Caring for Boars

Clean the Anal Sac
This should be done about every three weeks, more often in older boars who have lost some elasticity in their muscles and are more prone to impaction. Have your mineral oil and q-tips ready, then place piggy on your lap with his back resting up against you so his back is supported because, of course, his spine does not bend backwards. Then use one hand to gently pull the anus back so you expose as much of the sac as possible – do not be rough here as you don’t want to stretch out piggy, but you do want to make sure the sac is being cleaned well. With the other hand, dip the q-tip in the mineral oil and insert it into the anal opening, then scoop all around to move any debris from the sac. Sometimes there will be a lot of build up and you will have to repeat the process with several q-tips. Just do this until the q-tip comes out clean. - See more at: http://www.guineapigtoday.com/2012/07/09/tips-your-male-guinea-pigs-routine-boar-cleanings/#sthash.bqbOdcnv.dpuf

Boar cleaning is unpleasant but necessary. If you find the whole scenario overwhelming than perhaps owning boars isn't for you. Your only other option is to pay a vet to do it. You don't have to do it every week or even every month. If you are squeamish you can con a friend into helping you for moral support. It is a good idea to do this in a quiet area, where you have access to clean water. I would also recommend wearing gloves. 

Preparing to Show

Preparing to show your cavies for the first time may seem quite scary. The truth is, all experienced breeders once upon a time had no idea what they were doing either. I am absolutely not an expert but as is the creed of this blog, I will share with you, what I have learned so far.

The Day My First Pedigree Babies Arrived.

October 26 2013 it finally happened. After what has felt like the longest pregnancy on the planet my sweet sow YoYoMar "Night Star" finally gave birth to a litter of four sheltie pups. The sire for this litter is Carrara "Lord Seraphim".

Winter is Gone

With Summer fast approaching we decided it was time to give our thick coated pet texel boy Zavier a hair-cut. With my newborn bub not wanting to leave the snug security of her baby sling and my husband and I assuming it would be quite tricky for me to play hairdresser with a baby strapped to my chest, hubby kindly offered to do the honors.   

A Simple Cavy Health Chart

An incredibly important aspect of animal husbandry is data organisation. Knowing exactly what your animals needs are requires a picture perfect memory or an effective management system. Like many aspects of cavy keeping this is another of those topics where everyone in the fancy has their own personal style and methods that work for them. If you are new to cavy keeping you might not yet have anything in mind. This blog, is for you. 

Boys Will Be Boys

My mother came around this afternoon and put a pet carrier down on my floor. "Oooh!" I exclaimed excitedly "Did you get a new piggie?".... "No!" she declared. "I did not. Now, I want you to look at this pig and tell me what I want to hear." I dutifully checked over her healthy crested sow. Glossy eyes, shiny coat, nice weight..... hmmm.... rounded belly.... I couldn't help the grin from spreading across my face. "Yes, she's well conditioned" I said, "Um, did Charlotte happen to have a boar in her last litter?" "Yes" said Mum "his name is Mr Pickles because he's such a gentleman.  I burst out laughing. "It isn't funny" said Mum and to be honest, in this case, technically she is right. 

Pandas Might Eat Bamboo But Cavies Do Too.

 Bamboo, until recently was not a plant that I had considered to be a food option for my cavies. After coming across it in several online articles and blog posts, I decided to do some research.