Our 2nd batch of pups are truly adorable.
These pups are the latest addition to our cavies. Will post soon more about our cavies.
May 16, 2014
2ND BATCH OF OUR LONG-HAIRED CAVIES
It has been awhile since my last entry and I have a lot of updates to share regarding our cavies. First of all, I will introduce the members which I will post later on. Second, I am proud to share our 2nd bath of pups.
Our 2nd batch of pups are truly adorable.
Our 2nd batch of pups are truly adorable.
Aug 28, 2013
MATTED HAIR ON CAVIES
With our first guinea pigs - American & Abyssinian, we did not had any problems when it comes to the hair. Even bathing is not a problem since the hair was tangle-free even after a bath session.
It is entirely a different case with our long-haired cavies, especially one of our Silkie/Sheltie cavies - Coffee, a golden agouti boar.
We regularly groom our cavies, but the past 2 weeks we were preoccupied with the renovation of our house. Luckily, only Coffee is the one affected with matted hair. (Right now, I do not have the photo of Coffee with his matted hair, since we trimmed it out yesterday...).
Here is the photo of Brownie, which just got a new trim since he has matted hair close to the rump area.
Matted hair is quite common in long-haired cavies if their hair is not cared for properly. Most of the time, it is ideal to keep the fur short, particularly in the rump or back area. Trimming this part will only take a few minutes and must be done every 3-4 weeks. Just make sure that you are well aware where the legs and ears of your cavies are as well as the sensitive area close to the rump.
If matted hair is simply ignored, it will look undesirable, smelly and can cause the skin beneath the hair to swell or even develop infections.
If you have long-haired cavies, it is best to groom them every other day so that tangles and matted hair can be prevented, especially at their rump. In case you do not have time, you can provide your cavies with a trim every 3-4 weeks.
It is entirely a different case with our long-haired cavies, especially one of our Silkie/Sheltie cavies - Coffee, a golden agouti boar.
We regularly groom our cavies, but the past 2 weeks we were preoccupied with the renovation of our house. Luckily, only Coffee is the one affected with matted hair. (Right now, I do not have the photo of Coffee with his matted hair, since we trimmed it out yesterday...).
Here is the photo of Brownie, which just got a new trim since he has matted hair close to the rump area.
Matted hair is quite common in long-haired cavies if their hair is not cared for properly. Most of the time, it is ideal to keep the fur short, particularly in the rump or back area. Trimming this part will only take a few minutes and must be done every 3-4 weeks. Just make sure that you are well aware where the legs and ears of your cavies are as well as the sensitive area close to the rump.
If matted hair is simply ignored, it will look undesirable, smelly and can cause the skin beneath the hair to swell or even develop infections.
If you have long-haired cavies, it is best to groom them every other day so that tangles and matted hair can be prevented, especially at their rump. In case you do not have time, you can provide your cavies with a trim every 3-4 weeks.
Aug 17, 2013
A single cavy or a pair?
It is a known fact that it is always best to get a pair, instead just one cavy. We initially got one cavy, a black and white American sow. After reading how sociable guinea pigs are, we decided to add another American sow until we almost have a herd right now - 13 cavies and 3 pups, a total of 16 cavies. Well, it is definitely a large group. Our cavies are not living in just a single cage, but divided in double cages and single cages.
Cavies can get stressed out easily, particularly if they are alone. It is always best that cavies are in pairs or in groups. The sows get along well when they are in a group. Even though minor quarrels cannot be avoided, rest assured that it will subside quickly. As for the boars, they should not be kept as a group since there is a high chance that quarrels will arise, thus ending up biting each other. In our case though, we were able to keep three boars together in one cage. Even though they get along well, they barbered each other. Of course, we were disappointed, especially with our Lunkarya boar whose curly hair was trimmed down, almost looking like an Abyssinian.
Hopefully, once we can purchase new cages, specifically the triple cages, we can provide our cavies with their own space. It is definitely the best way to prevent them from barbering each other.
In case you decide to keep a group of cavies all together in one living space, it is best to keep several boars and sows. The members of the group are well aware of the rules, thus keeping any aggression at bay.
