Guinea pigs and rabbits can make great pets. They come very cheap and are low on maintenance. They are not noisy and unlike dogs, don’t demand constant attention. Affectionate and cuddly, they can also be bred easily. Rabbits are considered the third-most popular pets in the world. The average life span of a guinea pig is three to six years and that of a rabbit is eight to 12 years, although some live longer.
Here are a few tips for those who want to have guinea pigs or rabbits as pets.
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GUINEA PIGS
Feeding
• Guinea pigs are herbivores. They like vegetables such as beetroot, carrot, pea, cabbage, green leaves and lettuce.
• They also love fruits like orange and apple.
• They need Vitamin C supplements in their drinking water.
• A guinea pig’s average daily water requirement is 10ml/100g of body weight.
• They need a continuous supply of fresh water.
Housing
• Solid plastic or stainless steel cages are good for keeping guinea pigs.
• Keep fresh grass or hay inside the cage. This should be changed each time the cage is cleaned.
• Clean the cage daily. Spray the floor with antiseptic cleanser. Feeders and water bottles should be cleaned every day too.
Medical Care
• Guinea pigs are vulnerable to infectious diseases and dental problems.
• Any of the symptoms mentioned below, can indicate illness. Keep a watch and take the vet’s advice on getting them treated for external and internal parasites immediately.
• Look out for signs of stress or fear. Stressed guinea pigs are more likely to fall ill. Signs of fear include hiding, chewing cage bars more often, running in circles within the enclosure, drinking more or playing with water bottles, sitting hunched and excessive sloth.
• Check if they are not eating, are quieter than normal or hiding for longer than usual.
• See that they are eating every day and passing plenty of dry droppings. If the eating or drinking habits change or the number of droppings decrease or stop altogether, it is a cause for concern.
RABBITS
Feeding
• Rabbits can be fed clean leafy greens, carrots and fruits in small quantities.
• You can also try readymade rabbit pellets, which are easily available.
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• Provide fresh and clean drinking water.
• Don’t make any sudden changes in a rabbit’s diet; this might upset its digestive system.
• Provide them with good quality hay or grass at all times.
• Rabbits pass two types of stool — hard and soft. They eat up the soft stool, which is a very important part of their digestive process.
Housing & maintenance
• You can keep your rabbits in cages as well as open and secure spaces.
• Make sure the cages are large enough for them to move around and stand up fully on their hind legs.
• Keep the cage well ventilated and protected from extreme temperatures.
• Provide a dust-free straw or hay bedding to keep rabbits warm.
• Provide safe toys for them to play with or chew on.
• Get your rabbit neutered, unless it is intended for breeding.
Medical care
• Keep your rabbits mainly on a diet of hay or grass. It will help prevent dental and gut ailments.
• Like you would do for a guinea pig, check if the rabbit is eating regularly and passing dry droppings. If your rabbit’s food habits change or the number of droppings lessen, consult your vet immediately.
• In warm weather, check the fur and coat of the rabbit, including the rear areas and the extremities for signs of skin infection like crust formation, loss of fur and itching.
• The front teeth and nails of a rabbit grow rapidly. Visit a vet regularly to take care of overgrown or unaligned teeth.
• Take your rabbits for a health check-up at least twice a year.
• Get them vaccinated against myxomatosis and viral haemorrhagic diseases (VHD).
