tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23827026586824592962024-03-19T06:15:08.656-07:00Critter CornerIggyPighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06565432630258756282noreply@blogger.comBlogger289125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2382702658682459296.post-58830178942448043682014-09-10T14:01:00.001-07:002014-10-05T16:46:35.531-07:00I got my C&C Cage!<div>(Note: I've been trying to publish this for awhile, but the WiFi wouldn't let me publish it, although by all other means it was working fairly well. I actually got this cage almost about a month ago, give or take a few days. Sorry. ^_^ )</div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div> I ordered my 2 x 3.5 (grids) C&C cage on Friday and it came today for a very happy owner to assemble and place her very happy pig in the brand new cage!<div>It was very easy to assemble, and it gives enough room-to-roam for Iggy. I used decorative duct tape to put on the corners so it was very secure, and I picked out nice white grids and a navy-blue Coroplast base that makes it very similar to the old cage.</div><div><br></div><div>(Speaking of, the old cage is going in the basement with Mickey's old cage, and it will eventually be used for future animals.) ^_^</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YUM-dCPH3Kc/VBDdO6qr1GI/AAAAAAAADI0/GD5-jN8PGRs/s640/blogger-image--1505527432.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YUM-dCPH3Kc/VBDdO6qr1GI/AAAAAAAADI0/GD5-jN8PGRs/s640/blogger-image--1505527432.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">A very happy piggy explores his new cage. (I imagine him saying, "Wha...? You're taking a picture <i>now?</i>")</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-1tSAEMU6eew/VDHYWOl62oI/AAAAAAAADKQ/zJsNe-Rm82U/s640/blogger-image-1838860831.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-1tSAEMU6eew/VDHYWOl62oI/AAAAAAAADKQ/zJsNe-Rm82U/s640/blogger-image-1838860831.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">A view of the right side.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-7NFWN7frV0A/VBDdViKBIzI/AAAAAAAADI8/rcq2l1QzTU8/s640/blogger-image--1638344857.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-7NFWN7frV0A/VBDdViKBIzI/AAAAAAAADI8/rcq2l1QzTU8/s640/blogger-image--1638344857.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">A view of the left side. (The green bag is a homemade hay bag I made out of a bag I got a long, long while ago at a gift shop. I never used it, so the creation of a guinea pig hay bag happened. Things like these seem to be begging me to make good use of them, and so, what better use for this than a <i>hay bag? </i>It's very cute and Ignatius loves it.)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>And, I am sorry for forgetting to take pictures during the assembling part of it. I was going to, then I forgot, and realized after. I hope this mini-tour is okay instead. :3</b></div><br></div><br></div><br></div>IggyPighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06565432630258756282noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2382702658682459296.post-66450723968006403702014-09-08T18:18:00.001-07:002014-09-08T18:18:29.631-07:00Guinea Pig Treat Review: Brown's EXTREME Baked Gourmet Small Animal
Muffins<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-WihRF_WQEX0/VA5VOsUnnLI/AAAAAAAADHc/NMMfj61z8js/s640/blogger-image--1162436115.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-WihRF_WQEX0/VA5VOsUnnLI/AAAAAAAADHc/NMMfj61z8js/s640/blogger-image--1162436115.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I got these a while ago from a friend, for Iggy and Mickey and the rabbits to try. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">These treats are by the 'Brown' animal food and supply company. They say that they are perfect for guinea pigs, but in reviews it's important to take a closer look.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Let's look at the ingredients first. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MgdcppP-uSY/VA5U2P7g1iI/AAAAAAAADHE/1g8lopGWXdE/s640/blogger-image--1429029482.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MgdcppP-uSY/VA5U2P7g1iI/AAAAAAAADHE/1g8lopGWXdE/s640/blogger-image--1429029482.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Ingredients: <b>Wheat Flour, Sun-Cured Timothy Grass Hay(Ground), Sweet Potatoes, Carrots, Papaya, and Calcium Propionate (a preservative).</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><br></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">All of these things seem safe for the delicate tummies of guinea pigs, but do they <i>taste </i>good?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">(And just in case you thought so, I'm not going to taste it. Iggy is.)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-ETAZnqYCBWc/VA5U8KErLtI/AAAAAAAADHM/lOiFiBrWACw/s640/blogger-image--2016407104.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-ETAZnqYCBWc/VA5U8KErLtI/AAAAAAAADHM/lOiFiBrWACw/s640/blogger-image--2016407104.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">These look chock-full of healthy Timothy hay! They come in adorable shapes, too. And they smell very fresh. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-zCdhzNgXE1U/VA5VFeucDLI/AAAAAAAADHU/CUq0EdGsKCA/s640/blogger-image--1680703153.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-zCdhzNgXE1U/VA5VFeucDLI/AAAAAAAADHU/CUq0EdGsKCA/s640/blogger-image--1680703153.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Iggy Pig doesn't seem very interested in it. After eating off a bit of papaya, he settled on some crunchy hay instead. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-qZf_tx0O1bU/VA5VYVlJITI/AAAAAAAADHk/i41-BYgz_fs/s640/blogger-image-484548361.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-qZf_tx0O1bU/VA5VYVlJITI/AAAAAAAADHk/i41-BYgz_fs/s640/blogger-image-484548361.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i>Rating: 2.5 stars. </i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Although the treats are pretty healthy(and cute), it doesn't seem to have a lot of piggy appeal.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Piggy Appeal may vary among guinea pigs.</div><br></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div>IggyPighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06565432630258756282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2382702658682459296.post-40538164488079052322014-09-06T08:17:00.001-07:002014-09-06T08:17:10.007-07:00Goodbye, MickeyToday was the day that little Mickey passed away. It might of been in the night, or this morning - but I found him at about 8:56, curled up in his little hamster hideout. I'm not quite sure how it happened - he seemed very thin and his scent gland had yellow discharge coming from it, so it may have been some type of blockage.<div>Goodbye little Mickey, I will miss you. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-vkccDkFIbE4/VAsla2MefrI/AAAAAAAADGw/ceR7_39FH14/s640/blogger-image--1090829667.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-vkccDkFIbE4/VAsla2MefrI/AAAAAAAADGw/ceR7_39FH14/s640/blogger-image--1090829667.jpg"></a></div><br></div><br></div><div><br></div><div>(Blogger is giving me troubles, but on Friday or so, there will be a post, hopefully.)</div><div><br></div><div>- Julia</div>IggyPighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06565432630258756282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2382702658682459296.post-61206944454681834782014-08-29T11:11:00.001-07:002014-08-29T11:11:50.410-07:00How to Clean Guinea Pig Fleece<p><br></p><p><br></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Using fleece in your guinea pig's cage seems dead simple: Buy a few yards of thick fleece, put it in the piggie's cage, and every two days or so, shake/clean it out. Around the third or fourth day, you wash it, and in goes a second piece of fleece. In theory, it <i>seems</i> simple, but actually, it varies among guinea pig owners. Some like it to look super meticulously clean, while others don't mind if the pig gets messy a bit. </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">There is a great overview of the stuff on the GuineaPigCages.com forum, called </span><a href="http://www.guineapigcages.com/forum/bedding/21568-fleece-project-study.html" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; text-decoration: none;">The Fleece Project: The Study</a><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">. It covers purchasing, preparing and using fleece. </span></p><p><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">The Fleece Project recommends a Vacuum-Shake-Brush-Beat routine. I prefer a Brush-Shake-Baby Wipe-Air Dry-Shake routine for cleaning fleece. You probably have (or will have) your own favored routine. As I pull the fleece out of the cage, I sweep much of the debris into the cage with the hand held sweeping brush. All of this brushing often crushes some of the hay, so I find running the dust buster over it briefly can pull off the crumbs and any of the loosened hair. </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Then I shake the remaining, stubborn bits outside followed by the baby wipe where there's urine.</span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"> Then I drape it over a patio chair and let it air-dry for a bit, which removes any other hairs or hay bits and makes it less wet. </span></p><p><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">If the weather is good, I do all of this outdoors, because the hair and hay bits will just blow away. Plus, I don’t have to sweep up the floor when I’m done. Less dust in the house, too. </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">It takes some time and effort, but the results are impressive. You can see the difference with Willow’s fleece.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></p><p><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><br>I have found that thin fleece is better to wick away the urine, and is easier to clean during this process. Polar fleece is downright impossible, but it does absorb well. The reason I use thinner fleece because I only have one pig, but if your guinea pigs are masters at using the bathroom all over the place, or you have a tricky cage base(if it's the kind that absorbs the urine easily) add towels underneath and a puppy pad or two. </span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">It takes some time and effort, but the results are impressive. You can see the difference with Willow’s fleece. The prep-work also makes the washing machine (and my mom) a whole lot happier. It doesn’t need to be wiped down after a load of piggy fleece. As an added bonus, if I dry the fleece in the dryer, the lint trap doesn’t look like half a guinea pig was shaved into it. :)</span></p><p><br></p><p><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><b>Washing</b></span></p><p><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;">Even if you use the tecniques described above, your pig's fleece still needs to be washed twice or even three times a week. </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Pretty much everyone agrees that vinegar is great for removing urine and odor from fleece. Beyond that, laundering techniques can vary as much as the prep-work. </span></p><p><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">If you pour in about 1/2 to 1 cup of vinegar, a scoop of OxiClean and maybe a drop of detergent with a large load of pig fleece, it gets rid of odors <i>and </i>icky urine stains. Some washers have an extra rinse options, so if yours does, use that and run with warm/cold water (instead of hot). Fleece doesn’t hold onto the water, so you can just leave it out to dry.</span></p><p><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></p><p><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></p><p><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">That’s my basic cleaning routine. Nothing complicated. I sweep daily with a sweeping brush or the lightly with the rubber mitt. I do the Brush-Shake-Baby Wipe-Air Dry-Shake </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">thing every few days. </span><b style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Fleece that is dry, clean and doesn’t smell may go back in the cage; stuff that needs washing goes in the hamper. I run a load whenever the hamper is full or when I’m on my last set of clean fleece for the cage. Your mileage will vary, based on number of pigs, their habits, humidity, cage setup (including what you use under the fleece) and your personal sense of what’s clean or not.</b></p><p><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></p><p><a href="http://www.guineapigtoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/CleaningFleece.jpg" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; text-decoration: none;"><img src="http://www.guineapigtoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/CleaningFleece-200x300.jpg" alt="Cleaning Fleece" title="Cleaning Fleece" width="200" height="300" class="size-medium wp-image-5551" style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"></a><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"> </span></p><div class="media-credit-container alignleft" style="text-align: center; float: left; margin: 10px 10px 10px 0px; width: 210px;"><span class="media-credit" style="text-align: start; margin: 3px 5px; display: block;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Images courtesy of Sally </span></span><span class="media-credit" style="text-align: start; margin: 3px 5px; display: block;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></span><span class="media-credit" style="text-align: start; margin: 3px 5px; display: block;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Willow's fleece: before and after</span></span></div><p class="wp-caption-text" style="margin: 0px; padding: 5px;"><br></p><div><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><p><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></p><p><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></p><p><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></p><p><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></p><br>IggyPighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06565432630258756282noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2382702658682459296.post-35239643186705850982014-08-24T18:17:00.001-07:002014-08-24T18:17:09.652-07:00Hedgie Body Language<p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0.5em 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="drop_cap">Y</span>ou will be able to tell how your pet hedgehog is feeling from its body language and the sounds it makes. Here are some of its typical responses and what they signify.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0.5em 0px;"><strong style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Rolling up</strong></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0.5em 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Rolling into a ball is a defence mechanism and it means it is frightened or doesn’t like what’s going on around it. Reasons for this could be sharp noises, the smell of a predator or when a person it doesn’t know tries to handle it. Hedgehogs also sleep rolled up in a ball but not as tightly as when it is in its defensive posture.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0.5em 0px;"><strong style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Raising its forehead spines</strong></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0.5em 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Hedgehogs will raise the spines on their foreheads to protect its eyes whenever it is feeling wary or distrustful. It will often raise its spines when you are caressing its back and your hand strays to close to its head. When young hedgehogs play together they always keep their forehead spines raised.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0.5em 0px;"><strong style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Flat spines</strong></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0.5em 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Once your pet hedgehog gets to know and trust you, it will keep its spines flat while you are caressing it. It might take a while longer for it to stop raising its forehead spines.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0.5em 0px;"><strong style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">The flehmen response</strong></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0.5em 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">When a hedgehog smells something interesting or dangerous it will hold its snout high with its mouth slightly open and its top lip curled back. This behaviour is known as the flehmen response and is also seen in cats and dogs.