Pet Sitting For A Month

[Heyalex27]

Hi! My friend dropped off her baby guinea pig today. I thought id be taking care of it for a week, turns out hes staying with me for a month. Are there any tips i should know? She gave me the basics on food and care but Id like some more tips. I also noticed some sores on one of his ears and I'm afraid he might have a fungle infection. I also noticed him gnawing on the tissue box he uses as a cave so i took that out and just covered his box with a blanket. Should i get him some hay to chew on?

 

[Veggies Galore]

Definitely get some hay - hay is an essential part of a guinea pig's diet .

This link will give you lot's of advice ...

Quick Information Bundle For Wannabe Owners

Can you post a picture of the sores on his ear? Personally, I would get a vet to look at them. Please also make sure you wash you hands after you handle him - just to be on the safe side.

 

[Heyalex27]

Ill get some hay for the lil guy asap. Hes really young, only a few months old so I'm not sure if i should start feeding him greens yet either. This is the clearest photo i can get of his ear, its only on that spot on that side as far as I can tell.

 

[Veggies Galore]

I would get that checked by a vet.

 

[Veggies Galore]

Where are you based @Heyalex27 ? Are you happy to add your location to your profile ? We have members from all over the world and it is really helpful to know whether you are based in the UK/US – or elsewhere. Having an idea of your Country + location can sometimes help us tailor our advice .



Here is a link to help you do this …



https://www.theguineapigforum.co.uk...cation-and-creating-an-avatar-picture.107444/

 

[Heyalex27]

Thanks so much for your advice! I appreciate it.

 

[Veggies Galore]

I'm sure this is something that will clear up quite easily with the right treatment .

You say he is young - Did your friend buy this guinea pig from a pet shop recently? Some pet shops will cover the cost of vet bills for recently purchased pets so, it would be worth checking .

You asked about greens - you'll get info about the best veggies to give in the links I have provided.

Please let us know how you get on.

 

[Wiebke]

You may also find this bundle of information threads for new owners helpful; we have included the most asked for/needed threads for piggy newbies in this link from settling in, behaviour, diet, vet access etc: " Starter Kit" Of Information Threads For New Owners

Don't worry about eating cardboard. It is a piggy obsession; they have a hankering for any kind of fibre. Ideally, you use brown cardboard boxes or paper bags rather than tissue boxes for the long term, but it won't do any harm in the short term.

All the best and have fun! You are welcome to ask for advice at any time. We have got information threads at the top of each of the Care sections, but don't hesitate to ask any questions you may have.