Where it all began

Many of you are probably wondering what Whiskers in a Dream is and who I am.  Looking at the blog it's easy to see that this page hasn't been around all that long but what the blog effectively is is the reincarnation or rather the next step on from a website I ran between 2001 and 2011, and that was CavyCapers.com.

Cavy Capers back in the glory days

Cavy Capers was a huge part of my life and it was all about guinea pigs: the breeds, how to look after them and what to do when your piggy falls ill.  It was a successful advice website which was repeatedly named in the Good Website Guide year after year and we appeared in some of the industry's top magazines.  I found myself really busy with so many daily enquiries, questions about basic care to panicked emails about dying guinea pigs.  I then set up a shop within the site where I sold pet wares such as Vetbeds and water bottles and guinea pig mugs and greeting cards.  Ten years on from its inception I felt the website had run its course, my life had moved on in certain ways and I decided to close the site down.  It was actually a huge relief and welcome break when it all came to a stop.

In the past year I've worked on various parts of my life and career but my passion for guinea pigs - and now rabbits since my first, Bobby, came into our lives in 2007 - remained.  After getting into the blogging scene it felt like a natural progression to start this blog up, in a way, in loving memory of Cavy Capers.

So here I am, still adoring my guinea pigs and having fun with my rabbits.  I love them all to bits and although I admit I'm still a novice rabbit owner, I still have a wealth of knowledge for keeping guinea pigs and I'd like to think I can still help fellow owners out.  I'm hoping you'll help me out too, because life is one long learning process and we're all small furry loving friends at the end of the day.

Becky x

Review - Supreme Tumblefresh

Having guinea pigs and rabbits I'm always on the look out for new and effective ways to line the cages.  Poops aren't too bad but pee is the most noticeable smell.  Something that will stop the smelly wiffs and extend the life of the cage bedding will make life so much more pleasant for not just me but the animals.

Tumblefresh by Supreme Pet Foods is a brand new product which is replacing it's predecessor, Carefresh.  Having used Carefresh quite a few times before I was keen to try out Tumblefresh and see how it fared.  It's marketed as being 250% more absorbent than traditional bedding, which I'm guessing is in comparison to wood shavings.

Tumblefresh comes in two pack sizes: 8.5 litre and 23.5 litre.   I got the smaller of the sizes at 8.5 litre capacity which features a handy zip lock if you don't use it all in one go and want to store it without the worry of it spilling out.

Tumblefresh looks very much the same as Carefresh but differs slightly with it's mixture of grey and pale yellow fibres.  It's a papery texture, almost like pulverised toilet paper!  It's made from wood pulp but apparently environmentally friendly and safe to put out onto a compost.  A definite advantage if you're concerned by how much waste product you put out in the bin.  I found it not to be dusty at all despite what it looks like.  It's quite fluffy, and doesn't really smell either.

I decided to put the Tumblefresh in the 'Dinosaurs' cage - the terrible two-some Scooby and Stewie!  Their cage is always the messiest so if the bedding works it'll be a success.

Scooby and Stewie!

I laid down a few sheets of newspaper first just to make cleaning out a bit easier.  You can roll up paper with mess quicker than shovelling it out without, so it's a good idea whatever else you use in the cage.  Thankfully my parents are good newspaper collectors for me and always have a good stash for us to pick up.

I found the 8.5 litre pack didn't cover the base of the cage very deep, in fact it was just a light dusting of bedding material.  The pack instructions says to create a layer of 1-3 inches in depth; the coverage I got wasn't an inch.  If I had more of the Tumblefresh to hand I would have used quite a bit more.  However, I will say the cages I have are some of the biggest cages you can buy (they measure 118 x 58.5 x 51.5 cm), so if you have a smaller cage, then this pack size will probably be more than enough.

I started the cage afresh on Friday and poops and general mess aside, it's smelling pretty much alright.  Every day I put meadow hay in the bedroom compartment and pigloo as well as a pile to munch on so the cage floor does end up covered. 