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0.5em 0px;"><strong style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Self-anointing</strong></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0.5em 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">You will sometimes see your hedgehog foaming at the mouth and if you don’t know what’s happening it can be quite disconcerting at first. This behavior typically occurs when it smells something new in its cage or its surroundings. It will sometimes lick or chew the scented object and salivate profusely producing foam. It will then spread the foam over the spines of its back and neck and the hair along its flanks. Nobody is really quite sure why it does this and theories range from it being a way adding a form of toxin to its spines to deter predators, a kind of perfume to attract a mate or a defensive strategy to make the hedgehog blend in with its surroundings.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0.5em 0px;"><strong style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Sounds</strong></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0.5em 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">The most noticeable and frequent sound your hedgehog will make is the huffing and snuffling noise you will hear as it searches for food or moves things around in its cage. It will also hiss and make a jumping motion if it disturbed or annoyed. You’ll hear soft grunts or sniffs of contentment as it goes about the important business of feeding. If you hear loud screaming or squeals it means your hedgehog is in severe pain or danger. If you have more than one hedgehog in a cage it may mean they are fighting and they should be separated immediately. Baby hedgehogs make a chirping sound that later turns into a cry which can become loud and piercing if they find themselves separated from their mother. A happy hedgehog will make soft snuffling noises as they crawl all over you but will hiss and huff if they are startled by something while being handled. Hedgehogs will often snore while sleeping and make other noises that may indicate they are dreaming.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0.5em 0px;"><strong style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Observing your hedgehog</strong></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0.5em 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Apart from the typical responses and behavior mentioned above, you’ll also find that your hedgehog will develop its own individual characteristics and quirks. One author reports that one of his hedgehogs learned to stand on its back legs and lean its fore paws against his leg when it wanted attention. If you observe your pet you’ll soon learn about how it is trying to communicate with you and further increase your enjoyment of owning your spiky little friend.</span></p>IggyPighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06565432630258756282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2382702658682459296.post-18091098061514319022014-08-19T18:11:00.001-07:002014-08-19T18:11:12.729-07:00Ramps in Piggie Cages<h1 style="margin: 0px 0px 0.75em; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-size: 17px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Ramps, Stairs, and Ladders</span></h1><p style="margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">If your <a href="http://www.guineapigcorner.com/cages" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">pets' cage</a> is split over several levels, they will need some way of getting up and down between them. Ramps are the best thing for the job, although there are alternatives if you don't have much space. You can also use guinea pig ramps to allow your cavies to get in and out of their cage, and to add interest to a run or playpen.</span></p><h2 style="margin: 0px 0px 0.5em; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size: 17px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Ramps</span></h2><p style="margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Guinea pigs are most comfortable walking on solid, flat surfaces, so a ramp is the best thing to use if you need to give your animals something to walk up and down. Try to keep the angle as shallow as possible by getting a ramp of a good length - if it is too short and too steep, your pets will have difficulty getting up and down it, and may avoid using it completely.</span></p><p class="image" style="margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; text-align: center;"></p><div style="text-align: start;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><img src="http://www.guineapigcorner.com/images/ramp.jpg" alt="A cage ramp" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"></span></div><span style="text-align: start; margin: 0.6em auto 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; display: block; width: 400px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Provide ramps for your pets to move between different cage levels. This one doubles back on itself to save space.</span></span><p></p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Many pet stores sell ramps which are made from solid wood. These are ok, but can be a little uncomfortable on your guinea pigs' feet, and you might also find that they can't get enough grip to walk up it properly. You can fix both of these problems by covering the ramp with a soft, grippy material such as carpet, towelling, or rubber.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">If your guinea pigs' cage doesn't have much room for a ramp, you can buy or make one which doubles back on itself. This gives the benefits of a shallow angle without taking up lots of space. These are particularly common in hutches which have a built-in guinea pig run underneath.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">When buying or making a guinea pig ramp, make sure it has plenty of width. This will make your cavies feel safer and more confident when using it.</span></p><h2 style="margin: 0px 0px 0.5em; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size: 17px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Stairs</span></h2><p style="margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">If your pets have a steep angle to climb, or if you are very pushed for space, you can use stairs rather than a ramp. Guinea pigs are actually quite comfortable using them, and can get up some surprisingly large heights - they can even be taught to climb the stairs in your home! When buying them, make sure that each step is large enough for them to sit comfortably before tackling the next one.</span></p><p class="image" style="margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; text-align: center;"></p><div style="text-align: start;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><img src="http://www.guineapigcorner.com/images/wooden-stairs.jpg" alt="Wooden stairs" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"></span></div><span style="text-align: start; margin: 0.6em auto 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; display: block; width: 400px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Stairs are a good alternative if you haven't got space for a ramp.</span></span><p></p><h2 style="margin: 0px 0px 0.5em; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size: 17px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Ladders</span></h2><p style="margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Guinea pigs have very delicate, sensitive feet which makes it painful for them to walk on wire mesh ladders, so they should be avoided. They also tend to be far too steep for your cavies to climb, so you will find they won't use them anyway.</span></p><p style="margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px; border: 0px; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></p>IggyPighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06565432630258756282noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2382702658682459296.post-58655276617044055062014-08-18T16:59:00.001-07:002014-08-18T16:59:52.128-07:00Litter-training Piggies - Is it possible?<p><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">When new pet owners bring their furry little bundles of joy home, it doesn’t take them long to realize how much poop piggies can produce. This often leaves them asking the question: Can I litter train my guinea pigs? The answer quite simply is yes, but only to a certain extent.</span></p><p><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">If you want your pigs to only use their litter box and never have accidents when they are out of their cage, then perhaps you are setting your standards too high. Be realistic. If your guinea pig manages to use it’s litter box even just 50% of the time, it will still help keep the cage tidy and reduce your work for cage clean outs.</span></p><p><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">We’ve all seen the small corner<a href="http://www.wag.com/smallAnimal/subcat=Litter-Boxes-10579/Pet+Type=Guinea+Pig" style="text-decoration: none;"> litter trays</a> available at pet supply stores for various sized rodents, and dream that perhaps our piggies, too, could learn to be more ‘accurate’ with where they go. Well, the next time you’re shopping, I suggest you pick one up to try it with your piggies, or try constructing your own.</span></p><p><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Both female and male guinea pigs can be territorial and like to scent mark around the cage. Often guinea pigs will choose corners in their cage to go to the bathroom in, constantly returning to the same corner. When you have seen that your guinea pig has chosen a corner, place the litter box in the spot. Put your normal bedding in the litter box before trying any new types of litter.</span></p><p><strong style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Steps for Success</strong></p><ul><li><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Allow your guinea pigs to scope out their perfect toilet corner, before placing a litter tray in the cage</span></li><li><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Put the litter tray in the corner that the guinea pigs seem to pee/poop in the most</span></li><li><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Fill the litter box with a familiar smelling and looking litter to the one the guinea pigs are currently on</span></li><li><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Wait to ensure that the guinea pigs are content using the same corner before changing the litter</span></li><li><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Change the litter box every three days as needed, and wash it every other week. This ensures that the guinea pigs’ scent is still strong on it, so they will more willingly go back to use the litter box and ‘re-scent’ it.</span></li></ul><p><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">If all succeeds, your piggie should still be happy to go in his/her chosen corner; but now you can more easily clean it by simply emptying and refilling the litter box. Some guinea pig owners have tried putting food dishes in their litter trays so that as they eat, they will also pee/poop in the same location. This is a conflicting method as many animals avoid urinating and defecating near their food source. As your guinea pig becomes more comfortable with using the litter tray, try using your preferred litter such as <a href="http://www.carefresh.com/products/pet-bedding/carefresh-pet-bedding/" style="text-decoration: none;">Carefresh</a> or <a href="http://www.yesterdaysnews.com/" style="text-decoration: none;">Yesterday’s News</a>.</span></p><p><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Despite guinea pigs sometimes not seeming to be the brightest, like when they popcorn, they are surprisingly smart and clean animals. So give your guinea pig the chance to try the litter box, and maybe they’ll be happier to use it than you think!</span></p>IggyPighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06565432630258756282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2382702658682459296.post-80144438469004311572014-08-13T18:00:00.001-07:002014-08-13T18:00:54.247-07:00Homemade Rat Toys<div class="first" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-position: 0px 0px;"><p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 17px; margin-left: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; margin-top: 0px !important; background-position: 0px 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Rats are intelligent and playful and need a variety of toys to keep them amused and active. With a little creativity, you can provide inexpensive and entertaining homemade toys in addition to a variety of store-bought toys.</span></p></div><p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 17px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-position: 0px 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; background-position: 0px 0px;">Safety First</span> <br style="box-sizing: border-box;">The most important thing when choosing any pet toy is that it is safe. Anything you give your rat must be non toxic, and you should also watch bits that might be swallowed and cause a blockage of the digestive tract. This includes threads off of fabric items and ropes. Also, loose threads might become wrapped around toes or pose a strangulation risk (fleece is a good choice as it avoids the loose thread problem).</span></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 17px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-position: 0px 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; background-position: 0px 0px;">Cardboard</span> <br style="box-sizing: border-box;">Cardboard boxes and rolls from paper towels, toilet paper, and other rolls make good toys. Boxes are great for hiding in, though they will often be shredded fairly quickly (but that is fun too).</span></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 17px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-position: 0px 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Another great idea is to take a variety of boxes and other items to create a rat playhouse for enjoyment outside of the cage during playtime. You can tape together a bunch of boxes and create a network of rooms connected by doors, ramps, bridges and ladders. See an example at <a href="http://www.dapper.com.au/toys.htm#clubhouse" zt="-o1/XJ" target="_blank" data-component="link" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="externalLink" data-ordinal="2" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; text-decoration: none; background-position: 0px 0px;">The Dapper Rat</a>.</span></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 17px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-position: 0px 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Some concerns have been raised about potential toxicity of the ink and glues used in cardboard and paper towel roll cores. Little data is available on the safety of these; I think these items are safe in moderation, but efforts should be made to use plain cardboard or paper whenever possible.</span></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 17px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-position: 0px 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; background-position: 0px 0px;">Paper</span> <br style="box-sizing: border-box;">Most rats love shredding paper. Small plain brown paper lunch bags are great for playing in as well as shredding. Crumpled up paper makes a fun, if temporary, ball. Your rats will likely love digging, diving, and hiding in a plastic bin or box filled with crumpled or shredded paper. Paper towels and tissues are also great for shredding, and your rats can make a nice bed out of these too.</span></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 17px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-position: 0px 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Also, try wrapping or folding a piece of paper in layers around a favorite treat; shredding and unwrapping the treat will keep your rat busy for a while.</span></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 17px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-position: 0px 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; background-position: 0px 0px;">Wood</span> <br style="box-sizing: border-box;">Wood is good for chewing (and rats need to chew on to keep their teeth in good condition). Make sure wood is untreated, not painted, and non-toxic. Branches from apple or willow trees are good as well (make sure no pesticides have been used).</span></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 17px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-position: 0px 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; background-position: 0px 0px;"><br>Digging Box</span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; background-position: 0px 0px;">Nuts</span> <br style="box-sizing: border-box;">Hard-shelled nuts provide good chewing opportunities as well as a tasty treat inside (use sparingly as many nuts are high in fats).