IMPROVING GUINEA PIGS QUALITY AND QUANTITY IN CAMEROON

1. IMPROVING GUINEA PIGS QUALITY AND
QUANTITY
IN CAMEROON
JUNE 2016
“Together we can do it”
NJOUGUE SONNCHIO THIERRY TECHA.
Student at the university of Yaounde 1

2. Content
Introduction
Important facts about guinea pigs
Rearing techniques
Floor rearing. Ground
Housing
Bedding
Cleaning of cage hosting guinea pigs
Handling guinea pigs
Health
Nutrition
Reproduction
Guinea pig behavior
Farmers health

3. Introduction
Guinea pigs are ruminant of rabbit and rats they neither come from New
Guinea, nor it is a pig. Guinea pigs originated from the high plains of South America.
The most acceptable explanation for it common name is that these animals grunt and
squeal like pig and was sold by British sailors in the 1600 centuries for a “guinea”(an
old English coin). There are 3 major varieties of Guinea pigs the short smooth-coated
breed called (English American or Bolivian), the harsh-coated rosetted Abyssinian
and the long haired silky- coated Peruvians. They have a whole range of high –
pitched squeaks, chattering and grunts. In Africa, especially Cameroon most local
families put this ruminant because they feed on forage and some left over food from
house hold, with little expenditure on feeding on like other livestocks and also for its
appreciated meat and ready market. They target science students who have to do
biology experiment in higher and local secondary schools. Thus, towards the GCE
examination guinea pig farmers in Cameroon experience a boom in the sale of their
animals especially as they are cheap and easy going than other mammals. Research
has proven that most test in the laboratories use guinea pigs as they have many
features in common with human being. Guinea pigs are used in research primarily as
model for human medical condition such as Juvenile diabetes. Apart from the
experimental advantage guinea pigs meat is delicious. Research has shown that it has
a protein content of about 21 percent which is higher than the protein content of
fowls, pork, mutton or beef. Its fat content is about 8 percent which is lower than
each of the meats mentioned above. According to research guinea pig farming is not
labour intensive and it is possible for one person to attend to the daily requirement of
2,500 to 3,000 guinea pigs though they insist on the training of farmers on the various
aspects of guinea pig farming. This is because guinea pigs can ingest and utilize large
quantities of high-energy fibrous food such as freshly cut forage like grasses, legume,
weeds and herbs. Guinea pigs are excellent wast recyclers. This is not the case of
developed countries like Britain, USA, France, just to mention a few where many
individuals keeps these animals as pet in their homes. Despite the hight protein and
the less fat content of Guinea pigs with their easy going nature, easy to feed and the
ready market for Guinea pig, only few farmers has taken the advantage to keep these
ruminant creature. Some farmers say they eat too much and one would require much
time to cut their grass. In this issue, here are some technical and medical informations

4. on how to increase your Guinea pig production. They are good source of wast
recycling ( manure), high value protein for your family and income earning.
The short smooth coated( called English American or Bolivian) Guinea pigs
type in Cameroon.
I Important facts about guinea pigs
An adult guinea pig weighs between 400- 600g. They are 15-30cm long with a
large head that is joined to the body without a neck. Guinea pigs are herbivorous
mammals that are extremely popular pet. Today because of their available tendency
which can not bite or scratch when handled and their relative clean habits, their teeth
are adapted in grass chewing just like rabbit. They are plant-eating and do most of
their forage on grasses, roots, fruits, and seeds in the late afternoons and early
evening. Guinea pig lifespan is relatively short, just between 3 to 4 years. The oldest guinea pig is