You can tell where the Tumblefresh is saturated as the fibres turn a darker grey.

When the hay and poops are cleaned out, the Tumblefresh still feels relatively dry, and there's not much wetness gone through to the thin layer of newspapers.  I am impressed!

Moving the Tumblefresh aside, the paper is dry beneath.

Relatively dry but some wetness in 'potty' prone area.

I'm not certain how Tumblefresh is an improved version Carefresh but it's still a good, effective cage substrate all the same.  If I had more of the product put down then I know I'll be getting the most benefit out of it.  It's definitely worth using if you want to limit the times you clean the cage out and if smells are a concern to you, because this eliminates most wiffs.

The only drawback I would say is the pack size because the 8.5 litre handy pack is not big enough for even just one of my cages.  I wonder what size cage the pack is intended for, especially if the zip lock is to be needed.  It could possibly work as a spot clean pack.

As I have several large cages I'd need more than a few of these packs at each cleaning out session.  The larger 23.5 litre pack wouldn't get me much further but would make more sense using.  Lots of rabbit and guinea pig owners use equine products which are produced in larger quantities; it would be good for a comparative size of Tumblefresh.  For a product sold in the high street pet stores though, the range of pack sizes available is a good choice for the owner of one or two rabbits and guinea pigs.

Becky x

Avoiding Overgrown Claws

My Timmy

A neighbour popped round today asking if I could clip his guinea pig's feet.  I'm more than happy to clip claws for anyone who asks so in came the piggy patient.

He's an adorable looking guinea pig with a glossy black coat and beautiful placid character but I was taken aback when I saw his feet.  The nails were quite atrocious; curling and bending in all directions.  I couldn't wait to get snipping.   I was wanting to take a photo of his sorrowful feet to put on here but it felt kind of rude to do so!   I think the little piggy was completely relieved to have neat little claws again and he was soon chirruping away in my arms.  His owner said he doesn't make that noise much which is sad.  It's difficult when a owner is clearly in love with their pet yet overlooks what I see as simple husbandry.  I said he is most welcome for his guinea to have a clipping again next month so I do hope he comes by with his piggy pal.

In many cases things really do boil down to education.  Lots of guinea pig and rabbit owners may not even think their pet needs regular claw clipping because maybe their dog doesn't.  I only hope I help somewhat.  I am by no means perfect and am the first to put my hand up and admit that.  I would like to think that using what knowledge I do have and by being an honest owner I can learn to be a better carer of my own animals and help others along the way.

Claw clipping the rabbits and guinea pigs is a routine procedure I do myself and will clip all of the claws on the same day once a month.  I don't like nails to grow too long and will keep them neat and trim.  When I'm doing the nails I will check the whole foot for any spurs and if there are any skin tags, which guinea pigs can be prone to, I will give these a snip too.

Neglected claws can cause a rabbit or guinea pig pain and suffering if not maintained.  Overlong and curly nails make normal movement difficult and can lead to foot injuries or painful bumblefoot if the nails cut into the foot pad.

It's the beginning of the month and time to do my animals claws again so I'll get each of them out of their cages (or grab them from a floor somewhere!) and pop them upon a towel on my lap.  I don't think I hold them all in the same way as I clip because they're all different in how they prefer to sit and what feels comfortable to them.  Some of the furries are more compliant than the others too!

Not all guinea pigs feet are the same unified colour which can prove a challenge with inexperienced owners and if you're clipping under poor light.  Timmy has both white and black paws so here's some images of his feet, before and after the trim:

Front white paw - Before

Front white paw - After

Front black paw - Before

Front black paw - After

Becky x

REVIEW - Mr Johnsons Everyday Advance Guinea Pig

Mr Johnsons very generously provided my panel of furry testers two 10kg sacks of their Everyday Advance feed in Guinea Pig and Rabbit varieties, so we've had plenty time to get to know the product. This is my personal review.

