The Crazy Pet Channel: Guinea Pigs

Maisie Bramble Patches

Hi readers, I now have my bunnies! Go over to:  http://rabbitsrcute.blogspot.co.uk/  to meet them! Book Worm :)

Hi readers, really quick post today about keeping guinea pigs and other small pets safe on Bonfire night (5th November). Give them boxes full of hay, straw or another warm safe material. Have them indoors or in a shed/Garage(no cars!). Stick to your normal routine. Give lots of hiding places. Act normal! They will suspect somethings up if you don't! If free range shut them into one room or their cage. Put the TV or radio on low to help drown out the noise. DON'T put on loud music! If they live in hutches cover them with a thick rug/blanket to help drown out the noise(make sure fresh air can still get through so they can breathe). I hope you find this useful, Book Worm :)

Hi Readers, I have some exiting updates to share with you! UPDATE no.1 I am getting a pair of rabbits! They will have their own blog(just needs a name!). I am building a 3metres(long) by 2metres(wide) by 2metres(high) enclosure by the guinea pig shed. I am going to be getting them from a rescue. UPDATE no.2 Maisie is for now going to live separate from Bramble and Patches as they aren't very friendly towards her and she has been bitten by one of them (once they have drawn blood they won't make friends). UPDATE no.3 My YouTube channel if fully up and running! To find it just search: guinea pigs r cute I hope you enjoyed knowing some of my updates with the pets! Book Worm :)

Hi readers, I thought this would be a good post as I have already done where to get guinea pigs and lots of people get only one (I did to start with) but should you get one, a pair or a herd? Here's what I think. A single guinea pig can get lonely unless you are at home all day, or it can interact with any other guinea pigs through Bars/Plexiglas/Mesh. As most of you will know, I have a young female guinea pig called Maisie, who lives on her own due to her not getting on with Bramble and Patches, but she is happy and healthy anyway. As I have 2 other guinea pigs, if I lose one, Maisie will hopefully become their friend (just putting that I am unlikely to lose on of them anytime soon!). When I first decided to get a guinea pig I only got one (Patches). But she was lonely, so I got another, (Bramble) so she wouldn't be lonely and they got on well. Then I got Maisie, after the neutered male I was going to get had to be put to sleep. I would never recommend getting a single gu...

Hi readers, I have often wondered which type of pellets my guinea pigs should have so I did a bit of research . UK leading brands Supreme Science Selective Guinea Pig Pellets I used to feed this brand to Bramble, Patches and Maisie. Supreme pet foods say:  Ingredients: Alfalfa meal, whole wheat, wheat feed, soybean hulls, soybean meal, flaked peas, linseed, sugar beet pulp, soybean oil, fennel seeds, monocalcium phosphate, calcium carbonate, dried dandelion, dried nettle. NUTRITIONAL ADDITIVES/Kg Vitamin A 23000 IU, Vitamin C 800 mg, VitaminD3 1500 IU, ANALYTICAL CONSTITUENTS Protein 16.0%, Crude fibre 15.0%, Fat content 4.0%, Inorganic matter 6.5%, Calcium 0.8%, Phosphorus 0.5%. This information is from: http://www.supremepetfoods.com/ Burgess Excel Mint Guinea Pig P ellets Composition: Sunflower Ext., Wheatfeed, Grass, Oatfeed, Maize, Apple (4%), Grape (4%), Carob Meal, Vegetable Oil, Minerals, Yeast (0.1%). Additives (Per Kg): Nutritional Additives: ...

Hi readers, When I first thought about getting guinea pigs I was going to get a male, but then I went in to my local Pets At Home a week before my birthday and saw and held Patches. And decided to get a female instead. But couldn't reserve her! When I went back a week later she was still there so of course I bought her! Males This may sound odd coming from someone who has only females but males are supposed to be friendlier and can be better on their own. As well as being friendly males can be kept on their own better than females. Females Females are easier to keep together than males. I have 3 females who don't get along (well Bramble and Patches live together and don't get along!). Personally I would go with females as they don't get as many health problems as males and can be kept in large groups. Mixed Groups Mixed groups are good as long as the males and/or females are neutered and I mean all males or all females not just 1 or 2 males or females. Pets Pal...