Cavies can get stressed out easily, particularly if they are alone. It is always best that cavies are in pairs or in groups. The sows get along well when they are in a group. Even though minor quarrels cannot be avoided, rest assured that it will subside quickly. As for the boars, they should not be kept as a group since there is a high chance that quarrels will arise, thus ending up biting each other. In our case though, we were able to keep three boars together in one cage. Even though they get along well, they barbered each other. Of course, we were disappointed, especially with our Lunkarya boar whose curly hair was trimmed down, almost looking like an Abyssinian.
Hopefully, once we can purchase new cages, specifically the triple cages, we can provide our cavies with their own space. It is definitely the best way to prevent them from barbering each other.
In case you decide to keep a group of cavies all together in one living space, it is best to keep several boars and sows. The members of the group are well aware of the rules, thus keeping any aggression at bay.
Jun 12, 2013
An ordinary day with my cavies
Starting the day involves checking on the cavies if they still have pellets left in their bowls. Once I approach the cage, I was greeted by the cries of wheeking from the cavies, while some are already standing on their feet. Initially, the trays are removed and cleaned, while the remaining vegetables are taken away. With their food bowls replenished with the appropriate amount of pellets, the cavies happily munched on their food. The water bottles are also cleaned and replaced with fresh water.
During the morning, the regular routine of the cavies is to eat their morning serving and spend some time on small naps with intervals of popcorning or eating. The cavies are also given their daily dose of vitamin C and a treat afterwards.
In the afternoon, the cavies typically go on short naps and enjoy eating breaks every now and then. If the weather is too hot, they are provided with frozen water bottles wrapped in cloth for added coolness. We already had one cavy that suffered from the symptoms of heat stroke in the past. Luckily, it was immediately prevented and our cavy was in good condition. Late in the afternoon, we noticed that our cavies are more active with the regular popcorning of the younger cavies. It is also the time that we provide servings of fresh grass from the garden or a mix of vegetables, depending on what is available – lettuce, cucumber, sweet potato leaves and red pepper.
Grooming also is provided, especially to the long haired cavies. With brushing, it helps remove hair that can lead to tangles. Since activity is important for guinea pigs, we provide them with time to exercise in an enclosed area that was made out of carton sides and formed into a square space. It was adequate space so that the cavies can exercise and run around all they want. This is essential so that the cavies will not end up overweight.
Once the sun sets, it is time to check their food bowls if there is still enough food and provide the appropriate amounts. Additionally, the trays are cleaned once again to maintain appropriate cleanliness. Life with cavies is definitely an enjoyable one. As these creatures look up to you for food or attention with their friendly eyes, you simply cannot just ignore them. Cavies are indeed lovable pets that truly deserve the best when it comes to providing care and love.
During the morning, the regular routine of the cavies is to eat their morning serving and spend some time on small naps with intervals of popcorning or eating. The cavies are also given their daily dose of vitamin C and a treat afterwards.
In the afternoon, the cavies typically go on short naps and enjoy eating breaks every now and then. If the weather is too hot, they are provided with frozen water bottles wrapped in cloth for added coolness. We already had one cavy that suffered from the symptoms of heat stroke in the past. Luckily, it was immediately prevented and our cavy was in good condition. Late in the afternoon, we noticed that our cavies are more active with the regular popcorning of the younger cavies. It is also the time that we provide servings of fresh grass from the garden or a mix of vegetables, depending on what is available – lettuce, cucumber, sweet potato leaves and red pepper.
Grooming also is provided, especially to the long haired cavies. With brushing, it helps remove hair that can lead to tangles. Since activity is important for guinea pigs, we provide them with time to exercise in an enclosed area that was made out of carton sides and formed into a square space. It was adequate space so that the cavies can exercise and run around all they want. This is essential so that the cavies will not end up overweight.
Once the sun sets, it is time to check their food bowls if there is still enough food and provide the appropriate amounts. Additionally, the trays are cleaned once again to maintain appropriate cleanliness. Life with cavies is definitely an enjoyable one. As these creatures look up to you for food or attention with their friendly eyes, you simply cannot just ignore them. Cavies are indeed lovable pets that truly deserve the best when it comes to providing care and love.
Jun 4, 2013
Our cavies
With 7 cavies under our care, it is definitely an enjoyable experience while watching them eat, play and eventually grow. At the present, we suspect that our two American sows are pregnant. It is quite apparent due to their sudden increase in weight and the noticeable increase in size.