Mr Johnson's Everyday Advance Guinea Pig

The packaging looks attractively modern with its simple and clean purple and white scheme featuring a silhouette image of a guinea pig. The labelling is clear with easy to see bullet pointed benefits of feeding the food. Information on the pack reverse is concise but very technical with too much printed word to read through. Its almost scientific approach makes it less pet owner friendly and more targeted toward the breeders market or the more serious keeper.

The product is a slight banana shaped nugget in a pale fawn colour. The nuggets feel light and course in texture and tightly compressed with visible ground shards of grass. They smell appetisingly sweet and wheaty.

The ingredients are: Wheatfeed, barley, alfalfa, sunflower extract, treated straw, soya extract, calcium carbonate, dried carrot, herbs, lysine, biomos plus vitamins and minerals.

Fibre – 15%, Protein – 17%, Vitamin C – 490mg/kg

The availability of Mr Johnsons isn't as wide as some other foods and isn't stocked in high street pet shop leader Pets at Home. You can however purchase it from Wilkinsons which is a convenient shop for many people and it's reasonably priced too.

The price for 1.5kg is £3.49. Quite reasonable compared to others that are dearer.

The taste test. I laid out a scoop of Mr Johnson's and Timmy's usual nugget food on a sheet of paper. Timmy was attracted immediately to Mr Johnsons, bypassing his usual feed and keenly tucked into them. This can only mean the pellets have an appealing smell and tasty flavour to guinea pigs! Listening to Timmy eating each pellet, the Mr Johnsons sounded crunchy with a harder bite than usual, and that can only be good for dental health.

In my opinion Mr Johnsons is a serious contender in the nuggeted food market. I've successfully been able to move the guinea pigs over onto these nuggets without hard work at all. The gradual changeover was accepted by all the furries and they continue to clear their bowels of nuggets. I have found the nuggets keep the shape well and barely crumble in storage and in the feeding bowl which is great economy-wise as there's minimal waste. The price is reasonable too, and I can easily purchase it from my local Wilkinsons in town. One negative is I have noticed the piggies don't seem as excited at food time anymore in comparison to when they were fed their previous food. My dislikes are the slightly lower fibre content than my piggies previous food, and also that the vitamin C content is extremely low, at over half the amount found in competitors brands. 3/5

Food Trial Results Coming Soon!

Next year marks my 20 year anniversary since guinea pigs came into and took control of my life! Over this time I have taken in and acquired many guinea pigs (and now rabbits) and I've been faced with dozens of illnesses and conditions. I began an advice website in 2001 and I found one of the most common problems is dental disease and an obvious root of the cause has stemmed from poor diet; a lack of roughage of grasses and hay and a low quality dry feed. Since I have recognised this link I no longer feed my own animals a muesli mix which is something I feel strongly about and I launched a Facebook campaign page to highlight the problem. In an ideal world I would have muesli mix feeds banned but while this may seem far fetched to many, and while what is seen as top quality feed is expensive, I understand it's not a realistic dream (just yet). I do though intend to help with the re-education of proper feeding of our country's guinea pigs and rabbits and maybe then we'll need to deal with fewer cases of malocclusion.

In a bid to make the task of changing feed more understandable and less daunting for owners, I approached some of the leading names in pelleted form guinea pig and rabbit feed production to help me carry out a food review.

Stay tuned as over the course of the next few days I will be posting the results from my trials of Mr Johnsons Everyday Advance, Burgess Excel Tasty Nuggets and Supreme Science Selective rabbit and guinea pig food respectively.

Becky

Remembering our Duty to Care

Almost five years ago the Animal Welfare Act 2006 came into effect in England and Wales, making the biggest move in protecting our pets since the turn of the last century. For the first time a set of commands laid down by law have been able to be used to help fight the immense problem that is animal cruelty, and that's something I welcome whole-heartedly.

