citation_inspection: 4248

Adult guinea pigs with their litters were housed in oval metal stock water troughs that measured 31.5 inches wide in the mid-section by 92 inches long with curved ends (decreasing the interior space of the enclosure). The area of each oval metal stock water trough was 1905.75 square inches (60.5X31.5) plus 778.9 square inches (3.14x(15.75x15.75)) to equal 2684 square inches. Each trough had 2 eight inch diameter water bowls that took up 100.5 square inches of floor space (2x3.14x(4x4)) and 2 ten inch diameter food dishes that took up 157 square inches of floor space (2X3.14x(5X5)). The floor area for the guinea pigs in each of the metal troughs was approximately 2428 square inches when the area of the bowls/dishes was subtracted (2684-(100.5+157)). Each adult guinea pig and nursing female with her litter requires at least 101 square inches of floor space so each tub can house a maximum of 24 of these guinea pigs. Weaned guinea pigs weighing less than 350 grams require at least 60 square inches of floor space so when weaned guinea pigs are also housed with the adult guinea pigs then less adult guinea pigs can be housed in the metal troughs. While inspecting the guinea pigs on 6 January 2015 the owner informed the APHIS officials that he thought he could house up to 22 adult guinea pigs in the metal stock water troughs. On 6 January 2015 there were 22 adult guinea pigs and their litters in Tub #1 and 28 adult guinea pigs with their litters housed in Tub #2. APHIS officials returned to these tubs to re-evaluate temperature the morning of 7 January 2015. At that time, there were 40 adult guinea pigs with their litters in Tub #1 and 38 in Tub #2. The troughs did not provide adequate floor space for the 28, 38 and 40 adult guinea pigs with their litters. There were guinea pigs in each of these troughs with hair loss that were cited under veterinary care. Overcrowding can be distressful and result in the animals being more susceptible to disease and health problems. Each adult guinea pig and nursing guinea pig must be provided at least 101 square inches of floor space and each weaned guinea pig weighing less than 350 grams must be provided at least 60 square inches of floor space for their health and comfort. Correct by 17 January 2015.