天竺鼠護理指南：澳門主人完整手冊
天竺鼠是溫和、社交的寵物。了解其住房、飲食、健康需求及為何是優秀的家庭寵物。
Guinea pigs (cavies) are gentle, social rodents that make excellent pets — especially for families with children. They rarely bite, are easy to handle, and communicate with a delightful range of sounds (wheeks, purrs, and chirps). Guinea pigs live 5-8 years with proper care, making them a longer commitment than hamsters. They are social animals that thrive with companionship and need a spacious habitat.
- Guinea pigs need unlimited timothy hay as the foundation of their diet
- They cannot synthesize Vitamin C — daily supplementation is essential (like humans!)
- Guinea pigs are social animals — keep them in pairs or small groups
- They need spacious housing with at least 7.5 square feet for a pair
- Guinea pigs are sensitive to heat — keep them in air-conditioned spaces in Macau's summers
- Regular nail trims and occasional baths are part of their care routine
Diet and Nutrition
The foundation: unlimited timothy hay (80% of diet) — essential for dental health and digestion. Pellets: high-quality guinea pig pellets with added Vitamin C (1/8 cup daily per pig). Vegetables: bell peppers (excellent Vitamin C source), romaine lettuce, cilantro, carrots, cucumber — daily. Fruits: small amounts of apple, strawberry, blueberry as treats. NEVER feed: iceberg lettuce (low nutrition, diarrhea), potatoes, onions, chocolate, dairy.
Vitamin C Requirement
Guinea pigs, like humans, cannot produce their own Vitamin C. Deficiency causes scurvy — swollen joints, bleeding gums, lethargy, and potentially death. Provide Vitamin C through: bell peppers (red bell pepper has the highest Vitamin C), guinea pig pellets fortified with Vitamin C, or Vitamin C drops in water (replace water daily — Vitamin C degrades quickly). Daily requirement: 10-30mg per kg body weight.
Housing
Guinea pigs need spacious cages — minimum 7.5 square feet for a pair (C&C cages or large indoor enclosures). Line with paper-based bedding or fleece liners (never cedar or pine shavings — toxic to guinea pigs). Provide hideouts (igloos, tunnels) for security. Include a water bottle and hay rack. Place in a quiet room away from predators (cats, dogs) and direct sunlight. Temperature: 18-24°C — guinea pigs are heat-sensitive.
Common Health Issues
Dental problems: overgrown teeth from insufficient hay — provide unlimited timothy hay. Respiratory infections: sneezing, nasal discharge — caused by drafts or dirty bedding. Scurvy: Vitamin C deficiency — swollen joints, lethargy. Bumblefoot: sores on feet from wire-bottom cages or hard surfaces. Mites/lice: scratching, hair loss. Guinea pigs hide illness well — any change in eating, behavior, or droppings warrants a vet visit.
- Your guinea pig has stopped eating or producing droppings for more than 12 hours
- Your guinea pig has difficulty breathing, sneezing, or nasal discharge
- Your guinea pig has swollen joints or difficulty walking (possible scurvy)
- Your guinea pig has overgrown teeth or drools excessively
- Your guinea pig is scratching excessively or has hair loss
- Your guinea pig has diarrhea or soft stools that persist for more than a day
Royal Veterinary Center provides exotic pet care including guinea pig wellness exams, dental trims, treatment for respiratory infections, mite/lice treatment, and nutritional counseling. Our exotic animal team understands the unique needs of guinea pigs. Call +853 6677 6611 if your guinea pig needs care.
+853 6677 6611