We are often asked about our care program for our cavies. Here it is!
We understand everyone's cavy care program may vary and there are certainly alternatives to products and methods identified below.
Don't hesitate to ask if you have any questions!
Don't hesitate to ask if you have any questions!
Feed
Premium Feeds (ie: Manna Pro, Oxbow, KayTee)
Alfalfa cubes, Alfalfa Timothy or Orchard grass (mold free please). Tip: You can stuff toilet rolls with hay to keep the hay from getting everywhere. Vegetables: Several times a week. Not every day! Favorites: Kale, Carrots, Romaine Lettuce, Strawberries Vitamin C supplement: Daily absolutely mandatory for cavies Put in water to ensure consumption. |
Bedding
ASPEN, Natural Premium Paper Pet Bedding and/or Fleece Liners. Recommend to line your cages first with Natural pellet bedding (Cozy 'n Fresh or Corn Cob) to ensure best moisture intake. Fleece liners are a great option for minimal dust/debris - wash as needed. Looking to buy fleece liners? Check out: http://customcavies.webs.com
Please NO harmful oils or contaminants (ie: Cedar or Pine shavings) |
House Cleaning
Grooming & Bathing
You can use a soft bristle brush to groom. For spot to whole body bathing, use a mild baby "no-tears" shampoo (ie: Johnson & Johnson) or Mycodex with Pyrethrin (if needed). RINSE WELL - Do not use near eyes or mouth or get into ears.
Warm water - Please do not over-bathe. Adult supervision needed at all times. Immediately towel-dry and then blow dry with warm air. Use fingers to tussle out long hair. Dry completely or they can catch a cold. If not showing, recommend keeping hind ends trimmed. Clip nails to keep at suitable length. Cut any mats out that cannot be brushed out. |
Housing & Exercise
Play & Exercise: Large cages are nice for cavies - recommend 2'x2' to 3'x3'. best to ensure they "grow" into their cages for gradual acclimation and comfort. Too large a cage at a young age will encourage fright. You can always divide a cage and allow your youngster to "grow" into its environment. Please do not use any cages with wired bottoms. They can lose a toe in the hole!
Use a play yard to confine to specific areas / rooms /avoid stairs. -SUPERVISION REQUIRED- If outside: Cover with netting to ensure predators do not enter from above (ie: hawks) or from the sides (ie: snakes). Do not place cavies on processed areas (ie: fertilized grass). |
Toys
Hard plastic semi-solid cat/bird toys, natural wicker non-toxic balls, small animal approved wooden chew toys, sticks.
Toilet paper rolls, empty tissue boxes are perfect for chewing! Cavies MUST have something to chew on to keep their teeth in good length. Please remove any plastic or stickers first! We prefer not to incorporate huts or hideouts in our cavy housing - we find that these tend to encourage hiding behavior and cavies are generally less social. |