</span></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 17px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-position: 0px 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Most rats love a digging box. Take a small cat litter pan or other shallow plastic box and fill it halfway with plain sterilized potting soil (not treated with any chemicals or fertilizer, and with no additives like vermiculite). Plant some birdseed or wheat grass and water it for a while to let the seeds sprout and grow for a bit, then let your rats go crazy in the box. To minimize the mess, don't water the box for a day or two before offering it to your rats, and place it a bathtub or spread a tablecloth or newspapers around the box to contain the mess. Your rats will love to dig in the soil and snack on the sprouts or unsprouted seeds.</span></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 17px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-position: 0px 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; background-position: 0px 0px;">Tubes and Tunnels</span> <br style="box-sizing: border-box;">PVC pipe is pretty indestructible, and comes in a variety of sizes and configurations at your local hardware store. You can get a simple straight piece or use a variety of connectors to create a network of tubes. Choose a size you are sure your rats will be able to fit through without getting stuck.</span></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 17px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-position: 0px 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">If you are handy with a sewing machine, you can also make great collapsible tubes out of fleece or other sturdy fabrics. You can even sew a ring cut from a plastic bottle or wide cardboard tube into the ends to help hold it open. Sleeves cut off old sweatshirts are also handy tubes/sleep sacks.</span></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 17px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-position: 0px 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; background-position: 0px 0px;">Other Containers For Hiding and Climbing</span> <br style="box-sizing: border-box;">Clean jars and clay plant pots placed on their sides make neat hiding spots for rats. Mini stacking bins (like those meant for office or workshop supplies) make great hiding spots too. Washed coconut shells are also good for hiding, climbing and chewing.</span></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 17px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-position: 0px 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; background-position: 0px 0px;">Ropes </span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;">Rats are very agile and like to climb on ropes. You can make little rope ladders and bridges for in the cage. Cotton rope comes in some nice thick widths and is usually available at hardware or horse supply stores. Just make sure the configuration of ropes doesn't post a strangulation risk and that your rats are not unraveling the threads.</span></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 17px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-position: 0px 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">If you are really creative, you can get supplies (such as <a href="http://www.twinleather.com/birdtoys/pricelist.html" zt="-o1/XJ" target="_blank" data-component="link" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="externalLink" data-ordinal="3" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; text-decoration: none; background-position: 0px 0px;">vegetable tanned leather</a> or other bird toy parts) and make your own elaborate toys.</span></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 17px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-position: 0px 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; background-position: 0px 0px;">More Great Ideas:</span> see <a href="http://www.dapper.com.au/toys.htm" zt="-o1/XJ" target="_blank" data-component="link" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="externalLink" data-ordinal="4" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; text-decoration: none; background-position: 0px 0px;">The Dapper Rat</a> for more interesting and fun ideas to keep your rats busy.</span></p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 17px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-position: 0px 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></p><div><br></div><div id="adsense1" class="adsense ads-half" style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 40px 0px 0px; border: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); width: 310px; float: left; color: rgb(25, 25, 25); font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 25px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; background-position: 0px 0px;"></div>IggyPighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06565432630258756282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2382702658682459296.post-76052131779723062072014-07-14T12:02:00.001-07:002014-07-14T12:02:22.691-07:00Critter Terms (Vol. 1)Critter-Lovers can be...well, <i>odd </i>to the general public.<div>What <i>is </i>a <i style="font-weight: bold;">cavy?? </i>What about a <b><i>binky?</i></b></div><div><b><i><br></i></b></div><div><b><i>Here is a short guide to help you out.</i></b></div><div><b><i><br></i></b></div><div><b><i><br></i></b></div><div><b>cavy - </b>a 'scientific' term for those little squeaking creatures that look like a furry brick, a.k.a guinea pigs, wheekers, piggies, and other less professional but still-cute terms.</div><div><br></div><div><b>binky - </b>When a rabbit wildly jumps in the air, twisting its body as it lands and ending up in a new direction than which they started. A bunny that binkies is a happy bunny indeed.</div><div><br></div><div><b>rattie - </b>A cute term that we rodent owners call our pet rats. Far better than 'rodent.'</div><div><br></div><div><b>lagomorph - </b>A VERY scientific term that classifies rabbits and pikas. NOTE: Rabbits are <i>noooot </i>rodents. Nuh-uh. NOOOOPE.</div><div><br></div><div><b>bunny 500 - </b>When a rabbit runs crazily about the house, going in circles and zipping past your feet at break-neck speed. It isn't quite like a binky, but it still is a sign of immense happiness.</div><div><br></div><div><b>eyelights - </b>I just made this up, but it is a great term for those cute eyes our pets make at us. Here's a visual example -</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-1kBFISQpHMI/U8QpG829PwI/AAAAAAAADF8/0IOtieRh_Ko/s640/blogger-image--1503506817.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-1kBFISQpHMI/U8QpG829PwI/AAAAAAAADF8/0IOtieRh_Ko/s640/blogger-image--1503506817.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br></div><div><b>bunnimom/bunnidad - </b>A rabbit 'parent', or as our bunnies like to put it, <i>slave.</i></div><div><i><br></i></div><div><b>bun - </b>A shortened term for bunny. Far more civilized. It can also describe this -</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-I6wRSVeQ4jA/U8QpCZgse6I/AAAAAAAADF0/c5nc7-PFEAE/s640/blogger-image--1390268933.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-I6wRSVeQ4jA/U8QpCZgse6I/AAAAAAAADF0/c5nc7-PFEAE/s640/blogger-image--1390268933.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br></div><div><b>dook - </b>The sound a ferret will make. This onomatopoeia-ish word is a sign we truly endear ourselves to our wittle weasels by making an official word for a sound they make. Just a thought.</div><div><br></div><div><b>wheek/wheep - </b>Yet another <span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">onomatopoeia-ish word, but this time, it's a sound guinea pigs make. They are very well known for this sound, and I hear it a million times a day.</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b><i>My LIFE:</i></b></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b><i><br></i></b></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b><i><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0l5w0HcgpYs/U8QpO-8nklI/AAAAAAAADGE/0OB5Abe8_2I/s640/blogger-image-1277841241.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0l5w0HcgpYs/U8QpO-8nklI/AAAAAAAADGE/0OB5Abe8_2I/s640/blogger-image-1277841241.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br></i></b></span></div><div><b>glider - </b>A shortened term for 'sugar glider', which are little exotics that many of us keep as endearing pets.</div><div><br></div><div><b>piggy - </b>A cute term for 'guinea pig'.</div><div><br></div><div><b>pig - </b>Another name for 'guinea pig.'</div><div><br></div><div><b>chub - </b>The rolls of fat on small pet's bodies. Fun to pinch. Especially on those Shar-Pei dogs or my hamster Mickey. </div><div><br></div><div><b>adurable - </b><i>'adorable' and 'durable' mashed together into one word. </i>It describes animal that is small but acts fiesty and tough. An Example of this -</div><div><i>Our chicken Primrose is </i><b style="font-style: italic;">adurable</b>.</div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><b>wittle weasel - </b>A term of endearment to our furry ferrety friends.</div><div><br></div><div><b>bruxing - </b>A sound a happy rat makes. A bruxing rat makes a deep throaty sound, grinding its teeth and bulging its eyes out a bit. It's actually a very sweet expression.</div><div><br></div><div><b>bed-binkying - </b>Where a bunny binkies on a bouncy bed. There are oodles of YouTube videos on this - Look it up.....You will be amazed at such cuteness.</div><div><br></div><div><b>chubular - </b>See <i>chub</i>. Basically, it's descriptive term to describe a chubby pet.</div><div><br></div><div><b>hammie - </b>Cute-speak for 'hamster.'</div><div><br></div><div><b>wheeker - </b>What some of us call our wheeking guinea pigs.</div><div><br></div><div><b>boar butt - </b>A less than eloquent term to describe the buildup in a male guinea pig's anal gland. Whether you like it or not, ya hafta <i>clean that gland out, piggy owners!!</i></div><div><i><br></i></div><div><b>boar - </b>A male guinea pig.</div><div><br></div><div><b>sow - </b>A female guinea pig.</div><div><br></div><div><b>popcorning - </b>The guinea pig version of binkying. While pigs 'popcorn', they make a popping noise, also called 'chuttering' or muttering.</div><div><b><br></b></div><div><b>kangaroo rats - </b>Another word for 'gerbil.'</div><div><b><br></b></div><div><b><br></b></div><div><b><i><br></i></b></div><div><b><i><br></i></b></div>IggyPighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06565432630258756282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2382702658682459296.post-30041118445372818872014-07-14T11:37:00.001-07:002014-07-14T11:37:28.631-07:00What Do I Call My Pets?Yesterday, I recieved this question: <div><b>"Do you have nicknames for your pets? If so, </b><i style="font-weight: bold;">what are they?</i></div><div><i style="font-weight: bold;">Also, do you have pet middle names??"</i></div><div><i style="font-weight: bold;"><br></i></div><div>I thought this was a very interesting question. Prepare yerselves, folks. Here is my very extensive list of my pet nicknames. After I do those, then we have middle names.</div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><b><i>Ignatius Sir Pig ~</i></b></div><div><b><i><br></i></b></div><div>Iggy</div><div>Igs</div><div>Igster</div><div>IgPig</div><div>Sir</div><div>Sire</div><div>Red(I don't really know why)</div><div>Blue Eyes</div><div>Maple Syrup</div><div>Maple</div><div>Mapie</div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><b><i>Mickey ~</i></b></div><div><b><i><br></i></b></div><div>Mickster</div><div>Mickey Hamster</div><div>M-I-C-K-E-Y</div><div>Key</div><div>Mick</div><div>Blackie</div><div>Chubster</div><div>ChubChub</div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><b><i><br></i></b></div><div><b><i>Daisy ~</i></b></div><div><b><i><br></i></b></div><div>Daze</div><div>Dazed</div><div>Day</div><div>DayDay</div><div>Pepper(Not sure why I call her this, either.)</div><div>Cadence(Her middle name)</div><div>Petal</div><div>Daisy Petal</div><div>My Inspiration</div><div>TheBinkMaster</div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><b><i>Minnie ~</i></b></div><div><b><i><br></i></b></div><div>Min</div><div>Mineral</div><div>MinMin</div><div>Loving Girl</div><div>Sweetheart</div><div>Minnie Moo</div><div>Moo</div><div>Rose</div><div>Girly Girl</div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><b><i>Lily ~</i></b></div><div><b><i><br></i></b></div><div>Midnight</div><div>Darth Bunner</div><div>The Dark One</div><div>Silent But Deadly (Emerson actually made that one up for Lily. It's not <i>thaaat </i>funny.)</div><div>The Midnight Hour</div><div>She Strikes At MIdnight</div><div>Vampire Bunny</div><div>Bunnicula</div><div>Red Eyes</div><div>O Evil One</div><div>Tiger Lily</div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><i>Next up, Middle Names.</i></div><div><i><br></i></div><div><i>Daisy's full name is </i></div><div><i><b>~ Daisy Cadence Anastasia ~</b></i></div><div><i><br></i></div><div><i>Minnie's is</i></div><div><i><b>~ Minnie Petal Rose ~</b></i></div><div><i><br></i></div><div><i>Ignatius's is </i></div><div><b><i>~ Ignatius Sir Pig ~</i></b></div><div><b><i><br></i></b></div><div><i>Mickey's is </i></div><div><b><i>~ Mickey Khomyaka McHammie ~</i></b></div><div><b><i><br></i></b></div><div><i>Lily's is</i></div><div><b><i>~ Lilliana Midnight Star ~</i></b></div><div><b><i><br></i></b></div><div><b><i><br></i></b></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div> </div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><b><i><br></i></b></div>IggyPighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06565432630258756282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2382702658682459296.post-41344044802682798652014-07-14T11:23:00.001-07:002014-07-14T11:23:56.754-07:00Fun Rattie Activity - Pea Fishing (Reader Tips)Peas + Rats = FUN!<div><br></div><div>To give ages of fun to your rat buddies, prepare a shallow bowl of water and drop a handful of peas into it. INSTANT Rat Boredom-Buster!</div><div><br></div><div><i>This tip was provided by Kelsey(and her whole 'zoo' of pets, including several hairless rats!) Thanks for submitting!</i></div><div><i><br></i></div><div><i><br></i></div><div><i><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WSweJaLCSQU/U8QgOQc9RnI/AAAAAAAADFo/fYvjxQFeQ8E/s640/blogger-image--150537100.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WSweJaLCSQU/U8QgOQc9RnI/AAAAAAAADFo/fYvjxQFeQ8E/s640/blogger-image--150537100.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/--_o8oS2VyNA/U8QJ6hGOMXI/AAAAAAAADFc/Ar-z_dhKCtE/s640/blogger-image-1935774857.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/--_o8oS2VyNA/U8QJ6hGOMXI/AAAAAAAADFc/Ar-z_dhKCtE/s640/blogger-image-1935774857.jpg"></a></div><br></div><br></i></div>IggyPighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06565432630258756282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2382702658682459296.post-13441009706619664732014-07-02T06:48:00.003-07:002014-07-02T06:48:50.513-07:00Zzz....Zzzz...Wheek...Zzz....Wheek....<br><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">When you think about it, guinea pigs are pretty odd critters. </span></div><div>At birth, they are fully-furred with wide-open eyes and can eat solid foods. Cavies wheek and squeal like pigs.</div><div>Guinea pigs have portly little bodies with floppy ears and no tail. They were previously classified as a rodent, but scientists are considering changing this because it was discovered they have no family ties with them.</div><div><br></div><div>Piggies also have fairly strange sleeping habits. They learn to sleep when we do, taking a few afternoon naps to catch some extra Z's. </div><div>They typically like sleeping houses but Ignatius chooses to doze out in the open where he has no fear of being 'caught'. A comfortable little guy, isn't he?</div><div><br></div><div>While their sleeping habits are somewhat simple, if you delve deeper into these wheeking creatures's minds, you will find that they <i>do in fact dream.</i></div><div>That's right!!</div><div><i>Dream.</i></div><div><i><br></i></div><div>Studies have shown that guinea pig's minds are intelligent enough for them to dream. </div><div>This also means piggies can remember hundreds of images, linking them to other senses like smell.</div><div>They can recognize faces of people and other animals as well. </div><div>So, what do they dream about? </div><div>Guinea pigs usually dream simpler than we humans do. Mostly, the dreams are bits of the day playing back to them, just like video clips. If there is a new piggie that has been introduced, or a brand new toy or cage, your pig is very likely to dream of these things. </div><div><br></div><div>The next time your piggie is snoozing away, leave him be! His incredible mind is at work - and that is nothing to mess around with.</div><div><i><br></i></div>IggyPighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06565432630258756282noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2382702658682459296.post-6011045223144976202014-07-02T06:48:00.001-07:002014-07-02T06:48:44.931-07:00Why I'm Getting A C&C Cage For IgnatiusHere we are again. It's been a week since I've last 'seen' you, and I already miss this blog! (oh, and....