1. Guinea Pigs
By: Anna Hulslander

2. Introduction
Guinea pigs make amazing pets. They are fun to take care of and to play with, so cute, and a perfect pet. You might think taking care of a guinea pig is a lot of work-its not that hard! I have put this presentation together to tell you about guinea pigs. I hope you enjoy it and learn a lot.

3. Guinea Pig’s History
Guinea pigs originated from Peru, South America, not New Guinea
They got their name from once being sold for the price of a coin called a “Guinea”
The “Pig” part of the name came form all the sounds they make: oinks, whistles, chirps, purrs, etc.

4. Are You Prepared?
Do you have the time to play with your pig, clean it’s cage, and give it food and water?
Do you have enough money to buy all of the supplies?

5. Your First Guinea Pig
Once your pig gets to know you, he or she will love to be petted and held gently
Guinea pigs are not toys, they are small rodents and can easily be hurt
They will need a lot attention and play time, they must be well fed, and their cage needs to be clean
When you first bring your pig home, give it 2 to 3 days of rest before you hold it

6. Guinea Pig Shopping List
An indoor hutch or cage
A water bottle
A bottle brush
A carrier for trips to the vet
A food bowl, and bedding-straw, wood shavings, (not cedar or pine), etc.
A chew toy (helps teeth and gums stay healthy
Hay (alfalfa or timothy), and guinea pig pellets

7. Getting Ready
Place the hutch in a quiet room in your house where there aren’t any drafts
Spread a layer of bedding around the cage, it should be about an inch and a half thick
Place pellets in the food dish and put it in the cage
Add some hay, hang the chew toy, put clean water in the bottle and hang it up on the cage

8. The Life Cycle
A newborn guinea pig has hair and can walk. Guinea pigs are born with their eyes open.
A guinea pig pup drinks it’s mother’s milk until it is about 3 to 4 weeks old.
At about 5 weeks a female pig can have pups of her own.

9. What Do Guinea Pigs Eat?
Guinea pigs love pellets, the pellets are made of dried grains and grasses. A guinea pig must have pellets in their cage.
Also, guinea pigs love treats. For example, “Yogies” by Wild Harvest and “Nibble Rings” are examples of some treats.
Do not give your guinea pig iceberg lettuce or too much fruit!

10. What Do Guinea Pigs Eat? Cont.
Pigs love fruits and vegetables. The chart below shows the fruits and vegetables that you should give your guinea pig.
Vegetables
Fruits
carrots
apples
peppers
pears
cauliflower
tomatoes
broccoli
raspberries
parsley
strawberries
spinach
pineapple cores

11. Where’s My Water?
Guinea pigs need fresh and clean water! Buy a guinea pig water bottle, refill it, and clean it about 2 to 3 times a week.
Pigs do not drink out of water bowls!

12. I Need A Friend! You should buy two guinea pigs from the same litter
Keep your guinea pig with a rabbit, just keep an eye on them to make sure the rabbit doesn’t bully the guinea pig
Just make sure your pig has a friend that he or she likes!

13. Fun Facts Guinea pigs are also called “cavies”
Male guinea pigs are called “boars”
Female guinea pigs are called “sows”
Baby guinea pigs are called “pups”
A sow is pregnant for about 70 days
Some people eat guinea pigs, YUCK!
Pigs have 4 toes on their front feet and 3 toes on the back feet

14. Guinea Pigs 101!

15. Conclusion
Today you have learned about caring for your pig, what they eat, the history of guinea pigs, and many other facts.
Now you should be able to share some guinea pig knowledge!

16. Quiz What is a male, female, and baby guinea pig called?
Name three items on the Guinea Pig Shopping List
When you bring your pig home, how many days of rest should you give it before you start holding it?
Where did guinea pigs origin from?

17. Created by: Anna Hulslander
Credits
Created by: Anna Hulslander
Thanks to:
Mrs. Ritz
Nuggets
Reese Cup
Thanks for watching!!!