Category: Guinea Pigs

How to Introduce Guinea Pigs to Each Other
Guide to Introducing Guinea Pigs
Introducing your pet guinea pigs can be challenging. Sometimes guinea pigs just don’t get along.

However, by planning ahead with the below tips you can increase the chances of your guinea pigs becoming friends and bonding.

Herd Animals

Guinea pigs are social, herd animals. It is unnatural for them to be alone. They love companionship and social interaction with other guinea pigs.

They also feel safer, and therefore happier, in larger groups. Guinea pigs that live in groups are more confident, mentally stimulated, eat a more varied diet and are generally healthier.

Guinea pigs kept alone are typically more stressed and flightier, less active and vocal, and prone to illness.

Whilst it is important you interact with your pet guinea pig, no amount of human interaction or caring can replace bonding with their own species. We advise to always have at least two guinea pigs.

Suitable Pairs

Some groups of guinea pigs are more suited than others. Choosing a more suited pair can make bonding your guinea pigs easier.

It is best to buy/adopt a pair of guinea pigs already together, although this is not always possible.

Make sure you don’t put a non-desexed male in with a female.

They breed quickly and you will end up with pups! If you have only just desexed your male guinea pig, wait 4-6 weeks before introducing him to females. Sometimes they can still reproduce right after their operation.

It is easiest to introduce and socialise guinea pigs when they are younger.

To be able to get along happily together, guinea pig herds need to establish dominance. It is best to try pair a dominant guinea pig with a submissive one. Consider their personalities.

Introducing Baby to An Older Guinea Pig

Pair a younger guinea pig with an older guinea pig. This way the older one will naturally be more dominant and it’s less likely they will fight.

Introducing Male Guinea Pigs

Same sex pairs can work best. If you cannot tell the sex of your guinea pig, have a vet check. Pet stores are often wrong! If you have two males together, they can become territorial so it is essential you have plenty of space in their enclosure.

Guinea pigs should never be kept in the same enclosure as other animals, including rabbits. They cannot communicate properly with one another which can lead to fighting, stress and injury.

Introducing Your Guinea Pigs

Guinea pigs can be territorial and take a while to adjust to new things. Changes will only be successful if done gradually, with patience.

The first step is to quarantine the new guinea pig for two weeks (minimum). You don’t want to introduce your new guinea pig to existing ones until you are 100% sure it is not sick or pregnant.

If you really cannot quarantine it, then have a vet do a full health check on the new guinea pig.

Do not put your new guinea pig into the hutch with your old guinea pig straight away!

Introduce your guinea pigs in a neutral territory – somewhere neither have been before. Choose a quiet, enclosed and large space where both will feel safe.

Block out any distractions such as loud TVs, children or other pets. Start by having one person hold each guinea pig and hold them up to one another. Then put them down into their neutral space.

Somerzby playpens are ideal for this. Our playpens can be placed inside or outside.

Do not try to force the guinea pigs together. Give them time to build confidence and get comfortable enough to approach one another.

Providing a salad can distract the guinea pigs from any worries and to help them bond. They may then positively associate each other with receiving treats. Make sure you provide plenty so they don’t fight over it!

Also provide hidey holes in case they feel afraid.

The idea to bath new guinea pig pairs together to help them bond (aka buddy baths) is trendy. However, this will more likely stress your guinea pigs out and cause tension.

Let the guinea pigs sort out dominance without interrupting. If you separate them too early, it can prevent bonding and make the whole process take longer. Avoid separating once you have started, unless a guinea pig is in danger.

What Will Happen

Once you have brought your two guinea pigs together and they interact, watch their behaviour.

Many guinea pigs like their own space. Just because they are not cuddling, does not mean they are not getting along well.

Whilst it can seem hostile, normal behaviours include:
- Sniffing
- throwing their head back
- dragging their butts
- raised fur
- yawning
- teeth chattering
- chasing
- nudging
- rumble strutting (shifting the weight from one back leg to the other)
- mounting / humping
- light nipping
- head butting
These behaviours may continue until one guinea pig backs down.

Try to avoid intervening as this can make them panic and halt progress of their bonding.

If your guinea pigs are fighting and biting or scratching to draw blood then you need to intervene and separate them.

The safest way (for both the guinea pigs and you) to separate them is to throw a towel over them. For a few hours after the fight, handle with gloves as they can remain confrontational.

Keep an eye on any wounds and take to a vet immediately if you suspect infection.

Leave them in the neutral space until they seem relaxed and have had a nap. This could take hours or days. Then you can put them into their new home together.

Their New Home

Ensure your hutch is big enough for two guinea pigs. An enclosure too small can increase dominant behaviour and stress. The Somerzby Cottage can comfortably fit three guinea pigs.

The attached run gives them extra outside area and allows easy access to your guinea pigs.

If you are adding your new guinea pig into the existing hutch where your old guinea pig lived, clean it out completely and rearrange everything so it looks like a new space.

Ensure you have at least two water bottles and food bowls. One guinea pig may try block the other’s access to water or food as a sign of dominance.

Also provide extra tunnels and hidey holes that have multiple entries/exits. This way one guinea pig cannot corner the other.

Monitor their behaviour closely.

Guinea Pig Bullying

After you have let your guinea pigs live together, it is important to regularly check them for signs of bullying and aggression. Warning signs can include scabs, sores, weight loss or the guinea pig acting skittish or afraid.

If you are unsure how they are acting, you can install a webcam to watch them when you are not there.

When To Separate Guinea Pigs

If you think bullying or aggression is occurring, separate the guinea pigs.

You can either put them in two separate crate or cage nearby to one another or add a divider into their existing enclosure. Having them separated but close can help them get used to one another.