The Animal Welfare Act 2006 states that we must abide by its five points which are defined as 'needs' of any animal. They are to provide:

1. a suitable place to live
2. a proper diet with access to water
3. the ability to express normal behaviour
4. companionship
5. prevention and treatment of illness and injury

In terms of meeting these needs for our guinea pigs and rabbits, we need to assess what their species need in their own rights - which differ enormously - and provide for them.

Meeting the 5 Needs

1. An indoor or outdoor hutch or cage can be provided but they must be more than adequately big enough for them to live in. As a minimum requirement a rabbit should be able to stretch out comfortably and stand on his/her feet without touching the top of the cage. A rabbit should also ideally be able to make 3 hops. The hutch or cage should be secure so they can not escape nor so a predator can break in. Proper weatherproofing is also a must. The cage should overall be safe and provide an area of sanctuary, with the inclusion of a separate sheltered sleeping area.
2. A guinea pig's diet is different to a rabbit's. They should be fed their own specially made feed - added vitamin C for guinea pigs are they can not create it themselves, like humans. Clean and fresh hay must be provided at all times for healthy digestion and mind. Supplementary vegetables should be offered regularly, and fresh water must always be available. It's important to find out what foods are not so healthy and avoid feeding them often or at all (such as carrots which are high in sugar).
3. To allow a rabbit or guinea pig to behave in it's normal manner is to provide mental and physical stimulation. An area to run free is of utmost importance. Providing recreational areas with things to do will enable natural behaviours. Guinea pigs and rabbits are prey animals so need - and love - tunnels and places to hide in. They love the chance to run about and play in a natural group. Foraging areas are necessary for overall health.
4. As guinea pigs are rabbits are prey animals in their natural habitat they still display the need for 'their pack' and depend on companionship. Both animals are social and thrive in a group. Being able to communicate with their own species is important. Providing a friend is comforting and can relieve stress from a lonely life. Without a companion guinea pigs and rabbits can feel lost and vulnerable.
5. Knowing what your guinea pig or rabbit is like normally and closely monitoring and spending time with your furry friend will help you judge if they develop any health problems. Close supervision will be your first weapon against illness and with an onset of symptoms you should act quickly (seek veterinary advice) to avoid pain and suffering. Remember that guinea pigs and rabbits alike are very good at disguising illness so you need to be extra vigilant with furries. Guinea pigs do no require vaccinations but rabbits do. It really is so important to remember to vaccinate your bunny at least yearly (biannual in some cases) to protect against deadly diseases myxomatosis and VHD. Neutering is also recommended, for male and female bunnies who are paired up, and especially for female rabbits who often fall subject to uterine cancer.

Thankfully the majority of us do love our pets ridiculously so and naturally want to provide the best life possible. Not all pet owners are aware of the act still and many of us unknowingly will not be meeting the guidelines, which is why is makes us good owners to honestly admit whether we are personally meeting all the needs of our pets and if we're not, then lets find ways to make it so.

The PDSA has some great advice of the proper care of all kinds of pets, including guinea pigs and rabbits. There is also the PawReport where you can read about the Act for rabbits.

Becky

That time of year again

It's that time of year again when we need to start thinking about our guinea pigs and rabbits who live outside. Depending on what your furries live in and where they are sited, consideration for their comfort and protection is paramount as we near the end of October.

At this time of year we have four big festive occasions; Halloween closely followed by Bonfire Night then we have Christmas and New Year collectively, and until January it seems all we hear is fireworks. Guinea pigs and rabbits are prey animals which means they have sensitive hearing that's supposed to protect them from danger. Whenever there is a bang and flash of light, your furry friends will be feeling very nervous and quite frightened.

It is a good idea to put outdoor hutches into unused sheds, garages and outhouses during the autumn and winter months because it will make any loud sounds from fireworks quieter. If this is not possible, move the hutch as far away from where fireworks will be let off and shelter the hutch in a less prominent position of the garden. Covering open wired sections with thick blankets during the evenings will not only muffle sounds and dampen down bright lights but will help keep the interior cage cosy!