5. said to have lived for 14years adapting to heat and various climatic change in his natural habitat.
Guinea pigs like open grass area, they prefer to seek shelter in naturally protected
areas or within burrows created and later deserted by other animals and tent to live in
groups.
Do you know
The scientific name of a Guinea pig is porcellus
Species name = Domestic Guinea pigs
Rearing techniques
In Cameroon within local areas like in some villages common kitchen rearing
of Guinea pigs improve the efficiency of family labor, this is because as the family
meal are prepared a variety of farm wast like yam peelings, plantain, bananas, husk
from maize, plant timing, spoiled farm produce are been eating by the Guinea pigs.
Proper and adequate housing is important for their
health, guinea pigs can be reared in cage as well as on floor.
Rearing Guinea on the floor (ground)
Better result in term of reproduction is getting through floor and kitchen
rearing. First of all keeping them on the floor is cheaper. Thus, a place can be
prepared in the kitchen to ensure that intruders like cat don't attack the animals, the
entrance of the kitchen should be barred with a mulched soil, cement, or a plank. In
the kitchen now, the Guinea pig can move with all liberty from one conner to the
other. This enables them now to run and hid under bamboo seat or places provided
for them in case of danger or arrival of strange person. It is in this hidden place
prepared that the females Guinea pigs give birth. They are highly reproductive in the
kitchen because of the dryness and heat from the family fire which provide them with
warm temperature.
Housing Guinea pigs in an enclosure
In housing Guinea pigs 3 choices are to be made either a commercially
manufactured cage, a kitchen or a building reserve for them. No matter which route
you take, however, Guinea pigs can be house within enclosures made of planks or
even bamboos., Wood and similar materials have some disadvantages because their
rodent chop them off. The construction and design of the enclosure must ensure that
the Guinea pigs cannot escape. Furthermore, the enclosure should be free from sharp

6. edges and other potential hazards. The enclosure must be bigger enough in other for
them to pursue their daily activities and breeding. Guinea pigs are one of the largest
companion rodent and yet most cage market for them are very small. Guinea pigs
should be allowed about 180 square inches per animal. The enclosure can be open at
the top provided that the side are at least 10 to 15 inches hight. Male Guinea pigs
especial adult ones will require the side of their enclosure to be 11 inches
Guinea pigs can be house on wire mesh but it is not recommended because
Guinea pigs housed for longer period on wire cage tent to developed serious injuries
at the bottom of their feet. Furthermore, broken legs are quite common when Guinea
pigs fall through the mesh. This is most often a problem with guinea pigs that have
not been reared on wire mesh and occurs soon after they have been introduced into it.
Enclosures that provide solid floor and adequate supply of preferred bedding are the
best for Guinea pigs even does use as pet. They should be clean, adequately
ventilated, non toxic, relatively dust free and easy to replace, shredded papers, wood
shaving and processed corn cob are preferred bedding materials. Large glass
aquariums DO NOT make good habitat. They are difficult to clean because they
allow very little air circulation (which means that ammonia level build up rather
quickly), and they retain heat, especially if they are sitting in sun. Guinea pigs dot not
always handle height well, so if you decide on a cage with multiple levels, make sure
that the level are fairly close together, to prevent serious injuries from falls. Benefit
of space in your Guinea pigs house include:
Easier to clean-large house or cage. The more space your Guinea pigs have the
less of an impact waste will make, this also allows your pigs to separate their waste
from other activities like eating and playing.
Excess- overweight on Guinea pigs can develop heart disease, diabetes,
bladder infection, respiratory problems, bumble foot etc
A clean house is the first step for healthy Guinea pigs. Everyday dropping,
uneaten food, and soiled bedding should be removed once a week but this depend on
the quantity of Guinea pigs that you have. The house and accessories should be clean
and bedding completely replace. This also helps significantly in the reduction of
unpleasant odors.
It should be noted that since Guinea pigs originated from the high plain area of
South America, they have much better tolerance for cold than heat. They prefer
temperature of 65 to 67 degree(Fahrenheit) and can be sensitive to temperature
change. To prevent heatstroke and sudden temperature change, do not place your pigs
house in direct sunlight or in a draft cold space. Choose a nice, bright location but put
in mind that Guinea pigs have sensitive hearing and should not be place next to stress
and loud noise.
Not recommended:
Sawdust should be avoided because it tends to collect within the external
genitalia of the Male, forming and interfere within urination, but it many inhibit
successful breeding.
Aquarium and plastic tubs have poor ventilation and isolate your Guinea pig
from it surrounding by limiting sight, sound and smell.

