Guinea Pig Supplies

Well, I have to report that all the hopes for the patter of tiny claws are now over for the moment!
Izzy is definately not preggers as she would have had them by now. Her body is also so normal sized for a growing Guinea Pig.

I'm about to get her a new Cage, as her old one was only temporary.  Joey has a large indoor cage too & I want the two of them to be separate at the momemt.

Joey and Izzy's homes are next to each other, they can get very loud when they are chatting (wheeking) to each other. If we open the Fridge door, they start wheeking for Fruit & Vegetables!

Its been great also knowing that Izzy who is the younger Guinea Pig has been watching Joey. Izzy came to us supposedly weaned off water, but she wouldn't drink from the bottle.  So I had to hand feed her the water at first, with lots of cucumber to make sure she was getting her water!

Izzy started drinking but from a bowl I put in her cage.  She could see brother Joey drinking from his bottle, and she started to do that too!

Hooray! we cried.
Have fun with your Guinea Pigs....Sarah

HAVE YOU SEEN MY CHILDHOOD? SOUNDTRACK by SAMSONI & MIKKEL (FOR BE2 FLIRT FRIENDS)

Wow, Listen to this its Awesome!!
Sarah
http://www.myshoppingguidesite.com

Here are Some Cuties - Just 4 Days Old!

Guinea Pig sow giving birth.
Guinea Pig Babies

I have looked after Guinea Pigs for many years now, and consider myself something of an expert on them.

Baby Guinea Pigs become sexually mature in a matter of weeks and-are known as pups.So you'll want to know which to take out when you have babies. Or maybe you're buying an older Guinea Pig and want to make sure you have the right sex to put with your own Guinea Pig.
 When they are pups, the boars(males) are likely to have a doughnut-shaped ridge of skin around the rectum. This is where the testicles are. As they grow, you are likely to have much less difficulty getting the penis to show itself.
Both of them have Y-shapes to their genitals. But the male’s genitals are likely to look more like an i the opening looks like the vertical shaft of an i and it’s dotted by a little bump with the tiniest speck in the middle of it.
 The female’s genitals are more likely to resemble the traditional Y-shape The boars are a bit larger than the females, and the females have bigger nipples. Those are some ways of seeing the difference between them. You’ve got to examine the underside of the Guinea Pig, between its two back legs, to locate the genital area.
Try pressing gently on the belly just above the genital opening. If it’s a male, you should feel the shaft lying beneath the skin. It’s also likely that when you press downward-again, do this very gently-the penis will pop out a little bit. If the Guinea Pig is heavy or if it’s older, then you might have difficulty getting the penis to pop out, so give it a few goes.
Females generally have smooth genitals with a slightly swollen feel to them. You will, however, notice a bumpy feeling to this area. Try to gently pull the skin to one side; if it’s a female, you should be able to separate the skin folds enough to show a Y-shaped opening.
Most experts agree that if you really want to become successful at sexing Guinea Pigs you need to compare a boar and a sow together at the same time. I think that maybe it would be great to be able to sex your Guinea Pig as sometimes the Pet store, or where ever you buy your Guinea Pig may not be able to do this.
Have Awesome Fun with your Guinea Pigs.....Sarah
This Guinea Pig Handbook is awesome on Sexing your Piggy! and much much more

Here's a useful Dictionary of the Terms used in regard to Guinea Pigs:

Guinea Pig Glossary

This is a very useful post to see the history behind the domestic Guinea Pig.
Where do Guinea Pigs Come From?

Here's a useful list full of information for good care & looking after your Guinea Pig:
Guinea Pigs are so Easy to Look After
Step by Step Daily General Care of Your Guinea Pig
Just What are Your Guinea Pigs Saying?
What I Keep In the Cupboard For Guinea Pig Illness
Guinea Pig ill
Homeopathy and Guinea Pigs, Pets and Humans!
How to Tel the Sex of your Guinea Pig 
Neutering/Spaying Your Guinea Pig 
Good Quality Diet For Your Guinea Pig If You Think She Is Pregnant 
Izzy is Not Pregnant

Here's some great Photos of Guinea Pigs:
Photos of Guinea Pig Breeds
More Photos of Guinea Pigs
More Photos to Show What Guinea Pig Breeds Look Like

This is a useful list of the Posts I've made for the New Guinea Pig Owner:
 Guinea Pigs are So Easy to Look After...
10 Steps TO Choosing the Right Gunea Pig For You
Step By Step Care of Your Guinea Pig 
New Guinea Pig Izzy 
How To Find Yourself a New Guinea Pig 
How to Tell the Sex of Your Guinea Pig

I know if you've been following my Posts regularly, you'll know my Guinea Pigs are called Chloe and Joey. Well Chloe got sick this week.

