Despite being smaller than other pets, guinea pigs need a lot of space to move around. Also, in raising a guinea pig, you need to put a lot of time, effort, and attention into your guinea pig. If you're willing to provide your guinea pig with the right food, attention, plenty of space, and grooming and health checks, your guinea pig will grow up to be a happy, healthy, and fun pet.
Step
Part 1 of 4: Preparing to Raise Dutch Rats
Step 1. Buy or build a cage for your guinea pig
For one guinea pig, provide a cage with an area of (at least) 0.7 square meters. For two Dutch rats, provide a cage with an area of 1 square meter. A bigger cage would certainly be a better choice.
- The cage should have a covered floor (not a barred floor or a wire floor) to protect the guinea pig's legs from being pinched.
- If you are using a cage with walls 30-35 centimeters high, you do not need to use a top cover of the cage.
- Be careful if you use a multi-story cage. If you fall from a height of more than 15 centimeters, Dutch rats can injure their legs. In addition, old Dutch rats should only be kept in flat cages (not terraced cages).
- Provide your guinea pig with paper or aspen wood chips, and make sure you change it at least twice a week (or more often if you live in a humid area). Never use cage mats made of cedar wood chips because these cages can trigger respiratory problems in your guinea pig.
Step 2. Find a good place to put your guinea pig cage
The most appropriate place to put a Dutch rat cage is a place that is often visited or passed by family members in your house for a long time. The family room, bedroom, or hallway of the house can be the most suitable choice of place because these places are often visited by people.
- Dutch rats are very sensitive to temperature. Many veterinarians recommend keeping guinea pigs indoors. In addition to a more stable temperature, Dutch rats will also interact more often with family members at home. However, some veterinarians recommend exposing Dutch rats to regular exposure to sunlight. The most appropriate balance of indoor and outdoor activity for your guinea pig will depend on several factors, including the climate in which you live. Try to discuss with your veterinarian about the division of time for indoor and outdoor activities for your guinea pig.
- Make sure you place the cage in a safe place so that no one trips over the cage or accidentally pushes and drops it.
- Do not place the cage in a car garage, as motor vehicle fumes can be harmful or, in fact, kill your guinea pig. In addition, the air temperature in the garage is usually not adjusted using a temperature controller, so it will be dangerous for your guinea pig.
Step 3. Keep two or more guinea pigs so that your pet rat doesn't feel lonely
Dutch rats need companions because they are animals that naturally live in flocks. Spend time with your pet every day. If living alone, guinea pigs can become depressed.
- You can keep two female guinea pigs, two sterile male guinea pigs or two male guinea pigs that have been living together from the start and have never been separated.
- You can also keep two guinea pigs, one male and one female, but always check to see if the mice are mating. If you feel that your female rat is pregnant, immediately separate the rat from the male and contact your veterinarian for further treatment steps for pregnant guinea pigs.
Part 2 of 4: Feeding and Drinking Dutch Rats
Step 1. Provide plenty of water for your guinea pig
One of the most important things in the care of any pet is the provision of clean and fresh water.
- Always keep your guinea pig bottle clean and change the water every day. The most suitable drinking water container for guinea pigs is a special water bottle for guinea pigs or rabbits with a small ball in the snout. You can also use a dog water bowl (as long as it's never used by your pet dog) if it's short enough for your guinea pig, so it can rest its front paws against the rim of the bowl and lower its head to drink the water. However, be careful because guinea pigs can defecate and pee in the bowl. Therefore, it is recommended to use a hanging place to eat or drink so that Dutch rats do not use it as a place to defecate.
- Make sure you clean the nozzle of your guinea pig bottle frequently using a cotton swab to ensure that the nozzle is not clogged with dirt or food debris that can spread harmful bacteria and clog drains.
- You can clean a guinea pig bottle by putting rice and a little water in the bottle, then shaking it vigorously. The rice in the bottle can release the moss that sticks to the walls of the bottle.
