Teddy the guinea pig
Teddy The Guinea Pig is a popular pet for children due to its medium length, thick, dense fur. It is an interesting breed that loves attention.
As the name suggests, this particular guinea pig is often said to resemble a stuffed toy. Much like a teddy bear, these fluffy animals are known for being soft and cuddly, but they actually come in two varieties: one with plush (soft) fur and the other with rough (coarse) fur.
Teddy Pigs make excellent pets. They are exceptionally easy to care for, bond quickly with their owners, and have an energetic and friendly temperament.
Caring for your guinea pig Teddy
Although this is a low-maintenance breed, it is still recommended to brush the hair at least once a week. Gentle brushing helps to remove loose hair from the guinea pig's coat.
For Teddy guinea pigs that enjoy playing outside, you will need to bathe them occasionally (maximum 3 times a year), but not too often, as they have dry skin. You will also need to make sure you are using a special shampoo from your local vet. US Teddy guinea pigs that do not play outside may not always need a bath.
The only special care that this breed of guinea pig requires is to carefully monitor the accumulation of wax in the ears, which should be cleaned from time to time with a warm, damp towel to gently wipe the inside of the ears.
US Teddy Guinea Pig – Feeding
Hay is important both as bedding and as food. It is important that your Teddy guinea pig is fed a variety of healthy foods, not just commercially available pellets. A Teddy guinea pig's diet should include: timothy hay, vegetables, fruits and pellets.
In addition to keeping hay for your guinea pig's bedding, timothy hay should be offered for eating, placing it in the area designated for their feed. Encourage your guinea pigs to eat hay by mixing it with other recommended foods.
Fruits and vegetables should be fed in moderation, as too much can cause diarrhea. Check with your local vet if you are unsure how much fruit and vegetables to offer your guinea pig.
Be careful when choosing food pellets for your pets. Not all pellets are created equal, and high-quality pellets are much better for the health of your little friends. Look for pellets that contain fiber, protein, and vitamin C; your local vet should be able to help you find a high-quality pellet for your pets.
Never feed your guinea pig any of the following foods: Dairy, Meat, Chocolate or Candy, Iceberg Lettuce, Corn, Tomato Leaves, Potatoes, Rhubarb, Multi-Vitamins, Raw Beans or anything that contains sugar.
Also, make sure to never provide your guinea pigs with grass or hay that has been treated with any pesticide. Regardless of whether the hay is intended for feed or bedding.
Make sure you choose a time of day to feed your guinea pig that you can stick to. Teddy pigs are on a schedule and will become stressed if their meal times vary from day to day.
Teddy Guinea Pig Cage
Choosing the right home for your guinea pig is an important process. Their home should keep them safe, have plenty of space to play and relax, and provide shelter from harsh weather conditions.
Many guinea pig cages available at your typical pet store do not have enough space to accommodate a fully grown guinea pig, so be sure to check the dimensions when looking for a cage.
It is important to think ahead and choose a cage that will have plenty of room for your guinea pigs when they are adults. Remember, they will not always be this small. When it comes to the health and happiness of your guinea pigs, the bigger the cage, the better. Especially if you have more than one guinea pig.
A larger guinea pig house has the following advantages:
- Increased opportunity for exercise – which in turn has a huge impact on the health of the guinea pigs
- Easier cleaning – larger cages are more accessible and easier to clean
- Social Benefits – A US Teddy with enough space is more likely to be comfortable in their home and as such will be happier and more sociable in their interactions with their owners.
- Mental stimulation – a larger environment gives pets more opportunities to express themselves freely and explore their surroundings
- Ability to express natural behavior – these animals need a large area to explore, “pop corn,” run laps, and communicate freely with each other.
The minimum cage space required for a single Teddy pig is 76cm x 91cm or 0.7m/2. The more guinea pigs you want to have, the larger their cage should be.
- To keep two guinea pigs, the cage should have an area of at least 0.7-1 m/2.
- To keep three guinea pigs, the cage should have an area of at least 1-1.2 m/2.
- To house four guinea pigs, the cage should have an area of at least 1.2-1.3 m/2.