I bought a separate cage for her as she was being blocked by Joey, when she went to get her food.
In less than a week she was skin and bones and very weak.

I'd taken her to my Vet, who gave her antibiotics, as she had a secondary infection with guinea pig diarrhea and I drove miles away to get her some food that I could give her by syringe.

I nursed her for three days on this wonderful guinea pig product, and she did seem to be getting better. She was walking for a little way, before she stopped knackered.

When I put her into her hutch last night I thought she was going to get through this as she was doing so well on this Timothy hay based food.

This morning I got all her food prepared to feed her by syringe again.....................and she'd died overnight. The secondary infection had got too much.

I will be getting a new Guinea Pig soon, so watch out in my next post or two....

Have fun with your Guinea Pigs....Sarah
RIP: Chloe

We have just spent the last hour in the dark, with my love of the Earth Hour for the 2^nd year now.

This is a list of useful items that I like to have in my cabinet, just in case you want them for any guinea pig illnesses.
These are everyday things that you can buy over the counter on online I recommend the National Pet Pharmacy for Good Products & Price!
I would put an explanation on it, so its easy to grab when you feel the need to.
There are no antibiotics or medicated eye drops, or prescription medications here. Please consult a Veterinarian before using anything which is medical.

Electrolyte solutions, for any guinea pigs that may have diarrhea or are not drinking adequately. Note that some of these products may have a high-sugar content: guinea pigs can not handle high- or complex-sugar diets. It is best to stick with infant products, such as Pedialyte, which are sugar-free.
Acidophlius powder (with lactobacilli), a probiotic for use as additional Its function is to provide a supply of the natural, intestinal flora that aid in digestion. Some antibiotics can kill off these natural bacteria, leading to diarrhea.
Pediatric simethicone, which helps to eliminate gas, a source of intolerable pain in guinea pigs.
Kaopectate can be given after diarrhea, though you should note that it treats the diarrhea only, and not any potential causes (entiritis, parasites, bacterial infections, etc.).
Hydrogen peroxide is useful for flushing out wounds and abcesses, and can even be used to remove hardened urine and urine stains from the guinea pig's coat. It should be used at a 3% concentration.
Patroleum jelly, for softening the hardened lumps on guinea pigs.
Vitamin C tablets, generally the chewable kind, are for emergencies when large doses of vitamin C are necessary (scurvy, etc.).
Baby food, particularly carrots and bananas, for hand-feeding guinea pigs who can't eat themselves.
Guinea Pig shampoo that is mild and safe for use on guinea pigs,
Guinea Pig Mite Spray: These are for treatment of lice and some varieties of skin mites.
Eucalyptus oil, for the relief of congested breathing. Note that this treats symptoms only, and not any potential causes (respiratory infections, etc.). Also note that eucalyptus oil should not be injested, as it is toxic.
Quick stop. If a toenail breaks, or you accidentally cut the quick when trimming your guinea pig's nails, this product can be applied to the exposed area in order to clot the blood and stop the bleeding.
Eye droppers, for feeding juices or water to a guinea pig.
Open/needleless syringes, in the 1cc and 5cc (or 3 cc) sizes, for administering exact doseages of oral medications. You may need several of these, as the rubber plungers may wear out after a few uses.
Worm RId Keep your guinea pig health, put drops in thier water every few months.

I have a useful Guinea Pig Glossary that may help in some of the Terms that Vet's may use or just to help you understand about guinea pigs.

I also have more Guinea Pig information for you to look at.Differences between the Guinea Pig Breeds which may interest you.