You can then try to reintroduce by starting back at the quarantine period (giving them time to calm down and forget their fight).

Remember, it is not your fault if some guinea pigs just aren’t suited. Even if they always live with a divider, it is beneficial for your guinea pig just to see other guinea pigs and be near them.
October 30, 2018
Guinea Pig Facts – Some Fun & Interesting Facts About Guinea Pigs You May Not Know
GUINEA PIGS

Guinea pigs are funny little creatures.

They can be very affectionate once they get to know and trust their owners.

They are a popular pet as who can resist how cute these little critters are! But do you know all there is to know about your guinea pig?

Below are some fun and interesting facts about guinea pigs you may not already know:

Did you know?

Other Names for Guinea Pigs

The other name for a guinea pig is ‘cavy’ which is the short version of their official name Cavia Porcellus.

Guinea pigs are not related to pigs and they do not come from Guinea.

The ‘Guinea’ in their name refers to the country of Guyana. ‘Pig’ refers to their stout bodies which give them a ‘piggy-like’ appearance.’

Rodent or Mammal?

Did you know that the Guinea pigs are rodents and are mammals.

They are a member of the Caviidae family, meaning that they are closely related to chinchillas, agoutis, coypus, porcupines and capybaras.

Guinea pigs are different to hamsters…

… Hamsters are smaller than guinea pigs, are omnivorous (meaning they eat both meat and vegetation), have a life expectancy of only 3 years and make a much quieter sound than the guinea pig.

Domestication

Guinea pigs were originally domesticated around 2000BC in the Andes, in Peru and Bolivia, being kept mainly for food.

Some children may have kept them as pets also.

They became more widespread as pets in the 16th century when Spanish explorers brought guinea pigs back with them from South America.

They then became pets for the elite and wealthy.

There are places in South America that still eat guinea pigs! Peru, Bolivia and Ecuador eat roasted guinea pig known as ‘cuy’.

There are some speciality restaurants in the United States of America that now also serve cuy.

Domesticated guinea pigs no longer exist in the wild. Other breeds do however, such as the Montane or Brazilian guinea pig.

The Guinea Pig Body

Guinea pigs are tailless rodents with stout bodies They do have tail vertebrae, but no tail.

They have 4 toes on their front feet but only 3 on their back ones.

Their front feet are sometimes used for grooming themselves, as well as walking on all 4 feet.

Guinea pigs have a total of 258 bones in their body.

Guinea pigs have 20 teeth including the visible 4 incisors at the front.

Guinea pigs can’t sweat like humans can and get heat stroke if they are left out in the sun or become too hot.

They love to sit in the shade whenever possible.

Life Span of a Guinea Pig

The life span of a guinea pig is between 5 – 8 years.

The better a guinea pig is looked after, the longer they will live.

Gender

Female guinea pigs are called ‘sows’. The males are referred to as ‘boars’.

Baby guinea pigs are called ‘pups’.

Sows are pregnant for 70 days.

Pups are born with fur and their eyes open.

They are able to run when they are only a few hours old.

What Guinea Pig Food is Best?

When it comes to diet, they are herbivores and mainly live on grass and hay.

The healthiest hay is Timothy Hay, which is low in fat and high in fibre.

Guinea pigs will enjoy foraging outside for grasses, clovers and dandelions.

Their teeth continue growing throughout their lives which is why it’s important for them to constantly gnaw, so that they wear their teeth down.

Because they are constantly gnawing, guinea pigs are sometimes known as ‘bottomless pits’.

Guinea pigs cannot naturally produce Vitamin C in their bodies, so you need to supplement their diets with this vitamin.

The best way to do this is by giving them Vitamin C enriched pellets, dark leafy greens and vegetables daily.

Vegetables guinea pigs love include spinach, parsley, capsicums, broccoli, corn (including the husks and silks) and carrot.

Vegetables should always be given fresh and raw, not cooked.

Only give your guinea pig fruit once or twice a week, as fruit is high in sugar and cause lead to obesity.

The best fruits for guinea pigs are apple, pear and strawberries (including the green tops).

They practise coprophagy which mean they eat their own poo!

They don’t eat all their poo, just a special soft pellet called cecotropes to consume nutrients they missed the first time around.

Guinea pigs cannot last longer than 8 hours without food.

Always ensure your pet guinea pig has plenty of fresh food and water.

Whilst constipation is rare in guinea pigs, it can happen. Symptoms include not finding many poos in the guinea pigs’ area, noticing your guinea pig straining to move his or her bowels and bloating.

If your guinea pig is showing symptoms of constipation, causes can be dehydration, a poor diet, intestinal blockage or anal impaction.

Always take your guinea pig to see a vet if this happens.

How Long Do Guinea Pigs Sleep?

Did you know that Guinea pigs don’t need to sleep for long periods?

Instead, they prefer to take short naps throughout the day and night.

Guinea pigs are active for about 20 hours per day and rest for short times only. They are very active during the day and less so at night.

Groups

Guinea pigs are sociable herd animals and should never be housed alone, as they can become lonely, stressed and depressed.

Symptoms include low energy and disinterest in food.

If you do only own one, make sure you keep your guinea pig company!

Set aside time for playing, cuddles and talk to your guinea pig regularly. Wooden chew toys also keep solo guinea pigs busy.

In Switzerland it is illegal to own just one guinea pig.

Abilities

Guinea pigs have good hearing which is more sensitive than human hearing.

They are incredibly sensitive to loud noises. This helps them to hear predators and have time to run away.

Their vision isn’t too good, with poor depth perception.

However, they can see almost all around them with the way their eyes are set (approx. 340 degrees of vision). Guinea pigs can see colour.

They are poor climbers but can run very quickly.

Guinea pigs are very intelligent.