- If you place the cage in a place where the sun is exposed for half a day, exposure to sunlight can encourage the growth of algae (moss) on the walls of the water bottle. Therefore, try covering the outer walls of the bottle with an opaque cloth to prevent mold growth.
- Avoid adding other substances to the water such as vitamin tablets. In addition to not providing effective nutrition for your guinea pig, the presence of additives in drinking water can discourage your guinea pig from drinking the provided water.
Step 2. Always provide hay for your guinea pig
Dutch rats are chewing animals, so they will always need something to chew on (such as timothy grass or orchard grass). Otherwise, their digestive system will be damaged. However, hay grass can puncture or injure your guinea pig's eyes, so make sure you tamp down any existing hay so that no spiky or sharp bits of grass stick out.
- Alfalfa should only be given to baby guinea pigs aged 6 months and under, as well as pregnant or lactating guinea pigs, because alfalfa has many additional nutrients that (actually) healthy adult guinea pigs don't really need.
- Timothy grass, orchard, or bluegrass should only be given to guinea pigs aged 6 months and over. The grass can be a choice of food that can be consumed whenever your guinea pig wants. This means, the grass must always be available in the cage.
- Insufficient intake of hay can lead to malocclusion, malocclusion of teeth that requires further surgery to correct it, and GI Stasis, damage to the digestive system that can result in death.
Step 3. Give your guinea pig fresh vegetables every day
About 20% of the main diet for your guinea pig should be green leafy vegetables. However, be careful not to give your guinea pig too much green vegetables as this can cause indigestion and diarrhea. Also, it's a good idea to look for a list of vegetables and fruits that are safe for guinea pigs to eat on trusted sites that specifically deal with guinea pigs, or ask your local veterinarian for the list.
- The diet provided to guinea pigs should include vegetables that contain a lot of vitamin C, because guinea pigs cannot produce vitamin C on their own. If they don't get enough vitamin C (or get too little vitamin C), they can get sick.
- Vegetables that are good for guinea pigs, among others, are celery, carrots, tomatoes picked straight from the tree, cucumber, corn, kale (cabbage leaves), raw broccoli (in small amounts), spinach (in small amounts) and peas. Make sure you limit the amount of vegetables that are given to avoid disturbing the digestive system of your guinea pig. In addition to vegetables, there are also fruits that are suitable for Dutch rats. Among them are strawberries and apples that have been cut into pieces. However, these fruits should only be given occasionally because the acid content in these fruits can be harmful to your guinea pig.
- If your guinea pig is reluctant to eat any of the vegetables you give him, try cutting them into smaller pieces first. In addition, you also need to find out if your guinea pig has its own favorite foods and may or may not like certain vegetables.
- Avoid giving vegetables such as lettuce, arugula (rocket salad), green leafy vegetables, cauliflower, beet greens, potatoes, and radishes to your guinea pig.
- Dutch rats need 150 grams of vegetable intake per day. It's good when feeding, divide the provision of vegetables into two meals because the Dutch rat is a chewing animal that prefers to chew food throughout the day rather than eating the whole food at once in large quantities (eating at one meal only).
Step 4. Give a small amount of pellets (to taste) for your guinea pig
Healthy guinea pigs do not need to be fed pellets. However, if you are used to giving your guinea pig pellets, gradually change your guinea pig's diet so that it eats healthier foods. Ask your veterinarian for more information.
- If your guinea pig is sick, give it a good quality pellet. Animal pellet products such as Oxbow's Cavy Cuisine can be a good choice for guinea pigs aged six months and over. Meanwhile, pellet products such as Oxbow's Cavy Performance can be a great choice for guinea pigs aged six months and under. In addition to Oxbow products, pellets such as Kleenmama's Timothy Choice can be given to guinea pigs six months and older and, for guinea pigs six months and under, you can give alfalfa. Look for pellets that are low in calcium.
- Do not give rabbit pellets or pellets for other animals to your guinea pig. In addition to their different vitamin content, the pellets may be harmful to the health of your guinea pig.
