Penthouse Piggies

19/03/2024

Our little Pudding 😊🖤

15/03/2024

Happy Friday! Have a good wheekend 🩷🐽

10/03/2024

Happy Mothers Day 🐽🌸🌞

09/03/2024

Mood 🐽💤

03/03/2024

📢 Check out our blog on reducing odours 👃 🌺 Link in bio 🐽 🌸

03/03/2024

Piglet being a fuzzball scoffing his salad🥰

02/03/2024

Persil Pig 🩷😄

25/02/2024

🌸🌺🌸🌺🌸🌺

25/02/2024

🐽 🎉

24/02/2024

🩷🩷🩷

23/02/2024

Happy Friday 🥰

22/02/2024

The best kind of cuddle 🐽

20/02/2024

Cool as a cucumber 💚

19/02/2024

🩷🌺🌸🌷🌹

19/02/2024

🩷🌺🌸🌷🌹

18/02/2024

🐽

15/02/2024

💗💗💗

13/02/2024

🧡

03/10/2023

Double trouble 🩷🐹💙

27/09/2023

Fluffier than a marshmallow, and twice as sweet! 🐹💫

20/01/2023

How should I pick up my Guinea Pig?

1. Sit next to your Guinea Pigs cage for a short time.
2. Let your Guinea Pig sniff your hands
3. Make contact with your Guinea Pig by giving them a light head scratch and stroke on the back of their head.
4. Manoeuvre your less dominant hand around the side of their body with your fingers arriving underneath their chest behind their front legs.
5. Quickly, manoeuvre your dominant hand under their rear end, scooping up their bum into the palm of your hand.
6. Make sure you have a firm grasp before lifting.
7. Pull them in close to your chest for security.

Note: We do not recommend holding your Guinea Pig upside down on its back

Here is a useful demonstration from a vet:

Sue from Harper Adams University College explains to students how to correctly handle a guinea pig.

19/01/2023

GUINEA PIG HAY TRAYS: THE ULTIMATE GUIDE

Penthouse Piggies are proud to bring you the first acrylic Hay Tray, purpose-built for improving the lives of Guinea Pigs and their owners. If you're wondering whether the Guinea Pig Hay Tray is right for your setup then this article has got you covered!

What is a Guinea Pig Hay Tray?

The clue is in the name, but hay trays have not always been commonplace in the home of domestic Guinea Pigs. Hay Trays are akin to cat litter trays in providing our pets with a specific zone that encourages certain behaviours.

In the case of the hay tray, we provide our Guinea Pigs with a space to eat and forage. The Penthouse Piggies hay tray is wide and shallow with room for multiple Guinea Pigs to enjoy a generous amount of hay and the dipped entrance makes for easy access for your short-legged friends.

The clear acrylic design of our hay tray makes it practically invisible inside your Guinea Pigs’ cage setup but it does an excellent job of containing the mess.

READ MORE

The ultimate guide to Guinea Pig Hay Trays - What are they? How to clean them? Are they compatible? Do you need one? Find out here

18/01/2023

MUST HAVE ITEMS FOR YOUR GUINEA PIG CARE KIT

1. Grooming brush & scissors

If you have a long-haired breed of Guinea Pig then you will likely need to brush them daily, while short-haired Guinea Pigs may only need to be brushed once a week. If you find it difficult to brush and maintain the long fur then simply trim to a length where it is not being dragged across the ground using grooming scissors.

Unlike normal household scissors, grooming scissors are blunted at the tips to prevent an injury to your piggy.

2. Specialist nail trimmers

Normal scissors are clunky and unsuitable for manicuring precious little piggy nails. Guinea Pig nail trimmers have rubber-coated handles that add grip. They also have uniquely shaped blades which allow you better control around the nail. Nail trimmers are usually less than £5 to buy and well worth it.

You should look to trim your Guinea Pig's nails at least once a month but keep an eye on them with regular health checks and trim as necessary. If you need reminders of when you last trimmed nails or carried out a health check, you can use a planner. Guinea Pig nails curl as they grow long and it may cause discomfort if neglected. If it is your first time attempting a nail trim you may wish to have a professional groomer demonstrate or have a helper on hand to keep your piggy still.

READ MORE

Guinea Pigs need a hand to ensure they remain well-groomed & in good health. We’ve put together a list of 8 essential items we keep in our care kit

17/01/2023

TIPS ON REDUCING GUINEA PIG ODOURS

Guinea pigs are cute and cuddly pets, known for their sweet dispositions and playful personalities, but they can also have a bit of an odour. If you are considering getting a guinea pig or already have one as a pet, it is important to understand their odours and how to manage them.

