Happy squeaks

Sometimes dubbed “forgotten pets”, the welfare of the guinea pig can be overlooked. PDSA vet nurse Nina Downing gives top tips for their care.

“Guinea pigs are herbivores – meaning they only eat plants. Their diet should include a constant supply of good-quality

feeding hay or grass. This should make up the largest part of their diet – it’s really important for their teeth and digestive system. They should also have some safe fresh green, leafy vegetables per day along with commercial guinea pig nuggets and access to clean drinking water,” she says.

“Guinea pigs are sociable creatures and need to live in pairs or small groups, as they would in the wild. We recommend always having two or more same-sex or neutered guinea pigs together.

“Signs that your guinea pig is happy include ‘popcorning’ ( jumping suddenly in the air like popcorn!), loud squeaks or ‘wheeks’ and grooming and feeding closely to their companion. Fighting, hiding or teeth chattering are signs they aren’t happy.

“Guinea pigs are active animals and they need lots of space as well as plenty of toys, hides and tunnels to keep them healthy and happy. They can suffer boredom and health problems without these things. A large hutch and a big exercise area provide them with the ideal living area, as well as a cosy bedroom to snuggle up in.

“Guinea pigs can live indoors or outdoors, as long as they have enough space and you can keep them at a comfortable temperature in the summer heat or cold winter weather.”

“I often hear jays in the forests and woodlands, but they are very shy, so it’s unusual to see one reasonably close,” says Eric Niven of Dundee. “It was nice to photograph one in Tentsmuir Forest.”