- If you give pellets to your guinea pig, make sure the pellets don't contain seeds to prevent your guinea pig from choking. In addition, make sure the pellets used do not contain dyes, dried fruits, corn, and other additives. In other words, the pellets given must be really pellets, and do not contain other additives.
Step 5. Don't give your guinea pig any other type of food
The food needed by guinea pigs is pellets, hay grass, fresh organic grass (not fertilized, either wheat grass or ordinary grass) and fresh vegetables. Giving other types of food to Dutch rats can actually harm their health.
Part 3 of 4: Training and Socializing With Dutch Rats
Step 1. Let your guinea pig play freely outside the cage every day
Release your guinea pig in a place that is protected by a barrier, but make sure your guinea pig is not stepped on or kicked. You can limit the play area on the floor by installing pens or a small fence, either indoors (where the floor is easy to clean) or outdoors if the weather is not too hot or too cold.
- Make sure you provide enough room for your guinea pig to run around and play. Time to move like this is very important for your guinea pig because it can make him feel happy.
- Make sure you put some toys and small tunnels in the play area for your guinea pig.
- Watch your guinea pig more closely if you let it play outdoors. Dutch mice must always watched as he was led out of the room. It could come out through a small gap in the guardrail and leave your yard. Keep in mind that predators such as foxes and eagles can still enter your land, even in areas where you feel very safe.
Step 2. Provide lots of toys and cage accessories for your guinea pig
Try making your own toy for your guinea pig out of cardboard, paper bags, cereal boxes, folders, and more. Get creative and use the materials you have in your home.
Step 3. Interact and familiarize yourself with your guinea pig several times a day
Dutch rats are a sociable species and in the wild, they live in groups. Lots of physical interaction with your guinea pig on a daily basis is essential to keeping it happy. Try talking to your guinea pig, hold and pet him as often as possible. Spend plenty of time playing with your pet.
- In some countries, it is illegal to buy just one guinea pig. In these countries, you will have to buy a pair of guinea pigs. They are happy if they can live with their friends.
- Dutch rats can show symptoms of depression (such as loss of appetite, inactivity, etc.) if they are not properly interacted with.
- Dutch rats are very intelligent animals! You can teach him tricks like standing on his hind legs, turning, jumping, and other tricks.
Part 4 of 4: Keeping the Body Hygiene and Health of Dutch Rats
Step 1. Immediately clean the dirt in your Dutch rat cage
Dutch rats are relatively clean animals. Therefore, try to clean the cage at least twice a week. Remove any dirt or uneaten vegetables first, then clean the water bottle, and add hay back into the cage. It's a good idea to spend two days a week cleaning the cage.
Step 2. Clean the guinea pig cage thoroughly at least once a week
How often you need to do a thorough cage cleaning will depend on the type of bedding used and how many guinea pigs you keep.
- Remove all dirt, soiled bedding and food, and remove toys from the cage. If any toys are damaged, you can throw them away. Alternatively, if the toy isn't too damaged, you can clean it with an antibacterial spray that's safe for guinea pigs. However, make sure you wipe or clean up any remaining cleaning fluid before you put the toy back in the cage. Do not use cleaning products made for humans (eg facial wash)
- You can wipe the inside of the cage using an antibacterial spray that is safe for guinea pigs. Alternatively, you can also use only water when cleaning the cage and then dry the cage in the sun. This process can kill bacteria naturally. You can place the cage outdoors after cleaning to let it air out for a few minutes to dry quickly.
- Change the base of the cage. You can first line the cage floor with newspaper before inserting the new cage mat. Newsprint can be useful in preventing urine stains from forming on the floor of the cage. However, you should not use newsprint just as a cage. In addition, newsprint should not be easily exposed and touched by your guinea pig because the ink on the newspaper can evaporate and be inhaled by your guinea pig, which can be harmful to their health.
- Some choices of bedding that are suitable for guinea pigs are CareFresh products, a damp wool cloth covered with a towel, or aspen wood chips.
