More Questions...sorry it's so long.

[mefingas]

Hi. Last night my husband took me to see the babies and I wanted them all. But we decided that we are going to (broken link removed) the mom, Connie(who is between 4-6 months old) and one of her baby girls(our first choice took a liking to jeff). We were only planning on one so we allready made a 2x3, and we will use it probably till spring when we move and they will get a bigger cage. So untill then they will get lots of flour time. I have a few questions. What kind of food should I use? Timothy or alfalfa based? Also what kind of hay, if we just got connie I would use timorthy, but now I dont know what would be best for the both of them. I was still thinking alfalfa since connie is really young and had 6 babies, plus the person I am adopting her from only gives them cubes of alfalfa. Then after a while do half and half then all timothy hay. Also, on average what do you buy for 2 guinea pigs to eat a week. Just want to get all the info before we get them both. Another question I have is what should I use to transport them home? Also any other advice for a first time owner will be great. Thanks.

 

[Sierra]

I would say timothy hay but alfalfa pellets. And maybe a bit of alfalfa hay as a treat.

 

[rabbitsncavyluv]

I usually mix timothy and alfalfa.

 

[roosterboy]

Since they are both young and growing, give them some alfalfa, which is higher in protien. The bulk of their food should be guinea pig pellets, which has vitamin c added to it. Give some fresh vegetables and a little bit of fruit daily. Once they are grown go more toward the timothy hay and pellets, and continue with greens and fruits. I think guinea pigs eat about a half pound a wheek each, and drink about three ounces of water daily, but give them as much as they will eat of the pellets and water and hay.

 

[mefingas]

Thanks for the help. But what should I use to get the mom and her daughter home? A box? or a laundry basket? Or should I use a small dog carrier that our little mini dachshund doesnt quite fit into anymore? Also does anyone take their guinea pigs with them? My mother in law lives a town over and sometimes we are over there all day helping her I was just wondering would it be okay to bring the guinea pigs with us and have them in a slightly smaller c & c cage?

 

[roosterboy]

Dog carrier with a towel in it. And yes, st up another cage.

 

[mncavylover]

You can use a cat or dog carrier, or a laundry basket with towels inside.

You can give them alfalfa, but I think a mix of alfalfa and timmy hay should work, and it will be a bit less calcium. You should feed alfalfa pellets for now, as both mommy and babies are in need of the stuff. As the cavies get older, perhaps you can switch to alfalfa pellets and only timmy hay, so as not to overload the mom. Hope all is going well!

 

[AngelsCavies]

You could make a 1x2 cage and put cardboard box on the bottom and sides and them put a thick blanket in it. Thats what I did with Peanut and her babies to take her at our friends and then we took a big duffle bag straps as a carrier. And you can put a water bottle in there too.

 

[mncavylover]

That's an excellent idea, I can't believe I totally forgot about that one! Thanks a bunch, AngelsCavies!

 

[AngelsCavies]

No problem. I thought of it when gizmo had to go to the er last week or so and I made a 1x1 cube size just for 1.

 

[mncavylover]

Ok, that's great. I'm glad you remembered it!

 

[CavyCrazyMom]

That is a great idea!! Just remember to double up on the grids because the babies can and will squeeze through the bars.
Good luck!!!
~~Cheri~~

 

[Piglet]

Thats what I have. A 2x1 C&C carrier, with lots of newspapers on the bottom. On average I buy:

• A large romaine lettuce (is it called a romaine lettuce head?)
• A packet of kale
• A bunch of coriander
• A couple of carrots
• Cucumber
• 2 green peppers

That was just this week. Next week instead of the corinader, I'll get parsely and instead of the kale I'll get fresh greens etc.

 

[mefingas]

Thanks for all the help. And I know about baby proofing the cage, my husband made the coroplast really high on all the side and he plans on cutting it down later. Plus we have extra incase we need to make it highter.

 

[NoCableIsSafe]

I use a cat basket to transport both of my guinea pigs to and from the vet with either lots of hay inside (to take the impact of any bumps during transport) or a mildly hot hotwaterbottle (for cold days) and lots of towels.

When I first got Kiyoshi he was transported home in a cardboard box with sawdust on the bottom (not recomended, put hay or woodshavings on the bottom not sawdust) . Ghost was transported to my home in a small cage (He was an unexpected gift and companion for Kiyoshi) and also was bedded in sawdust (same as above applies)

 

[mncavylover]

Yes, sawdust is very dusty. Please use paper towels, paper bedding, or aspen bedding instead. =)