Guinea pig Care - Articles - Zimbio

Peruvian Guinea Pig Festival Features Fun, Fashion And Eating An Animal You've Just Stuffed Into Barbie Clothes

Sun, 21 Jul 2008 20:30:00 GMT

posted by carnitas
Do you enjoy dressing small, furry rodents in various costumes, often involving miniature hats that require the use of various staples to stay put? Do you then like to eat the animal you've just mortified and tortured? Huacho, Peru has got just the festival for you, you terrible, terrible person. Welcome to the third annual Festival of the Guinea Pig:

The celebration of the 'cuy', as guinea pigs are known in the Andes, also included contests for the biggest, fastest, best-dressed and, finally, tastiest animal of all.

While the lucky guinea pigs at the festival escaped with only the indignity of being turned into kings, miners and Peruvian peasants for the day, the less fortunate ended up on a plate.

God, we really don't know which is worse: Having to put tiny fingerless lace gloves on those creepy, pink, little person hands, or eating something with creepy, pink, little person hands. Fortunately (?), some Andean chefs are attempting to present cuy in a way that's more palatable to potential international consumers:

Some cooks chopped off the head and paws - cuy is traditionally served whole in the Andes - in the hope that it would sell better among foreigners for whom the fluffy rodents were once childhood pets.

"Here we are trying to show all the work implied, their breeding, their diet, how we can get a better product, we are trying to present it to the world so that people don't have any prejudices," said chef Pilar Fox.

Yes, because every single time we see a picture of a baby chick wearing a bonnet, the first thing we want to do is take a big bite out of its face. No. However, if you really must dress these disgusting mutant-baby things in clothing, might we suggest this site, which caters to all your sartorial guinea pig needs? How very precious. Those little gingham dresses really bring out the insane in your pet's beady, demonic eyes. Guinea Pigs Dress Up For Dinner [Sky News]

What do you really know about Guinea Pigs

Sat, 22 Jun 2008 16:45:00 GMT

posted by your-holistic-life
By John Savage
Many a time when you visit with a friend or relative one of their children will drag you out to see their pet guinea pig, but have you ever stopped and asked yourself what you know about these delightful pets?

And delightful they are, for guinea pigs make great pets, but they were not always a domestic animal, so just where do they originate from, and where did they get that name from, because, lets face it, its a rather odd name.

Well, guinea pigs are technically known as Cavies, and they are a part of what we know of as the rodent family.

They have sprung into popularity within the past few decades and this might well make you think that they are a new pet, but think again. Archaeologists have uncovered fossilised remains dating back millions of years, making them a very old pet indeed!

They used to be much larger than they are today, and again, going back to those fossils, it has been found that they averaged 9 feet in lenght! Thats some guinea pig!

The first people to domesticate the guinea pig were the Incas, and South America is where they were first discovered. They were, and still are revered as both an Icon, and a source of food, in many South American countries.

Nevertheless they are also held in very high esteem in parts of Peru, and are believed to have healing powers for those who are sick, and they are also believed to be 'helpers' for those people who are dying, helping them move effortlessly into the next world.

The guinea pig first arrived in Europe and America as a result of sailors bringing them there to sell for one guinea, and this is how they got their name.

The second part of their name, pig, comes from their likeness, at the rear end, to pigs, and also to the fact that they tend to squeal a bit like pigs.

Not only of course have they been used as pets, but they have also contributed quite a lot to research and you have no doubt used the expression yourself "I am being treated as a guinea pig"

Medical science has benefited greatly from the use of guinea pigs in their laboratories but of course although they have saved many a human life, the cost in the lives of the guinea pigs has been high.

Even today they are still used for research but in a more humane way which we are told does not cause any distress to the animal.

Have you ever thought of giving a guinea pig as a present to somebody? Well that's what they do in many parts of South America and it is considered to be a present that impresses the receiver.

Guinea Pigs have come a long way over the years, and a recent poll showed that in the domestic animal popularity league they come fourth, just behind dogs, cats and rabbits.

Well now, the next time your friend's children show you their latest pet I think you will look at it with different eyes.

What do you really know about Guinea Pigs

Sun, 16 Jun 2008 00:34:00 GMT

posted by your-holistic-life
By John Savage
Many a time when you visit with a friend or relative one of their children will drag you out to see their pet guinea pig, but have you ever stopped and asked yourself what you know about these delightful pets?

They are adorable creatures that make excellent pets, but they have not always been a family pet, so what is their history and where were they first discovered?

Well, guinea pigs are technically known as Cavies, and they are a part of what we know of as the rodent family.

Now although they have only come into prominence in the past few decades, they have actually been around for a very long time, and in fact a number of fossils have been found which indicate that guinea pigs were around as far as 18 million years ago. Who said they were a new pet?

Those same fossils indicate that the guinea pig used to be much larger than it is today, anything up to 9 feet long.

The first people to domesticate the guinea pig were the Incas, and South America is where they were first discovered. They were, and still are revered as both an Icon, and a source of food, in many South American countries.

Ever thought a rodent would be considered to have healing powers? Well in some parts of Peru they believe this and they think that the guinea pig can aid the transition from this life to the next. Now that is quite something!

These lovely creatures came to Europe and America courtesy of the sailors who brought them to sell for, guess what, a guinea, and that is where part of their name came from.

