An Important Story To Tell

This is not a blog I want to write. It is not a story I want to tell. It is not even something that I want to be true. It is a true story though and one of great importance for all cavy owners. 

The Three P's: Pet, Pedigree, Purebred.

A pedigree animal has a recorded history. The word purebred is sometimes used synonymously with the term pedigreed, however pedigree refers to the written record. Animals can be purebred but not have a pedigree. Just because an animal has a pedigree does not mean it is purebred. Confusing I know.

Six Wonderful Cousins

Over the Christmas Holidays I got to witness two beautiful births. Magic and Goldie were put to their boars on the same day, so I knew depending on conception, that they were due around the same time.

Hot, Hot, Hot

With temperatures in Queensland this week as high as 46.1 degrees celsius, I thought it might be a good time to review the information on my extreme weather cavy care page that relates to the heat.

The First Texel

 I watched and waited all week. I did half hourly checks, I made hubby check, I sent my daughter down to check. I watched and waited some more. On Thursday I gave in to temptation and went out for the day to finish the Christmas shopping. So of course mid-morning I get a phone call from hubby to say that my babies had finally arrived.

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.