They need variety in their diets and habitats to avoid boredom.

They have good spatial memory and can remember learned pathways to food sources for many months.

Guinea pigs can even be taught to use a litter box or do tricks.

Behaviour

Guinea pigs are naturally very timid. If frightened, they will often freeze or run away quickly.

They will rarely attack or bite if they feel threatened. Guinea pigs spend a lot of their time hiding.

Make sure you give your pet guinea pig plenty of places to hide.

What Noises Do Guinea Pigs Make?

They make lots of different noises when they want to express themselves.

This includes squealing, chirping, rumbling, purring and chirping. They will regularly make noises when anticipating food.

When they are happy, guinea pigs jump straight up and down in the air which is referred to as ‘popcorning’.

You’ll often see youngsters do this when they are playing or after their areas are cleaned out.

Guinea pigs love to spend their time grooming each other and themselves, making them very clean animals to keep as pets.

Celebrity Owners

Celebrity guinea pig owners include:
- Princess Diana Spencer
- American president Theodore Roosevelt
- actor Timothy Olyphant.
World Records

The oldest recorded guinea pig, Snowball, lived to the ripe old age of 15, which earned a place in the Guinness Book of Records.

The world record for longest guinea pig jump was by Truffles, who cleared a gap of 48cm in 2012.

The world’s fastest 10m by a guinea pig was achieved by Flash, who ran the distance in 8.81 seconds in 2009.

Did you know all these fun facts?

Please tell us which one was your favourite! Or let us know if you have some more fun facts.

SEE ALSO:
July 22, 2018
How to Live Eco Friendly With Your Pets
With climate change and waste pollution issues being raised, we’re all trying to live a little greener. One of the best places to start an eco-friendly lifestyle is with your pets.

Whether you’re trying to reduce your carbon “paw print” or wanting to introduce animals to have a greener home, these tips will help you take care of our planet with your pets.

Ways to Be Eco-Friendly with Your Household Pets

No matter what animal you have these tips will help make your home a little greener.

One of the best places to start is trying to reduce waste in your household. Making a few simple changes will keep the garbage bin lighter, and our landfills smaller.
- Swap out single use items for something reusable. Ditch the paper towels and use hand or tea towels that are machine washable.
- Reusable bags don’t have to be just for shopping – remember to take them along with your next trip to the Pet store when buying food or products.
- Check the labels on your packaging to see if it can be recycled.
- Cans of food, boxes of treats, and plastic medicine bottles are all recyclable.
- Plastic meat trays can be recycled, but black polystyrene may not be so check with your local Council.
- What can you make at home? Making your own treats and food is a great way to cut down cost and reduce packaging waste.
- Getting meat at the butchers? You can bring your own reusable container or bag for them to package your meat and save the plastic bags and wrap.
- Where you put your pet’s poop can matter too. Swap out plastic bags for biodegradable bags, and choose all-natural, biodegradable cat litter.
- Go one better and start composting your pet waste. You can buy ready made pet waste compost bins or cut costs and make your own.
- If you feed your pet table scraps or food on a paper plate, swap that out for a reusable plate.
- Designate a plate everyone knows is for the pet and store it away from regular dishes.
- Stop using plastic bottles. One million plastic bottles are bought every minute around the world, and many aren’t recycled and end up in landfill.
- Install a filter on your tap water and use a washable bottle when taking water for your pets when you go out.
- Need bedding for your guinea pig or rabbit hutch? Recycle old paper, letters, and newspaper by shredding them for bedding use.
- Think before you throw. While you might not need them anymore, some products can be reused in other ways.
- Call your local RSPCA or shelter to check if they could use any of your old items, sell items at a garage sale or through Gumtree, or organise a swap with friends.
- Some items could be reused for other purposes too – food cans can be turned into plant containers, and old bedding could be used as cleaning rags.
What About When You’re Shopping?

When shopping for your pet products you can try to choose earth-friendly alternatives. Use these tips when you’re next at the pet store – and don’t forget the green bags!
- Try and buy eco-friendly labelled products whenever possible.
- Choose toys that have been made with recycled or plant-based materials.
- Avoiding plastic is always a good idea – think glass food bowls, wooden toys, and recycled bedding.Ditch the chemicals.
- When buying cleaning products look for non-harmful green chemicals which will help limit air and water pollution. Recycled packaging is a big plus too.
- You might not even need to buy cleaning products if you have everything available in your pantry.
- A popular carpet deodoriser recipe just uses bi-carb soda, borax, and your favourite essential oil.
- When thinking of DIY recipes, remember there’s not much vinegar and baking soda can’t clean. Making your own recipes helps cut costs too.
- Buying items in bulk is another great way to save money and reduce packaging.
- Switch to sustainable pet food as well. It’s reported that beef production uses a lot more resources than chicken or rabbit.
- Choose tuna brands that fish responsibly and avoid destructive methods.
- Check if your cat’s favourite tuna is doing things green – download a free guide at changeyourtuna.org.au thanks to Greenpeace.
- When you’re buying a product, make sure that’s durable and going to last a long time. Having to replace items can become costly and just means more waste going to landfill.
- Wooden coops, kennels, or other enclosures are a lot more environmentally friendly than metal or plastic. If the wood is untreated it can even be put into the green-waste bin.
- Choose companies that only source wood from plantations instead of rainforests. All our pet products use wood that is rot-resistant fir grown in sustainable plantations.
Looking to Get a New Pet?

Thinking of adopting a new furry, feathered, or scaled friend into the family? Be eco conscious when buying and try to start your new pet’s life off with a green start.

If you want to go with a breeder, thoroughly research your breeder of choice and ensure they’re using ethical practices. A little investigation can go a long way in ensuring your new animal is coming from a healthy home.

