New baby

[Harleygirl]

We just brought home a new baby girl Guinea pig today. We were told she was 5 weeks old. She is from a local fleamarket, but appears happy and healthy. She is eating, drinking, pooping and moving around alot. Tonight we gvae her a towel and covered her up for some quuiet time.

After reading for awhile I already know now the cage is WAY TOO small! And we will move it out of my daughters room. But we also have a few other questions: Do Guinea Pigs need shots?, Can we give her a bath? and are there "special" instructions for having such a young cavy? I'm not sure how the word Cavy is used correctly yet.

We would love to hear from anyone hwo has some experience with babies.

Harleygirl

[PrayerWarrior]

Guinea pigs don't need shots on a regular basis like I assume you're thinking. I've heard of them getting a shot for an illness of some kind, but that's it.

I wouldn't give her a bath because she is so young and because it can be stressful for pigs (of any age). Cavies actually do a great job of keeping themselves clean for the most part. You can give her a bath every six months if you think she needs it. Any more than that, really, is unnecessary and can dry out their skin.

The only special instructions I can think of are to feed an alfalfa hay based pellet (such as Oxbow Cavy Performance Oxbow Pet Products | Welcome ), and feeding alfalfa hay. I've never had week old cavies, though, so someone else should answer that.

Good luck with your new girl and building her a new, big cage!

[rabbitsncavyluv]

I'd start here Guinea Lynx :: Guinea Pig Care Guide

They don't need vaccinations like dogs or cats but since you got her from a questionable place, I'd treat the guinea pig for mites and keep a close eye on them as they may be sick.

Look over this site for better housing and adopt your guinea pig a friend from a shelter or rescue. But double check the gender: Guinea Lynx :: Sexing Guinea Pigs

[ittybitty98577]

Congrats on your new girl! Ive never had a baby so I wouldnt really know that much about the young ones. But would love to see pics ^_^ and hear updates!

[Ly&Pigs]

Also read all the stickies in the Diet and Nutrition forum and read the reference forum.

She needs a buddy so think about adopting. If you build a C&C, don't forget to babyproof.

Provide unlimited grass hay at all times. Grass hays include: timothy, bermuda, bluegrass, orchard, sweet meadow, etc. Alfalfa can be given as a supplement but if you feed alfalfa based pellets, I don't recommend alfalfa hay in the diet and vice versa. Too much calcium.

[Harleygirl]

WOW. Thanks for all the great information!
Update: She had lots of floor time today. Is eating well, likes the timothy grass, and Im happy to hear she can have all she wants.

Right now she is resting.
We will look into the mite situation. Doesnt sound good.
Dont have any picturs yet, but will get to that soon. Keep the advise coming.