The Crazy Pet Channel: Guinea Pigs

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 :)