Adopt Don’t Shop!

When buying a new animal, always try to look to rescues and shelters first. Animal shelters are often overcrowded, and many animals are stuck in limbo waiting for a forever home.

Helping to reduce this will save precious resources that shelters desperately need.

Check out your local RSPCA or rescue centre. We love our local shelters Claws N Paws, RSPCA, Central Coast Animal Care Facility,

Wally’s Doggie Rescue, and Tiki Animal Rescue. They’re all doing amazing work taking care of so many sweet souls, and what better way to start off your new pet parenthood than by adopting?

Remember that the more pets there are in the world, the more resources that are being used. Always spay and neuter your animals to help prevent unwanted litters. This will help ease shelter overcrowding too

Some of our local animal shelters on the Central Coast:
Want to Save a Life?

Adopt a factory-farmed animal doomed for slaughter.

Thousands of hens are killed once their egg-laying days are over. These factory farms often have miserable conditions and use unethical practices.

They’re all about quantity over quality, meaning a lot more waste ending up in landfills too.

Consider rescuing a sweet hen and showing her a better life. There are many adoption programs and rescue groups across Australia.

Some adoption programs include:
- Edgar’s Mission (VIC)
- Lefty’s Place Hen Rescue (VIC)
- NSW Hen Rescue (NSW)
- Emma’s Chooks (QLD)
- Freedom Hill Sanctuary (SA)
- The Battery Hen Adoption Project (QLD)
- Brightside Sanctuary (TAS)
- Big Ears Sanctuary (TAS)
What If We Could Stop the Problem at the Source?

Consider greening up your diet and eating more vegetarian and vegan meals.

Worldwide, farmed animals produce more greenhouse gas emissions than the entire transport system. Reducing demand for products like battery eggs or farmed animals can drastically reduce your carbon footprint.

Also try to buy local. Doing this not only helps local businesses, but also cuts down on products needing to be transported over long distances.

Chickens and the Environment

Our favourite feathered friends are a great way to start making your household greener.

Chooks have several benefits including eating old veggie and garden scraps, chomping up bugs so you can avoid that toxic garden spray, and ensuring your breakfast eggs are coming from an environmentally friendly and ethical place.

What About Fish?

Prefer aquatic friends and wondering if you can make your fish greener?

Ditch the rainbow coloured flakes and buy natural fish foods. Want some updated aquarium decorations?

Look for ways to repurpose old items.

Reuse, donate, or sell old or leaking aquariums. That old broken fish tank could be turned into a reptile habitat, an art project or a garden section.

If you have freshwater fish, try using old tank water in the garden or compost pile. It’s full of nutrients and saves water resources.

Steer Clear of Exotic Pets

Exotic animals are often on protected or endangered lists, and there’s a high chance your exotic pet was procured illegally. This is not only devastating for the animal but can severely upset our natural wildlife.

It’s difficult for Australia to keep track of how many exotic pets there are because they typically don’t need to be registered with Council.

Popular exotic birds such as the Rose-Ringed Parakeet are often reported as escaped. This could have dire consequences as many of these birds are considered a serious agricultural pest.

If you want to keep an exotic pet, ensure you’re being a responsible owner. Always report a missing pet to your state or territory biosecurity agency.

Keeping our precious resources safe is one of the biggest motivations for living a greener lifestyle.
July 19, 2018
Afterpay for Chicken Coops, Rabbit Hutches and Somerzby Pet Products
Somerzby are looking to the future and that future means listening to our customers about their preferred payment methods.

Gone are the days of spending up large on multiple credit cards with ramped up interest charges or signing up to complex hire purchase agreements with dubious fine print conditions.

Today’s customers want to be able to shop online and purchase in comfort and security with easy payment options.

Modern customers are increasingly tech savvy and also want to preserve their privacy. The wildly popular Afterpay platform was created to fill just those needs and is going from strength to strength.

Afterpay already has more than 53,000 followers on Facebook.

Somerzby recognised the need for a payment platform that allowed customers to purchase and enjoy our products now and pay later but without the painful credit fees.

That’s why we have added Afterpay as a payment option for you in our online store.

What is Afterpay?

Afterpay is an exciting new payment platform that allows you to purchase and receive goods immediately but pay them off in instalments without incurring any credit fees or other costs.

Afterpay is the exciting new tech innovation that meets your need for a payment option that really looks after your private information and ensures your money goes to purchasing the things you need and want without handing a percentage to the banks.

Afterpay is your perfect shopping partner when you shop with Somerzby. Simply choose Afterpay as your payment option at checkout—it’s so easy.

Afterpay means you get to:
- Enjoy your purchase immediately
- Pay for your purchase in four easy fortnightly instalments
- Forget about credit fees or extra charges
- Purchase online without having to hand over your personal details
Savvy credit card users know to pay off their debts in full before incurring interest but with Afterpay you don’t even have to think about making the payments at all, as your nominated debit card (or credit card) will be automatically debited on the instalment due date.

You can log on to your Afterpay account at any time to keep tabs on your purchases and payment history.

The popularity of Afterpay is going through the roof—more than 15% of online shoppers are now using Afterpay as their preferred method of payment.

Why Is Afterpay Perfect For Online Shopping?

Online shopping has become the preferred form of shopping for many people today.

You love the convenience, ease, the enormous range and the amazing bargains available but constantly handing over your personal banking information to every online store you visit is a real drag and a very real security risk.

Add the varying standards of online store banking security and you could find yourself the latest victim of a hacking scam.

Afterpay means you never have to hand over your financial details to an online store again.

Simply log in to Afterpay, choose your preferred store and the items you want to purchase and then nominate Afterpay as your payment option at checkout.