- Do not use pieces of wood or sawdust as a base for the cage. Also, don't use cedar or pine bedding, or pine shavings. These ingredients contain phenols which can be harmful to the health of your guinea pig.
- You can also use a wool cloth lined with a towel that matches the size of the cage. This option can be a practical choice of cage mat because if the cage base is dirty, you only need to spread and shake the cloth so that the dirt that is stuck falls off, then wash it and reuse it as a cage base. However, make sure there are no threads sticking out of the fabric, as guinea pigs can get caught in the thread.
- Make sure there is an area in the cage to use as a bed for guinea pigs. You can buy some kind of 'igloo' as a bed for your guinea pig at most pet stores. Alternatively, you can provide loose hay so your guinea pig can build their own nest.
Step 3. Trim your guinea pig's toenails every few weeks
If they have dark toenails, shine a flashlight on the back of the nail so you can see the flesh under the nail. If you cut too close to the veins, the toenails can bleed. If this happens, use styptic powder or flour to stop the bleeding.
If you're not sure you can trim its paws, it's a good idea to take your guinea pig to the vet to have their toenails trimmed. Your veterinarian or veterinary technician can trim your guinea pig's toenails and show you how to properly trim your guinea pig's toenails so you can do it yourself
Step 4. Don't bathe your guinea pig too often
You may want to give your guinea pig a bath, but be aware that by bathing it, you can hinder its natural physical development process. Therefore, guinea pig baths should be limited to a few times a year.
Step 5. Watch for signs of disease in your guinea pig
Recognize what are the signs of disease in Dutch rats. Take your guinea pig to the vet for proper treatment. Always pay attention and be aware of changes in your guinea pig, even for small changes in their habits or appetite, because guinea pigs tend to show no signs that they are sick.
Make sure you get all the guinea pigs you keep together, because some types of disease can be transmitted from one guinea pig to another guinea pig living in the same cage
Step 6. Examine the genitals of your male Dutch rat
The genitals of male guinea pigs can be affected by the disease in your guinea pig. Try rubbing and gently pressing the area around the genitals and if a delicate substance such as dirt appears, carefully clean the genitals using an ear swab. You also need to make sure that there is no feces clogging your guinea pig's anus.
Step 7. Keep your guinea pigs away from rabbits
Naturally, rabbits carry a virus that can make guinea pigs very sick. In addition, rabbits are larger and stronger animals. Playful kicks made by rabbits can still kill your guinea pig.
Step 8. Weigh your guinea pig every week
Weight fluctuations of 30 grams can still be considered normal. However, if the weight gain or loss reaches more than 30 grams, there is a possibility that your guinea pig has serious dental problems or other health problems that require attention and care from a veterinarian who is an expert in handling guinea pigs. To measure his weight, you can use a digital scale.
Tips
- Dutch rats need a comfortable and safe place to sleep.
- Dutch rats can chew any. Therefore, when you take it off and let it run around in your room, make sure you have secured items such as important documents, books, and others.
- Dutch mice that are released or allowed to play in a closed room will be happy if the place to eat or drink is placed under a small table. Keep in mind that guinea pigs are always afraid if they are in a place with a roof that is too open. Also, try to provide a little cloth as a floor mat under furniture that is short so they can sleep under it. While guinea pigs don't tend to chew on things like electrical wires, like rabbits, you should still keep the wires away from their play area. Warning: guinea pigs are still attracted to thinner wires, such as cell phone chargers.
- Dutch rats will eat their own feces. This phenomenon is known as coprophagy and it is normal. You may often see them trying to touch or touch their anus, but don't be surprised. When they digest their feces, they will get important nutrients obtained from the bacteria present in the feces.
- If your guinea pig suddenly jumps up or is rapidly twisting its neck while jumping slightly, your guinea pig is not having a seizure. This phenomenon is known as popcorning and can be a sign that your guinea pig is feeling excited or trying to channel excess energy, much like a cat who suddenly wants to run around the house.