The pig part of their name came about because of the funny squealing noise they make and their resemblance to actual pigs.

One of their claims to fame is that they have been popular in the field of research and who I wonder has never heard the expression 'being a guinea pig'?

Medical science has benefited greatly from the use of guinea pigs in their laboratories but of course although they have saved many a human life, the cost in the lives of the guinea pigs has been high.

Still today guinea pigs are used for research purposes, but mostly in the area of genetics and hereditary matters, and we are assured that they are not harmed in any way.

In the South American country of Peru guinea pigs are held in such esteem that they often are given as gifts to people, and they are involved in ceremonial occasions.

Isn't it amazing that what is in effect a rodent could become such a popular pet? During a recent survey it was found that guinea pigs came just fourth in popularity behind dogs, cats and rabbits.

Well now, the next time your friend's children show you their latest pet I think you will look at it with different eyes.

A Guinea Pig First Aid Kit

Wed, 12 Jun 2008 16:27:13 GMT

posted by DeeBr

Just as you have a first aid kit in your home, and hopefully in your car, to help deal with minor emergencies that may occur with you and your family, you should also consider the unexpected needs of your guinea pig and either buy or create a guinea pig first aid kit, which commercially are called Cavy Kits.

A proper cavy kit will contain numerous items designed to help you and your guinea pig through emergencies. Guinea pigs actually can hurt themselves fairly easy, but it usually is minor, and with proper care, should heal quickly.

Your cavy first aid kit should contain a bottle of sterile eye wash. This is useful for removing debris from the eyes, and you will find that you use this more often than you may think. This is one item that is often overlooked when putting together a first aid kit. Benebac is also overlooked, but highly useful, in case your guinea pig ever has problems with Digestion.

Because guinea pigs really depend on vitamin C for survival, you should keep sample packs of substances that are suitable for guinea pigs, which contain vitamin C. One such product is Oxbow, which has 50mg of vitamin C. Oxbow also offers sample packs for critical care, which can be hand fed to your guinea pig.

Electrolyte mix is also something that you should consider, in case your guinea pig becomes dehydrated. You may think that you take excellent care of your guinea pig, and that such things are not needed in a first aid kit, but you will have them, should the need for them ever arise.

A common guinea pig injury occurs when you clip his nails too close to the quick. This can quickly lead to infections, and it needs to be treated right away with an antiseptic. This isn’t easy to apply on guinea pigs, but if you use a Styptic Pencil, you will find that this does the trick nicely. You should also have a good supply of sterile gauze pads to cover any wounds. Include Telfa pads as well. Other good selections include iodine pads and sterile wipes.

Because this is a first aid kit for an animal, and not for humans, you should include vet wrap in your first aid kit. This is excellent for protecting wounds on animals. If you aren’t sure where to find vet wraps, look at your local pet store, or ask your veterinarian to order some for you.

Go to your local pharmacy, and purchase several syringes of different sizes. These make administering oral medications easier, in most cases, and can even be used to get water into your guinea pig if he becomes too ill to drink on his own.

Other items that you should include in your first aid kit include rubber gloves (not latex), cotton swabs, and contact information for your veterinarian. Your veterinarian may even be able to supply you with some basic first aid instructions that you can keep in your kit. As you use items in your first aid kit, make sure that you replace them as soon as possible.

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Caring for Guinea Pigs

Thu, 28 Dec 2007 15:30:45 GMT

posted by xtnshun

Caring for Guinea Pigs
By Jonathon Hardcastle

Guinea Pigs are highly sociable animals which make great pets, and are ideally suited to families with children. However, it is important to think about all the implications of buying a pet, including housing and other supplies, which can be quite expensive. In addition to that, you're going to need to dedicate yourself to caring for the animals, ensuring you take care to feed and socialize with them at all times.

The first thing to think about before buying guinea pigs is the commitment required. With any pets, you're going to have to dedicate a lot of time to looking after them, and ensuring you tend to their every need, especially in the first few months. That means negotiating alternative arrangements whenever you go on vacation, and ensuring they always have food. These, although fairly independent, must obviously be given the essentials to survive, and so it is important you make sure you always look after them properly.

Next, you need to think about housing the guinea pigs, and potentially building a run. They need room to exercise, and if you don't want their health to suffer, or them to get too bored, it's important you let them out frequently to exercise. Additionally, spending time with guinea pigs is essential to ensure their effective social development. Additionally, you should ensure they are housed securely in a locked cage to avoid harm from predators, and of course, escape.

They obviously need a source of food, and like humans, they need a healthy and balanced diet. This largely involves a variety of vegetables and grains, which should be continually used in rotation to ensure the balance for healthy guinea pigs. On top of that, you should also ensure your guinea pigs are kept well groomed. This involves washing with a soft shampoo once a fortnight, and brushing their coat with a soft bristled brush. Also, remember you should replace bedding at least once a week to keep your pig clean and tidy.

By following these simple steps, you can ensure that your guinea pigs are kept healthy and happy. This should also improve their quality of living, and leave them happier in their lives, which should be reflected in the love they share for their owners. Caring for them isn't easy, but by making sure you tend to their every needs, it can be a highly rewarding pastime.

Jonathon Hardcastle writes articles on many topics including Pets, Family, and Gardening

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jonathon_Hardcastle
http://EzineArticles.com/?Caring-for-Guinea-Pigs&id=891690

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