How to choose a guinea pig?
Guinea pig is considered for many reasonsthe best pets for those who decided to start a pet for the first time. Guinea pigs are unpretentious, affectionate, allow themselves to iron. But still some of the nuances of guinea pigs should be taken into account even before the acquisition of the animal. First, make sure that you have enough room to install a spacious cage for the animal. Evaluate your strength. Are you ready for regular harvesting and guinea pig feeding? Will someone be able to take care of your pet during your long absence? And if you are ready, then go ahead - go choose a guinea pig!
What should I look for when choosing a guinea pig?
Begin the purchase of guinea pig should be with choice of its breed. Three species of guinea pigs are common: short-haired or, as it is also called, smoothness, rosette (Abyssinian, coarse-wool) and long-haired Angora (Peruvian) breeds. Depending on the breed, animals will require different care. Smooth-haired pigs are the most unpretentious and are inexpensive. But the fur coat of long-haired guinea pigs needs careful daily care.
Choose healthy animal, without diseases and parasites. Assess the health of guinea pig can, knowing the norms of a healthy animal. The growth of adult guinea pig can reach up to 30 cm, weight - up to 800-1000 g. Normal body temperature in guinea pig is 39 - 39.5 ° C.
Wool healthy animal covered tightly, do not overgrowwool only the rear parts of the palms and bottoms of the feet, ears and small areas of the surface behind the ears. The wool of a healthy animal shines, there are no scabs or scabs on the skin.
Eyes guinea pig must be clean. The nostrils should be dry and cold, without mucus. If the eyes of the guinea pig are reddened, watery, then it is better not to buy such a pig. If mucus is released from the nose of the animal, it is possible that the guinea pig has a cold, which is very dangerous for these animals.
Front feet guinea pigs have four fingers, each ending with claws, and the back - three. Both females and males have two nipples.
To fully appreciate the health of guinea pigs,you can watch their behavior in the cell for a while. Usually active animals are the most healthy. During the day the guinea pig alternately wakes up or is in a sleepy state. Therefore, to assess the activity of the mumps, you can come to watch it at different times of the day.
If you are important the sex of the animal, then it is easiest to find out, of course, forthe seller. However, if you are not sure of its competence or suspect fraud, there is a way to recognize the sex of guinea pig yourself. One should take the guinea pig in the area behind the front paws with one hand. Turn her belly up. Therefore, with the palm of the other hand, grab the animal in the waist and press the lower finger slightly to the lower abdomen. Pressing first should be easy, and then a little stronger. Then you can feel the genital organs of the animal.
When choosing a guinea pig, also pay attention to her age. It is not recommended to purchase animals youngerthree weeks. It is better to choose four or five weeks' pigs. It is also better not to buy a female older than two months, otherwise it is quite possible that soon the pig will be much more than you expected.
