Guinea Garden Sanctuary

17/02/2025

🌟 Cloud is Loving Life! 🌟

Look at Cloud the rabbit absolutely loving life! 🐇💚 I managed to set up a little wooden ramp in the shed for her, and she’s been jumping up and down like a pro. It’s been so lovely to see her enjoy the extra enrichment—it’s those little touches that make such a big difference.

Seeing her so happy reminds me why I do this. Thank you all for your continued support—it means I can keep giving these amazing animals the life they deserve!

What enrichment ideas have you tried with your bunnies? Let me know! 🐾

16/02/2025

🐰 Hay Heaven! 🐰

We love seeing happy bunnies surrounded by mountains of hay! It’s amazing to see them munching, digging, and thriving. Hay isn’t just food—it’s fun, comfort, and essential for their health! 🌾💚

Keep spoiling your buns with all the hay they deserve! 🐇

-Tara x

10/02/2025

🌿 Opal Covered in Hay! 🌿

Here’s Opal, Cloud’s mum, absolutely covered in hay at feeding time! 🐇💚 She doesn’t mess around when it comes to her favourite time of day—hay first, everything else later!

It’s so lovely to see her enjoying the simple things in life, and moments like this remind me why I do what I do. Happy animals, happy heart!

How do your little ones enjoy their hay? Let me know! 🐾

03/02/2025

🌟 The Importance of Spaying & Post-Surgery Care for Bunnies 🌟

Recently, we came across Coconut’s story—an adorable bunny who needed a little extra time to recover after her spay. While it’s not uncommon for some rabbits to take longer to bounce back, it’s a reminder of just how important post-surgery care is for our beloved buns. 🐇❤️

Why Spaying Is Important
Spaying isn’t just about preventing unwanted litters—it’s crucial for a rabbit’s long-term health. Female rabbits have a high risk of uterine cancer if left unspayed, and this simple procedure significantly reduces that risk. It also helps calm hormonal behaviours, making life happier for both bunny and owner.

What to Watch for After Surgery
Spaying is a major operation, and every bunny reacts differently. After surgery, it’s essential to:

Monitor Eating & Drinking: Rabbits must keep their digestive system moving, so check they’re eating and pooping regularly.

Provide Pain Relief: Medications like Metacam are vital to keeping them comfortable and encouraging movement.

Create a Calm Environment: Limit activity and provide a quiet, safe space to help them heal.

Check the Incision Site: Watch for swelling, redness, or signs of infection and contact your vet if anything looks unusual.

Know the Risks
While complications are rare, some bunnies might struggle to recover as quickly as others. This is why it’s so important to choose an experienced rabbit-savvy vet for their procedure. Coconut’s story is a great example of why patience and attentive care are so vital during recovery.

Let’s keep spreading awareness about the importance of spaying and the love and care our buns need during their healing journey. For more bunny care tips or to support our sanctuary, visit us at Guinea Garden Sanctuary! 🐾❤️

03/02/2025

When you share our treats, it motivates us to keep creating, improving, and helping more animals. 🐾 Thank you for every share, comment, and recommendation—it’s because of you that we can keep making a difference. 💚

01/02/2025

Sharing our treats helps grow this little community of animal lovers who care about quality and supporting rescues. 🐹🌿 Thank you for being such a big part of it—it means everything to see how much you care. 💚

01/02/2025

At Guinea Gourmet Treats, I cater for all kinds of animals—guinea pigs, rabbits, hamsters, degus, rats, mice, gerbils, tortoises, iguanas, and even chickens! 🐾

Whatever your pet, there’s something here just for them. 💚

Shop now:
www.guineagourmettreats.co.uk

01/02/2025

🌿 Introducing: Chill & Chew Forage 🌿

I’m so excited to share this with you—it’s called Chill & Chew Forage, and it’s part of my Herbal Luxe Specialised Range. I made this mix with relaxation in mind, perfect for those moments when your furry friends need to chill while keeping their teeth busy. 🐾

It’s packed with natural, soothing ingredients that help promote calm vibes and support their overall well-being. Plus, the chewing enrichment is always a bonus for those teeth!

I’d love to know what you and your little ones think—this mix feels like a bit of a treat for me to make too. 💚

Shop now: www.guineagourmettreats.co.uk

01/02/2025

🐾 A Tough Time for Rescues Everywhere 🐾

Lately, we’ve seen more and more rescues facing the heartbreaking decision to temporarily close due to the overwhelming number of animals needing help and a lack of funding. It’s a stark reminder of how challenging this work can be.

At Guinea Garden Sanctuary, we feel this deeply too. Every animal we take in is funded entirely by your donations and purchases through Guinea Gourmet Treats, alongside my own contributions. Without this support, it would be impossible to do what we do.

Your kindness and generosity keep rescues like ours going. Whether it’s donating, sharing posts, or simply spreading awareness, every little bit helps us make a difference. 💚

Let’s continue to stand together and support the incredible work rescues do. These animals deserve all the love we can give.

31/01/2025

🐾 The Heartbreaking Reality of Pet Shops 🐾

I recently had a conversation with someone who worked in a local pet shop, and their experiences are heartbreaking. They shared stories of guinea pigs with nails so overgrown they curled into their feet, sick gerbils left untreated, and a blind guinea pig with a head tilt who was almost euthanised until they stepped in to save her. There were also animals left without food or water, and even a rabbit who tragically died because the store was too hot, and no action was taken.

It’s shocking to hear these stories, especially when pet shops are supposed to be reputable places for animals. It makes me wonder—how do they get away with this? Why aren’t they held accountable for what is essentially animal abuse?

