Animal magic: Guinea Pig Awareness Week
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One of my favourite ever gifts was a zoo-keeper experience at Drusillas.
I spent the whole day utterly delighted to be permitted close contact with so many species that we normally only get to see from behind a safety screen.
And cuddling with the capybara was a delight.
Who knew what an internet sensation they would become?
Like capybara, guinea pigs originate from South America. But, unlike capybara, guinea pigs are much more suited to be kept as pets, rather than only in a zoo.
This week is Guinea Pig Awareness Week UK, with the theme ‘Happy, healthy guinea pigs’.
This is a campaign led by the Guinea Pig Alliance to raise awareness about the welfare of guinea pigs in the UK.
The campaign centres on the five welfare needs of animals requiring a diet suited to their needs; to be kept disease free, in an environment that allows them to express their usual
behaviours; and especially their right to companionship.
In the wild, guinea pigs live in large colonies. They are not adapted to a solo lifestyle and love companionship. They should not be kept with a rabbit or a chinchilla as a ‘companion’ as these need a different type of food.
The focus of this year’s awareness campaign is on proactive health monitoring by the pig’s owners, so that you can spot early signs of disease. Guinea pigs are hunted when living in the wild by foxes, wolves, hawks and even snakes. No wonder they are fearful creatures, very attentive to sudden moves.
To protect themselves, guinea pigs never show weakness, even if they are very ill. To spot if a pet guinea pig is poorly requires a really loving and tuned-in owner willing to spend time regularly watching over their group. A healthy guinea pig is alert and chatty, with bright eyes and a good coat. If this ever changes, contact your vet quickly.
We also have the excitement of bonfire night approaching, which must be distressing for guinea pigs and other hutch friends. If you know your pet won’t be thrilled, do call our team on 01444456686 for an advice sheet.