I got this useful idea for my from a list of pet illness I saw on www.beanmakers.com
Have fun with your Piggy!

Guinea Pigs are tailless, plant eating mammals of the family Cavilidae that originated in South America. They are actually a relative of the Chinchilla & Porcupine & considered for a long time to be of the rodent family.

In 1991, the genetic classification of the Guinea Pig came into question when an article in 'Nature' magazine seemed to suggest they weren't rodents at all.

Guinea Pigs have no tail unlike rodents. They also carry their young & give birth 3 times longer than rodents at 68 days. Their young are born in an advanced state of development unlike rodents. The young can move around independently of each other soon after birth – unlike rodents. Guinea Pigs also require additional vitamin c unlike rodents.

Guinea Pigs were first domesticated by the Moche people in Peru, who used them as a food source.
They were also used for medical purposes, & as a sacrifice. The Moche began domesticating them between approximately 2500 – 5000BC. An exact date cant be given because of the lack of evidence of fossil remains. But mummified remains & statues depicting Guinea Pigs have been found in coastal Peru indicating a strong presence in the Moche culture there.

Later early Dutch & British explorers bought them to Europe, where they were raised as exotic pets. Queen Victoria I was one of the first to own a Guinea Pig in England.

Relatives of the Guinea Pig can still be found in the wild. They live in the forest edges, Savannah's & swamps from Columbia to Argentina. Small groups live in burrow, eating from the forest floor at night.

A Guinea Pig is sometimes referred to a Cavy, which is a shortened name from its Latin name; Cavia porcellus. Cavia refers to the scientific family & means 'little pig'. How it became 'Guinea Pig' is a little mystery. The pig part definitely relates to the squealing & oinking part, which is a noise Guinea Pigs make from time to time. The 'Guinea' part is maybe because it cost one guinea in England to buy them at the time, or maybe they came from Guyana, a South American country, that once was a Dutch colony & a likely export area. The name Guyana may have been miss spelled & said as 'Guinea”

One thing is for sure & that's that now the Guinea Pig is in almost every continent. They are as loved today as ever by their owners!

