All layer hen housing systems have advantages and disadvantages, but caged housing systems inherently compromise the welfare of layer hens because of the confinement and behavioural restriction they impose. Layer hens will normally choose to nest and lay eggs in enclosed nest boxes, hens will perch and roost at night,…
Are guinea pigs the right companion animal for me? There are plenty of studies that prove guinea pigs are very intelligent. They are very clever; they can comprehend and learn things; they have excellent memory. They need care, the right food, mental stimulation, and security. Guinea pigs are a herd…
Guinea pigs, when looked after well, are usually hardy little animals who will usually live for 4-6 years, although some have been reported to get well into their teens. As with any animal they can get sick, and there are a few problems that guinea pig vets realise are reasonably…
What is heat stress? When any animal is subjected to excessive environmental heat, their body responds in ways to eliminate excess heat in the body (e.g., panting, sweating, moving into shade). If the animal If the animal cannot bring its body temperature down, heat stress develops, which can then progress…
You may be able to adopt a new guinea pig (or better yet, two!) from your local animal shelter, such as the RSPCA, or a guinea pig rescue group. This also helps to reduce demand for guinea pigs (and thereby reduce uncontrolled and irresponsible breeding. You may also be able…
Regular grooming is essential for all guinea pigs. Not only does it keep their coat clean and shiny, but it’s also an opportunity to spend time with each other and work on the bond between a person and their companion guinea pig. During grooming take the opportunity to check your…
Many owners are distressed when they see their guinea pigs scratching, especially if they are breaking their own skin with the nails. Some will even scratch so much that they actually have a seizure. So, what causes guinea pigs to become so itchy? Ringworm This is seen occasionally, especially in…
In order to answer this question, it’s first necessary to consider how guinea pigs behave in the wild! Behaviour of wild guinea pigs The wild cavy/guinea pig (Cavia aperea) is a medium-size, herbivorous, neotropical rodent found in low numbers in humid grassland habitats of south-eastern South America, and in the…
Many guinea pigs are kept indoors, with free range of the house and even parts of the yard. Like small children however, unsupervised activities can put your guinea pigs at risk. Guinea pigs are great chewers, so the most dangerous household hazards are things that they can chew on and…
Before you decide if you want to breed your guinea pigs, there are some things you need to know: Female guinea pigs become capable of breeding by the age of 4-8 weeks. The males reach sexual maturity at about the same time. Pregnancy is 59-72 days, with litters of 2-5…