Guinea Pig Grooming Cuteness

There's nothing cuter than guinea pigs grooming themselves. Well, except for yawning guinea pigs. Maybe sleeping guinea pigs. And we can't forget about baby guinea pigs. But those are topics for another time.

Bay Area Pignic 2015

How has it been over a month already?! Dozens of guineas and piggy fans turned out for the Marin Bay Area Pignic in August. The pigs sniffed each others' bums, munched on everything in sight, and had a grand time while their humans chatted and exclaimed over the rampant cuteness.

Oxbow Vitamin C and Harvest Hay Stacks Review

Fun fact: most mammals produce their own Vitamin C internally. Notable exceptions: humans, fruit bats, primates, capybaras and of course, guinea pigs.

Oxbow Pure Comfort Small Animal Bedding Review

We've gone over fleece bedding at length on this blog. And as far as alternative bedding options go, the system works great - as long as you're willing to put in the time needed to keep your guinea pig's living environment tidy.

In Our Fridge: Basil

Grilling season is finally here! Many of the girls' favorite fruits and veggies have been cropping up in stores. Watermelon, blueberries, corn, and tomatoes, just to name a few. Basil, however, is one of those herbs that elicits strong opinions. Some guineas love it while others can't stand the scent.

Mowing Season Is Here

It's that time of year again! No, not the holidays. Spring! Blossoms are sprouting, pigs are rejoicing over fresh grass... and us humans are stuck battling the explosion of weeds. But never mind about that.

The Cali Cavy girls were all too happy to get outside the weekend before last. There was even a short term ceasefire that held for a good twenty minutes as they focused on the lawn. After all, priorities! Eat first, squabble later. You can see how thrilled they are in the video.

A Guinea Pig Christmas

Feliz Navidad! Wishing you a happy, food-filled holiday season from all of us here at Cali Cavy.

The girls have been busy spreading holiday cheer (and piggy beans) from their festively decorated cage. Poinsettia fleece, embroidered stockings, themed cozies, a fleece sleigh, lights, and tinsel garlands - the whole shebang.

DIY Guinea Pig Toy: Box of Hay

If you're anything like me, you have several cardboard boxes at any given time lying around the house, thanks to your latest Amazon or other online purchase. (Blame Black Friday.)

Why keep them instead of tossing them in the recycling bin right away? For guinea pig entertainment purposes, of course! A box, sheets of newspaper, and fresh hay are all it takes to turn those empties into an easy, inexpensive source of piggy fun.

Bay Area Pignic 2014

"So many guinea pigs. Everywhere, " exclaimed a girl to her brother as they peered at the furballs scampering around the pen. Herds of guinea pigs and their owners turned up to support the Bay Area Pignic last Saturday.

Guinea Pig Forages: Dandelion Greens & Flowers

Dandelion greens are a favorite with many guinea pigs but did you know they can also eat the flowers? Provided the dandelion plant is from a clean, pesticide free location where other animals do not frequent, cavies can munch on the leaves, flowers and stems.

Guinea Pig Speak: Ready to Go

As you get to know your pig's personality, you'll learn that each cavy has their own method of communicating. One time it pays to be attentive is during cuddle time - all the better to avoid a wet lap. My girls use a few common signals to get their point across when they're ready to go home.

Greener on the Other Side

The pigs took advantage of the weather last weekend with an extended lawn mowing session. The first thirty minutes or so passed uneventfully as the girls did their best to convince us that they had been starved skinny.

In Our Fridge: Chicory Greens

Chicory, also known as curly endive, has been turning up at our local market as of late. I had given the pigs a sample a year or two ago but most of them weren't impressed. On the lookout for fresh additions to their usual diet, I figured I'd pick up a batch and give it another try.

Paws Up

Food is the best motivator - which is why the pigs agreed to learn a new trick. Upon hearing the words "paws up" or seeing my hand out in front of them, they'll place their front feet in my hands in order to nab treats that remain just out of reach.

In Our Fridge: Brussels Sprouts

For variety's sake, we occasionally treat the pigs to a few leaves of Brussels sprouts.

As with any other cruciferous vegetable, Brussels sprouts may cause gas or bloat in guinea pigs.
Strictly limit the amount given.

Return of the Cranberries

Cranberries! The pigs rejoiced at the return of their favorite seasonal holiday treat.

Belka, Peaches, and Poof ate with gusto. Truffle kept losing her half eaten berries and instead of rooting around, shamelessly pleaded for more.

Revy's Sensitive Nose

As a pig with a voracious appetite, Revy loves eating different foods - but doesn't always appreciate how they smell. 

Upon being presented with certain snacks she will rear back and make comical faces to convey her disgust for the accompanying aroma. The list of foods with scents that offend Revy include basil, cilantro, banana, and of course, orange. Though her sensitive nose certainly doesn't stop her from devouring them.

Guinea Pig Sounds: Purring

Similar to cats, some guinea pigs purr when they are pleased or content. You may hear this vocalization from your cavy when they are being petted or during cuddle time. Some pigs will also purr after being given one of their favorite foods.

What's in our fridge: Watermelon Rind

Abby-Roo and Revy refuse to share

Thanks to its high water content, watermelon is great for keeping your cavy hydrated on hot summer days. Guinea pigs can eat both the rind and the fleshy red part of the watermelon.

However, the flesh is high in sugar so it is best to limit the amount given. Try carving the rind so that only a small amount of flesh remains as a treat. Our pigs get excited even over the rind itself.

Food bowl seesaw

Whereas Truffle, Peaches and Poof have resigned themselves to Belka's bowl tipping tactics, Abby-Roo has become an expert at reclaiming it from Revy.