Have Lots of Fun with your piggy!
Sarah

Smooth T/Shell
Sheltie
Self Black
Rex

Dalmation
Coronet

Dutch Peruvian

Crested

Albino
Agouti
Tortoiseshell
Abyssinian American

Abyssinian - A guinea pig with hair that grows in swirls to form rosettes all over its body.
Agouti - The colour of the original wild guinea pigs. Each hair has 2 separate colour bands & the tips of the hairs are dark creating a ticked appearance.
Alfafa - A plant used as a food source for guinea pigs as hay & pellets like these great ones Sergeant's Geisler Superior Nutrition 3-Pound Guinea Pig Diet
Alpaca - A Peruvian guinea pig that carries the Rex gene, which causes the coat to be curly.
American - The name for smooth coated guinea pigs in the USA.
Ascorbic acid - Vitamin C.
Bale - Large bags of wood shavings used as bedding like this great bag, Kaytee Pine Bedding (2500 cu in)
Belly Band - The large unticked area of an Agouti.
Boar - A male guinea pig.
Bonnet Strings - Streaks of non ticked hair coming down from the chin on an Agouti - considered a fault in showing.
Boucle - The North American name for an Alpaca.
Bumblefoot - The swelling of a guinea pigs foot if bacteria enters cuts on their foot pad.
Cateract - The cloudy white film covering the eye.
Carrier - Small specially made cage to transport animals.
Cavia Porcellus - Scientific name for the guinea pig.
Cavy - Tailess rodent from South America, also the proper name for the guinea pig.
Checkerboard Pattern- The ideal pattern of markings on a Tortoiseshell guinea pig.
Chirping - High pitched sound usually made by the female guinea pigs most often at night.
Cloudy Tears - Milky discharge that appears in the corners of the eyes when its irritated & is flushing itself out.
Collagen - Protein found in the bones thats necessary for growth & proper development.
Coprophagy - Term used to describe when a guinea pig eats their own droppings to reabsorb valuable vitamins.
Coronet - A crested silky.
Crest - The single rosette of hair on a guinea pigs head.
Dilute - The lighter shade of a dark colour such as black or brown.
Diurnal - Awake during the day.
Duncan Hartley - Special line of white guinea pigs used in research.
ear tag - Permanent metal clip or temporary adhesive label used to identify purebred show cavies.
English - The name used for smooth coated guinea pigs in Europe.
Exotic Animal Specialist - A veterinarain with special training to look after guinea pigs & other small pets.
Free Feed - A term used for any food that is freely available to a guinea pig so they may eat as much as they want.
Frizzle - A long haired cavy crossed with a Teddy.
Frontal - The long fringe of hair covering a Peruvian's face.
Gestation - The length of time from conception to birth.
Grease Spot - A spot of sticky hair on a guinea pigs rump, caused by secretions from the oil gland.
Impaction - A condition that affects males when they are unable to pass softer droppings, & they become trapped in the skin fold of the anus causing a painful lupm.
Incisors - A guinea pigs front teeth.
In-Pig - A term to describe a pregnant guinea pig.
Intermediate - Young guinea pigs up to 6 months of age.
Junior - Young guinea pigs up to 4 moths of age.
Malocclusion - Improper alignment of the teeth.
Marked - Guinea Pigs with specifc patterns & markings arranged in an orderly fashion.
Merino - A crested Texel.
Mites - Tiny parasites that burrow in the skin & inside the ears, causing irritation & itching.
Molars - The Guinea Pigs back teeth used for grinding food.
Nest Box - A small floorless box usally made from wood, with windows & a door placed inside the guinea pigs cage for sleeping & hiding just like this one, Super Pet Woodland Get-A-Way Large Guinea Pig House
Neuter - A surgical proceedure that alters a male Guinea Pig so he can't reproduce.
Oestrus - The period of time when a female Guinea Pig is capable of conceiving.
Otoscope - An instrument used by a Vet to look inside the ears & mouth.
Pecking Order - A system of rank found in multiple Guinea Pig dwellings.
Pedigree - The recorded line of a pure bred Guinea Pig.
Pellets - Prepared Guinea Pig food that is the foundation of a Guinea Pigs food like this one, Guinea Pig Pellets 25lb
Peruvian - A Guinea Pig with long hair that grows forward over the body from rosettes (preferably only 2) on the rump.
Purring - An affectionate sound made by a Guinea Pig.
Piglets - Baby Guinea Pigs.
Points -The extremities of a Guinea Pigs body (ears, nose & feet) that are darker than the rest of the body.
Quick - The living tissue inside the toenails.
Rare-Variety - A new breed of Guinea Pig not yet officially recognised.
Rex - A Guinea Pig with kinked plush hair bred in Europe.
Rosette - The swirl of hair found on an Abyssinian.
Run - Outdoor enclosure with open floor for Guinea Pigs to graze on grass, like this one that's Awesome WARE Premium + Back Yard Hutch
Salmonella - A harmful food bacteria.
Sanctioned - A type of Guinea Pig show held under authorisation of a specific club or organisation.
Satin - A variety of Guinea Pig with a glossy coat due to hollow hair shafts that reflect the light.
Scurvy - The harmful condition thats the result of lack of Vitamin C.
Self - A variety of Guinea Pig thats the same colour all over the whole body.
Senior - A Guinea Pig over 4 years old.
Sheltie - Guinea Pig with long hair that grows straight, without swirls.
Silky - The North American name for the Sheltie.
Sipper Tube - The drinking device on a good LM Animal Farms Water Wells Wide Mouth Water Bottle for Rabbits, Guinea Pigs & Ferrets (64 oz.).
Slicker - A brush with soft wire bristles set close together, for grooming thick coated Guinea Pigslike this Super Pet Pro-Slicker Brush for Pet Critters
Smooth Coat - A Guinea Pig with smooth short hair.
Soduim Ascorbate- Vitamin C crystals.
Sow - A female Guinea Pig
Standard of Perfection - A guideline that purebred Guinea Pigs are judged against.
Standards Committee - A group of people within a Guinea Pig club who decide whether or not a new breed is to be acceped or standardised.
Styptic Powder - A special powder that clots the blood on the toenails of a Guinea Pig, if the quick has been cut.
Sweep - The long hair that passes down the sides & rump of a Guinea Pig.
Teddy - A Guinea Pig with kinked, plush hair, bred in North America. Similar to a Rex but genetically different.
Texel - A long haired Rex Guinea Pig.
Ticked - The appearance of the dark haired tips on the Agouti.
Timothy Grass - A particular type of grass that hay for Guinea Pigs is made from, like this good one from Peter's 48-Ounce Timothy Hay for Rabbits and Small Animals

