Fresh notes from the hay pile

Guinea pigs can eat a small selection of fresh fruit as an occasional treat — not a daily food. Here is the safe list, portion guidance, and what to avoid.

Hay, pellets, vegetables, water — and occasional fruit. A practical daily feeding routine with portions, timing, and the most common mistakes to avoid.

Guinea pigs cannot make their own vitamin C. Here is how much they need, the best food sources, when supplements might help, and the signs of deficiency.

Peach flesh is safe in a small portion — but the stone must come out completely. Here is what to remove, how much to offer, and when to skip fruit altogether.

Soft stools from a diet change are common and usually manageable. Liquid diarrhoea is urgent. Learn to tell the difference, what to do first, and when to call a vet.

Mites, fungal infection, barbering, hormones, or nutritional deficiency — hair loss has distinct causes with different treatments. Here is how to start narrowing it down.

Eyes should be bright, clear, and fully open. Redness, squinting, discharge, or cloudiness all mean something specific. Learn what to look for and when not to wait.

Guinea pigs do not bite out of spite. They bite because something has gone wrong. Understanding the reason is far more useful than reacting to the bite itself.

A practical glossary of guinea pig sounds and postures — from wheeking and popcorning to teeth chattering and freezing. Context is everything.

How often to brush, when nails need trimming, when a bath is actually necessary (rarely), and the five-point coat check that catches problems early.

A fast, repeatable daily scan that helps you notice problems before they become a panic. Learn what to look at, when to act, and how to build it into a normal day.

What to prepare, what to avoid doing in the first 24 hours, and how to give a new pair the best possible start without making it all about you.

A realistic look at both setups, including weather, routines, space, predator risk, and what actually works in a British climate throughout the year.