Duty Calls

Today my piggies were due for check-ups. This means weighing and worming them, clipping toenails, trimming hair and boar cleaning.
Weighing is the fun part, seeing them perched atop the scales, they look super cute. I was nervous about worming Charlotte who is pregnant to my Merino boar Zavier but after a quick email to an experienced breeder I have been assured that 0.3ml of Ivermectin for pregnant sows is fine. Some put up a bit of a fight, much like toddlers being given medicine, others seem to almost enjoy the taste!

Charlotte Gets Weighed

Clipping toenails is an activity that I have been a little nervous about but with help is much easier. While my best friend held each cavy I quickly trimmed the ends off. Back legs are easier than front and white nails are definitely easier than black! The black nails make it near impossible to see the quick, which of course is something you want to avoid cutting. 

Boar cleaning is a task I get a little nauseous about but realise it is important to do. I can find the grease gland and clean the area, which is fairly easy and straightforward. As for the other, my girlfriend has shown me the rectal cavity that needs cleaning and as Zavier was fairly tidy and we didn't have the supplies with us, I have gotten off with just an explanation. I know soon enough though, I need to undertake the task, for the comfort and health of my boys sake. 

Zavier

Zavier's Coat

Fortunately the lovely nature of my piggies means that they all seem to enjoy being handled and petted. Summer is a lovely girl with a Texel coat that needs regular brushing, however she puts on a fuss as soon as the brush comes near her! The others will happily sit and be combed, especially if they have some fresh grass to munch on while being groomed. I am hoping that patience and a gentle hand will see Summer calm down and eventually maybe even enjoy being combed.

Summer

Summer's Coat

 In my search for reliable cavy care information I have come across an e-book called "Advanced Guide to Cavy Keeping." It is written by Matt Gardiner, who is a highly experienced expert on all things cavy related having owned, bred, shown and judged guinea pigs in Australia over a span of 25 years. I have found it to be an absolute wealth of information and well worth the money. 

There really is so much for a novice to learn. Tash and I are planning to head to some of our local cavy councils upcoming shows. For now we will just be observers, learning as much as we can. Once I have mustered the courage, I may even bring one of my own to the show table. In the mean-time, I will just enjoy my little cavy kingdom.