You will receive a purchase confirmation email detailing the dates of your payment instalments and the amounts of each instalment.

New customers will pay the first instalment up front (and also for purchases over $500) whereas existing Afterpay customers will pay their first instalment after two weeks.

Afterpay will guarantee payment to the merchant and the merchant will ship your items immediately to you.

It’s that easy and the online store will never know your financial details.

Afterpay has taken online shopping to a whole new level of security, peace of mind and convenience.

What Will It Cost Me?

Absolutely nothing.

That’s the great thing about Afterpay—it costs you nothing—no interest or credit fees or handling charges.

Afterpay is leading the revolution away from debt inducing credit cards with their punitive interest rates.

Yes, you can link your Afterpay to your credit card but according to Afterpay founder, Nick Molnar, some 85% of Afterpay users use debit cards to pay off the instalments and this trend is growing.

Yes, there may be a modest late payment fee if you miss an installment and don’t make alternative arrangements to pay.

But Afterpay encourages responsible spending by simply preventing you from making any further purchases until you have paid your Afterpay debts.

Afterpay knows that you will love the Afterpay experience so much that refusal of service will guarantee prompt payments of debts.

What If I’m Not Happy With My Purchase?

Afterpay is committed to creating a great shopping experience for both customers and merchants.

If you are not satisfied with any of our Somerzby products simply return them to us in good condition (in the original packaging) within 30 days and we will gladly refund the purchase price minus any Afterpay fees.

Once we have received the goods back we simply instruct Afterpay to refund the amount back to your account.

This may take a few days depending on your bank’s processes but rest assured Afterpay has you covered.

Is Afterpay Safe?

Here at Somerzby we take your financial security very seriously—that’s why we’re happy to use Afterpay,and ZipPay as payment options for our ecommerce online store

Afterpay is fully compliant with all the requirements of the Payment Card Industry Security Standards Council.

Afterpay is recognised as a PCI DSS Level 1 certified compliant Service Provider organisation—this represents the highest level of security, safe handling, and storage for financial transactions and personal information.

When you shop with Afterpay you know that not only your financial details are safe but your personal information also is protected.

Afterpay is the innovative, painless way to ensure you are looking after your loved pets with all the best and latest Somerzby products.
May 25, 2018
Pet Enclosures for Dogs, Cats, Chickens, Rabbits, Guineas, and all Small Animals
Pet Enclosures

Some 63% of Australian households have a pet and that means there are an estimated 25 million pets in Australia (according to the RSPCA).

Fortunately, most of us recognise the need for suitable and secure housing for our pets.

We need to keep our pets safe from predators, road hazards, getting lost or stolen as well as providing shelter from the weather.

It’s important to think about your pet’s needs and your own requirements when you choose a pet enclosure. Ask yourself:
- Is the enclosure the right size—does it have adequate sleeping/nesting space?
- Will the mesh keep predators out and prevent my pets from escaping?
- Is the mesh mosquito proof?
- Is it big enough to give them adequate play and exercise freedom?
- Can I expand the enclosure as my animal family grows?
- Does it protect them from the weather?
- Does it need to be portable?
- Is it for inside or outside use?
You’ll also need to think about your own lifestyle too.

You might need a portable indoor enclosure for a young puppy or cat as well as an outdoor enclosure.

This could be especially important if you’re out at work all day and want to allow your pet to be safe outside.

Also take a moment to think about how easy it will be for you to clean inside the enclosure.

Look for features such as easy to remove metal trays and standing height access.

Somerzby love your animals and so we have developed a wide range of pet enclosures with all these questions in mind.

Take the time to choose the right pet enclosure for your pets.

Indoor and Portable Pet Enclosures

Indoor enclosures are a great way to keep young puppies and kittens safe from harm.

An indoor pet enclosure can be a safe haven for your animal babies when they’re tired from exploring their little world.

Not to mention they also serve to protect your valuable furnishings from their more destructive tendencies when you’re away from the house.

Somerzby indoor pet enclosures are designed around two important aspects:
- Your pet’s safety and welfare
- Portability and ease of installation
Somerzby stock a range of metal pet playpens and crates so that you can find one that is suitable for almost any type and size dog or kitten.

The 8 panel playpen allows for a range of shaped enclosures – octagon, square or rectangular.

Plus, the Somerzby metal panel enclosures are easy to set up and can be easily dismantled and folded away for storage or for relocating to a different area.

Check out the range of indoor and portable enclosures here.

Cat Enclosures

Cats, we love ‘em and can’t get enough of those fluffy bundles of joy but they can be little divas and cause mayhem.

Somerzby have a wide range of cat enclosures for outdoor use.

They’re designed to keep your cats safe from predators, road hazards, or escaping into the wild blue yonder.

Cat enclosures also do a great job of stopping your cat killing native birds and animals.

Check out these great cat palaces:
- Homestead
- Heidi
- Stacey
- Cabana & Run
- Estate
- Deluxe Mansion
- Mansion
Our cat enclosures feature off-the-ground sleeping areas, waterproof roofs, snake and predator proof galvanised mesh, and easy access.

They can also easily be expanded with additional runs so your cats can freely express their inner diva.

See our range of outdoor cat enclosures

Guinea Pig Enclosures

Guinea pigs are one of the perennial favourite pets.

Keep your Guinea pigs safe while they enjoy the fresh green grass of home. Good sized enclosures and easy lockable access allow your kids to play with their Guinea pig friends and also facilitate cleaning.

Models suitable for Guinea pigs include:
- Villa
- Cottage
- Bungalow
- Holly
- Chalet
- Mansion
Check that you can move your Guinea pig enclosure easily because they will need to find fresh grass regularly.

See our full range of Guinea Pig enclosures

Pet Playpens

We all know the importance of allowing our pets adequate playtime and space.