First day home
- It can be a little unnerving to hold a Guinea Pig for the first time, as it may squeal loudly as if its in pain, and this may be alarming to a child who's holding it. But this shouldn't happen if you are gentle. Once your new Guinea Pig is used to you holding it regularly it will usually stop making this noise. Since Guinea Pigs don't bite instinctively they can be picked up easily - you just have to catch them first!
- Make sure your Guinea Pigs have plenty of room to move around (good size cage for one Guinea Pig is 2ftX3ft)like this one for instance, Super Pet My First Home Complete Guinea Pig Kit, Burgundy
They are not that active but like to be inquisitive so hide treats for them to find in their cage.
They also like to have a hiding & sleeping area so make sure its floor is taken out if you use a box to allow air to flow through, this is perfect Super Pet Waffle Block House
The cage should have wire at the top & a solid bottom. Guinea Pigs cage should be kept indoors if you dont live in a warm area. They should be kept in the shade constantly if outside in warm weather.
- Although Guinea Pigs are mainly horizontal living creatures, sometimes they like to have a jump off the roof of the sleeping box, so just make sure its solid enough to do that.
- They will need a water bottle like this LM Animal Farms Water Wells Wide Mouth Water Bottle for Rabbits, Guinea Pigs & Ferrets (64 oz.)
to drink from this is attached to the cage sides. Make sure they get fresh water. A tip when its hot is to have a store of cold or iced
water in the fridge to put straight into their water bottles in the morning, they love it.
- Food should be freely available to your Guinea Pig, if he emptys his bowl fill it up straight away. The bowl has to heavy enough to hold a hungry piggy! Just like this Super Pet Paw-Print PetWare Bowl, Guinea Pig, Colors Vary
- To pick up your Guinea Pig put your left hand in front of it as it runs, then place your right hand behind it as it runs around. Use your right hand to stop it by
placing your hand around its body. Reverse your grip if you are left handed. Slide your hand under its hindquarters & lift out of its cage. If held this way it won't struggle. But make sure you've got a good grip.

Healthy Daily Treats for your Guinea Pig.
Faourites are:
- celery (cut into small slices)
- cucumber
- cabbage and spring greens and kale
- cauliflower leaves
- broccoli
- lettuce
- spinach
- carrot slices
- apple slices
- banana slices
- strawberries, blackberries or raspberries
- grapes
- mango slices
-pineapple chunks.
- tomato slices
- orange slices
- melon slices

Indoor Exercise:
- For your Guinea Pig will be in a safe area in your home, on tiles preferably.
-Or in a cage just for indoors for them - although its not required, if your cage is indoors (which most people have)

Outside Exercise:
- in a grazing hutch is the safest way, it has the grass coming through the floor. You can make your own or buy them just like this great one WARE Premium + Back Yard Hutch

Grooming:
- Short haired Guinea Pigs only need a brush every now & then, and thats mainly so you can get to know them better, its not really required.
- longer haired Guinea Pigs need regular daily brushing and combing. Gently untangle any knots in the fur and take out bits of dirt or hay. Then carefully comb through your pets coat. This is a great brush Guinea Pig Petting Brush
- Check your Guinea Pigs claws regularly to see if you need to trim them yourself, or have the Vet do this for you. This is a great price Miracle QuickFinder Safety Nail Clipper (Cats/Small Animals)

Cleaning the Cage:
- Everyday just see if it needs a liitle tidy up, some Guinea Pigs put their wee and droppings in one corner, which is easier to clean up.
- once a week clean the cage out completely removing old food, fruit and bedding - Everything!
- Re line the cage with newspaper and hay.
- Having a separate box to put your Guinea Pig in whilst you're doing this makes life a whole lot easier!
HAVE FUN!