What causes odours in guinea pigs?

First, it is important to note that all animals have some type of natural odour. This is especially true for small animals like guinea pigs, who have a high metabolism and produce a lot of waste. Their faeces and urine can contribute to an odour in the environment

Additionally, guinea pigs have scent (grease) glands at the bottom of the spine that produce an oily substance. This substance is used to mark their territory and can give off a musky smell. This is a normal part of guinea pig behaviour and is not something to be concerned about. However, if the smell becomes too strong or unpleasant, it may be a sign that your guinea pig is stressed or not feeling well. In this case, it is important to consult with a veterinarian to determine the cause of the odour and address any underlying health issues.

There are a number of things you can do to prevent or reduce strong odours from your guinea pigs:

1. Clean your guinea pig's cage regularly.
This is the most important step you can take to reduce odours. Guinea pigs produce a lot of urine and faeces, so it's important to deep clean their cage at least once a week, with regularly spot cleans in between. Make sure that any disinfectants and cleaning products are animal safe and do not leave behind residue that can contaminate food.

If you use fleece liners and bedding in your guinea pig cage, you can typically machine wash these on low heat or wash by hand. You should keep multiple sets of bedding to hand to rotate regularly and keep the cage clean and fresh.

READ MORE

Here are five tips to help you better understand the cause of guinea pig odours and how to reduce and prevent them

16/01/2023

6 ESSENTIAL TIPS FOR OWNING A GUINEA PIG

If you are a first time Guinea Pig owner or are looking for a refresher then this guide is for you. Owning a Guinea Pig comes with the responsibility to ensure your pet is comfortable, healthy and happy in an environment that replicates their natural habitat where possible.

1. Finding the right cage size
Guinea Pigs love to roam and they need plenty of space within their home to stretch their legs - if they are really excited you might find them zooming from one end to the other.

From our experience we have found the typical metal cages from high street retailers to be a little snug once our Guinea Pigs hit their full adult size so it is worth considering something with greater flexibility like the modular build it yourself cages which allows the cage to grow with your Guinea Pigs.

2. Needing a friend
Guinea Pigs are social animals and in the wild you will find them in large herds, often with 10 or more others. You should not have one Guinea Pig living on their own in a cage as they need a companion. It is advised to keep Guinea Pigs in same s*x groups.

Females (sows) will get along well, and males (boars) can also live in harmony providing they are bonded from a young age and don't have any female love interests to fight about. If you mix sows and boars, well, you know what happens so be prepared to look after a family of Guinea Pigs. You can have your boars neutered if you wish to have a mix of male and females.

Guinea Pigs also welcome human interaction and love a stroke or neck scratch. If you wish to sit with your Guinea Pig on your lap you could use something like a Cuddle Cup or P*e Pad to ensure that they don't make a mess on your clothing or furniture. It is likely that your Guinea Pigs will wee if they are nervous or stressed.

READ MORE

Owning Guinea Pigs comes with the responsibility to ensure your pet is happy & healthy in an environment that best replicates their natural habitat

13/01/2023

WHY GUINEA PIGS SHOULD NOT USE EXERCISE TOYS

Small animals, like hamsters and gerbils, are often kept in cages or enclosures that include a running wheel. While it may seem like a good way to provide your guinea pig with exercise and entertainment, there are several reasons why guinea pigs should not run on wheels or in balls.

1. Guinea Pigs are not built to bend!

One of the main reasons why guinea pigs should not run on wheels or in balls is they are not designed for a guinea pig's unique anatomy and physiology. Guinea pigs have short legs and long, muscular backs, which means that they are not well-suited for running on wheels or in balls. Unlike other rodents, such as hamsters and rats, guinea pigs do not have the ability to run on their hind legs, and running on a wheel can put unnecessary strain on their legs and spine.

Running on a wheel can cause your guinea pig to develop sores on their feet, and it can also lead to muscle and joint problems. Over time, the repetitive motion of running on a wheel can cause long-term damage to your guinea pig's health.

READ MORE

Balls and wheels are used for exercise by many small animals but are unsafe for Guinea Pigs - We explain why and what to use instead

12/01/2023

HOW MUCH HAY DOES A GUINEA PIG ACTUALLY NEED?

As a guinea pig owner, you know that hay is an important part of your furry friend's diet. But how much hay does a guinea pig actually need, and why is it so important for their health and well-being? We take a look at why hay is number one when it comes to guinea pig food, what type of hay to choose and how much of the stuff they can get through.