What’s even more upsetting is that while rescues like ours struggle to keep going and rely on donations to care for animals properly, these shops make massive profits while neglecting the very creatures they’re selling.

Although some shops have stopped selling small animals, many continue to sell reptiles, and the conditions for them are often just as poor. It’s devastating to think about how many animals suffer behind the scenes.

This is why rescues exist—to step in where others fail. At Guinea Garden Sanctuary, we do everything we can to provide the care and love these animals deserve. But hearing stories like this fuels my determination to keep advocating for better conditions and to educate people on the importance of adopting rather than buying from places that put profits over welfare.

Thank you to everyone who supports rescues like ours—you’re helping to make a real difference. 💚

-Tara x

30/01/2025

Trust is Earned, Not Forced 🤍

At the sanctuary, we believe that the greatest gift we can give our animals is the freedom to choose. If our piggies choose to come to us, it’s not just a moment—it’s a sign of trust.

Allowing animals to make their own decisions, to feel safe and comfortable in their space, is one of the most important things we can do as their guardians. And when they choose to interact with us? That’s a beautiful connection built on mutual respect and understanding.

Every little interaction, every step towards us, is a reminder that trust takes time, patience, and love. 💚

How do your animals show their trust? We'd love to hear your stories!

29/01/2025

Why is my guinea pig suddenly aggressive?

Sudden aggression can be a sign of pain or hormonal changes. At the sanctuary, we always recommend a vet visit to rule out any issues. Have you experienced sudden aggression? What helped?

28/01/2025

Can stress cause behaviour changes in guinea pigs?

Stress can lead to hiding, aggression, or loss of appetite. I’ve had pigs that turned around completely once their stressors were removed. What have you done to help your guinea pigs feel calmer?

27/01/2025

🌿 Supporting Rescues, One Treat at a Time 🌿

Recently, many rescues have been forced to make the heartbreaking decision to temporarily close due to the overwhelming number of animals needing help and a lack of funding. It’s a tough time for everyone in the rescue community.

At Guinea Gourmet Treats, every order you place does more than just spoil your furry friends—it helps fund the work we do at Guinea Garden Sanctuary, keeping the doors open for animals in need.

Your support through buying treats or sharing our posts makes a real difference. Together, we can keep helping these amazing animals and giving them the care they deserve. 💚

Thank you for being part of this journey—you’re making an impact with every purchase.

Shop now:
www.guineagourmettreats.co.uk

27/01/2025

Why is my guinea pig losing weight but eating normally?

Weight loss in guinea pigs, even when they appear to be eating normally, is often a sign that something isn’t quite right. At the sanctuary, I’ve seen this happen with guinea pigs who were dealing with underlying health issues, and a thorough vet check was always the next step. Here are some potential causes to be aware of:

Dental Problems: Guinea pigs’ teeth grow continuously, and issues like malocclusion (misaligned teeth) or overgrown molars can make chewing difficult, leading to weight loss even if they’re still attempting to eat.

Parasites or Infections: Internal parasites, such as worms, or conditions like a urinary tract infection can cause weight loss. Symptoms might not always be obvious, so regular health checks are essential.

Digestive Issues: Gut problems, including a slowed digestive system or an imbalance in gut flora, can lead to poor nutrient absorption despite normal food intake.

Underlying Illness: Chronic conditions such as kidney disease, liver problems, or heart disease can also cause weight loss. These often require diagnostics like blood tests or imaging for confirmation.

Stress or Pain: Stressful situations, such as recent changes to their environment or bullying from a cage mate, can cause weight loss. Pain from arthritis or injuries might also make eating uncomfortable, even if they appear to chew normally.

Nutritional Deficiencies: A diet low in essential nutrients like Vitamin C can weaken their immune system and overall health, contributing to weight loss.

What Should You Do?

Monitor Weight Regularly: Weigh your guinea pig weekly to catch any changes early. Use the same time of day and conditions for consistency.

Check Their Diet: Ensure they’re getting a balanced diet of high-quality hay, fresh vegetables, and appropriate pellets. Adding forages like those from Guinea Gourmet Treats (https://www.guineagourmettreats.co.uk) can provide extra nutrients and stimulate natural eating behaviours.

Consult a Vet: If you notice weight loss, even if it’s small, consult a vet immediately. Early intervention is key to resolving many underlying issues.

Have you ever had to monitor your guinea pig’s weight? What steps did you take to address it? Let me know—I’d love to hear your experiences and what worked for your piggies!

Welcome to Guinea Gourmet Treats – Where Every Nibble is a Delight! Explore our delicious handmade treats and forages. Special offers available at Guinea Gourmet Treats. 🐹🌿🥕

26/01/2025

How do health issues affect guinea pig behaviour?

Pain or illness can make guinea pigs irritable or withdrawn. They are also masters at hiding illness too, so checking is vital. At the sanctuary, we always check for health problems if their behaviour changes suddenly. Have you noticed behaviour changes linked to health?

25/01/2025

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🎥 Parsnips and Kidney Health: Let’s Talk! 🎥

I’ve just uploaded a quick video all about parsnips and how they can support kidney health in your furry friends. 🥕

Parsnips are rich in vitamins and minerals that help promote healthy kidney function. Plus, their natural sweetness makes them a favourite treat for guinea pigs, rabbits, and other small animals! 🌿

Check out the video to learn more about how to safely include parsnips in your pet’s diet and why they’re such a great addition to our forage mixes.

Watch now and shop parsnip-packed forages: www.guineagourmettreats.co.uk

25/01/2025

How do I create a safe bonding pen?

Neutral space is key. We’ve used playpens at the sanctuary with great success—just remove anything they could claim as their own. Have you tried a bonding pen? How did it go?