Hi readers, quick update as I know have a You Tube for all things small and furry. Here's the link: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCItRoBJv3eLarz9cBeBqi7Q Please check it out. I will be doing guinea pig care, DIY'S, hauls and reviews. Book Worm :)

Hi readers, the other day I got lots of bamboo for the guinea pigs (upside of having a bamboo bush in the garden!) Bramble: "What are you doing up there Patches?!" Patches:"How do I get down?" Patches: "Helloooooooooooooo" Bramble: "Go away!" My guinea pigs love wild plants and soon there will be a post about what they like and don't like, Book Worm :)

Hi readers, Here is a photo overload! The lovely little(ish) Patches Hay attack! Bramble the bean "I'm posing!" Fluff ball Patches Chillaxing piggie "No photos!" "The suns in my eyes" Star toes! "Can I eat your camera" "Patches is photo bombing!" Patches"But I want my photo taken" Look at that lil nose! "Go Away!" "I'm sooooo cute!" I hope you enjoyed this photo overload! Book Worm:)

Hi readers, for the last few weeks I have been building a new hutch for Bramble and Patches that will be big enough if Maisie ever gets along with them. Front view into the run. Side view into the run. I don't have any photos of the inside of the hutch but i do have a rough estimate of how much it cost! I got a huge roll of mesh as I didn't know how much I would need so there is lots of that left. Altogether it cost about £100 which is cheaper than a hutch of this size would cost if I had got a ready made one. The size of the hutch is: 4ftLx4ftWx4ftH(including legs). The run is:4ftWx150cmLx4ftH. I ran out of wood for a run roof so i found some left over plywood and a random old piece of wood and mesh. Book Worm :)

Hi Readers, 2 weeks ago Maisie had a little accident.......called jumping out of my arms onto a hard floor, cracking both of her front teeth AND biting her lip! I took Maisie to the V-E-T (spelling it just in case guinea pigs are reading this!) and they said to keep an eye on it, but that rodent teeth grow back, so it should be fine. Fast forward to the next day, one of the teeth had fallen out so she had to have water soaked pellets (ugh). The next day the other one fell out too (possibly due to bar biting)=more wet pellets(by now she liked them). Fast forward a week and both of the teeth had started to grow back. By this point I had noticed that one of her front claws had become inflamed but as of the time of this post being typed up it hasn't gone down but I'm keeping an eye on it. Fast forward ANOTHER week both of the front teeth have grown back but Maisie prefers the wet pellets(!) so I give her a choice of wet & dry, as well as dried leaves, muesli and fresh veg...

Hi readers, When I first did a "How to pick up a guinea pig" post I had only just got my guinea pigs and I now have different ideas on how to pick them up so I though I would do a new one. How to pick up a guinea pig This is easiest way to pick up a scared, injured guinea pig, or a guinea pig who likes to nibble fingers(like my Bramble!). Get a nice big towel and place it over them and carefully pick them up and wrap them up as it will make them feel safe. The next way is a good way to hold your guinea pig for if you are standing up. Put one hand over their back or under their front legs and the other hand under their rear end and gently pick them up and put them to your chest or along your arm. How to hold a guinea pig Now you know how to pick up your guinea pig, its time to learn how to hold them for some cuddles and health checks. The best way to hold a guinea pig is in a cuddle cup as they feel safe and you are less likely to drop them. I would always recommend ...

Hi readers, How to bath a guinea pig is important if you have Boars(male guinea pigs) or long haired piggies. What do you need: A large bucket with high sides to stop the piggies jumping out(Though Bramble almost did anyway), A small pet shampoo, Towels(lots!), Hair dryer(optional), Grooming brushes, a Warm, Sunny day and most importantly a guinea pig! As a safety precaution put the bucket in a run or another safe enclosed space. Step 1 Get water in the bucket at the same temperature as a babies bath but make sure that its no deeper than 3cm. Step 2 Prepare the shampoo according to the bottle. Step 3 Put the guinea pig in and pour some of the water over them making sure not to get it down their ears, in their eyes, up their nose or over their head. Step 4 Gently rub in the shampoo to their hair(guinea pigs fur is called hair because its more like hair than fur) and rinse. Step 5 Make sure all of the shampoo is out and get them out and wrap them in a towel. S...

