Chapter_14.pptx

Chapter 14 Guinea Pigs 14-1 Introduction • This chapter will discuss the history and varieties of guinea pigs • Practices for maintaining good health and correct handling for guinea pigs will be reviewed • You will learn common diseases and ailments that affect the guinea pig 14-2 History OVER...

Chapter 14 Guinea Pigs 14-1 Introduction • This chapter will discuss the history and varieties of guinea pigs • Practices for maintaining good health and correct handling for guinea pigs will be reviewed • You will learn common diseases and ailments that affect the guinea pig 14-2 History OVERVIEW • • • • • Family Caviidae Referred to as a cavy Bred for meat in South America Not a pig Does not come from guinea 14-3 History GUINEA PIGS AND RESEARCH • Instrumental in research • • • • Nutrition Tuberculosis Other infectious diseases Diphtheria • Louis Pasteur 14-4 Major Varieties OVERVIEW • Abyssinian • • Rough, wiry hair coat All colors and color combinations • American • • • Most common Hair is short, very glossy Short hair makes care easy Cont. 14-5 Major Varieties OVERVIEW • Peruvian • • • Long-haired variety Does not have a tail Appearance of animated mop • Satin • Luxurious, shiny fur Cont. 14-6 Major Varieties OVERVIEW • Silkie • Referred to as the Sheltie • Teddy • • Short kinky hair Kinked whiskers • White-Crested • Has a crest which is a rosette 14-7 Characteristics PHYSICAL APPEARANCE • • • • • Length of eight to 10 inches Weigh one to two pounds Stocky in build Nose is short, blunt, and rounded Ears are short and have very little fur 14-8 Characteristics SENSES • Very sensitive hearing • Frequencies beyond range of the human ear • Smell is highly developed • Recognize human scent • Excellent peripheral vision 14-9 Characteristics BEHAVIOR Colonies or clans One dominant male Five to 10 females Two adult males cannot exist peacefully • Subordinate males • • • • • Exist on the edges of the colony 14-10 Characteristics COLORS • Agouti • • Undercolor with dark ticking Belly devoid of ticking • Selfs or self-colored • Solid or solid-colored • Marked coloring 14-11 Housing and Equipment CAGES • • • • • • Typically have a plastic bottom Three or four inches deep Vertical wire bars At least 12 inches by 24 inches Bumble foot Do not need covers or tops 14-12 Housing and Equipment ENVIRONMENT • Can be kept outside during the summer • Temperature moves above 50°F • Food bowls • • Heavy glass Earthenware • Guinea pigs drink a lot of water 14-13 Housing and Equipment TOYS AND EXERCISE • • • • Wooden chew toys Small plastic balls PVC pipe tunnels Guinea pig’s spine • • Not flexible Injuries can occur 14-14 Feeding OVERVIEW • • • • • Guinea pigs are vegetarians Teeth grow continuously Pellets available Cannot synthesize vitamin C Use open bags within 30 days 14-15 Feeding SUPPLEMENTAL FOOD • Favorite foods • • Romaine lettuce Carrots • Iceberg lettuce should be avoided • High-protein foods • • • Wheat Corn Oats 14-16 Care and Handling GROOMING • Brush a guinea pig daily • Trim long hair occasionally • • Dragging in bedding Dirty and matted • Occasional bath • Trim toenails 14-17 Care and Handling HANDLING • • • • • Usually friendly Easy to handle May be timid and hide Grasp firmly around shoulders Have its rear supported 14-18 Diseases and Ailments OVERVIEW • Usually very healthy • Major problems are respiratory diseases • Occasionally abscessed lymph nodes • Toxemia in late pregnancy • External parasites • Malocclusion 14-19 Reproduction BREEDING • Breed throughout the year • Female must breed before seven months • • Pelvic bones Cesarean section • Heat cycle • Resembles a water balloon 14-20 Reproduction THE YOUNG • Weigh about half the weight of the female • Fully developed at birth • Solid food within 24 hours • Nurse for three weeks • Separate by gender at four weeks of age 14-21 Summary • The guinea pig is more accurately called a cavy; there are seven species of cavies • Guinea pigs are herbivores • Guinea pigs are usually very healthy animals, especially if well cared for • Guinea pigs breed throughout the year, with increased births in late spring and summer 14-22