<i>Hellllooo</i>, Free WiFi! I thank you for your presence!!)<div><br></div><div>(Also, my BlueTooth keyboard is working again, so my posts'll be more fluent and longer. :3)<br><div><br></div><div>As you may know, I am getting little Iggy Pig a brand new C&C cage. The 'model', if that's how you put it, is from GuineaPigCagesStore.com, and it's a 3.5 x 2 sized cage. On this site there's no such thing as a 'small' cage. The 'smallest one' is a 2 x 3. The one I'm purchasing is a Medium sized one, and it'll fit perfect in my space and give Iggy the home he needs. </div><div><br></div><div>Why exactly am I buying this?</div><div><br></div><div>Well, for many reasons. The main factor is that the new cage will be very big - just right for my growing little guy!</div><div><br></div><div>A few other reasons - </div><div><br></div><div><b>~ Ease of Access</b></div><div><b>~ Less Smell</b></div><div><b>~ Easier to Clean</b></div><div><b>~ More Room For Items</b></div><div><b>~ Less Stress and Health Issues</b></div><div><b><br></b></div><div>The list goes on and on!</div><div><br></div><div>I highly recommend these cages - I think I've fell in love with the one I'm getting already.</div><div><br></div><div><b><i>I can't wait 'till I buy it! Can you? As soon as it arrives, pictures will be on their way!</i></b></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div></div>IggyPighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06565432630258756282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2382702658682459296.post-87860241812815179372014-06-25T08:49:00.001-07:002014-06-25T08:49:01.599-07:00Things To Avoid Buying For Cavies<div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">There are quite a few things on the market that can be very harmful for cavies. They may seem perfectly okay, but they are actually not made for our sensitive little pets and should be avoided.</span></div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><div style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b><br></b></span></div><div style="font-weight: bold;"><b style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div style="display: inline !important;"><b>- Exercise Wheels/Balls. </b><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-weight: normal;"> Pigs have solid compact bodies with relatively small legs; their spines are not flexible like some other rodent species and are not as flexible. They can get serious spinal injuries from these items and can also break legs, ankles and toes if their nails catch in the small holes. Aside from the danger, they are simply not fun for your cavy. Many pigs will not even move while in them – which is the safest thing for them! </span></div></b></div><div style="font-weight: bold;"><b style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div style="display: inline !important;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-weight: normal;"><br></span></div></b></div><div style="font-weight: bold;"><b style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div style="display: inline !important;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">- Hammocks</span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-weight: normal;">. Can be dangerous to pigs for the same reasons as harnesses, leashes and balls – leg, spine and other injures can occur if they become tangled up getting in and out of one. </span></div></b></div><div style="font-weight: bold;"><b style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div style="display: inline !important;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-weight: normal;"><br></span></div></b></div><div style="font-weight: bold;"><b style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div style="display: inline !important;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">- Treats with Seeds/Nuts. </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-weight: normal;"> Pigs are not seed eaters; seeds can be very harmful. Pigs have choked on seeds, gotten them stuck in their teeth and other harmful and painful things. At best, seeds and nuts are empty calories for pigs with no nutritional benefit. </span></div></b></div><div style="font-weight: bold;"><b style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div style="display: inline !important;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-weight: normal;"><br></span></div></b></div><div style="font-weight: bold;"><b style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div style="display: inline !important;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">- Treats with Yogurt. </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-weight: normal;">Pigs are lactose intolerant so all dairy products are bad for them, no exceptions. Yogurt treats can be high in sugar and also have no nutritional value.</span></div></b></div><div style="font-weight: bold;"><b style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div style="display: inline !important;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> - Treats with Honey</span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-weight: normal;">. Honey is another form of sugar and is “junk food” for pigs. Honey is coated on a lot of treats so be sure to read all labels before you buy.</span></div></b></div><div><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div style="display: inline !important;"><span style="font-weight: normal; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span><span style="font-weight: bold; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">- Treats in general are tricky. </span><span style="font-weight: normal; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Most contain too much sugar (in the form of honey or “hidden” sugars) or have dangerous ingredients (seeds, nuts, dairy). There are acceptable treats available but they can be hard to find. Keep in mind, your guinea pigs’ favorite treat is going to be a variety of fresh veggies from your refrigerator!</span></div></span></div><div><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div style="display: inline !important;"><span style="font-weight: normal; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div></span></div><div><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div style="display: inline !important;"><span style="font-weight: normal; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> - </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>Salt or</b></span><span style="font-weight: normal; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>Mineral Wheels/Blocks</b></span><span style="font-weight: normal; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">. Both items are potentially harmful. Excess minerals can build up in the body and cause health problems. Pigs get all the salt they need in their regular diet; there is no need to supplement.</span></div></span></div><div><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div style="display: inline !important;"><b><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></b></div></span></div><div><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div style="display: inline !important;"><span style="font-weight: normal; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"></span><b><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">- </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Chew Stones/Rocks</span></b><span style="font-weight: normal; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">. Pigs need to chew to keep their teeth worn to the correct length but chew stones are NOT the way to accomplish that. They can be a choking hazard and can injure soft piggy mouths. Good quality unlimited grass hay is the perfect choice for wearing their teeth and is good for their health in lots of other ways too. </span></div></span></div><div style="font-weight: bold;"><b style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div style="display: inline !important;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-weight: normal;"><br></span></div></b></div><div style="font-weight: bold;"><b style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div style="display: inline !important;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">-</span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-weight: normal;"> </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Vitamin and Mineral Drops for water. </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-weight: normal;">Guinea pigs need plenty of vitamin C but they don’t need extra minerals, those can be harmful. Vitamin C should never be added to water bottles; the C will lose its’ potency rapidly and will not benefit the guinea pig anyway. Worse, additives in water can cause it to taste odd and many pigs then won’t drink enough. </span></div></b></div><div style="font-weight: bold;"><b style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div style="display: inline !important;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-weight: normal;"><br></span></div></b></div><div style="font-weight: bold;"><b style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div style="display: inline !important;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-weight: normal;">This is not a comprehensive list but it is a collection of things I’ve seen, done or heard about. When shopping for your guinea pig try to keep in mind their physical safety and nutritional requirements to help you make your decisions; your guinea pig will be happier and healthier! </span></div></b></div></span>IggyPighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06565432630258756282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2382702658682459296.post-19951513065307217752014-06-25T07:14:00.001-07:002014-06-25T07:14:00.732-07:00Secrets to a Guinea Pig's Long Life<ol class="steps_list_2" style="margin: 0px 15px 20px 45px; padding: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><li style="margin: 15px 0px 0px -1em; padding: 0px 0px 0px 20px; list-style: none; background-image: none;"><div class="step_content" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="whb" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><i>How can you ensure your piggy will live a long, happy life? Here are some top tips.</i></span></span></div><div class="step_content" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b class="whb" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br></b></span></div><div class="step_content" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b class="whb" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br></b></span></div><div class="step_content" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b class="whb" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br></b></span></div><div class="step_content" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b class="whb" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br></b></span></div><div class="step_content" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b class="whb" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br></b></span></div><div class="step_content" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b class="whb" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Find a vet</b>. Many vets will see guinea pigs, but finding one that specializes in guinea pigs will help your guinea pig out in the long run. A guinea pig and exotic specialized vet may be able to detect illnesses more efficiently than a regular vet.<br></span><div class="clearall" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; clear: both;"></div><div class="wh_ad_inner" style="margin: 8px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; float: left;"></div><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; clear: left;"></div></div></li><li style="margin: 15px 0px 0px -1em; padding: 0px 0px 0px 20px; list-style: none; background-image: none;"><div class="step_checkbox" style="margin: 0px 0px 0px -35px; padding: 3px 0px 0px; position: relative; float: left; width: 25px; border-top-left-radius: 15px; border-top-right-radius: 15px; border-bottom-right-radius: 0px; border-bottom-left-radius: 0px; text-align: center; font-weight: bold;"><div class="step_num" style="text-align: start; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">2</span></div><div class="checkwhite" style="text-align: start; margin: 2px auto 5px; padding: 0px; width: 17px; height: 17px; background-image: url(data:image/svg+xml;base64,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); background-size: 18px; background-position: 50% 50%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat;"></div></div><div class="step_content" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b class="whb" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Make sure to have all the essentials for looking after your guinea pig</b>. Do not forget a place to hide.<br></span><div class="clearall" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; clear: both;"></div></div></li><li style="margin: 15px 0px 0px -1em; padding: 0px 0px 0px 20px; list-style: none; background-image: none;"><div class="step_checkbox" style="margin: 0px 0px 0px -35px; padding: 3px 0px 0px; position: relative; float: left; width: 25px; border-top-left-radius: 15px; border-top-right-radius: 15px; border-bottom-right-radius: 0px; border-bottom-left-radius: 0px; text-align: center; font-weight: bold;"><div class="step_num" style="text-align: start; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">3</span></div><div class="checkwhite" style="text-align: start; margin: 2px auto 5px; padding: 0px; width: 17px; height: 17px; background-image: url(data:image/svg+xml;base64,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); background-size: 18px; background-position: 50% 50%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat;"></div></div><div class="step_content" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b class="whb" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Provide at least 10 square feet of living space for two guinea pigs, this can prevent impaction in males, fighting between guinea pigs, and reduces the risks of bloat, obesity, and gas buildup by providing adequate room to exercise</b>. If you find that your guinea pigs are fighting, then separate them with something like a wire shelf, which allows them to see and smell each other, but prevents them from fighting.<br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br></span><div class="clearall" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; clear: both;"></div></div></li><li style="margin: 15px 0px 0px -1em; padding: 0px 0px 0px 20px; list-style: none; background-image: none;"><div class="step_checkbox" style="margin: 0px 0px 0px -35px; padding: 3px 0px 0px; position: relative; float: left; width: 25px; border-top-left-radius: 15px; border-top-right-radius: 15px; border-bottom-right-radius: 0px; border-bottom-left-radius: 0px; text-align: center; font-weight: bold;"><div class="step_num" style="text-align: start; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">4</span></div><div class="checkwhite" style="text-align: start; margin: 2px auto 5px; padding: 0px; width: 17px; height: 17px; background-image: url(data:image/svg+xml;base64,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); background-size: 18px; background-position: 50% 50%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat;"></div></div><div class="step_content" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b class="whb" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Do not allow females to become pregnant</b>. Pregnancy and especially birthing is hard on females and one in five females that is bred will die as a result of complications during pregnancy or birth, or as a result of toxemia after birth.<br></span><div class="clearall" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; clear: both;"></div></div></li><li style="margin: 15px 0px 0px -1em; padding: 0px 0px 0px 20px; list-style: none; background-image: none;"><div class="step_checkbox" style="margin: 0px 0px 0px -35px; padding: 3px 0px 0px; position: relative; float: left; width: 25px; border-top-left-radius: 15px; border-top-right-radius: 15px; border-bottom-right-radius: 0px; border-bottom-left-radius: 0px; text-align: center; font-weight: bold;"><div class="step_num" style="text-align: start; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">5</span></div><div class="checkwhite" style="text-align: start; margin: 2px auto 5px; padding: 0px; width: 17px; height: 17px; background-image: url(data:image/svg+xml;base64,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); background-size: 18px; background-position: 50% 50%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat;"></div></div><div class="step_content" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b class="whb" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Keep guinea pigs in same sex or already spayed/neutered pairs</b>. Guinea pigs are social animals and are happy living with compatible guinea pigs of either the same sex or spayed/neutered. Living in pairs also encourages exercise which promotes good blood flow and greatly reduces the risk of obesity which takes a toll on the joints, impaction, and bloat or gas buildup.