Hi readers, Here are some photos on how to relax:guinea pig style. Find a nice bed of wood shavings(or a  nice soft blanket)...... Stick your back leg out to the side....... And your front paw...... Look like a little rug...... And ignore everyone whilst you're chilling! That's how to relax:guinea pig style! Thanks Bramble and Patches for modelling for these photos! Book Worm:)

Hi readers, Find out what me and my lovely little piggies did for the first ever Guinea Pig Appreciation Day! I got a three pack of Rostak natures nibbles in carrot flavor for a pound in Tesco (perfect sized pack for my piggies!). I also let them chill out on a nice blanket for a while and got some cute photos. "MY seed stick" "Me got one too!!!!!" Maisie hasn't really had seed sticks before! "I'm sooooooooooo CUTE!!" "Leave me alone"(Any other caption ideas?) Book Worm:)

Hi readers, In the latest guinea pig magazine issue they announced the FIRST EVER guinea pig appreciation day!!!!! Who set up guinea pig appreciation day? Piggles Rescue in Toronto, Canada. What is the date? The date is 16th July (well tomorrow!!) as G is the 7th letter in the alphabet and P is the 16th. How can you celebrate? As the date coincides with school holidays around the world and it being summer(or not in the UK!!) it makes ideal timing for pignics. Go here to see the brilliant sign that piggles rescue deigned for this fantastic day! I hope you will celebrate this brilliant day!! Book Worm :)

Hi readers, I thought that this would be a good post with summer coming up. Remember that this is not a substitute for vetinary advice so always get your guinea pig to a vet if it has anything that I put as serious. Wounds This could happen when they're playing or if they get bitten. Always ask your vet for advice. Most minor injuries can be treated with a saline solution(salt and hot water, let the water cool down!). Serious injuries should be treated by a vet but try to keep the wound clean until you get there.  Sometimes serious. Parasites Common parasites are: Lice, Mites and Fungal infections. Fungal infections can occur if they are stressed or passed from other animals like dog and cats. Treatments can involve: Medicated shampoo, Mild insecticide powder or small animal spot on preparation. Don't use cat or dog treatments as they can be fatal for guinea pigs. Serious. Repository infections Guinea pigs are prone to chest infections and if left untreated ...

Hi readers, This post is all about normal guinea pig behaviour and what it means. Rumble Strutting This is when guinea pigs are cross or annoyed. They sway their hips and make a low rumbling sound a bit like a motorbike. Normally boars but sows will do it as well. Don't be surprised if you hear it during introductions. Teeth chattering As it says in the title this is when they chatter their teeth. This normally when they're really cross or angry. Patches does this a lot but if I pick her up she stops which is weird! This is pretty normal when introducing new guinea pigs as it is also part of dominance. High pitched wheeking A scared sound that is really high pitched and annoying if you happen to be trying to pick them up. Bramble does this a lot but it can also mean they're in pain so check for bites just in case another guinea pig bit them. Chutt/Putt A short sound they use when exploring something new. Cooing A bit like a dove. Mother guinea pigs coo to the...

Hi readers, here are some good guinea pig care books and websites(well other than mine!!) BOOKS Good pet guide: The Guinea pig RSPCA Pet guide: Care for your guinea pigs Pet Friendly: Guinea pigs understanding and caring for your pet by Dr Anne McBride WEBSITES Happy cavy Cali Cavy Collective Crafts Cavies and Cooking Guinea pig cages Pets palace TV pet care guide  and Erin's channel  Pets palace TV I hope you will view these blogs and find these books as I really recommend them if you are thinking  about getting guinea pigs or already have guinea pigs, Book Worm :)

Hi readers, I know that a lot of people get guinea pigs for young children (3-6years) so I decided to think of some ideas for them to do with their Parent/Carer. Idea number 1: Create a checklist. Go here  for printables. Especially good for older children. Idea number 2: Find pictures of items and accessories and print off to go with a checklist like above for 3-4 year olds. They will learn the names of the objects. Good for children who cant read. Idea number 3: Find some cute guinea pig colouring pages. Find some great ideas here . Great for all ages (even over 6's and adults). I hope you find this helpful, Book Worm :)

Hi readers, I decided it was about time I did Maisie's profile! And new profiles are needed for Bramble and Patches. Name: Miss Maisie-Nutmeg Nutmegton. Age: 6 and a bit months. Breed: Dutch. Colour: Golden agouti, white and orange. Birthday: 8th January. Nicknames: Moo Moo, Maisie moo, Miss Nutmegton, Missy Maisie, Baby pig. Neighbors: Miss Bramble Brownie and Miss Patches Poofy. Personality: Silly, cheeky and cute. Born in: 2016 Favorite toy: Its between a toy sheep and a little seagrass ball. Name: Miss Patches Poofy. Age: 1 and a bit years. Breed: Possibly a Sheba Mini Yak but most likely a Abyssinian cross breed. Colour: Tortoiseshell. Birthday: 20th February. Nicknames: Patchy Bear, Baby pig. Neighbors:Miss Maisie-Nutmeg Nutmegton. Friends; Miss Bramble Brownie. Personality: Silly, affectionate and crazy. Born in:2015 Name: Miss Bramble Brownie. Age: 1 and a bit years. Breed: American/British. Colour: Golden agouti. Birthday: 27t...

