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.

These pups are the latest addition to our cavies. Will post soon more about our cavies.

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.

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:

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

With our 7 cavies, it is truly an enjoyable sight to watch them. 

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.

 



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.

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:

• 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. :)

Diet for Cavies

Vitamin C

On a daily basis, guinea pigs require vitamin C. This is due to the fact that guinea pigs are not capable of producing their own vitamin C. They need 10-30 mg/kg of vitamin C on a daily basis in order to prevent scurvy. It is important to provide your cavies with enough vitamin C such as plain or chewable vitamin C tablet or a small amount of liquid vitamin C drops for every guinea pig. Pregnant, young, sick and nursing guinea pigs all need extra vitamin C every day.

Just take note not to add vitamin C to their water.

• If vitamin C is add to their drinking water, it changes the flavor, thus your cavies might drink less.
• Ascorbic acid easily degrades the moment it is added to water.
• Remember that some guinea pigs tend to drink more while some less, thus it is not easy to determine to amount of vitamin C that are included in their diet.

Pellets

Guinea pig pellets that are high in quality yet plain and free from dyes can be given in small ceramic bowls. Just make sure that you will choose those that are added with vitamin C. For every cavy, they will consume about 1/8 cup of guinea pig pellets every day along with fresh vegetables and hay. 

Majority of the guinea pig pellets are made out of alfalfa. These pellets are ideal for growing, pregnant and young cavies. Once your guinea pig reaches one year old and fully developed, it is time to switch to pellets that are made out of timothy. This is the best choice since they have less calcium.

Water

Cavies need fresh water on a daily basis. It is best to provide water through a drip bottle.

Grass Hay

Always remember that grass hay, particularly timothy must be provided to your cavies at all times. The reason for this is that it keeps the digestive system of your cavies in motion as well as preventing over growing teeth. For cleanliness of the cage, it is best to use a hay rack.

For young, pregnant, sick, malnourished and nursing guinea pigs, alfalfa hay must be given. Just remember that alfalfa hay has a rich calcium content, thus it must be given sparingly to the adult guinea pigs. Excess calcium will result to the bladder stone formation in older guinea pigs. 

Vegetables

You should provide small amounts of fresh vegetables or a cup every day is essential since it serves as an additional source of vitamin C as well as other nutrients. Vegetables such as romaine lettuce, parsley, red pepper and even tomato are good choices. 

For more information, simply visit http://www.guinealynx.info/index.html.