Keeping cages draught proof, whether they are kept outside or in, is very important. When winter arrives draughts can be very cold and with viruses being more prolific the prevention of infections and pneumonia becomes a real concern. Keeping bedding dry and plentiful will help maintain warmth inside bedroom quarters and draughts can be eradicated by the use of specially made hutch covers or clever use of blankets. A cosy furry is a happy furry and they'll appreciate your attentiveness!

Becky

When Guinea Pigs Fly

If you love guinea pigs as much as I do (and are just as loopy) you will love this totally unique collection of artwork by When Guinea Pigs Fly.

Created and painted by talented Lesley deSantis, this cute piggy range of art prints are inspired by heritage figures, including Beetoven, Bach and now freshly off the print, Shakespeare, or more correctly, William Haykespeare! My favourite character though is Cheswick Tiddlywink, he looks so smart and dashing, exactly how I imagine a refined piggy boar would be if he were made almost human!

Most of the prints are available in a variety of sizes, right down to the cute and very affordable art cards (aceo). So get yourself over to Etsy now!

Mr Johnsons Feed Review - coming soon!

As an ongoing effort to show nuggeted food is the healthier choice over muesli mix, I'm going to be doing some reviews on the top nugget foods out there on the market. It can be quite a daunting task to decide which food brand is best for your guinea pigs and rabbits - and your purse - so I'm hoping to break down that barrier at least a little bit, and help make the job a little easier.

A few months ago I made a little video for Rabbit Awareness Week promoting nugget food, and you can watch it here: RAW video It's not the best quality video but it was something I quickly knocked up with one of my lot, Lucy the rabbit.

The company behind the brand Mr Johnsons have very generously provided me with two large bags of their Everyday Advance, both rabbit and guinea pig formats.

(Remember, if you have both guinea pigs and rabbits that piggies can not synthesise vitamin C and require their own feed that contains this. This is why 'rabbit and guinea pig food' simply does not exist, or rather shouldn't if it does!)

My piggies and buns will be testing the food themselves to see how palatable the pellets are, if they are indeed tempting and tasty, and I will be comparing the ingredients and nutrition content against other leading pellets and nuggets. My animals currently very happily eat original flavour Burgess Excel Tasty Nuggets so this will be a nice challenge to see and compare.

Becky

Welcome to Whiskers in a Dream!

This is a new journal that I'm dedicating to the world of guinea pigs and rabbits as a spin off from a website I ran called Cavy Capers. CavyCapers.com was born in 2001 and lived online until this year, 2011, and to mark it's anniversary I unconventionally decided to close it down and move on to the next chapter in this constantly evolving digital age. Blogging has recently become a big thing in social media and is a rapidly growing area for quick and up to date information which is why I feel this is the best way to continue the education of the proper care of guinea pigs - and now including rabbits. I would also like to talk about my own clan of piggies and buns too, so Whiskers in a Dream will be a nice little social place to hang out and celebrate all that's great about these furries!

To make you aware, I also currently run a Facebook page called 'Campaign to ban guinea pig and rabbit muesli' which is a cause I personally feel strongly about. I am getting a lot of positive feedback from many rescues and guinea pig and rabbit owners who agree with my thinking, that feeding these animals the muesli mix type feeds are a poor dietary choice as opposed to the extruded pelleted or nugget food, but there are still lots of people out there who don't quite understand the meaning behind the page. It is simply to re-educate owners and provide evidence that muesli is not a healthy feed. It encourages selective feeding which means the guinea pig or rabbit will pick out what it likes and gives it the option to leave what it doesn't like. This can lead to malnutrition because all necessary nutrients in the food are not eaten. Also many of these feeds contain contain colours and are very sugary. Another reason why they are not a good feed is their low fibre content, which is important for a normally functioning gut. This is the page to be to discuss this cause and I urge you to check it out and join in if you haven't yet.

Becky