 The Guide recommends a dry bulb temperature range under laboratory conditions of  F (18-26  C), which falls within the USDA regulation of  F. An optimal ambient temperature of 70  F (21  C) has been suggested  The recommended range for relative humidity is 40-70%.  Light cycle 12:12  Air changes 10 – 15 per hour

 Guinea pigs are disturbed easily by sudden noises and movements and may rush around the cage or pen ("stampede") if startled. This may cause trampling of the young or abortions in pregnant females. There is also potential for broken or bruised legs (as seen in this image), especially if wire-floored cages are used.

 Strict herbivores  Hind gut fermenters – cecum  Lactobacilli sp.  primary fatty acid – propionic acid

 require vitamin C  have higher folic acid requirement  sensitive to excess Ca, Vit. A, Vit. D  leads to metastatic calcification  mineralization of soft tissues

 Guinea pigs, like primates and man, must have a dietary source of vitamin C. On a weight to weight basis, the guinea pig's requirement for vitamin C is about ten times that of man. Furthermore, the guinea pig cannot store vitamin C to any significant extent.  The daily dietary requirement of vitamin C for the guinea pig is approximately 10 mg/kg body weight for maintenance and 30 mg/kg body weight during pregnancy.

 Under some circumstances vitamin C may need to be supplemented. Water can be supplemented with ascorbic acid at 200 mg ascorbic acid to 1 liter of drinking water. Vitamin C is unstable in water and needs to be prepared daily.  In pet guinea pigs, when it is impossible to provide the vitamin C by the methods indicated above, fresh cleaned vegetables such as cabbage, kale or green pepper may be used to supplement the diet.  Don’t forget the orange!

 Guinea pigs are herbivorous and, in the wild, live on a variety of green foods, seeds, and roots. In the laboratory, they are usually fed a commercially prepared, pelleted diet  The guinea pig eats an average of 6 grams of food per 100 grams of body weight every day  Commercially prepared guinea pig diets contain an average of 18-20% protein, 4% fat and 16% fiber, along with recommended levels of vitamins and minerals.

 Additional Requirements  % protein  % crude fiber  Use guinea pig feed!!!  NOT RABBIT FEED  no vit. C and high in vit. D

 Because guinea pigs tend to be sloppy eaters, wastage is common - especially in wire- floored cages  Wastage can be minimized by use of J-feeders.  Don not use bowls

 Glass/clear bottles preferred  Like to play with waterers  will empty water bottle and/or  stop up the opening  check frequently  Change & Clean water bottle daily  Automatic waterers  check daily; acidify water at source  reduces pseudomonas

 The average daily water consumption for the guinea pig is 10 ml per 100 grams of body weight. Considerably more water should be provided to pregnant and lactating sows, and to compensate for wastage. Tap water is usually adequate for the guinea pig, but, in disease-free colonies, chlorination, acidification, filtration, or autoclaving may be necessary

 Polycarbonate caging  A variety of caging is available for housing the guinea pig. Caging is commonly constructed of solid plastic (polycarbonate, as shown in this image, or polypropylene).  Stainless steel caging is also commonly available. Wood should be avoided because it is difficult to clean, and galvanized metals tend to rust and corrode

 Space requirements for guinea pigs are based on body weight. According to USDA regulations and the Guide, minimum space requirements for each animal are:  sq. in, sq. cm. < 350 grams60387 > 350 grams Nursing females with litters101652

 Bedding  hardwood chips, fine aspen shavings, coarse aspen shavings, sawdust or corn cob.  wood shavings – not cedar, pine  not dusty  clean weekly

 Fine or dusty bedding is associated with scrotal plugs and preputial accumulation, and with aspiration, which may cause or predispose to pneumonia.