<br></span><div class="clearall" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; clear: both;"></div></div></li><li style="margin: 15px 0px 0px -1em; padding: 0px 0px 0px 20px; list-style: none; background-image: none;"><div class="step_checkbox" style="margin: 0px 0px 0px -35px; padding: 3px 0px 0px; position: relative; float: left; width: 25px; border-top-left-radius: 15px; border-top-right-radius: 15px; border-bottom-right-radius: 0px; border-bottom-left-radius: 0px; text-align: center; font-weight: bold;"><div class="step_num" style="text-align: start; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">6</span></div><div class="checkwhite" style="text-align: start; margin: 2px auto 5px; padding: 0px; width: 17px; height: 17px; background-image: url(data:image/svg+xml;base64,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); background-size: 18px; background-position: 50% 50%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat;"></div></div><div class="step_content" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b class="whb" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Buy Oxbow or Kleenmama's Hayloft guinea pig food (Timothy hay based for guinea pigs six months and older, and alfalfa based for guinea pigs under six months)</b>. Look for a food enhanced with Vitamin C, as Guinea pigs can't make it themselves.<br></span><div class="clearall" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; clear: both;"></div></div></li><li style="margin: 15px 0px 0px -1em; padding: 0px 0px 0px 20px; list-style: none; background-image: none;"><div class="step_checkbox" style="margin: 0px 0px 0px -35px; padding: 3px 0px 0px; position: relative; float: left; width: 25px; border-top-left-radius: 15px; border-top-right-radius: 15px; border-bottom-right-radius: 0px; border-bottom-left-radius: 0px; text-align: center; font-weight: bold;"><div class="step_num" style="text-align: start; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">7</span></div><div class="checkwhite" style="text-align: start; margin: 2px auto 5px; padding: 0px; width: 17px; height: 17px; background-image: url(data:image/svg+xml;base64,PD94bWwgdmVyc2lvbj0iMS4wIiBlbmNvZGluZz0idXRmLTgiPz4KPCFET0NUWVBFIHN2ZyBQVUJMSUMgIi0vL1czQy8vRFREIFNWRyAxLjEvL0VOIiAiaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvR3JhcGhpY3MvU1ZHLzEuMS9EVEQvc3ZnMTEuZHRkIj4KPHN2ZyB2ZXJzaW9uPSIxLjEiIGlkPSJMYXllcl8xIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciIHhtbG5zOnhsaW5rPSJodHRwOi8vd3d3LnczLm9yZy8xOTk5L3hsaW5rIiB4PSIwcHgiIHk9IjBweCIKCSB3aWR0aD0iMTAwcHgiIGhlaWdodD0iOTMuOTI0cHgiIHZpZXdCb3g9IjAgMCAxMDAgOTMuOTI0IiBlbmFibGUtYmFja2dyb3VuZD0ibmV3IDAgMCAxMDAgOTMuOTI0IiB4bWw6c3BhY2U9InByZXNlcnZlIj4KPHBhdGggZmlsbC1ydWxlPSJldmVub2RkIiBjbGlwLXJ1bGU9ImV2ZW5vZGQiIGZpbGw9IiNGMkVFRUIiIGQ9Ik0zMS4wMTUsOTMuOTI0Yy0yLjY4Ny0zLjk5NS02LjA3OS03LjQwNi05LjE4OS0xMS4wNDgKCWMtNi45NTctOC4xNTEtMTMuOTk0LTE2LjIzNS0yMS4wNDEtMjQuMzFjLTAuOTI5LTEuMDY1LTEuMTQ0LTEuODYxLTAuMDM2LTIuOTI0YzAuOTQ5LTAuOTA5LDEuNDE0LTIuMjA0LDMuMjY4LTEuMTE2CgljNy4xNTYsNC4xOTksMTQuNDQsOC4xOCwyMS42MjYsMTIuMzNjMS4yMjMsMC43MDYsMS43NzYsMC41MjIsMi41NjYtMC41N2MxMi4xMjgtMTYuNzczLDI1LjcyLTMyLjI0NSw0MS4yMDYtNDYuMDEKCWM4LjM1MS03LjQyMywxNy4yMzgtMTQuMTE3LDI2Ljg1OS0xOS44NDVjMi4xNDUtMS4yNzYsMi4yMDksMC42MTUsMy4wNTEsMS4zNzZjMS4wMTksMC45MjIsMC44MzQsMS42NTYtMC4yMjQsMi42MTIKCUM3MS41MTksMjkuMzM3LDUwLjY2LDU5LjIsMzQuNDk3LDkyLjVjLTAuMjE3LDAuNDQ1LTAuNTg3LDAuODU5LTAuNDE3LDEuNDI0QzMzLjA1OCw5My45MjQsMzIuMDM3LDkzLjkyNCwzMS4wMTUsOTMuOTI0eiIvPgo8L3N2Zz4K); background-size: 18px; background-position: 50% 50%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat;"></div></div><div class="step_content" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b class="whb" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Keep your pet in a comfortable temperature range</b>. Guinea pigs can't stand high temperatures, drops or increases.<br></span><div class="clearall" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; clear: both;"></div></div></li><li style="margin: 15px 0px 0px -1em; padding: 0px 0px 0px 20px; list-style: none; background-image: none;"><div class="step_checkbox" style="margin: 0px 0px 0px -35px; padding: 3px 0px 0px; position: relative; float: left; width: 25px; border-top-left-radius: 15px; border-top-right-radius: 15px; border-bottom-right-radius: 0px; border-bottom-left-radius: 0px; text-align: center; font-weight: bold;"><div class="step_num" style="text-align: start; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">8</span></div><div class="checkwhite" style="text-align: start; margin: 2px auto 5px; padding: 0px; width: 17px; height: 17px; background-image: url(data:image/svg+xml;base64,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); background-size: 18px; background-position: 50% 50%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat;"></div></div><div class="step_content" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b class="whb" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Change bedding regularly</b>. The more your guinea pig is living in it's own feces, the worse their health is going to be.<br></span><div class="clearall" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; clear: both;"></div></div></li><li style="margin: 15px 0px 0px -1em; padding: 0px 0px 0px 20px; list-style: none; background-image: none;"><div class="step_checkbox" style="margin: 0px 0px 0px -35px; padding: 3px 0px 0px; position: relative; float: left; width: 25px; border-top-left-radius: 15px; border-top-right-radius: 15px; border-bottom-right-radius: 0px; border-bottom-left-radius: 0px; text-align: center; font-weight: bold;"><div class="step_num" style="text-align: start; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">9</span></div><div class="checkwhite" style="text-align: start; margin: 2px auto 5px; padding: 0px; width: 17px; height: 17px; background-image: url(data:image/svg+xml;base64,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); background-size: 18px; background-position: 50% 50%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat;"></div></div><div class="step_content" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b class="whb" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Wash your hands before and after you play with your guinea pig</b>. This will decrease the amount of germs transmitted between you and your guinea pig.<br></span><div class="clearall" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; clear: both;"></div></div></li><li style="margin: 15px 0px 0px -1em; padding: 0px 0px 0px 20px; list-style: none; background-image: none;"><div class="step_checkbox" style="margin: 0px 0px 0px -35px; padding: 3px 0px 0px; position: relative; float: left; width: 25px; border-top-left-radius: 15px; border-top-right-radius: 15px; border-bottom-right-radius: 0px; border-bottom-left-radius: 0px; text-align: center; font-weight: bold;"><div class="step_num" style="text-align: start; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">10</span></div><div class="checkwhite" style="text-align: start; margin: 2px auto 5px; padding: 0px; width: 17px; height: 17px; background-image: url(data:image/svg+xml;base64,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); background-size: 18px; background-position: 50% 50%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat;"></div></div><div class="step_content" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b class="whb" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Provide fresh, preferably organic, well washed (you can use a commercial vegetable wash or water and vinegar mix, rinse well after) leafy greens</b>. These include green leaf lettuce, escarole, red leaf lettuce, cilantro, and curly endive.<br></span><div class="clearall" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; clear: both;"></div></div></li><li class="steps_li final_li" style="margin: 15px 0px 0px -1em; padding: 0px 0px 0px 20px; list-style: none; background-image: none;"><div class="step_checkbox" style="margin: 0px 0px 0px -35px; padding: 3px 0px 0px; position: relative; float: left; width: 25px; border-top-left-radius: 15px; border-top-right-radius: 15px; border-bottom-right-radius: 0px; border-bottom-left-radius: 0px; text-align: center; font-weight: bold;"><div class="step_num" style="text-align: start; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">11</span></div><div class="checkwhite" style="text-align: start; margin: 2px auto 5px; padding: 0px; width: 17px; height: 17px; background-image: url(data:image/svg+xml;base64,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); background-size: 18px; background-position: 50% 50%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat;"></div></div><div class="step_content" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b class="whb" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Constantly check for any injuries</b>. Older guinea pigs sometimes have a problem under their feet. If this happens, see a vet and get softer bedding or spread out a soft cloth for it. Observe your guinea pig actions. If anything seems wrong, take it to the vet. Don't take too long or a small infection can turn bigger.</span></div></li></ol>IggyPighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06565432630258756282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2382702658682459296.post-48388940048762937672014-06-25T07:09:00.003-07:002014-06-25T07:09:41.662-07:00So...My iPad has been left behind, so before we can get it back I'm using a phone instead. I had about 6 or so posts saved for publishing, but they will not show up here. As soon as we get the iPad back, those posts will be published. I had a post about the C&C cage and a few other lengthy announcements, so I really hope nothing has happened to them.<div><br></div><div>- Julia</div>IggyPighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06565432630258756282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2382702658682459296.post-73477789079569064542014-06-25T07:09:00.001-07:002014-06-25T07:09:40.295-07:00More Chick Pics<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-eFJsEE6a3vc/U6rXs4seQUI/AAAAAAAADD0/0a-y370ujq8/s640/blogger-image-1047934473.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-eFJsEE6a3vc/U6rXs4seQUI/AAAAAAAADD0/0a-y370ujq8/s640/blogger-image-1047934473.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-OR0UnznWMjc/U6rXmZ6tqUI/AAAAAAAADDs/VLZ7b6GlXqM/s640/blogger-image--1366244447.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-OR0UnznWMjc/U6rXmZ6tqUI/AAAAAAAADDs/VLZ7b6GlXqM/s640/blogger-image--1366244447.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-6qqTEmsEEXI/U6rYB9LGsjI/AAAAAAAADEM/LYTnsgtETik/s640/blogger-image-1703326251.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-6qqTEmsEEXI/U6rYB9LGsjI/AAAAAAAADEM/LYTnsgtETik/s640/blogger-image-1703326251.jpg"></a></div><br></div><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-eFJsEE6a3vc/U6rXs4seQUI/AAAAAAAADD0/0a-y370ujq8/s640/blogger-image-1047934473.jpg"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tW9b8ohPrGY/U6rYIjdaPjI/AAAAAAAADEU/L7ZBGtB_nfw/s640/blogger-image-1968634317.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tW9b8ohPrGY/U6rYIjdaPjI/AAAAAAAADEU/L7ZBGtB_nfw/s640/blogger-image-1968634317.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-35u6xV9VG5o/U6rXz7ZZ22I/AAAAAAAADD8/Y0_RoDIew2s/s640/blogger-image-1362265702.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-35u6xV9VG5o/U6rXz7ZZ22I/AAAAAAAADD8/Y0_RoDIew2s/s640/blogger-image-1362265702.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-0JEijmcc-20/U6rXfPUjAzI/AAAAAAAADDk/JcRXl4EC6Fc/s640/blogger-image--1781588540.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-0JEijmcc-20/U6rXfPUjAzI/AAAAAAAADDk/JcRXl4EC6Fc/s640/blogger-image--1781588540.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MVxCmW0swbI/U6rX6m5qp1I/AAAAAAAADEE/fNYKQ07nW7U/s640/blogger-image-2034725501.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MVxCmW0swbI/U6rX6m5qp1I/AAAAAAAADEE/fNYKQ07nW7U/s640/blogger-image-2034725501.jpg"></a></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div>IggyPighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06565432630258756282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2382702658682459296.post-80636593665543719032014-06-25T07:06:00.001-07:002014-06-25T07:06:21.726-07:00The Great Outdoors<i>(Tip Submitted by Kate and her lovely guinea pigs)</i><div><i><br></i></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Some guinea pigs love being outside; others are nervous about open spaces (and strange noises and smells). Don't trust your guinea pig to stay next to you; make a small play area out of wire, short fencing, or wire shelving. You can use anything, as long as your guinea pig cannot escape! Place something for the guinea pig to run into when frightened. One of my guinea pigs heard a crow in the distance one day, and just ran in circles from fright! I put a small tree branch with leaves in the play area, and she dove under it for a few minutes.</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Guinea pigs are adorable munching happily on grass, basking in the sun and making happy wheeking noises. Only take them outside on warm days — if you can wear short sleeves comfortably, then it's warm enough. The ground should be dry, never damp, and the area should be free from pesticides, animal droppings and chemicals. Do not leave your guinea pig in full sun; it will get overheated too easily. It is essential to provide a water source, either through slices of watermelon or other watery fruit, or a water bottle. Once you've made sure that your guinea pig is comfortable and happy outside, enjoy yourself! Just keep a close watch.</span></div>IggyPighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06565432630258756282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2382702658682459296.post-15538882013065493642014-06-18T07:49:00.001-07:002014-06-18T07:49:33.023-07:00Important announcement!I know I've been gone FOREVER, and there's a reason why. This <i> crazy </i>internet, that's why.<div><br></div><div>Here is the latest news that I will put into detail later. O_O</div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div>* The chickens have gone into the coop! And are much bigger now!</div><div>* I am getting a C&C cage!</div><div>* Minnie is now 1 year old!</div><div>* Mickey has a broken tooth! (Sad news.)</div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div>I promise I will post the extent of these announcements very, very soon. I apologize for making you guys wait. Hang in there, I'm working on it! </div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div>And, I promise, promise, promise I'll do a post when Iggy's cage is bought and arrives. With pictures!</div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div>- Julia</div><div><br></div><div><br></div>IggyPighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06565432630258756282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2382702658682459296.post-17787381892845668692014-05-17T10:48:00.001-07:002014-05-17T10:48:27.056-07:00New Chicks<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-UlTMLdhQ4aU/U3egKvtcNnI/AAAAAAAADAs/oDAxj8F2hj8/s640/blogger-image--465779699.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-UlTMLdhQ4aU/U3egKvtcNnI/AAAAAAAADAs/oDAxj8F2hj8/s640/blogger-image--465779699.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-1CgFgyVMQ0U/U3efkYLJ_jI/AAAAAAAAC_o/9IePQFhojP8/s640/blogger-image--702010126.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-1CgFgyVMQ0U/U3efkYLJ_jI/AAAAAAAAC_o/9IePQFhojP8/s640/blogger-image--702010126.jpg"></a></div><br></div><br></div><div><br></div>🐓 Yesterday our chicks came in the mail and we picked them up! 🐤<div><br></div><div>Here is our brooder which we will reuse for next year when we add to our flock, then the year after <i>that, </i>etc.</div><div>The brooder is inside our RV for right now.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-D7ZkEXTBP_c/U3efoKSVonI/AAAAAAAAC_w/dOWNDyGzr54/s640/blogger-image-468680544.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-D7ZkEXTBP_c/U3efoKSVonI/AAAAAAAAC_w/dOWNDyGzr54/s640/blogger-image-468680544.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Here are some pics of what is in the brooder -</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-6weFNYlpjLU/U3efvx-Pv0I/AAAAAAAADAI/OPgOh5VyaPw/s640/blogger-image--31394176.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-6weFNYlpjLU/U3efvx-Pv0I/AAAAAAAADAI/OPgOh5VyaPw/s640/blogger-image--31394176.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-eMqyBK3TIm0/U3eg6MPpdaI/AAAAAAAADCA/SN1EqTHRCjc/s640/blogger-image--2028686020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-eMqyBK3TIm0/U3eg6MPpdaI/AAAAAAAADCA/SN1EqTHRCjc/s640/blogger-image--2028686020.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">This is the heater we use for them which is actually better than a classic lamp heater. Much safer and more warmth!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-faNo4xA0e0U/U3egwjYHRVI/AAAAAAAADBg/R2WQ-gWLNQc/s640/blogger-image-1783754307.