A Somerzby playpen allows your animal babies to frolic in the sun without fear of predators or getting into harm’s way.

The extra large model even comes with a roof for added security.

The 8 panel pens can be arranged in different configurations and are easily installed and dismantled.

The pens fold away into a convenient size and can be stored away for the next time.

Check out the portable playpen range here.

Rabbits Enclosures

Rabbits are an extremely popular pet but they have some special needs to keep them safe.

Rabbits are escape artist specialists and so it’s a good idea to look for rabbit enclosures that have a netting floor such as the Deluxe Cottage and the Deluxe Mansion.

Portability is important too so you can move their home to fresh grass.

Other models include:
- Deluxe Double
- Villa
- Bungalow
- Chalet
- Holly
Other great features include metal pull out trays for cleaning and easy lockable hutch access.

The easy access allows your children to interact with their favourite bunnies.

It’s important that your rabbits have the space to play and the ability to add runs means they’ll always be in rabbit heaven.

Check out our Rabbit Breeding Banks and Hutches

Enclosures for Dogs & Puppies

Somerzby have the perfect sized enclosure for small, medium or large dogs.

Whether you need an adaptable, portable inside enclosure, a rugged outdoor run or a permanent kennel and run combo you’ll find what you need at Somerzby.

We offer timber kennels and expandable runs.

Our enclosures are designed to be escape proof for even the largest dogs.

Check out the Somerzby range of dog enclosures here.

Enclosures for Chickens

We have a huge range of chicken enclosures to suit all sorts of chickens, budgets, and settings.

Chickens like well ventilated, safe nesting and sleeping areas that are protected from the weather and predators.

And you need to have easy access for collecting eggs and cleaning the nesting boxes.

These are key features of the Somerzby range of chicken runs and enclosures.

Enclosures for Guinea Fowl and Ducks

Guinea fowl and ducks like many of the same features in their enclosures that chickens do.

However, guinea fowl will need to be trained to use their enclosure because they are pretty independent birds.

Ducks too will need protection from predators and a solid Somerzby enclosure will provide the perfect housing solution for your pet ducks.

Check out some of the Somerzby range here.

Small Animals

Smaller pets can pose special problems for enclosure design.

It’s important that the mesh size is small enough to prevent your pets escaping or predators gaining entry and that includes through the floor.

We’ve chosen these models as suitable for your specific small pets’ needs.
- Lizards (water dragon, frill neck): Cottage, Bungalow, Mansion Run, Large Extension Run
- Snakes: Deluxe Double
- Ferrets: Mansion, Bungalow, Homestead.
- Turtle: Mansion run, Large Extension run.
Quality Pet Enclosures that will last

We’re proud of our reputation for providing real durable quality that you can depend on.

We use premium quality designs and materials to provide a top quality product that will last.
April 5, 2018
Abyssinian Guinea Pig – Breed Spotlight

Origin: South America
Size: 8 – 12 inches
Lifespan: 5 – 8 years

Abyssinian Guinea Pig Appearance

Abyssinian guinea pigs have a very striking appearance. They have a long body, broad head and a short face. Their ears are droop toward the ground and are petal shaped. Some Abyssinian guinea pigs even have a small mustache of hair around their nose!

There are no flat or smooth spots to be found anywhere on the coat of an Abyssinian Guinea Pig, they are widely loved for their unique, rough and “rosette” patterned fur.

These Guinea Pigs have 8-10 rosettes, which appear in pairs, along the length of their body and also on their shoulders, back, hips and bottom. Their coat grows in a circular fashion around their body, and can grow up to 4cm long.

Abyssinian Guinea Pigs are available in single colour varieties, and also a few colour mixes, with the most popular colours including: brindle, roans, tortoiseshell, solid red, black or white. There is also a breed variant called the “Abyssinian Satin” Guinea pig, which have the same appearance of an Abyssinian, however their coats feature a “satin” look shiny coat.

Abyssinian Guinea Pigs As Pets

Abyssinians make great pets for families with children, or for any first-time guinea pig owner.

By nature, Abyssinian Guinea Pigs’ are outgoing, affectionate and LOVE attention from their owners! With some care and training, they have the potential to become a very friendly and loving pet.

These Guinea Pigs enjoy spending time with humans so much that many of them are happy to rest in the laps of their owners/s, often giving them a reputation of being called “lap pigs”.

Abyssinian Guinea Pig Health

This breed of guinea pig is highly suceptible to eye problems such as cataracts and microphthalmos. For this reason, it is important to pay careful attention to your pet Abyssinian and look out for warning signs, such as changes to the appearance of their eyes.
Microphthalmos can often lead to blindness, so it is important to get your Pet checked out by a reputable vet if you suspect any eye problems or notice changes.

An Abyssinian Guinea pig has a higher risk of developing diabetes than many other breeds- for this reason it is vital that you ensure you feed your Guinea Pig the correct mix of healthy food, and limit the amount of “sometimes” foods and treats you give them.

This breed is also succeptible to Ovarian cysts.

Breeding Abyssinian Guinea Pigs

When breeding the Abyssinian Guinea Pig, it is important that you do not breed two roans. Abyssinians with Roan coats have a gene that is linked to genetic deformities.

Somerzby provide a great range of Guinea Pig Breeding Banks.

Housing your Guinea Pig

It is important to provide your Abyssinian Guine pig with a safe and secure home. Regardless of whether you decide your pet is going to live outside, or inside, you need to carefully consider where you will place their hutch/cage.

Their home should be positioned so that they are sheltered from extreme weather conditions and have access to sun, shade and fresh air flow all day long. For inside guinea pigs for example, do not place their home next to a closed window- as on a very hot, sunny day they would not be able to escape the heat.
For outside guinea pigs, ensure their cage is placed in an area that receives both sun and shade throughout the day and is not exposed to high winds.