7. Warning:
You shouldn't allow your Guinea pigs unattended in the presence of a dog, cat, ferret or
any other predatory animal.
Lodges or guinea pig bedding
Whether it is a prepared conner in the kitchen or a box made for guinea pigs
lodge, it should be made of layers of straws because guinea pigs like lying down
maize pilings or chopped corn cob could be used. In the lodge there should be a
drinker for water and feeder for feed or foodstuff. The drinker can be a plate or any
other container that is tightly fitted on the grand to avoid wetting of the cage or floor.
Not recommended
Cedar shaving contains aromatic oil (phenols) which can contribute to
respiratory problems, sawdust (too dusty), corn cobs bedding (which often molds)
are poor choice beddings for Guinea pigs
Cleaning of cage hosting guinea pigs
The frequency with which the enclosure is clean will depend on the material
out of which it is made and the number of guinea pigs residing within it. As a general
rule of thumb, the enclosure and all cage furniture should be cleaned and disinfected
once a week. The food and water container Should receive cleaning and disinfection
once a day. It is good that you provide or use more-than one set of container. When
the first set is been is used the other is been disinfected, the container can be put in a
dishwasher if possible. A vigorous scrubbing of the enclosures and furniture with hot
water and soap and a thorough rinse should be followed by the disinfectant.
Handling guinea pigs
Great care should be taking when handling guinea pigs in other not to injured
them because they are not harmful. For guinea pig to be lifted it should be
approached with two hands. One hand is place under the guinea pig chest and
abdomen and the other supporting it hindquarters. Adult and those that are pregnant

8. should received careful attention. The best way to pick your Guinea pig up is in a
cradle like manner. Put one hand against the chest and with the other hand in a gentle
cup, now you slowly left up the Guinea pig out of it cage and hole or place it on the
floor. As long as the Guinea pig is by your side it feels safe. If your Guinea pig
wiggle and squirms that means it is scared and you are not holding it correctly.
This Guinea pig would be feeling very safe
Did you know
Males are boars, females are snows, and babies are pups.
Snows can get pregnant as young as 4 weeks old.
Boars are sexually mature 3weeks 4 days of age.
Snows can be impregnated within minute of given birth.
Guinea pigs has 4 toes on their front feet and 3 toes on their hind feet.
Their front teeth and molar grow continuously.
Guinea pigs health
Guinea pigs are animal that like to stay in an area which is well protected from
enemies and temperature there is warm. Statistic has proven that areas with warm
temperature influence growth, habiting, and rapid reproduction leading to an increase
in production. All under the influence of good health. Guinea pig rearing is an
intensives farming which required a lot of care (physical and medical care).The best
health care for a Guinea pigs is the preventive health care. This means that preventing
problems from happening by keeping them on a good balance diet and checking them
regularly from abnormal behavior and sign of illness, diseases or parasite. In the wild,
predators are quick to kill sick and injured Guinea pigs. As a result, Guinea pigs have
learns to hid even the fact that they are sick. You have to keep a close watch on your
Guinea pig general wellbeing otherwise by the time you realize that the animal is sick
it may be too late. The following chart may help you access whether you need to take
your Guinea pig to a vet or it is something that can be treated at home.

