Monday, May 4, 2009

More About the Guinea Pigs




So, I know that you all come here to see pictures of the children. However, the guinea pigs are being featured today.

As good pet owners, Brad and I researched the most humane living space for the guinea pigs. We also looked for bedding alternatives- something that could be reused and didn't make a mess. What we found was a design for a nifty open top pen/cage with bedding made of towels wrapped in fleece. Brad went to the store and bought the materials to construct this ideal living space and he made it himself. The cage is probably about 6 feet long. The pigs are much more enjoyable now because they have plenty of room to play and race each other. They also do something called "popcorn" where they jump straight up in the air. For ease of cleaning, I add an extra layer (old cloth diapers) under the food, which I switch out every day. The fleece wicks any moisture down into the towels, so you can sweep up the poo daily with a whisk. This keeps the cage much cleaner, as you can see. We've also had fun finding new fruits and vegetables to supplement their diet. The children have had fun sharing new foods with the guinea pigs- and have eaten a few new veggies themselves!

2 comments:

Granny said...

Looks like a great set-up! It's more fun for the children too because it makes them more accessible. Great job, Brad!! :D You are quite the "can-do" guy! Love seeing Emily taking care of her pets! Love y'all!

erica said...

Yay, I love the fleece idea and the use of cloth diapers. =) When I first saw the picture of that ginormous cage, I thought, "Wow, those have got to be some happy guinea pigs!" And I know with your kids there to love them, they're even happier. Fun stuff all around.