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-faNo4xA0e0U/U3egwjYHRVI/AAAAAAAADBg/R2WQ-gWLNQc/s640/blogger-image-1783754307.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">And... Here are the chicks!! My Nana held some for the pictures.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>Eglantine the Buff Orpington</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><br></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i>Eglantine is 'my chick', the one I originally picked out. She is very calm, gentle, and tolerable. In a group setting she likes to hang out with her sister, Primrose.</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-klrO9tBmu_I/U3eg3-EY3sI/AAAAAAAADB4/Gz3WXw50FxA/s640/blogger-image--1745851019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-klrO9tBmu_I/U3eg3-EY3sI/AAAAAAAADB4/Gz3WXw50FxA/s640/blogger-image--1745851019.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i>Cuddling is her specialty!</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-lwUFTFjPn_E/U3egUElVVaI/AAAAAAAADBM/s__NITwcnlM/s640/blogger-image-914423586.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-lwUFTFjPn_E/U3egUElVVaI/AAAAAAAADBM/s__NITwcnlM/s640/blogger-image-914423586.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>Primrose The Buff Orpington </b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><br></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i>Primrose is a bit of a foodie, and whatever Flame or her sister Eglantine does, she does. She really likes to preen a lot, and has been trying to 'fly' more often than the others.</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-PRlCjJoS-7M/U3egNa41IOI/AAAAAAAADA0/ZT9exISzjYM/s640/blogger-image--1453982044.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-PRlCjJoS-7M/U3egNa41IOI/AAAAAAAADA0/ZT9exISzjYM/s640/blogger-image--1453982044.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-GQAM7dRGXdI/U3egR7EFrXI/AAAAAAAADBE/O9GZPfbsE94/s640/blogger-image-781849105.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-GQAM7dRGXdI/U3egR7EFrXI/AAAAAAAADBE/O9GZPfbsE94/s640/blogger-image-781849105.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>Holly the Amerucana</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i>Holly does everything first. She was the first to drink out of the water dispenser, the first to go under the heater, and the first to poke her head out at a new thing.</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="font-weight: bold; clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-gK6AqOQZh-U/U3egzFH0e_I/AAAAAAAADBo/nIHvn0egPuo/s640/blogger-image-1097180265.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-gK6AqOQZh-U/U3egzFH0e_I/AAAAAAAADBo/nIHvn0egPuo/s640/blogger-image-1097180265.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="font-weight: bold; clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="font-weight: bold; clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-ivCTVUOg4BQ/U3eg1qFeGoI/AAAAAAAADBw/12CJZWcur_o/s640/blogger-image-1092397025.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-ivCTVUOg4BQ/U3eg1qFeGoI/AAAAAAAADBw/12CJZWcur_o/s640/blogger-image-1092397025.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="font-weight: bold; clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="font-weight: bold; clear: both;">Flame The Amerucana </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i>Flame is bigger than all the others. I find myself calling Flame a male, so I might be guilty of saying 'he' a few times whenever I talk about the chicks. He is very loud and less cuddly.</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="font-weight: bold; clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-WIaiuKaNgSQ/U3egPjNwzTI/AAAAAAAADA8/UsNgkX5cFvY/s640/blogger-image-1920523505.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-WIaiuKaNgSQ/U3egPjNwzTI/AAAAAAAADA8/UsNgkX5cFvY/s640/blogger-image-1920523505.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="font-weight: bold; clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="font-weight: bold; clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-L0mhgwIiJEY/U3egB5ooC7I/AAAAAAAADAk/DK_ZImXpe9A/s640/blogger-image-44749628.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-L0mhgwIiJEY/U3egB5ooC7I/AAAAAAAADAk/DK_ZImXpe9A/s640/blogger-image-44749628.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="font-weight: bold; clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="font-weight: bold; clear: both;">Miss Gracie the Australorp</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i>Miss Gracie is the more docile one when comparing her and Miss Bea. Gracie seems shy at times, but she is social around the other chicks. Miss Gracie is rather thin as well, lacking a lot of fluff.</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="font-weight: bold; clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fpdvAkyfJEQ/U3ef0TOGdBI/AAAAAAAADAY/wmf6awSegoY/s640/blogger-image-1501433602.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fpdvAkyfJEQ/U3ef0TOGdBI/AAAAAAAADAY/wmf6awSegoY/s640/blogger-image-1501433602.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="font-weight: bold; clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="font-weight: bold; clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Hy6n6hoEO-4/U3efxwY4qqI/AAAAAAAADAQ/mmet3HFKP8s/s640/blogger-image-1109649216.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Hy6n6hoEO-4/U3efxwY4qqI/AAAAAAAADAQ/mmet3HFKP8s/s640/blogger-image-1109649216.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="font-weight: bold; clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="font-weight: bold; clear: both;">Miss Bea the Australorp</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i>Bea is a bossy little chick, keeping the others in line by pecking and pushing around. She sometimes struggles when you try to hold her long-term, and she feels comfortable around the others, probably so she can tell them what to do. She occasionally will alert the others about things that are loud or unknown. Bea has more yellow in her face and has no black beak.</i></div><div class="separator" style="font-weight: bold; clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="font-weight: bold; clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-RnzGE-E0Oas/U3efqG4B2WI/AAAAAAAAC_4/0DYo4ha0JZE/s640/blogger-image-1357053191.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-RnzGE-E0Oas/U3efqG4B2WI/AAAAAAAAC_4/0DYo4ha0JZE/s640/blogger-image-1357053191.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="font-weight: bold; clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="font-weight: bold; clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-gKfTzRVtB_k/U3egueNGWvI/AAAAAAAADBY/g8sKqqTGORA/s640/blogger-image--1509940004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-gKfTzRVtB_k/U3egueNGWvI/AAAAAAAADBY/g8sKqqTGORA/s640/blogger-image--1509940004.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="font-weight: bold; clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i>Here are more chick pics!!</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-FQf5FlVxEok/U3eftZbUxKI/AAAAAAAADAA/RKKPjWDwk_w/s640/blogger-image-2051620208.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-FQf5FlVxEok/U3eftZbUxKI/AAAAAAAADAA/RKKPjWDwk_w/s640/blogger-image-2051620208.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-jh7adEIc_7g/U3ef_qU3BWI/AAAAAAAADAg/MLhmGsKZ128/s640/blogger-image--567326790.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-jh7adEIc_7g/U3ef_qU3BWI/AAAAAAAADAg/MLhmGsKZ128/s640/blogger-image--567326790.jpg"></a></div><br></div><br></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i><br></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i><br></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i><br></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i><br></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i><br></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i><br></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i><br></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i>I can't wait for lots more updates here on CC! Chicks grow up FAST.</i></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><b> </b></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="font-weight: bold; clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="font-weight: bold; clear: both;"><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b> </b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br></div><br></div> </div><br></div><br></div><br></div>IggyPighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06565432630258756282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2382702658682459296.post-22855962180054447952014-05-01T13:12:00.001-07:002014-05-01T13:12:19.713-07:00Bunny Grooming<div style="text-align: start;"><br></div><div style="text-align: start;"><span style="text-align: center; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>Ears</b></span></div><div style="text-align: start;"><span style="text-align: center; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div style="text-align: start;"><span style="text-align: center; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">You should regularly check inside your rabbit's ears to make sure there isn't any build up of wax or other gunk. If there is, take your rabbit to the vet. Rabbits can get ear mites, which cause itching and a build up of yucky stuff. Never poke anything into your rabbit's ears as you can damage the inner ear. </span></div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br style="text-align: center;"></span><div style="text-align: start;"><b style="text-align: center; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Do I have to wash my rabbit?</b></div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br style="text-align: center;"></span><img class="left" src="http://fuzzy-rabbit.com/images/fwashing2.jpg" alt="Fuzzy washing her face" style="border-width: 0px; float: left; padding-right: 10px; text-align: center;"><p style="margin: 0px 30px 10px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">NO!!! Never wash a rabbit unless it is very dirty or has soiled itself. Rabbits can go into shock when you immerse them in water. Rabbits do a very good job of keeping themselves clean and only need help when they are very sick. If you have to wash your rabbit, fill a bath/tub with about an inch of water. Put a towel in the bottom of the bath so the bunny has some grip. Use some gentle shampoo or soap in the water. Try and hold the front half of the bunny out of the water. This may stop her struggling. Gently massage the hind leg/tail area with your fingers and remove any poops. Tip the water out and then replace it with clean water to rinse the bunny. Use towels and paper towels to dry as best you can, then use a hairdryer to direct warm air in the general vicinity of the rabbit. Do not point the hairdryer at the rabbit as you may burn the skin. Generally rabbits will try and lick themselves dry. Don't be surprised if your rabbit sulks for a while afterwards !!!</span></p><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br style="text-align: center;"><br style="text-align: center;"></span><div style="text-align: start;"><b style="text-align: center; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Cleaning out scent glands</b></div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: start;">Rabbits have a scent gland either side of their anus. The scent gland needs cleaning out as the scent is a liquid that can clog up the gland. Its a yucky stinky job, but it needs to be done. To clean the scent glands out, get a cotton bud and wet it with warm water. You may need to get someone to help you hold the rabbit upside down securely. Gently swab at the scent glands until the discharge comes off. If you have any trouble doing this, ask your vet to do it for you. </div></span><br style="text-align: center;"><br style="text-align: center;"></span><div style="text-align: start;"><b style="text-align: center; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Nail / Claw Trimming</b></div><img class="left" src="http://fuzzy-rabbit.com/images/nailclippers.jpg" alt="Nail clippers" style="border-width: 0px; float: left; padding-right: 10px; text-align: center;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: start;">Rabbits need their claws trimmed every 4-6 weeks. The claws are like fingernails, and never stop growing. Most indoor rabbits won't wear their claws down enough, so they will need to be clipped. You can do this yourself using nail clippers, or you can take your rabbit to a vet. If you are doing it yourself, it helps to shine a light from underneath the claw so you can ensure that you don't clip the blood vessel (the pink bit). </div></span><br style="text-align: center;"><br style="text-align: center;"></span><div style="text-align: start;"><b style="text-align: center; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Brushing</b></div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: start;">Rabbits moult several times a year, and having central heating on inside the house must confuse them. A soft brush can be used to brush out excess hair. Rabbits are good at keeping their fur clean and tidy, so you don't need to bother brushing them everyday.</div></span><br style="text-align: center;"><br style="text-align: center;"></span><div style="text-align: start;"><b style="text-align: center; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Eyes</b></div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: start;">Sometimes rabbits get sleep in their eyes. Just wipe this away for them. If there is excess gunk or a lot of tears, your bunny may have a problem. Take your rabbit to the vet. Interesting facts - rabbits have a third eyelid, and don't need to blink very often. This is how they can sleep with their eyes open. </div></span><br style="text-align: center;"><br style="text-align: center;"></span><div style="text-align: start;"><b style="text-align: center; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Fleas</b></div><span style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: start;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">If your rabbit is scratching itself a lot, he most likely has fleas. Fleas are small flying insects that are dark brown in color. They aren't easy to find in all that rabbit fur, but you can see small black specs of flea poop that has been left behind. Fleas need to be treated ASAP as the fleas will lay larvae on rabbits, rugs, carpet and anything hair like. The best flea treatment for rabbits is Revolution. The dosage needs to be worked out based on the rabbit's body weight, and is then applied to the back of the rabbit's neck. This is so it is not groomed or licked off. Rabbits should be seperated after treatment to ensure they do not lick the flea treatment from each other's fur. Any rugs or material items eg. towels, that have been around the rabbit should be washed in hot water to kill the larvae eggs. The revolution treatment lasts for a month, but rabbits may need further treatment if more fleas have hatched from the eggs.</span><font color="#003366" face="Garamond" size="3"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"> </span></font></div></span>IggyPighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06565432630258756282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2382702658682459296.post-59314569955626493092014-05-01T13:07:00.001-07:002014-05-01T13:07:49.780-07:00Guinea Pigs + Other Pets??<div class="entry-content" style="text-align: justify;"><p style="text-align: start;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">If you have other pets aside from your cavies, it’s nice to see one another in harmony. But are there ways to introduce your cavies to your other, bigger pets? Isn’t it dangerous for a small guinea pig to go near a dog or a cat for example? The truth to the matter is that you can introduce your guinea pigs to your other pets provided you follow systematized ways of introducing the animals</span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">. And you avoid some situations that you know you can’t get your</span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"> guinea pig</span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">if the situations head south.</span><font color="#000000" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><a href="http://www.cutehomepets.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/dog-and-guinea-pig.jpg" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-2697" src="http://www.cutehomepets.