they do!
they have prominent incisors and premolars.
Why are oral exams difficult to do on guinea pigs?
their mouths do not open very wide
T/F: the guinea pigs cecum is 34% of its GI tract capacity
false – 65%
What is the BEST way to restrain a guinea pig?
DO NOT scruff them
support their chest and rear end.
What is the lifespan of a guinea pig?
5-7 years
What is unique about guinea pig urine?
they pee a lot and their urine is normally thick, cloudy, and has a pH of 9. This means that it is caustic and can degrade surfaces!
T/F: guinea pigs are adaptable to change
false – they do not like change. They establish rigid habits early on. This is why it is recommended to introduce new foods/things regularly during their early life.
What is the diet of guinea pigs?
herbivores!
They are very resistant to changes in their food though, so establish them early in life.
What vitamin/mineral is required to be supplemented in the guinea pigs diet?
Vitamin C – can be included in their food, supplemented via leafy greens, or added to their water.
what type of housing is MOST appropriate for guinea pigs?
solid bottoms/floors, NO WIRE!
bedding should be newspaper, shredded paper, non-pine wood shaving, corn cobs, or straw.
Which bedding types are NOT appropriate for guinea pigs?
cedar
sawdust
pine
How do you sex guinea pigs and at what age are you able to?
You are able to sex them immediately after birth.
You sex them by applying digital pressure to extrude a male’s penis and see a straight opening OR the female will have a “Y” shaped opening.
What is a vaginal closure membrane and when does it open for hystrichomorphs?
its a membrane that opens during estrus and closes. It will reopen during parturition or next estrus. It remains closed anytime in between.