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Guinea pigs have been well-liked companion animals for millennia. Proof means that these cuddly tiny mammals have been first domesticated within the Andes greater than 7,000 years in the past. Between 1200 and 1500 C.E., Guinea pigs have been selectively bred for colours and temperament all through South America.
Returning Spanish conquistadors introduced them again to Europe following their adventures in South America. All through Europe, Guinea pigs turned more and more well-liked as pets throughout the sixteenth century. Even Queen Elizabeth I had one as a pet. However these well-liked critters are liable to getting stressed.
They’ve gained a popularity as being a bit nervous. In the event you’ve seen indicators of stress in your pet, akin to hiding or overgrooming, it’s important to determine the issue so you can also make the modifications required to enhance your Guinea pig’s psychological well being. Learn on to find 9 issues that stress guinea pigs out.
The 9 Issues That Stress Guinea Pigs Out
1. Their Enclosure Is Too Small
Guinea pigs are comparatively small and don’t require a lot area to be glad. However Guinea pigs residing in enclosures which are too small for his or her wants typically turn into harassed. The Humane Society means that single Guinea pigs be housed in enclosures with a minimum of 7.5 sq. ft of inside room, and 10.5 sq. ft is perfect for a cage with two animals.
Don’t overlook to offer a pleasant broad bowl for pellets, a saucer for veggies, and a side-mounted water bottle. Contemporary bedding, toys, and locations to burrow and conceal are additionally absolute musts.
2. Drastic Temperature Adjustments
As a common rule, Guinea pigs aren’t onerous pets to maintain. However as soon as Guinea pigs get used to one thing, many don’t admire modifications. These critters could be significantly persnickety about their meals, housing, and the temperature of the room they stay in.
They don’t like extraordinarily excessive temperatures; something over 80 levels Fahrenheit is an excessive amount of. Purpose for an ambient temperature between 65 and 75 levels Fahrenheit, and attempt to preserve it the identical year-round. Temperature modifications stress a few of these candy rodents out to the purpose the place they’ll begin pacing and cease consuming.
3. Routine Adjustments
Guinea pigs are extremely delicate. They don’t take nicely to most modifications both of their atmosphere or of their routines. Guinea pigs typically get harassed when caregivers change jobs or tackle new time-consuming duties, as they need to regulate to getting roughly consideration.
Guinea pigs don’t do nicely when left alone for lengthy durations, so attempt to carve out some Guinea pig cuddle time once you’re struggling via important life modifications to maintain your buddy on a fair keel. Including a number of further toys to your pet’s enclosure may assist distract them whereas adjusting to your new circumstances.
4. Too A lot Noise
Guinea pigs have nice ears. They will hear higher than people at excessive frequencies! However this tremendous listening to may cause issues in case your pet is uncovered to loud noise. Vacuum cleaners and different home equipment that create a racket are sometimes problematic when run round Guinea pig cages.
Pets uncovered to loud noises over lengthy durations, like throughout residence development or reworking, generally present indicators of stress. Ensure to offer your buddy a lot of locations to dig and conceal in order that they will handle their stress appropriately. A number of yummy candy potato or carrot treats may additionally assist!
5. Boredom
Guinea pigs want train to be wholesome, each mentally and bodily. Pets with out stimulation can shortly turn into bored, which frequently results in stress. Present your Guinea pig with a lot of locations to burrow and conceal. Tunneling will get their little our bodies transferring and gives them with a way of consolation.
Guinea pigs like to chew on issues and require chewable toys to maintain them glad. Plush toys are usually okay, however attempt to keep away from merchandise with small items that may break off and pose a choking hazard. Guinea pigs don’t wish to climb, so preserve their play areas on the backside of the cage.
6. Cats, Canine, and Eagles
Guinea pigs are prey animals. Cats, canine, and even predatory birds will make a snack of a juicy Guinea pig in a minute. Guinea pigs housed exterior typically see predators, like swooping falcons and prowling neighborhood cats. The presence of predators nearly all the time creates stress in prey animals. It’s a part of how they survive.
However caged Guinea pigs can’t get away, in order that they’re caught stewing in stress within the presence of predators. A cat or canine in the home could be too tense for a few of these animals. If in case you have canine or cats, contemplate establishing a room on your Guinea pig that’s totally off-limits to your different pets.
7. Too A lot Petting
Guinea pigs want consideration, and most don’t object a lot to being dealt with, significantly after they’ve grown accustomed to their environment. New pets and youthful animals are generally skittish and should be dealt with with a lot of love and care.
An excessive amount of handing can overstimulate Guinea pigs, inflicting them to withdraw and keep away from human contact. About half-hour of handing per day is greater than sufficient, significantly in case your pet is getting used to being picked up and petted. Youthful youngsters typically need assistance studying the right way to deal with Guinea pigs gently.
8. Not Sufficient Cage-Free Time
These lovely furry creatures want loads of room to run round and train. They require substantial enclosures, toys, and locations to cover for optimum well being. However Guinea pigs additionally profit from time exterior of the cage. Take into account permitting your pet to discover the world exterior their enclosure for about 1 hour per day.
Bear in mind to make sure there are not any cords or different chewable objects on the bottom the place your Guinea pig can take a nibble when you’re not trying. To present your pet a critical deal with, contemplate letting them spend a while in an outside hutch to allow them to benefit from the contemporary air.
9. Environmental Adjustments
Guinea pigs don’t do nicely with change, significantly concerning enclosures, meals, and bedding. Though it could be tempting to purchase a high-tech rodent palace on your pet, it could not go over so nicely together with your buddy. After you’ve discovered the gear and meals your pet is comfy with, keep on with them if attainable. Nevertheless, it’s tremendous to offer your pet with a distinct kind of inexperienced leafy vegetable day-after-day to make sure they get all of the nutritional vitamins, minerals, and vitamins they want.
Conclusion
Guinea pigs are unimaginable pets. They’re quiet, straightforward to take care of, loving, candy, and may stay for as much as 8 years, making them wonderful companions. However these cute creatures are susceptible to nervousness. It doesn’t take a lot to get one stressed. Widespread triggers embody an excessive amount of petting, boredom, and even worry.
Give your pet a number of chew toys and locations to cover to extend their sense of security and luxury, and permit it to roam free in a hazard-free room to fight boredom.
Featured Picture Credit score: Hurly D’souza, Shutterstock
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