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/dog-and-guinea-pig.jpg" alt="guinea pig and other pets" width="500" height="350" style="border: 0px;"></a></font></p><h2 style="padding: 0px 0px 5px 25px; margin: 10px 15px 10px 0px; text-align: left; font-weight: bold; background-image: url(http://www.cutehomepets.com/wp-content/themes/pettheme/images/icon_pet.png);"><span style="font-size: 17px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">The DON’Ts</span></h2><p style="text-align: start;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Before you set your dreams high about introducing your cavies to your other pets, know that there are situations which prevent you from fulfilling your dream. Don’t push it if</span></p><p style="text-align: start;"><strong style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">1. Your other pet is aggressive</strong></p><p style="text-align: start;"><a href="http://www.cutehomepets.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/aggressive-guinea-pig.jpg" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><font color="#000000"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-2698" src="http://www.cutehomepets.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/aggressive-guinea-pig.jpg" alt="guinea pig attitude" width="500" height="350" style="border: 0px;"></font></a></p><p style="text-align: start;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Pets that are known to have aggressive tendencies such as a pit bull or a territorial rabbit should never come close to your guinea pigs. Or is it the dog who needs to watch out for the cavy?</span></p><p style="text-align: start;"><strong style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">2. Your other pet is a known mouser</strong></p><p style="text-align: start;"><a href="http://www.cutehomepets.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/guinea-pig-and-cat.jpg" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><font color="#000000"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-2699" src="http://www.cutehomepets.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/guinea-pig-and-cat.jpg" alt="cat and guinea pig bonding" width="500" height="350" style="border: 0px;"></font></a></p><p style="text-align: start;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Some cats are known mousers that they’ll let no one, including you, stand on their way to catch a rodent. You can’t give your guinea pig help once your mouser swings into action, so it’s better to separate the animals.</span></p><p style="text-align: start;"><strong style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">3. Your other pet is too large</strong></p><p style="text-align: start;"><a href="http://www.cutehomepets.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/guinea-pig-and-dog.jpg" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><font color="#000000"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-2700" src="http://www.cutehomepets.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/guinea-pig-and-dog.jpg" alt="bonding dog and guinea pig" width="500" height="350" style="border: 0px;"></font></a></p><p style="text-align: start;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">No matter how gentle your other pet is, if it’s too large for a small cavy to handle, then they should never be introduced. Examples of such gentle giants are a St. Bernard and a Labrador. One unintentional thump from these animals can render your cavy unconscious.</span></p><h2 style="padding: 0px 0px 5px 25px; margin: 10px 15px 10px 0px; text-align: left; font-weight: bold; background-image: url(http://www.cutehomepets.com/wp-content/themes/pettheme/images/icon_pet.png);"><span style="font-size: 17px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Draw a Plan</span></h2><p style="text-align: start;"><a href="http://www.cutehomepets.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/introducing-guinea-pig-and-dog.jpg" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><font color="#000000"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-2701" src="http://www.cutehomepets.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/introducing-guinea-pig-and-dog.jpg" alt="guinea pig introduction" width="500" height="350" style="border: 0px;"></font></a></p><p style="text-align: start;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Like setting up people for a blind date, you need to draw a plan to introduce your cavies to your other pet. For example, you need to ensure you can get your <strong>guinea pig help</strong> in case the animals stepped on each other on the wrong foot. That may mean setting up the date when there are other people in the house. You also need to plan about restraints, barricade (putting your cavy in its cage will do), , toys, etc.</span></p><h2 style="padding: 0px 0px 5px 25px; margin: 10px 15px 10px 0px; text-align: left; font-weight: bold; background-image: url(http://www.cutehomepets.com/wp-content/themes/pettheme/images/icon_pet.png);"><span style="font-size: 17px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Execute the Plan</span></h2><p style="text-align: start;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Before you execute your plan, know that you can’t rush things. You need to be patient about introducing your guinea pig to your other pet as it may take some time before you can see them warming up with each other. Here’s what you can do:</span></p><p style="text-align: start;"><strong style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">1. Introduce the animals with your cavy in its cage.</strong></p><p style="text-align: start;"><a href="http://www.cutehomepets.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/guinea-pig-introduction-cat.jpg" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><font color="#000000"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-2702" src="http://www.cutehomepets.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/guinea-pig-introduction-cat.jpg" alt="cat and guinea pig bonding" width="500" height="350" style="border: 0px;"></font></a></p><p style="text-align: start;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">When introducing your cavy to your other pet for the first time, don’t take your cavy out of its cage. The cage should give your piggy space in case the other animal get a little too close for your cavy’s comfort. Place the cage with your cavy in it on the floor and let your other pet introduce itself to your cavy. Do this frequently until the animals are acquainted with each other.</span></p><p style="text-align: start;"><strong style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">2. Introduce the animals without the cage.</strong></p><p style="text-align: start;"><a href="http://www.cutehomepets.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/cat-meeting-guinea-pig.jpg" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><font color="#000000"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-2703" src="http://www.cutehomepets.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/cat-meeting-guinea-pig.jpg" alt="guinea pig and cat introduction" width="500" height="350" style="border: 0px;"></font></a></p><p style="text-align: start;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Once you’re confident that your cavy and your other pet are used to their sights and sounds, you can introduce them in person without the cage. Ask someone to give your guinea pig comfort and protection by holding it on his or her lap while you let your other pet sniff the cavy up close and personal, paws, furs, and all. But, always keep the restraints ready in case your other pet gets too excited and frightens your cavy.</span></p><p style="text-align: start;"><strong style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">3. Put them in the same room without restraints or cage.</strong></p><p style="text-align: start;"><a href="http://www.cutehomepets.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/guinea-pig-and-dog-friends.jpg" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><font color="#000000"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-2704" src="http://www.cutehomepets.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/guinea-pig-and-dog-friends.jpg" alt="guinea pig training" width="500" height="350" style="border: 0px;"></font></a></p><p style="text-align: start;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Once you see your pets can handle each other without restraints or barricade, you can put them in the same room together. However, don’t leave them alone in the same room no matter how acquainted and friendly they are with each other. You can’t predict your pets’ mood; it’s better to be safe than sorry.</span></p><p style="text-align: start;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">The key to introducing your guinea pig to your other pets is patience. Be patient about the process and give your pets enough time to warm up with each other before giving up.</span></p><div style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; text-align: start;"><br></div></div>IggyPighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06565432630258756282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2382702658682459296.post-19606810261663359962014-04-29T08:55:00.001-07:002014-04-29T08:55:29.389-07:00Great First Pets For Kids<p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">If you're a parent, and your child is old enough to talk, chances are you've heard the phrase "Can we get a [cat/dog/hamster/elephant]? Please, please, pretty please?" In general, this request inspires a sense of impending doom. No matter what kind of pet you have, it's going to be a lot of work. And, no matter how much your kid tries to convince you that they'll do everything, you'll have to shoulder a certain amount of responsibility. Pet ownership means adoption fees, vet bills, food, toys, grooming, cleanup -- and who knows what else. It's not something to take lightly.</span></p><p style="margin: 15px 0px 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">But the right kid paired with the right pet can actually mean great things for everybody. Taking on the care of an animal can teach your child how to be responsible and aware of the needs of others. A pet is a live-in nature lesson. The bond with a pet can provide immeasurable fulfillment for everyone in your family, not just your child.</span></p><p style="margin: 15px 0px 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">But how to pick the right pet? Not to worry, this is the place to start. </span></p><p style="margin: 15px 0px 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><i><b>Hermit Crabs</b></i></span></p><p style="margin: 15px 0px 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Hermit crabs are interesting, low-maintenance pets. Their name comes from the shells they squeeze into, leaving only their front claws and eyes peeking out at the world. These small crustaceans require a daily diet of fresh food and water, plus a misting of water to keep them moist. Housing is pretty simple, too: A tank with gravel on the bottom will do nicely. Your child will need to be attentive to the hermit crab's behavior, since they do molt regularly and require progressively larger shells to wear as they grow. Hermit crabs are a great way to introduce your child to the world of responsible pet ownership.</span></p><p style="margin: 15px 0px 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><b><i>Small Lizards</i></b></span></p><p style="margin: 15px 0px 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><i><br></i></span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Small lizards can make for very interesting pets. But not every kind of lizard will work well for the novice pet owner. Iguanas and Savannah monitors start out cute and small, but they grow into lizards several feet in length -- and they're also capable of inflicting nasty bites.</span></p><p style="margin: 15px 0px 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Instead, consider a leopard gecko or bearded dragon. These reptiles are good starter pets due to their docile nature, low-maintenance lifestyle and small size. Though delicate in their infancy, once they reach adulthood, they're resilient and hardy creatures.</span></p><p style="margin: 15px 0px 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b><br></b></span></p><p style="margin: 15px 0px 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><b><i>Small Birds</i></b></span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">There are a few types of small birds that can make for a good introduction to the world of pet care. Canaries, for example, don't require a lot of one-on-one time, and a pair of society finches will happily keep one another entertained.</span></p><p style="margin: 15px 0px 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">All birds require regular cage cleaning and fresh food and water, along with a cage roomy enough for a bit of flying and some toys for amusement. Small birds don't like sudden movements or unexpected noises, so they're best cared for by older, calmer children.</span></p><p style="margin: 15px 0px 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b><i>Guinea Pigs</i></b></span></p><p style="margin: 15px 0px 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b><i><br></i></b></span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Often overlooked in favor of their smaller cousins, these gentle rodents actually make great pets for kids. They rarely bite, they love to play hide and seek, and they'll squeak with excitement when their humans put in an appearance.</span></p><p style="margin: 15px 0px 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Since they prefer to live in groups, consider adopting two female guinea pigs. (Two males will be prone to fighting, unless they come from the same litter, and a male/female pair will result in lots of tiny guinea pigs.)</span></p><p style="margin: 15px 0px 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Guinea pigs also provide good practice for responsible pet ownership. If you're thinking about getting a bigger pet somewhere down the road, for example, longer-haired varieties are good preview for dog or cat ownership, since they need to be groomed daily in order to prevent tangles.</span></p><p style="margin: 15px 0px 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">The 'downside' is that they need large cages. The storebought cages are often too small, so it's best to go with C&C cages or pens instead.(www.guineapigcages.com)</span></p><p style="margin: 15px 0px 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><b><i>Rats</i></b></span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Interested in an intelligent, affectionate, self-cleaning pet that's suitable for your child? Get a rat.</span></p><p style="margin: 15px 0px 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">No, really. While their sewer-dwelling, dumpster diving cousins have a bad reputation, domesticated (or "fancy") rats shouldn't be tarred with the same brush. Fancy rats easily learn tricks, love to play with their humans, and meticulously groom themselves. Like guinea pigs, they're very social, so getting a pair is probably your best option. Older kids can play with their pet rats unsupervised; younger kids should be attended, though that's more for the rats' safety than the child's (rats rarely bite). And they're decidedly low-maintenance: Aside from cage upkeep and daily feeding, rats just need regular play time outside of the cage.</span></p><p style="margin: 15px 0px 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><b><i>Betta Fish</i></b></span></p><p style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">A fish is another classic first pet, provided you pick the right one. Goldfish are the archetypal choice, but they're notoriously fragile and require a fairly elaborate tank-and-filter setup.</span></p><p style="margin: 15px 0px 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Betta fish, however, are happiest in smaller bowls, no filter necessary. Bettas are beautiful fish, often jewel-toned, with long flowing fins. The bowl will need regular cleaning and water changes; consider adding an aquatic snail to your bowl, which will help keep the algae at bay. (They're fun to watch, too.) Your child can have fun decorating the bowl with gravel, plants and other accessories. A word to the wise: This is one pet that's best purchased singly, because two bettas in the same bowl will fight to the death. But a healthy, well-tended betta can live for two or three years.</span></p><p style="margin: 15px 0px 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></p><p style="margin: 15px 0px 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b><i>An Older Dog or Cat</i></b></span></p><p style="margin: 15px 0px 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Though you might be tempted by the overwhelming cuteness of puppies and kittens, young animals usually don't make great starter pets. They require a lot of patience and training in order to grow into well-adjusted pets, and kids generally don't have the experience to pull that off. Instead, adopt an adult dog or cat from an animal shelter. On the whole, older animals will be much more tolerant with kids, and pets that are already trained will make it easier for your child to learn what it takes to care for them. But even the gentlest of dogs and cats require a lot of work, so be sure to help your child understand what the animal needs.