Transporting your Guinea Pig

Before you bring home your Guinea pig, you may wish to spend some time considering how you will transport them – not just for their initial trip home, but also for future trips. You will need to be prepared to transport your Guinea Pig for trips to the vet, or to a temporary accommodation when you go away on holidays.

The Somerzby range of Guinea Pig Pet Crates have great features that allow you to easily and safely transport your Guinea Pig/s by Train, Bus or Car. Our pet crates are lightweight, strong, secure, fold down for easy storage and come with optional covers for extra protection from the elements. These crates are also useful for temporarily housing your Guinea Pig/s whilst you clean out their hutch and run.

Picking a Hutch

When selecting a hutch for your furry Abyssinian friend, it is important that you try to select the largest cage possible. A larger cage ensures your pet has plenty of space to move freely, run and play. At a minimum, a cage for a single guinea pig should be at least 60cm x 30cm x 30cm.

The Somerzby range of Guinea Pig hutches and Guinea Pig hutch and run packages have great features that are sure to keep your pet Guinea pig/Guinea Pigs safe, secure and happy & healthy.

Outdoor Guinea Pig Run

It is very important that all Guinea Pigs get exercise. The best way to ensure your Guinea Pig has enough room to play and exercise is to get the largest possible Hutch, and pair it with an Outdoor Guinea Pig Run. A Guinea pig run can be easily attached to their hutch either permanently, or for occasional use.

Guinea pig playpens are also great for supervised playtime. A good Guinea pig play pen will be portable, lightweight, easy to open/close and secure, and easy to set up and take down.

Abyssinian Guinea Pig Care

As well as providing a safe and secure Guinea Pig hutch and a Guinea Pig Run or Guinea Pig Playpen to allow your pet/s space to play, you should also consider the following when it comes to caring for your Abbyssinian Guinea Pig:

Food

Unfortunately this Guinea pig breed is susceptible to Diabetes, which makes it vital that you get their diet right. Provide them with plenty of fresh vegetables, grass and/or timothy hay to eat. Ensure that you talk to your local vet or pet expert to find out which foods they can and can not eat, unfortunately certain vegetables can make your Guinea Pig very sick.

Bedding

These fellows love to burrow into hay to sleep (when they aren’t eaiting it). Timothy Hay is recommended as it has a higher nutritional value than other hay types.

Cleanliness

A Regular cleaning schedule will ensure that your Guinea Pigs’ home is a safe, healthy space. Be prepared to thoroughly clean your guinea pigs home and run and replace the hay with fresh hay at least once a week. Be mindful that harsh chemicals can harm your pets, so do not use household cleaning products on the hutch. Ensure you maintain their hutch daily, by adding fresh water and removing uneaten food.

Company

Guinea Pigs love company, it is favourable to keep more than one Guinea pig, so that their social needs are met. It is also important that one or more of it’s owners are often home and can spend time playing with your Abyssinian Guinea Pig.

Play

An Abbysinian Guinea pig loves to chew things and hide in small spaces. Safe items for them to chew include undyed/untreated wooden chew blocks and certain veggies. You may also wish to add boxes or tunnels for them to hide in.

March 30, 2018
Himalayan Guinea Pig – Breed Spotlight
Originating from South America, with it’s albino appearance, the Himalayan guinea pig is a unique critter, and a popular pet and show animal.

Often described as the Siamese cats of guinea pigs, they are born with a solid white coat and red eyes. Once they are roughly 3 weeks old, they begin to develop colours on their nose, ears, and feet.

It can take up to 3 months for a Himalayan guinea pig to reach it’s final colouring. The colours they develop are closely related to the temperature of their home. They prefer slightly cooler conditions. Ideally, a show Himalayan will have dark brown/black features on their paws, feet and face and dark red (ruby) eyes.

Himalayan Guinea Pigs as Show Animals

As they are relatively easy to care for, Himalayans with darker coloured points on their nose, feet and ears are very popular with breeders as show animals.

These little fellows are often showcased in one of two colour varieties: rich milk chocolate and jet black.

Himalayan Guinea Pigs as Pets

As they are easy to care for, these low maintenance creatures make great pets. They love affection and are very sociable. A Guinea Pig is a great pet for an older child, or families with older children who can hold and treat them gently.

Himalayan Guinea Pig Care

A Himalayan guinea pig makes for a great, low maintenance pet- provided you are able to provide it with a sheltered and shady home.

These little fellows do not like direct sunlight, so it important – especially in Australia, that they are housed in an enclosure that has easy access to shade all day long. If they are exposed to hot conditions their colours will fade.

Their colours also fade with age, illness or if they are stressed and scared. It is a good idea to keep a close eye on their colouring and take note of any changes, as this could be a first indication that something is wrong with your pet.

