What factors affect the life of guinea pigs?
guinea pigs are small rodents who are often kept as pets. The typical lifetime of guinea pigs is between five and seven years old, although it is known that they live up to nine years. Providing optimal housing, nutrition and housing for these animals will support a long life.
Support for a balanced healthy diet is a great way to extend the life of guinea pigs. The guinea pigs should be administered with food pellets and it is important that these pellets are enriched with vitamin C, because pigs cannot create this vitamin themselves. All guinea pigs should have a constant supply of Timothy hay. Timothy Hay acts as rude and promotes proper digestion and also gives the animals something that is gnawing. While Timothy Hay is supported, hay is not recommended because its high calcium level can cause stomach upset and kidney stones. The Guinea Pig diet should be supplemented with vegetables, especially leafy greenery to support the intake and diversity of vitamins.
To support the longest life of guinea pigs, the most optimal housing must be provided. In general, the largest cage should be purchased. Traditionally, 4 square feet (1.2 square meters) were recommended to the guinea pig, although recently a minimum amount of 7.5 square meters for one pig or 10.5 square feet) for two has been recommended for optimal health. Unlike other rodents who enjoy climbing and can use the vertical gap in the cage, guinea pigs are not passionate climbers and prefer the floor area. More space also encourages exercise to maintain a healthy body weight of pig and also stimulation to make the animals bored.
The environment provided even in a spacious cage is necessary to expand the life of the guinea pigs. Although widely accessible, the Cedar and Pine Chip bedding is not recommended, as they often contain chemicals that can be harmful to guinea pig health.Instead, shredded paper such as newspapers should be used.
The location of the cage is also necessary. Because guinea pigs cannot sweat, if they are in direct sunlight or near a heating source, they may suffer from a decaying pull. At the same time, they should be kept far from cold areas or designs. Ideally, their environment should be between 65 ° to 75 ° Fahrenheit (18 ° to 24 ° Celsius). The low humidity area is also necessary, as high humidity can promote the growth of molds and mushrooms in bedding that support the disease.
Basic hygiene is also important to support the long life of guinea pigs. It is necessary to clean the old food daily and clean the cage of the stool. Water should be kept fresh and changed at least once a day. The whole cage should be cleaned every week and new bed linen is placed inside. Maintaining a pig in a clean house with fresh food will help prevent the disease from extending the life of guinea pigs.