The addition of three cavies - Brownie (Peruvian boar), Sonic (Coronet boar) and Cali (Silkie/Sheltie sow) are lovely additions to our cavy family. We now have the total of seven cavies - 2 American sows, pair of Abyssinian 1 Peruvian boar, 1 Coronet boar and a Silkie/Sheltie sow.
The original group:
New cavies:
After some time thinking whether to get the long-haired breeds, our decision was to go for it. We now have lovely additions to our cavy family - a Peruvian boar, Coronet boar and a Silkie/Sheltie sow. Luckily, they seem to get along well, except for the two boars - the Peruvian and Abyssinian who instantly become aggressive if they see each other.
With our 7 cavies, it is truly an enjoyable sight to watch them.
The addition of three cavies - Brownie (Peruvian boar), Sonic (Coronet boar) and Cali (Silkie/Sheltie sow) are lovely additions to our cavy family. We now have the total of seven cavies - 2 American sows, pair of Abyssinian 1 Peruvian boar, 1 Coronet boar and a Silkie/Sheltie sow.
The original group:
 |
| Our three sows - an Abyssinian and two American cavies |
 |
| Abyssinian boar |
New cavies:
After some time thinking whether to get the long-haired breeds, our decision was to go for it. We now have lovely additions to our cavy family - a Peruvian boar, Coronet boar and a Silkie/Sheltie sow. Luckily, they seem to get along well, except for the two boars - the Peruvian and Abyssinian who instantly become aggressive if they see each other.
|
| Peruvian boar |
 |
| Coronet boar |
 |
| Silkie/Sheltie sow - Silver agouti |
Apr 30, 2013
New Products for our cavies
After our 1 kilo supply of Versele Laga Cavia Crispy have been depleted, we decided to order again from an online seller - http://multiply.com/gingersweethouse.
This time we ordered the Vitakraft Menu Vital for guinea pigs.
Surprisingly, our cavies enjoyed the new pellets.
These are definitely great products for my cavies. Nevertheless, I wish there are more products available for guinea pigs in the Philippines, particularly in our city.
This time we ordered the Vitakraft Menu Vital for guinea pigs.
Surprisingly, our cavies enjoyed the new pellets.
As an additional housing for our cavies aside from the cardboard tunnel, a sandal hut was added. It was made out of lotus grass so that the cavies can chew on them safely.These are definitely great products for my cavies. Nevertheless, I wish there are more products available for guinea pigs in the Philippines, particularly in our city.
Apr 19, 2013
The summer heat
During the last days of March and April until today, the heat of summer is unbearable. It is extremely hot in the Philippines, but this time, the temperature is way off the scale.
Based on what I read on how guinea pigs prefer temperatures that range from 18 - 24 degrees Celsius based on http://www.guineapigs.com/location.html, I was getting worried for my cavies.
After arriving home after a short vacation, I observed that one of my cavies, Pogi, has a wet mouth and chin. Initially, I though Pogi just got his mouth wet after drinking in their water bowl, since the water bottle is not functioning.
I decided to research on what this condition might indicate. I found out that Pogi is suffering from one of the signs of heat stroke. Here are the signs of heat stroke:
Based on what I read on how guinea pigs prefer temperatures that range from 18 - 24 degrees Celsius based on http://www.guineapigs.com/location.html, I was getting worried for my cavies.
After arriving home after a short vacation, I observed that one of my cavies, Pogi, has a wet mouth and chin. Initially, I though Pogi just got his mouth wet after drinking in their water bowl, since the water bottle is not functioning.
I decided to research on what this condition might indicate. I found out that Pogi is suffering from one of the signs of heat stroke. Here are the signs of heat stroke:
- Limp body in which the guinea pig lies on his side and lazy to move around
- Slobbers or wet chin
- Rapid pulse rate
- Breathing that is labored
- Guinea pig feels hot when touched, especially the ears
I followed some of the measures to do in case one of the heat stroke signs are seen from http://www.guineapigwelfare.org.uk/guinea-pig-care/seasonal/summer/in-the-heat-of-the-moment/.
Since the cage is inside the house, I decided to position it outside since the weather is truly unbearable. The cage of the cavies were positioned in our balcony where it is cool most of the time. After the cooling measures were performed on Pogi, after a day, his wet chin is no longer evident. The best part is that Pogi is starting to become more active and gaining more appetite.
Luckily, the sign of heat stroke was instantly remedied. I am now happy that Pogi is back in his normal state. :)
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