Vitamin С and mineral block It is important that guinea pigs get enough vitamin C. This is in green foods and it is sometimes added to the cereal food. But give vitamin drops (from the pet shop) too, especially in the winter. A mineral block will provide your guinea pigs with all the minerals they need. Fasten this | to the wire mesh door. Do not put it on the hutch floor where it would soak up urine. Wild plants Do not gather these for your guinea pigs unlessl you are sure you can recognize the right ones many wild plants are poisonous. Some wild plants it is safe to give your guinea pigs: ... [continue reading]

Pets are valued members of our family. You wouldn’t leave your children with a stranger, yet you may be forced to leave a beloved pet in the care of a virtual stranger. Professional pet sitters are qualified to take care of your pets while you are away, yet, as in all things in life, there are those who give pet sitting a bad name. Here are some tips to help you choose the pet sitter that is right for you and your pet. Choose a certified pet sitter and ask for credentials and references Be sure the pet sitter is polite and courteous. If she treats you badly, she will treat your pet worse. A... [continue reading]

Guinea pigs eat cereals (such as wheat and oats), vegetables, grass, and hay. Cereals Pet shops sell guinea pig mix and guinea pig pellets, both of which contain all the cereals your guinea pigs need. If you run out, you can mix crushed oats or crumbled wholemeal bread with a little warm milk or water as an emergency supply. Vegetables A variety of both root and green vegetables should be given every day. Cabbage, lettuce and Brussels sprouts can be given, but only occasionally. Do not give iceberg lettuce. Some vegetables for your guinea pigs: turnip, carrot, beetroot, broccoli, parsley, ... [continue reading]

When you have had your guinea pigs for a day or two they will be feeling more at home, and you can begin to handle them, and make friends with them. It is important to be gentle and quiet when handling guinea pigs. They are nervous by nature, because in the wild they are hunted by many predators and must be cautious and always on their guard. You know your guinea pigs are quite safe with you, but they don’t — not yet. When you go to lift them out of the hutch you will find they dart about trying to escape your hands. Don’t panic them by grabbing wildly. Quietly guide the one you ... [continue reading]

You may be able to buy some young guinea pigs from a friend whose own guinea pigs have had babies. Being home-bred, the babies will already have been handled and played with a lot, and will probably be very tame. You can buy guinea pigs from a pet shop or a breeder, or you may see them advertised in your local paper or at the veterinary clinic. There are some important things to find out about the guinea pigs you choose: How old are they? Between 6 and 9 weeks is the best age. Which sex are they? Remember, two sows can be kept together, but never two boars. Are they healthy guinea pigs? A heal... [continue reading]

Pet shops sell guinea pig hutches, or you may find one secondhand, or build your own. The hutch is divided into a dark sleeping area with a solid wood door, and a larger, daytime area with a wire mesh door to let in air and light. Both doors must fasten securely. A rack for vegetables is not essential, but it prevents them getting trampled on and dirty. This rack has been made out of an old letter tray. It should be raised on legs, bricks, or a table to avoid damp and draughts, and keep the guinea pigs safe from other animals. It is important that the hutch is big enough, and that it is weathe... [continue reading]

Walk the pet isles of your local supermarket and in amongst the worm, flea and tick products, you’re bound to find a huge selection of toys and treats for your pets. Along with everything else, there will definitely be several shelves loaded with feline fun stuff. Many of the cat-category items are catnip-laden toys, designed to drive kitty crazy. The problem is, after a day or two, kitty no longer cares for the toy, and it will languish under the sofa (or bed, or wherever your cat disposes of it’s unwanted possessions). How can we keep our furry friends engaged with these, sometimes expen... [continue reading]

In ancient times, all dogs started out as mixed breeds. As humans desired dogs for different purposes, such as hunting or herding, dogs were specifically bred for those traits or for a particular appearance or temperament, and many became the purebred varieties that we are familiar with today. Many purebred dog owners claim that purebred is the only way to go, while some mixed breed dog owners would have nothing else! Which you choose for your pet depends upon whether you want a dog to show and breed, for cultural prestige (bragging rights!), or just a family pet for the kids. Purebred dog... [continue reading]

Hutch. Outdoor run. Wood chips for the hutch floor. Hay for bedding. Food dishes. Heavy earthenware food dishes are best, because they cannot be knocked over. Drip-feed water bottle. A drip-feed water bottle is better then a bowl, as it keeps the water  clean. Food: guinea pig cereal mix (and/or guinea pig pellets), fresh vegetables hay (the same as for bedding) vitamin drops mineral block. Small branch or block of hardwood. A block or branch of hardwood for the guinea pigs to gnaw on prevents their teeth from growing too long. Grooming brush.A grooming brush, comb and scissors (The comb and ... [continue reading]

One guinea pig A (guinea pig kept on its own will be lonely, because in the wild guinea pigs always live in lamily groups. If you do keep a guinea pig on its own, you will need to give it a lot of affection, and keep its hutch where it can see or hear you and your family, or it will pine and may even become ill. A lonely guinea pig can have a rabbit as a companion when grazing outdoors, but they should be given their evening meal apart, because many vegetables which guinea pigs need are not good for rabbits. They should also be housed separately at night. Hoars (males), and sows (females) make... [continue reading]