9. Symptoms Can mean (can be cured
at home)
But might mean (consult
a vegetarian)
Not eating Environment too cold and
or damp draft, over heating
Not enough to gnaw
Teeth are too long or
possible malocclusion
(upper and lower teeth
meet improperly when
chewing
Excessive scratching Unclean maintenance, poor
grooming, flies or mites
Parasites (fleas or mites)
skin fungi, skin
inflammation
Spots on the body Poor diet (more fruits) Deficiency diseases
(vitamin C deficiency)
fungal skin diseases'
mange mite infestation,
ring warm
Sneezing or throat
rumbling
Temperature too cold or
hot
Viral or bacterial infection
Minor bleeding Minor wound or scratch
from fighting with rival,
shape objects in habitat
Clean minor wounds with
antiseptic but for serve re
cut see vet
Sore or foot pad Housing with wire bottom Abscess on ball of foot
During the raining season especially when places are cold Guinea pigs doesn't
do well, this is due to the fact that they are usually attracted by diseases during this
period. Guinea pigs surfer from diseases and bacterial infections like diarrhea, fungi
infections, malocclusion, respiratory infections, dystocias (difficulties in giving birth),
maggot infections, impacted molars, and heat stroke. These diseases are going to be
well explain below for further understanding and how it works or manifest in your
farm.
Diarrhea: Diarrhea is one of the most come diseases that attract Guinea pigs. This disease
can kill a Guinea pig after 3 to 4 days since they are very fragile. The signs and symptoms of this
disease are manifested on Guinea pigs as follows. Through wet anus, watering execrates that is
when you look at their faces it is somehow watering not mold the way it used to be, no appetite to
eat and weight lost. At this juncture the Guinea pig will start isolating itself from the other Guinea
pigs. The cause of this illness is due to too much in take of fresh cut grasses and this usually
happens during the raining season. This is because during the raining season grasses contain much
chlorophyll in which these Guinea pigs takes them in excess which instead do more harm than good
to them. In other to protect them from this deadly disease; when their grasses are harvest it should
be kept from 1 to 2 hours in the sun or the can be harvested in the evening and been given in the
morning to eat. All these help in reduction of chlorophyll and limit the chances for your Guinea pigs
to have this disease.

10. Bacteria-fungi infection: Due to their proximity to the ground. Guinea pig
wounds can easily becomes infected. If a wound is fresh, clean it carefully with
hydrogen peroxide and then maintain cleanliness with 1:10 dilution of Nalvasan
solution or beta-din solution.
Broken tooths or teeth: Some time Guinea pigs can broke their front
teeth(incisors) either by chewing or from a fall. If this happen, usually the teeth will
grow back in about 2-3 weeks. It is also advisable that a close watch should be kept
on the matching tooths. The incisors can over grow and causes trauma. If this is
happening your Guinea pigs should see a veterinarian about or for tooth trim. While
the tooth is broken, your Guinea pig may have trouble graping its food. Watch your
Guinea pig eating carefully, if it is having trouble graping food, try to chop its meal.
It is very important that your Guinea pig continue to eat, both for nutritional reasons
and to keep it molar in good condition
Malocclusion: This is a condition where your Guinea pig teeth do not meet
properly. Since Guinea pigs teeth grow continuously, they need to wear against each
other to maintain their proper structure. If they do not fit properly, either because of
hereditary or due to tooth root abscesses, or broken teeth, they can grow uneven,
grow point, or grow at an angle. The teeth, most commonly affected are the cheek
teeth(molars), which can grow inward spurs on the cheeks. If this happens, the teeth
need to be filled by a veterinarian. If the front teeth(incisor) are affected, it is
frequently an inheritable trait and this Guinea pig should not be breed.

