The Proper Care of Guinea Pigs

This is one of the best guinea pig books out there. There is a lot of information and many pictures to go with it. Being the owner of six guinea pigs, I do like to read a lot about them. I was trying to find a book that contained more than just words and cute pictures. (Although this book is packed with great pictures!) I had a skin condition on a newly acquired pig, and I really needed a picture or two to help me figure out what I was dealing with. This was the ONLY book out of the ten I own that showed pictures of two of the most common skin conditions - ringworm and mites. Although I do have a knowledgeable veterinarian, I do like to have something on hand that helps me to recognize common conditions so that I know when it's something I can treat or when it needs a trip to the vet. (This time it did - mites!) I wish I had bought this book early on in my guinea pig ownership. I recommend it to all guinea pig owners.

For those who haven't heard of Peter Gurney, he's a British layperson (non-veterinarian) who has a remarkable love for and knowledge of guinea pigs. He is a one-man public relations force for GPs around the world. He initiated a highly successful project which brings GPs into Children's hospitals in the UK for pet therapy. Through his many decades of experience living with (and for) GPs, he offers REAL information for GP owners - not fluff propaganda gleaned from manufacturers of pet supplies. This is an invaluable book for people who really want to understand their GPs, and is of immeasurable benefit to the health and welfare of the species. His writing style is enjoyable and humorous, providing medical information in words the layperson can understand. Gurney addresses concepts including GP biology (how many teeth do GPs have?), behavior (what does that squeak mean?), nutrition (GPs, like humans, require vitamin C in their diets), husbandry (how to trim toenails with a minimum of pain to human and pig), housing (no cedar chips!), safe toys (GPs aren't hamsters - no exercise balls!) and so much more - all of which will help to make your life with GPs healthy and enjoyable. If you're really interested in what makes your piggie tick (and squeek and wheeeeek and purr...), this book will help you get there.

I only wish I could give more than 5 stars! I absolutely love this book. If you didn't already love guinea pigs you will after you read this entertaining and informative book. It is very helpful for guinea pig owners of all ages and the pictures are absolutely adorable. I could read it over an over and I never tire of it. If you have a g-pig or are thinking about getting one you have to have this book!

This is a great book to have in your library if you have guinea pigs - anything you would need to know to take good care of your pet is in this book, or on his website - I refer to both quite often, when it comes to my pigs! It is over 250 pages of information, with color photos. All different kinds of pigs are pictured, and everything from choosing a pig to routine care, to preventive maintainance to curative procedures are included, and even a section on guinea pig behavior. P.G. has a lot of pigs himself and obviously cares a great deal for these animals. I respect him very much!

This book is perfect for anyone who has a guinea pig or is thinking about buying one. You may find after reading it you know more than your veterinarian seems to know about guinea pigs. That's how it turned out for me. This book contains everything you need to know, including how to care for ailments, which is very valuable knowledge.