1. Cavies Vs. Gerbils

2. What is a Cavy!?
Guinea Pig!

3. Background Of Cavies
A Guinea Pig is neither a pig nor does it come from a Guinea.
Instrumental in the research of nutrition, tuberculosis, and other infectious diseases

4. Characteristics of Cavies
Adult Guinea pigs can be 8 – 14 inches long and weigh 1 – 4 pounds.
Very sensitive to hearing
Communicate with high squeals
Highly developed sense of smell
Keen sight and excellent peripheral vision

5. Housing And Equipment For Cavies
Cage with a plastic bottom to prevent bed scattering
1 Guinea Pig needs 12” x 24”
Vivarium (Aquariums) are ok
Wood Cages = Not Good
Wood will rot and Cavies will eat it
Food Bowl must be heavy glass
Vacuum-Type Water Bottle

6. Feeding Cavies Vegetarians
Large Front incisor teeth that grow continuously
Lettuce, Carrots, Apples, Pears, Turnips and Cucumbers are their favorite snacks
Feed twice a day

7. Care And Handling Of Cavies
Brush Daily
Longhaired – clipped around rear
Careful when bathing (don’t like bathes)
Use baby shampoo
Dry and keep warm after bath
To hold:
Grasp firmly around from shoulders and support rear with other hand
Cradle in the palm and forearm and hold close to body

8. Diseases In Cavies Malocclusion – Teeth do not stop growing
Tapeworms – Internal parasites that cause a bloated tummy, rough coat and worm in feces
External Parasites – Fleas, Mites, Lice and Flies
Respiratory Infections – Colds that can lead to pneumonia
Heat Sensitivity – Keep in a cool area

9. Reproduction In Cavies
Females = 5 litters a year
Gestation = 56 – 74 days
Birth will take 10 – 30 minutes
Babies can eat solid food, open their eyes and will have full fur within 24 hours
Nurse for 3 weeks
Weaned at 4 weeks

10. What is a Gerbil???
A Hamster!!!

11. Background Of Gerbils Began as a native animal to the desert
Captured in 1931 and tamed – became a pet
Adult hamster – 5 – 6 inches long & 4 oz.
Not recommended for children because they are hard to handle

12. Characteristics of Gerbils
Nocturnal animals
Solitary animals
Life span = 1 – 3 years
Prefer a temperature of 70 degrees
Under 50 degrees and they will hibernate

13. Housing And Equipment For Gerbils
10” x 16” x 10” cage
Gnaw proof material
Typical = Steel side and top with plastic floors
Vacuum Type Water Bottle
Aquariums can be used
Exercise Wheels
Plastic = Very little noise

14. Feeding Gerbils Purchase commercially prepared pellets
Large front incisors that grow continuously
Gnawing on pellets will wear down teeth
Supplement the diet with corn, millet, wheat, oats, sorghum or sunflowers.
Diet needs to stay consistent

15. Care And Handling Of Gerbils
Do not disturb while sleeping
Lightly tap the cage and speak to the gerbil
The more you pay attention to your gerbil the more accustomed it will get to you
Set it on your kitchen table
Held by picking up firmly between the thumb and forefinger

16. Diseases In Gerbils
Abscesses – Pockets of infection where pus accumulates under the skin
Wet Tail – Highly Contagious, Found in recently weaned animals, May die quickly
Skin Diseases – Mites or Ringworm
Hibernation – Become in a semi-comatic state

17. Reproduction In Gerbils
Sexually mature at 6 weeks
Females = Heat every 4 days
Gestation = 16 days
Females are placed into man’s cage
Day 10 = Gerbils begin moving around the cage
Day 14 = Eyes open
Wean at 25 days
Males become infertile after one year of age

18. Brochure Activity Choose either Cavy or Gerbil
Create a brochure using the information we have discussed.
Includes the following topics:
Background
Characteristics
Housing and Equipment
Feeding
Care and Handling
Diseases
Reproduction