11. Heat stroke: Guinea pigs do not tolerate heat well. They over heat rapidly and
can die within a minute. Sigh of heat stroke include listlessness, raising their head,
and shallow rapid breathing due to inadequate oxygen. It is very important to treat the
Guinea pig immediately by wrapping the Guinea pig in to a towel soaked in cool
water, or spring on its body.
Respiratory infection: Guinea pigs are very susceptible to upper respiratory
infection. Symptoms include nasal discharge, sneeze, and difficulty in breathing.
Upper respiratory can lead to pneumonia in Guinea pigs and Guinea pigs with this
sign should see a veterinarian. One of the causes of pneumonia in Guinea pigs is due
to a virus infection called bordetella. This virus can be carried by rabbits and dogs so
it is advisable for dogs and Guinea pigs not to be breed in the same place.
Dystocias (difficulties in given birth) If a female Guinea pig is bred for the first
time after she is greater than 8 months of age, her public symbiosis will have ossified
and she will be unable to give birth with a c – section. Snow (female Guinea pigs)
bred before 8 months of age do not have this problem, but can have another problem
given birth. Dystocias can be life threatening to the snow as well as the piglet. Many
health issues can be solve or avoided through observation and good husbandry
practices.
Maggot infection : This infection comes when your Guinea pigs cage or house
is dirty which attract strike flies to lays their eggs on Guinea pigs body covered with
fur. When these eggs hatches the maggot burrow in to the Guinea pigs body literally
eating it alive. Also, if Guinea pigs are not given diets containing the amount of
vitamin C that their body needs they will suffer and die. For a list common Guinea
pig illnesses visit: HTTP:// WWW guiealynx . Info / emergency. ht ml.
Warning
Penicillins base drugs (annoxicillin) are deadly to cavies make sure your vet does not
prescribe these drugs. If you are not sure whether the prescribed drugs are safe, ask. Because
Baytril (an otherwise excellent broad spectrum antibiotic) can interfere with growth, it should be
given to baby Guinea pigs only as a last resort.
Things to watch for
If your Guinea pig shows any of these signs see a vet or try to cure it immediately. Refusal
to eat, labored breathing, sneezing, crusty eyes, hunch posture, diarrhea, blood in urine, loss of
balance, excessive scratching or loss of hair. Be observant unusual behavior ( like sitting with it
face in a conner and slow to response) could also be a reason for alarm.

12. Nutrition
Guinea pigs are animals whose teeth are adapted in chewing. But in Africa( Cameroon)
Guinea pigs generally feed on grasses and remains of food from house hold. This is to say there are
herbivores (vegetarian) which means they don’t feet on meat or fish. Along with human and
monkey, Guinea pigs can not manufacture their own vitamin C, their bodies can not produce it. This
is due the fact that vegetable matter is an essential part of Guinea pigs diet. The easiest way to
achieve this is to feed your Guinea pigs with plenty of vegetables and fruits because fresh fruits
contain vitamin C. Here are same some grasses and fruits that Guineas pigs like to consume.
Grasses fruits
Elephant stock grasses Paw paw
Cover crops grasses Riped bananas
Potatoes leafs and piles Pineapples
Fresh maize leafs and stems Pears, Apples, watermelon, Strawberries,
Kiwi fruits
Cabbages
Banana leafs
Plantains leafs
Cooked food like
Rice
Coco yams
Plantains
Banana
fufu corn
Guinea pigs have individual tastes so don’t expect each and every Guinea pig to like the
same. This is why it is essential to give a wide choice. As time goes on, you will get to know the
food and fruit your Guinea pigs likes and does not like. Given about a large hand full to your
Guinea pigs. All fresh cut food must be stored at room temperature. Chilled or frozen
produce can upset a Guinea pig stomach and cause diarrhea
The following food are toxic to Guinea pigs and will or give an upset stomach or potentially
make them seriously ill. These foods are to be avoided totally
Tomatoes leaves
Mushrooms
Green beans
Seeds and nuts
Dairy products
Breads
Sultanas
Daisies
Iceberg lectus

