A Dreadful Wheek-end

Last weekend all six cavies were unwilling participants in Spa Day. The treatment began with nail trimming, a reasonably manageable task if enough carrot bribes are close at hand. After all, ill-humored pigs are far less likely to retaliate if they have a mouthful of baby carrot to distract them.

2012 Weight Charts

Routinely weighing your guinea pig is a recommended part of guinea pig care. Since sudden weight loss and a decreased appetite are among the first noticeable symptoms of illness, regular weighing is good practice. Kitchen scales are the perfect size for guinea pigs and provide more accurate readings than the larger scales meant to be used by humans. The entire chase-grab-weigh-record process is quick and doesn't take more than a few minutes.

These charts show each cavy's weight fluctuations over the past year and the overall trends beginning from when they were first adopted. Judging by the stabilization in their weights, Belka, Truffle, Peaches, Poof and Revy seem to have finished growing. This doesn't come as much of a surprise, considering that all five girls will be turning three this year.

Corner casita from Piggiepopshop

While the piggies next door were busy with their cube house, Revy and Abby-Roo spent some time investigating the corner casita from Piggiepopshop. The adorable panda print suited the furry roommates perfectly. Black and white bears, black and white cavies, insatiable appetites, grumpy when provoked... close enough, right?

Cube house from Piggiepopshop

Belka, Truffle, Peaches and Poof have been testing out their new cube house from Piggiepopshop and are pleased to report that they love their new hideaway!

A roly-poly peeg

 

Revy has very specific requirements for cuddle time: snacks, a snooze, and a lap. As long as her demands are met and she is being petted in a certain way (nose scratches and head pets are acceptable, the back and butt zones are not) she is content to settle down like a loaf of roly poly pig.

Exploring the fleece forest

Here's a video clip of all the pigs scoping out their fleece forest. Admittedly these have been a cage fixture for a while now so they aren't a novelty, but are still enjoyed regardless.

DIY Guinea Pig Toy: Fleece Forest

Fleece forests have become quite popular over the past few months. Reminiscent of the drying strips seen at drive through car washes, the hanging panels of fringe provide cavies a place to run through, sleep under, and hide behind.

After seeing several pictures of inquisitive pigs exploring their thicket of fabric, we decided to try a hand at making one ourselves.

Poofy's piggy feets

Poof is one of those piggies who prefers to keep her feet safely tucked under her furry pelt at all times. One is pink and three are black, but all are cute (although the pink foot is admittedly easier to trim).

Breakfast in bed

Evidently Abby-Roo didn't want to get out of bed on this particular morning.

A multi course dinner

Dinners in this piggy household usually come in several courses, beginning with the main event: fresh leafy greens. As Belka, Truffle, Peaches and Poof share one large food bowl they tend to spread themselves out in an X formation for maximum reach.

Bossy pig

Opinionated Revy sometimes deems it necessary to remind roommate Abby-Roo who is boss in their home.

Undercover Guinea Pigs 2013 calendar

Now that 2013 has arrived, it is time to hang up our new piggy calendar!

Our friend Mieke from the Undercover Guinea Pigs blog has once again put together a lovely cavies-only calendar. As a bonus the proceeds will be donated to a guinea pig shelter, to be chosen via popular vote on their blog.