Guinea pigs eat hay for several reasons, the most obvious of which is for food. Hay is a natural source of fibre, which is essential for maintaining positive digestive health. It helps to prevent health problems such as constipation and gastrointestinal stasis, which not only cause discomfort but can also lead to serious health issues for guinea pigs.

As well as fibre, hay is also a good source of nutrients for guinea pigs. It provides them with important vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin A and calcium. Many types of hay, such as the popular timothy hay and meadow hay, are also high in protein and other nutrients that are essential for guinea pig health.

Hay also plays a critical role in your guinea pig's dental health. Guinea pigs have constantly growing teeth, and the act of chewing hay helps to wear down their teeth and keep them at a healthy length. Without hay, guinea pigs can develop overgrown teeth, which can lead to serious health issues. For similar reasons, you will likely find your guinea pig chewing the edges of a house, tunnel or toy to keep its teeth in check.

READ MORE

Understanding your guinea pigs favourite food - Best type of hay, how much guinea pigs need to eat and how to store your hay to prevent spoiling

11/01/2023

5 TELLTALE SIGNS YOUR GUINEA PIG IS HAPPY

Guinea Pigs are full of life and they display their happiness with a range of different sounds and actions. This guide will help you understand how to speak your piggies language and ensure they stay happy

1. Zoomies
When your guinea pig sprints around their space in wide circles throwing PARKOUR shapes in sharp corners and across their furniture, it's known as Zoomies. An expression of happiness, joy, excitement or a way to burn off pent up energy, these sudden Frenetic Random Activity Periods (officially) is enough to make you coo in a frequency only audible to dolphins. Zoomies cannot be instigated in our little piggies by calling “Walkies” or by waving Pignip under their nose, like their dog and cat counterparts, but more space means more room for activities.

2. Popcorning
Without warning, your guinea pig may leap into the air like a bucking bronco, kicking, twisting and vibrating its body. You weren’t the first or last piggy owner to dive straight into panic mode scrambling for advice in googles search bar. Popcorning, in fact, is an expression of your piggy's pure joy and delight. Likened to the sudden unexpected and uncontrollable outburst of a heated corn kernel.

READ MORE

Guinea Pigs are full of life and display their happiness with a range of sounds & actions. This guide will help you understand how to speak their language

10/01/2023

CAUSES OF BLOATING IN GUINEA PIGS

Bloating in guinea pigs can have several causes, including gastrointestinal disorders, respiratory problems, and even tumours. Some common causes of bloating in guinea pigs include:

Gas
This is the most common cause of bloating in guinea pigs. Gas can be caused by eating too much hay, eating spoiled food, or swallowing too much air while eating.

Constipation
If a guinea pig is constipated, their intestine may become enlarged and cause bloating.

Enteritis
This is an inflammation of the small intestine that can cause bloating and diarrhoea in guinea pigs. It is often caused by a bacterial infection or by eating spoiled food.

Tumours
In rare cases, bloating in guinea pigs may be caused by tumours in the abdominal cavity.

READ MORE

Bloating is a common health issue in guinea pigs, but it can be treated and prevented with the right care and attention.

09/01/2023

ENSURING YOUR GUINEA PIGS CAN THRIVE INSIDE

There are approximately 800,000 Guinea Pigs being kept as pets in the UK alone and it is increasingly popular for our furry friends to live inside the house alongside their owners. Whether Guinea Pigs are kept inside or outside, it is essential that the environment they live in reflects the conditions of their habitat in the wild. With that in mind, let's explore some of the things you can do to ensure your Guinea Pigs thrive inside.

Guinea Pigs love to move and if you're a current Guinea Pig owner you will be very familiar with the site of your piggies charging from A to B when they are given the space to roam. Enclosures, cages, homes etc. are there for your Guinea Pigs' protection. If you have other domestic pets such as cats and dogs or perhaps you have a baby or small children, you should consider an appropriate housing solution with a lid or full surround to keep them safe.

If you have the space in your home, it can be a good idea to give them a small room or sectioned off 'pen' and allow them free roam of the floor space. We appreciate this is a luxury to be able to afford such space for your pets but this is typically easier for them to navigate than multi-storey layered homes.

Once our first Guinea Pigs hit full adult size we could see that typical shop-bought cages are not an appropriate size for them and we have always opted for a custom-built housing solution that gives our Guinea Pigs the space they need and is tailored to the design and layout of our home.

READ MORE

it is increasingly popular for our furry friends to live inside. Let's explore some of the things you can do to ensure your Guinea Pigs thrive inside.