13. Grass and herbs are favorite food for your Guinea pigs especially when the are fresh.
Ensure that every grasses you provide to them is free from pesticides, dogs fouling, and toxic
plants. It is best or good to restrict newly shoot or grown plants to your Guinea pigs because too
much can cause diarrhea.
How to produce a local Guinea pigs feed
In other to produce a local feed for your Guinea pigs the following steps stated below
will help you do so.(cassava pilings and Dried maize in other word corn)
Step 1
These cassava pilings are been wash and suck in water for about 3 to 4 days depending on
the quantity of cassava pilings you have for fermentation to take place.
Step 2
After these 3 or 4 days of fermentation these cassava pilings are now removed from water
and rinsing before drying takes place. At this point in time you have to dry them for at least 6 to 7
day for them to be well dried and this will depend on the quantity and sun light intensity present.
Step 3
When these cassava pilings are dried you now grand it depending on the type of g randing
machine that you have. Granding the cassava pilings first will help you to know the quantity of
maize needed to mixed with.
Step 4
This last step consist of mixing of grand cassava pilings and grand dried maize (any kind of
maize can be use either a red or white maize but must often red maizes are preferred) together on
till a mixture is attend
This local feed can be consume by your Guinea pigs and other animals like goats and birds
(fowls).
Reproduction
This information is very important for Guinea pig farmers and to those who are interested in
Guinea pigs ( snow female Guinea pigs) breeding. The average length of (pregnancy) in a Guinea
pig is 65-68days. This is the longest gestation period of any animal in the rodent family. When your
Guinea pig is or are pregnant make sure you provide them with good fresh vegetable and fruits for
vitamin C, at this stage they need a lot of vitamin C for the Guinea pig and the child in-the stomach,
also an extra sugar from fruits prevent the pregnant Guinea pigs from developing a condition called
Toxemia :Toxemia can bring a fatal problem to the snow (female Guinea pigs) which result in
miscarriage and still birth. It is also important to keep pregnant Guinea pigs stress-free as possible.
It is very difficult to know exactly when a Guinea pig is going to give birth. You may notice that
your Guinea pig is moving less and interacting less. This usually happen about 1 to 2 weeks before
she goes in to labor. Baby Guinea pigs are born fully furred, with eyes open their teeth erupted.
Baby Guinea pigs will begin to eat their mums food within a few hours of birth. The babies can be
weaned from their mum at approximately 3weeks but these Guinea pigs have different maturity
Females = 5-6 weeks that is 1 month 1-2 weeks
Males = 8 weeks that is 2 months
The average littering size in Guinea pigs tent to be 2-3, but they can have as few as 1 and as
many as 4 piglets at a time.

14. A pregnant female Guinea pig
A female Guinea pig can not be younger than 4 months or older than 8 months when she is first
impregnated. After 8 months its hip bones fuse together creating a dangerous situation that may
require a caesarian section or leads to death of her and babies
Guinea pigs behaviors
Guinea pigs, are like dogs, cats, and people who communicate through body
Movement and vocalizations. Here is a list of common piggy behaviors
to help you understand your new Guinea pigs better for does who want to keep as breeders or pets :
Body Language
• Popcorning: hopping straight up in the air, when happy,
excited or playful – very cute to watch and the sign of a pleased
Piggy!
• Freezing: startled or uncertain
• Sniffing: checking things out
• Licking: a sign of guinea pig affection
• Touching Noses: a friendly greeting between guinea pigs
• Scent Marking: guinea pigs will rub their chins, cheeks, and
hind ends on items they wish to mark as theirs
• Tossing Head Up in the Air: a pig annoyed with being petted
will toss their head back as way of asking you to stop
Vocalizations
• Wheeking: sounds like a long, loud squeal or whistle; your pig

15. is excited probably about you or food
• Cooing: reassurance, often seen between pigs
• Purring: If a pig is comfortable they will make a deep calming
Sounding purr, however if the purr is high pitched your pig may
be annoyed
• Whining: annoyance or dislike for something
• Teeth Chattering: this is a sign of an agitated or angry guinea
Pig and means "back off" or "stay away."
• Hissing: like teeth chattering, these can occur together.
• Shrieking: a piercing, high-pitched squeak calls of alarm, fear,
or pain. If you hear this type of sound, check on your guinea
Pigs to make sure everything is okay.
Farmer health
Guinea pigs are non disease carrier but little exception of certain fungi and bacterial, these
are diseases that a Guinea pig can pass on to human caretaker. It is important to note however, that
many people find Guinea pig dander severely allergenic to them. Guinea pigs farmers have to be
careful in other not to attract these diseases through the application of good hygien in their farms.

16. Reference
Guinea pig new owner care Guide / created Oct 2010 / AWLQ education Division file
location.
Guinea lynx WWW guinea lynx. Com
Caring for Guinea pigs docx Rev 4 - 10
The farmer's voice newspaper in Cameroon
RSPC A Handle with care, Wilberforce
For more information you can contact me through
Tel: +237-651-273-374
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