</span></p><p style="margin: 15px 0px 0px; padding: 0px;"><b><i>Small Snakes</i></b></p><p style="margin: 15px 0px 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Don't freak out! Like rats, snakes are often misunderstood. Stay away from larger snake varieties -- and, of course, anything poisonous -- and you'll find that snakes can actually be pretty cool pets for kids. The most popular variety is the corn snake, which is nonvenomous and will only grow to about 4 or 5 feet (1.2 to 1.5 meters) in length. If you adopt a young corn snake, it'll become accustomed to you very quickly, happily curling up in your hands for warmth. Your pet snake will need an aquarium (make sure there are no weak spots, to prevent escape), fresh water and a heat source. And, of course, they have to eat -- which is where some people get tripped up. Snakes are carnivores, consuming a rodent about once a week. Most captive-bred snakes are fine with pre-killed prey, which can be easily procured at a pet store. If that aspect of snake ownership isn't a problem, then the snake can offer your child many happy years of reptilian fun.</span></p><p style="margin: 15px 0px 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><b><i><br></i></b></span></p>IggyPighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06565432630258756282noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2382702658682459296.post-44895617725444449252014-04-29T08:41:00.001-07:002014-04-29T08:41:38.004-07:00Exotic Pet Issues<div id="intro" style="margin: 1.5em 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: inherit;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Making the commitment to own any pet takes a lot of careful thought and consideration. Unfortunately, with some exotic pets it is easy to get caught in the trap of thinking they are easy to care for, or less of a commitment than dogs and cats. Some exotic pets represent an enormous commitment of time and money, so it is important to really research and prepare if you decide on an exotic pet.</span></div><div class="lsItm" style="margin: 1.5em 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: inherit; clear: left;"><h3 style="font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 17px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">1. <a href="http://exoticpets.about.com/cs/resourcesgeneral/a/choosingpet.htm" style="font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; cursor: pointer;">Impulsive Adoptions</a></span></h3><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">When you spot an amazing, adorable creature at the pet store (or elsewhere) it is tempting to bring him or her home right away. However, resist this urge. Instead, go home and find out everything you can about this kind of pet. Then, give yourself a couple of days to decide with certainty that this is right pet for you and make sure you are not making any of the following mistakes. Also make sure you have the proper housing set up before getting the pet (see mistake number two).</span><div class="lsLks" style="margin: 0.75em 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: inherit;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; text-decoration: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><b>2. Not Preparing a Home Before Getting a Pet</b></span></div></div><div class="lsItm" style="margin: 1.5em 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: inherit; clear: left;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Coming home to a new environment is stressful and scary, and it will only be harder if your new pet has to stay in temporary housing while you get a cage or tank set up. Find out everything you will need, and get it all set up. Make sure temperatures and humidity are right, and when your new pet gets home, it can go directly into a proper environment. At this point, let your new pet settle in and explore its new home for a couple of days before trying to tame or handle your new pet.</span></div><div class="lsItm" style="margin: 1.5em 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: inherit; clear: left;"><h3 style="font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 17px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">3. Underestimating the Cost of Owning a Pet</span></h3><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">You might find that some exotic pets do not cost a lot. However, you need to accurately assess the true cost including housing, equipment, and ongoing costs like food and supplies. Also do not forget to factor in veterinary care. Considering the full cost is especially important for reptiles, which are often inexpensive themselves. However, they often need large terrariums, heating, and lights (including expensive UVA/UVB lamps which must be replaced regularly).</span></div><div class="lsItm" style="margin: 1.5em 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: inherit; clear: left;"><h3 style="font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 17px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">4. <a href="http://exoticpets.about.com/cs/resourcesgeneral/a/findingavet.htm" style="font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; cursor: pointer;">Neglecting Veterinary Care</a></span></h3><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Many people have not factored in the cost of veterinary care and may try to avoid vet visits because of the cost. Many exotic pets are experts at hiding illness until they are in serious trouble (remember, not showing weakness is a natural defense mechanism), so if your pet is showing signs of illness you are best off getting to a vet as soon as possible. Routine check ups are ideal, and it is best to have a relationship with a vet before an emergency situation arises.</span></div><div class="lsItm" style="margin: 1.5em 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: inherit; clear: left;"><h3 style="font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 17px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">5. <a href="http://exoticpets.about.com/cs/reptilesgeneral/a/legalissues.htm" style="font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; cursor: pointer;">Not Researching the Legal Status of Pets</a></span></h3><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I cannot emphasize enough how important this is. You risk losing your pets if you do not do your research on this one. Start locally and work up to the state/provincial level, then nationally. Do not rely on word of mouth or Internet sites (even this one!), as this is too important not to confirm in person. Sometimes the laws are outdated or unfair, but that does not help if your pet is seized. Advice on how to find out the correct information is found in the link above.</span></div><div class="lsItm" style="margin: 1.5em 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: inherit; clear: left;"><h3 style="font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 17px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">6. Rescuing a Sick or Mistreated Animal from a Pet Store</span></h3><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">This one is really hard to avoid so is a really easy mistake to make. You might be tempted to ignore the above advice if you come across an animal in distress and feel the need to rescue it. Unfortunately, trying to rescue a sick animal may cost a lot in vet bills and emotional distress if you are unsuccessful. Additionally, the pet store, buoyed by the sale they just made, will likely just bring in more animals and treat them the same way. If at all possible, report animals in distress to your local humane society or authorities rather than taking them in yourself.</span></div><div class="lsItm" style="margin: 1.5em 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: inherit; clear: left;"><h3 style="font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 17px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">7. Not Planning Ahead</span></h3><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">This one encompasses many of the previous points, but bears repeating. Owners need to consider how long their pet might live, and how they will cope with their pet's needs over their whole life span. This includes lining up veterinarians and pet-sitters, and being able to provide proper housing, food and care for the pet's entire life. Other things to consider what you will do with your pet during life's transitions including college, moves, marriages, and children.</span></div><div class="lsItm" style="margin: 1.5em 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: inherit; clear: left;"><h3 style="font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 17px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">8. Thinking Someone Will Take Your Pets if You Can't Care for Them</span></h3><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Finding a new home for an exotic pet is not as easy as many people think it will be, and the more "exotic" the pet the harder it will be. Most zoos are unwilling or unable to take former pets. Most shelters are not equipped to take exotics, and sanctuaries specifically for exotic pets are rare and often full to capacity already. Never assume that if you can't keep your pets, you will be able to find someone else to commit to caring for your exotic pets (and <a href="http://exoticpets.about.com/cs/resourcesgeneral/a/exoticsrelease.htm" style="font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; cursor: pointer;">never just let them go</a>, either!).</span></div>IggyPighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06565432630258756282noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2382702658682459296.post-1876288024816686132014-04-29T08:38:00.001-07:002014-04-29T08:38:46.993-07:00(I'm back! Finally!) How Should I House My Hedgehog?<div>Still there? You are? Thank you very much, if you are. If you aren't the patient-y type...meh. Maybe you'll check back later or something.</div><div><br></div>First of all, I'd like to apologize for my absence. I feel very terrible about it. I wasn't really <i>gone,</i> I just wasn't able to publish posts for a while. So, while I <i>have </i>been typing out posts to publish later, I simply could not <i>publish </i>them. Sorry, friends. I've luckily been able to improvise and have finally been able to publish a big post I wrote a while back that just <b>WOULDN'T publish! </b><div><b><br></b></div><div><b> Also...I'm going to be buying the Rabbits USA 2014 magazine very soon, so look out for that review! ;) <br></b><div><b><br></b></div><div><b><br></b></div><div>Today's post, I'm going to be talking about housing hedgehogs. The problem with housing your hedgies is that pet stores don't typically sell storebought cages for hedgehogs.</div><div><br></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">There is some debate on ideal housing for pet hedgehogs, but for any hedgehog cage, the most important considerations are size, safety, ventilation, and ease of cleaning. There are pros and cons for different types of cages, and it is important to find a cage that meets the unique requirements of hedgehogs as well as fitting your budget and preferences.</span><p style="margin: 1.5em 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: inherit;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>Size</b> <br>Hedgehogs in the wild usually cover a lot of ground in their search for food. Pet hedgehogs need lots of room to move about too. Two square feet (e.g. 1 foot by 2 feet) is sometime quoted as the minimum floor space for a hedgehog, but this should be considered an absolute bare minimum, and only used if you have a wheel and give your hedgehog ample time to roam around outside the cage for exercise. It would be much better to aim for a minimum of about four square feet (e.g. 2 feet by 2 feet).</span></p><p style="margin: 1.5em 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: inherit;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>Safety</b> <br>A hedgehog cage needs to have a solid floor, so avoid any cages with wire or wire mesh flooring (hedgehogs may catch and injure their legs or feet on wire floors). Cages should not have any sharp edges or spaces in which a hedgehog could get his or her head stuck. The cage must also be secure to prevent escapes.</span></p><p style="margin: 1.5em 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: inherit;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>Ventilation</b> <br>Good ventilation is necessary to keep humidity levels down and to prevent ammonia (from urine) and odor from building up in the cage. Wire cages offer the best ventilation.</span></p><p style="margin: 1.5em 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: inherit;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>Ease of Cleaning</b> <br>This one is fairly self-explanaorty, but do not underestimate its importance. Your hedgehog's cage will need frequent cleaning, and a large, heavy or awkward cage will make this chore very unpleasant.</span></p><p style="margin: 1.5em 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: inherit;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>Wire Cages</b> <br>Many owners use wire cages since they are quite readily available and these have the the advantage of good ventilation. In addition, they are usually pretty lightweight and easy to clean. However, few are made specifically for hedgehogs so you need to be very particular when choosing a cage. Avoid any cages with wire flooring (or if absolutely necessary, cover the wire with wood, plastic, or a Vellux blanket cut to fit securely). Additionally, cages large enough for hedgehogs might have wire spacing that is too large for safely housing hedgehogs (look for ferret or rabbit cages with spacing of 1 inch or less). There are a couple of manufacturers producing wire cages particularly for hedgehogs: <a href="http://www.martinscages.com/products/cages/hedgehog/" zt="-o1/XJ" target="_blank" style="font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; cursor: pointer;">Martin's Cages</a> (choose from the larger ones - the Hedgehog Home is very small) and <a href="http://www.hedgehogsbyvickie.com/cages.htm" zt="-o1/XJ" target="_blank" style="font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; cursor: pointer;">Hedgehogs by Vicki</a>. Some people recommend multilevel ferret cages, but the height of these cages and the platforms make me nervous about falls (from the platforms or from climbing the sides of the cages).</span></p><p style="margin: 1.5em 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: inherit;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>Aquariums</b> <br>Aquariums are okay, but you need a large aquarium (i.e. 30 gallon is a good minimum) and a wire mesh top. The major disadvantages are the lack of ventilation, and aquariums are heavy and awkward to clean.</span></p><p style="margin: 1.5em 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: inherit;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>Plastic Containers</b> <br>Many owners have gotten quite creative with creating cages out of plastic storage bins. With some slight modifications, you can make a large cage for little money out of clear plastic storage containers (solid color containers would be quite dark for a hedgehog). The biggest downside is again ventilation. Holes can be made in the sides and lid with a soldering iron or drill, but it is difficult to provide enough holes to provide great ventilation. If you get a deep enough container and don't have anything (including water bottles) around the walls that the hedgehog can use for climbing, you may be able to get away with having no lid. Alternatively, you can fashion a lid out of hardware wire mesh or screen material, either on its own, or attached to a large opening cut in the lid of the storage container. <a href="http://www.mihog.org/cages/cage_directions.phtml" zt="-o1/XJ" target="_blank" style="font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; cursor: pointer;">The Michigan Hedgehog Owners Group</a> site has an ingenious idea for a two-container home with instructions. <a href="http://www.hedgehogvalley.com/cagereviews.html" zt="-o1/XJ" target="_blank" style="font-style: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; cursor: pointer;">Hedgehog Valley</a> suggests cutting panels in the sides of the container and fixing wire mesh or plastic canvas over the openings to aid ventilation in this type of home. With creativity, these homes can work quite well.</span></p><p style="margin: 1.5em 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: inherit;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>Other Options</b> <br>I have seen other ideas for cages, such as wading pools (solid plastic with high sides) and home-made wooden cages. As long as a cage is large enough, escape proof and safe, ventilated and easy to clean, then your imagination is the limit.</span></p></div><div><div><br></div><div><br></div></div></div>IggyPighttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06565432630258756282noreply@blogger.com0