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ACS Upcoming events
Pignic in the park 2010
PIGNIC ALERT!
Visit the
ACS Pignic in the Park 2010 event website
HERE
for further information about the day. ACS major event of the year
and a unique fun-filled family day out for you and your guinea pigs!
Theme for 2010 is FLOWER POWER!
ACS Featured News
(Click on topics below to read full articles)
Paws and Claws Awards 2010!
VOTE FOR ACS - HURRY VOTING CLOSES SEPTEMBER 1st
 Hurry
Voting closes September 1st 2010. Every vote counts! The Paws and
Claws Awards 2010 have begun and The Australian Cavy Sanctuary has
once again been nominated this year in two categories.
CLICK HERE to
find out further information and to cast your vote.
ACS Brisbane Shelter - Cages for sale!
ACS Brisbane Shelter is currently always has unneeded cages
and new cages available to purchase through the shelter. All
proceeds go directly to the care of the animals at the shelter.
CLICK HERE to view what we have available!
ACS Video of the Wheek!
ACS 2009 Slideshow Presentation
Please note our 2009 Slideshow Contains Graphic Images. If you are
under 18 please get parental permission before watching.
Click here to watch part 1 of the presentation
Click here to watch part 2 of the presentation
ACS Latest Case Stories
Extreme Freerange! - August 14th 2009
Click here
to find out more about ACS Brisbane Shelter's
latest rescue case. Please note this case contains graphic images.
If you are under 18 please see a parent of guardian for permission
to view photos in this article and read the article.
Jaala's Story - Surrendered May 26th 2009
On March 26th 2009 ACS Brisbane Shelter received yet another
shocking case of neglect.
Click Here to read Jaala's case story.
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ACS Article of interest
Guinea Pig Winter Awareness
Photo taken by Nicole featuring her guinea pig ' Charlie ' in his
bed.
Guinea pigs are very susceptible to changes in the weather and
temperature and in particular sudden changes. A guinea pigs health
can deteriorate quickly if procedures aren't put in place to help
keep your guinea pig comfortable and safe during these changes. The
most comfortable temperature for a guinea pig is between 15-22
degrees. Due to the unpredictable Australian weather guinea pig
owners need to provide their guinea pigs with the right environment
and diet for them to remain healthy and well throughout weather and
seasonal changes.
Guinea Pigs can be susceptible to pneumonia, colds and respiratory
infections depending on their environment, overall health and diet
during the cooler months.
Who is most at risk? Old guinea pigs, young guinea pigs,
guinea pigs in poor health and pregnant sows although in saying this
any guinea pig can still fall prey to the cold.
The right environment
Chilly cold nights where the frost comes out in the morning is a
sure sign that your guinea pig will need to have warmth and
insulation in their cage in order to prevent them from falling ill.
If you are feeling the cold then your guinea pig will be as well. It
is recommended to bring your guinea pig indoors during cold nights
or for permanent living which is the safest way to ensure that they
do not catch a chill. For guinea pigs housed outdoors or on the
family patio their are other things that you can put in place to
ensure your guinea pig remains warm.
Some environmental things you can provide include:
- draping thick blankets over the entire cage at night
- placing a big pile of grassy hay in an enclosed end of the guinea
pigs cage to provide insulation
- purchasing of making warm fleecy beds for your guinea pig to sleep
on/in.
- making sure that your guinea pig has a friend so that they can
share body heat to remain warm
- providing dry/clean and absorbent bedding for your guinea pig at
all times. This can include untreated pine wood shavings, paper
kitty litter, fresh hay, fleece/toweling or shredded newspaper.
- placing a cardboard box in the cage and filling it with hay,
fleece or towels can also help to provide insulation.
- making sure that your guinea pigs cage is not placed where
drafts/wind can come through
The right diet
Guinea pigs with a strong immune system are more likely to be able
to fight off infection during the cooler months. Making sure your
guinea pig receives a correct and high amount of Vitamin C in their
diet each day is essential to keeping them healthy. It is
recommended to give your guinea pig a cup of fresh food daily
alongside their guinea pig mix and constant supply of hay/grass. The
nutrition in the fresh food will vary though depending on what your
guinea pig is fed.
Some high Vitamin C recommended fresh foods which can be fed
daily to boost your guinea pigs immune system include:
- Capsicum
- Choko
- Parsley
- Broccoli (feed sparingly due to high calcium content)
- Brussel Sprouts
- Dill
- Dandelion
- Coriander
- Cauliflower
- Chinese Cabbage (Pak-choi)
- Cos Lettuce (not ice-berg)
- Strawberries
- Orange (feed sparingly due to acidity)
- Rock melon
Signs and Symptoms
If your guinea pig develops a respiratory infection or goes off
their food this is a medical emergency. Keep your guinea pig warm by
bringing them inside and isolating them and providing them with a
hot water bottle covered in a towel and it is recommended to see
your vet immediately for antibiotics, critical hand-feeding
supplements and further treatment for the condition. Guinea pigs can
go downhill very quickly once they show an onset of symptoms and if
left untreated the condition can quickly become fatal.
Signs and symptoms that your guinea pig may be developing a
respiratory infection include.
- Rattling/Wheezing/Labored breathing
- Refusal to eat or drink or loss of interest in food
- sneezing / coughing
- weight loss or no feces as a result of not eating
- crustiness around the eyes and/or nose
- discharge from the eyes and/or nose
- sunken eyes
- ruffled coat and hunched posture
- lethargy
We hope that you and your guinea pigs have a safe and warm
winter!
For further information regarding guinea pig winter awareness please
contact the Australian Cavy Sanctuary at
www.australiancavysanctuary.com
Article written by Jessica Proietti
(c) Copyright 2010. All rights reserved.
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