Small Mammals

More in Small Mammals

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  Small Mammals

  What Should You Do With Your Guinea Pigs When You Go on Holiday?

  Planning a holiday with guinea pigs? Never leave them alone for long. Guinea pigs need daily hay, fresh water, veg, cage cleaning, social time and health checks. Ask a trusted friend or neighbour, hire a professional pet sitter, or use a small animal boarding service. Keep bonded guinea pigs together and leave plenty of hay, pellets, veg, bedding, water and any medication. Write clear care notes with feeding amounts, cleaning routines, vet contacts and emergency details. Remind carers that guinea pigs need vitamin C every day and watch for signs of stress or illness such as hiding, loss of appetite, teeth chattering or weight loss. Avoid big changes before travel and check your pets are well with a vet if needed. Book sitters or boarding early during busy holidays to get good care.

  3 August 2026

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  Small Mammals

  What Should You Do With Your Rabbits When You Go on Holiday?

  Holiday rabbit care: how to keep rabbits safe while you are away. Rabbits need daily feeding, fresh hay and water, clean bedding and a daily health check. Ask a trusted friend or family member to visit, hire a professional rabbit sitter or book rabbit boarding well before busy holiday dates. Leave plenty of supplies and clear written care instructions, including feeding amounts, medication steps and your vet’s contact details. Keep bonded rabbits together and avoid big changes to diet, housing or routine before you go. Watch for signs of illness or stress such as not eating, hiding or odd droppings and contact a vet if needed. Plan early so you have time to meet sitters, check reviews and pick the right option for your rabbits.

  27 July 2026

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  Small Mammals

  Why Does My Rat Have Red Discharge Around His Eyes and Nose?

  Porphyrin in rats is a red-brown pigment from a gland behind the eyes. It can look like blood but is usually normal in very small amounts. If you see large or persistent red stains, crusty marks, or red discharge with sneezing, wheezing, weight loss, lethargy or poor appetite, the rat may have a respiratory infection, be in pain, stressed, have dental trouble or be getting old. If you wonder whether it is blood, porphyrin is often darker and dry, while blood is bright red and wet. Clean gently with a warm damp cloth or vet-approved wipes, but cleaning will not treat the cause. To reduce problems, keep the cage clean, use dust-free bedding, provide a balanced diet, good ventilation and friendly company. See a vet if the discharge is heavy or long lasting, breathing is noisy or laboured, or the rat stops eating or becomes very quiet.

  20 July 2026

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  Small Mammals

  Supporting a Guinea Pig That Has Lost Its Companion

  Guinea pigs can grieve after a bonded companion dies. Signs of grief in guinea pigs include reduced appetite, weight loss, hiding, quietness, lethargy and searching for the missing friend. How to help a grieving guinea pig: keep routines the same, give extra gentle attention, offer fresh hay and favourite vegetables, and provide a calm, familiar space. Some owners let the survivor see the body briefly to reduce confusion. If you plan a new companion, introduce them slowly in neutral space and watch for bullying. When to seek veterinary help: if your guinea pig stops eating, loses weight quickly, has breathing problems or becomes very weak. With calm care, careful monitoring and time many guinea pigs recover.

  4 July 2026