- Make sure you provide at least one comfortable, soft area in the cage for your guinea pig.
- You can save a dutch rat's life by going in and paying attention to the dutch rats in the pet shops in your town. Make sure they all get food and water, and don't show any signs of illness. If they are not getting enough food or water and/or show symptoms of illness, notify the store manager immediately.
- Dutch rats are very social creatures. Make sure you give him lots of love, but don't be rude or impatient if your guinea pig still won't come close to you.
- Do not keep two or more guinea pigs of different sexes in the same cage. However, you can keep them in the same cage if one or both have been neutralized.
- Some people let their pet guinea pigs play and run around their homes. Dutch rats that are kept like that tend to stay in one room and make it their 'playground.' In addition, guinea pigs that are allowed to play and run free tend to grow up to be happier and healthier guinea pigs.
- For daily practice, release your guinea pig on a fenced floor, in a safe environment for your guinea pig. Dutch rats love to run around, but you should keep in mind that they can chew on electrical wires. So don't forget to watch your guinea pig closely every time you take it out of its cage.
- You should provide a fun cage with lots of interesting toys for your guinea pig. Some good toy choices for guinea pigs are cuddle cups, tunnels, chew toys, and straw toys.
Warning
- Often the signs of disease in Dutch rats are not visible, until finally the Dutch rats are really sick. If a guinea pig shows signs of illness, its body condition can deteriorate rapidly or it may even die. Contact your veterinarian as soon as possible.
- If you notice that the area around your guinea pig's eyes or nose is hardening, your guinea pig may have an upper respiratory infection and he should be taken to a trusted veterinarian. as soon as possible.
- If you use straw as bedding, always clean the cage every three days as maggots can start to grow and live in the hay. Also, make sure that none of the hay blades are too sharp so as not to hurt your guinea pig's eyes.
- Do not give potatoes, onions, leeks, tomato leaves, chocolate, corn, wheat, dairy products, meat, mushrooms, fried foods, alcohol, and lettuce as food for your guinea pig.
- Avoid using commercially produced snacks or toys. Many treats are actually not good for your guinea pig's health, so avoid them and give them healthy snacks like fruit or carrots once or twice a week in small amounts.
- If you give your guinea pig grass, make sure it is not planted or sprayed with chemicals. The fresher and more natural the grass is, the better.
- Do not leave your guinea pig in high places unattended. If you fall, you can break your leg.
- Do not use sawdust or corncobs as bedding. Also, never use a toilet bowl or other plastic items as guinea pigs will bite on them and may choke on the bits of plastic they bite.
- The guinea pig is a fast runner, and it can do things you wouldn't expect when you release it from its cage. Therefore, be careful. Make sure that when you release him and let him run around on the floor, you've well-defined the playing area so he doesn't run away and get into danger.
- If you buy a guinea pig from a pet store, always be aware that the guinea pig may have a disease. Examine the nose, eyes and ears.
- Make sure you clean the cage frequently.
- Stay alert and be careful with the advice given by pet shop staff. Only a few of them are trained and experienced in keeping guinea pigs and know what to do in their care.
- Keep in mind that there was a guinea pig population explosion going on. Many Dutch rats need to be rescued and need a proper place to live. Instead of buying it, you can adopt it. In addition, after maintaining it, do not trigger a population explosion of Dutch rats.
- Do not give vitamin C drops in drinking water to your guinea pig. When added to water, the quality of vitamin C deteriorates rapidly and eventually becomes useless. Therefore, if you need vitamin C supplements for your guinea pigs, use vitamin C tablets such as Oxbow Vitamin C. However, keep in mind that only sick and malnourished guinea pigs need supplements.
- Never place your guinea pig cage outdoors or in direct sunlight.
- never ever hurt, throw, kick, drown, do other things that are harmful to your guinea pig or you will feel the recompense.
- Never use exercise balls or toy wheels. Even though these toys are made for guinea pigs, they are not safe and can cause injury to their feet, fingers and spine.