Hi readers, here's a pigture update. Some of the photos where taken in May but I didn't have time to do a post.  Nom, Nom , NOM! I drew Maisie and it turned out really good so I took a photo for you to see. Bramble had her first bath! Hark snoo Patches also had her first bath! She actually enjoyed it! I will be doing a "How to bath your guinea pig post" soon. "Aren't I cute?" All of the piggies had playtime together when I fully emptied the shed a few weeks ago. They got on fine but weren't really interested in each other as you can see. "Big. Red. Thing. Looking. At. ME!Go Away!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" "How do I get in here then?Nibble, nibble, nibble" Maisie if you hadn't noticed the door is shut and the latches are across. I hope you like these pigtures, Book Worm :)

Hi readers, these are all my guinea pig related blogs (well apart from this one!) Guinea pig product reviews Guinea pigs r cute stories Crafts for guinea pigs and their hoomans Please view this blogs and try some products and crafts, Book Worm :)

Hi readers, I thought a good post for those of you who are thinking about getting guinea pigs would be the pros and cons of having them. 10 Pros of having guinea pigs 1. They're fun! 2. Not as expensive as larger pets such as rabbits and dogs. 3. They can live indoors or outdoors. 4. They can live alone(not recommended. But sometimes is necessary) or in pairs or groups. 5. Once you have all the equipment they don't cost too much. 6. They're cute. 7. They don't smell like other small rodents(hamsters, mice, rats etc.). 8. They don't bite unless really scared, angry or annoyed. 9. They can be litter trained for easy cleaning out. 10. Children and adults all enjoy taking care of them.   10 Cons of having guinea pigs 1. The initial cost is very expensive. 2. Depending where you live hay and pellets can be expensive unless you buy in bulk which then has the issue of storage. 3. Long haired guinea pigs will need regular grooming and trimming to keep t...

Hi readers, todays post is an update on Bramble, Patches and Maisie's bedding. Bramble and Patches Base: Newspaper or Puppy Pads. Middle layer: Wood shavings if news paper. If puppy pads normally nothing. Top layer: Hay, Straw or Shredded paper. Maisie Base: Puppy Pads. Middle layer: Towels and pretty coloured dusters(odd, I know but her claws don't catch on them). Top layer: Fleece(Normally paw print). Litter trays Base: Plastic litter tray Middle layer: Newspaper/Kitchen roll with wood shavings and wooden cat litter sandwiched between. Top layer: Hay and/or shredded paper. Why do I use fleece for Maisie? I use fleece for Maisie because she is still a baby and it is less likely to cause a Fungal infection. Where do I get the supplies? Puppy pads, wooden cat litter, hay and wood shavings: Home bargains. Straw: Local pet shop. Shredded paper: I make it. Fleece and towels: Buy in second hand shops and fabric shops or find it around the house. Litter...

Hi readers, as I have got another guinea pig I thought a new post on housing and storage was needed. Housing Many people, including me, keep their guinea pigs outdoors in hutches or indoors in small cages, however this is not enough but can be good in the warmer months (rare in the UK) but there are many more ways to house guinea pigs like C and C cages as well as many other types. The hutch facts H utches are normally small with no room for guinea pigs to run around once they've got a food dish and few toys. Some hutches are large and spacious and have a run attached(like mine). You can build hutches and this is a good option as it can be cheaper but can be a lot of hard work. C and C cage facts C & C cages are brilliant indoor options and can be suited to the space in the home or outbuilding. C&C stands for cube grids and coraplast. Cube grids can be expensive but don't really need replacing after you've got them. Coraplast or Correx is corrugated plastic ...

 Hi readers! I haven't posted for ages so I thought I would do a picture update for a change. The top photo is Maisie. She is getting very big and likes having playtime with Bramble. Bramble was sat on top of the piggies kitchen roll in the shed looking out of the window. Patches was posing in a photo shoot before Maisie arrived I hope you like these photos, Book Worm :)