Before committing to care for a new guinea pig, you should carefully consider their needs in regards to their shelter, bedding, water, food, hygiene, play and want for company. To keep your guinea pig safe and healthy, ensure you provide them with:
- A Large Guinea Pig Hutch: The bigger the better. They love to run and play so a larger hutch or a hutch and run package is best. A guinea pig hutch should be at least 60x30x30cm.
- A Sheltered Area: When considering where to place your Himalayans home, ensure that their hutch is not exposed to extremes in temperature or high winds etc. Ensure they have access to shade all day long.
- Food: They require a constant source of fresh vegetables, grass and/or Timothy Hay. Make sure you read up on what they should and should not eat- as some types of fruits and vegetables can make your cavy very sick. You may also like to give them pre-made dry food. When selecting dry food, ensure it is specially made for Guinea Pigs and ideally contains Vitamin C, which is very important for their diet.
- Bedding: Not only do they eat hay, these fellows love to burrow into it to sleep. Timothy Hay is recommended as it has a higher nutritional value than other hay types. Alternatively, you may wish to provide a small, soft pet bed sourced from a pet store.
- Play: A Himalayan guinea pig loves to hide and chew things. Safe items for them to chew include undyed/untreated wooden chew blocks and certain veggies. You may also wish to add tunnels or boxes for them to hide in.
- Company: Guinea pigs love company, it is favourable to keep more than one Guinea pig, so that their social needs are met. If a family member is home often and can spend time playing with your pet that is also important.
- Hygiene: A regular schedule should be kept to ensure that you clean out your guinea pigs hutch and run often. Each day, remove any uneaten food. It is best to remove your guinea pigs from their hutch when you need to clean it – you may need a guinea pig crate or pet playpen to put them in while you do so.
- At least weekly, clean out the entire hutch and run by replacing their existing hay with fresh hay. Be mindful that harsh chemicals can harm your pets, so do not use household cleaning products on the hutch.
At Somerzby we have designed and developed a great range of guinea pig hutch/enclosures, breeding banks and runs that will keep your pets safe and healthy. Please click here for more information about our great guinea pig home/hutch and guinea pig run packages.
March 6, 2018
How to Stop Rabbits & Guinea Pigs Chewing Hutches

It is natural for both rabbits and guinea pigs to chew. Their teeth continue to grow throughout their lives so they must chew almost constantly to keep them worn down to a healthy length.

If their teeth grow too long, they can become sharp and cause painful ulcers on their cheeks and tongue.

Why is My Rabbit or Guinea Pig Chewing its Hutch?

Rabbits and guinea pigs can chew their hutch excessively if they are feeling bored or frustrated. This can be caused by not having regular interaction with other pets or people.

It can also be caused by being in their hutch 24/7 and not having time outside or floor time to exercise.

Baby rabbits and guinea pigs are more likely to chew their enclosure and will often grow out of the habit. Females generally chew more than males. Non-desexed rabbits and guinea pigs chew more than those that are desexed.

Should I Be Worried About My Pets Chewing?

Somerzby hutches are made from Chinese Fir wood and coated in non-toxic water-based stain. Our wood is not treated so it is safe for your pets to chew on.

If your hutch is made from safe wood, there is no harm in your pet making small nibbles around your hutch here and there. However, it is not preferable if you want the hutch to last a long time and they are causing significant destruction.

Regularly check the area your pet is chewing to ensure they are not causing any structural damage or chewing their way to freedom.

Also check they have not chewed any wood to very sharp edges or are at risk of being injured by splinters. If yes, sand back the wood and repair immediately.

The longer you allow your pet to chew its hutch, the harder it is to get them to stop and the more damage that is done to the hutch itself.

How to Stop a Rabbit or Guinea Pig Chewing its Hutch?

Remember that rabbits and guinea pigs naturally chew a lot. It is instinctive. They don’t know it is wrong to chew their hutch. Always be patient with your pet.

Provide Other Things to Chew

Provide your pet with a constant supply of grass hay to chew on. Rabbits and guinea pigs can eat their body weight in hay each day! If your pet isn’t eating the hay you have provided, try a new type. Timothy and oaten hay are nutritious options that most pets will love the taste of.

Provide other wood to chew on. Wooden chews toys can be purchased at most pet stores. You can also try willow stick bridges or apple wood. Try new things and change toys regularly as your pet can become uninterested and go back to chewing its hutch.

Entertain your Rabbit or Guinea Pig

If you believe your pet is chewing because of boredom, commit more time to playing with it each day. Just 30 minutes extra playtime can make a huge difference.

Try letting your rabbit or guinea pig outside of its cage to exercise. The Somerzby Arena Playpen is a great way to allow your pet to play with you in your yard whilst still being enclosed.

Provide toys inside your hutch. These don’t have to be expensive! Try stuffing a toilet roll with hay or other treats to give your pet a challenge getting the food out.

Cut large holes into cardboard boxes for your pet to run through. Always check your pet isn’t eating anything harmful including tape from boxes or plastic.

You can also hide treats around their hutch so they have to search for their food.

Preventing Chewing

If your pet is chewing the hutch in specific areas, you can create a barrier to stop them. Nail or cable tie down extra slats of wood (or sheets of metal) over the chewed area.

Anti-chew sprays are available. Regularly spray onto the affected area. This will make it taste bitter and deter your pet. Never spray the whole hutch as this can make your pet uncomfortable. These sprays have a reported low success rate in helping to stop chewing.

You can also try training your rabbit or guinea pig. Always use positive reinforcement by offering rewards and cuddles to praise it when it isn’t chewing.

Never use negative reinforcement (such as yelling or making loud noises) – this is more likely to scare your pet and make it associate the bad reaction with you, rather than with the chewing itself.

In extreme cases, chewing can be an indication of medical issues. This is rare. However, if there is no improvement and your pet is causing issues, visit your local vet for advice.

August 11, 2017
Pet Crates for Rabbits and Guinea Pigs
Pet crates are handy enclosures that have many uses and can be very helpful for housing many pets for short, supervised periods of time.

Rabbits and guinea pigs are amongst the pets that benefit from the correct use of a pet crate. Read on to learn about how a handy, easy to store collapsible pet crate could benefit you and your pets!

Note: Our pet crates may not be not suitable for baby rabbits or baby guinea pigs, as they may escape through the gaps in the wire.

Transporting your Rabbit or Guinea Pig

The RSPCA recommends that both rabbits and guinea pigs have regular vaccinations from a local vet to prevent serious diseases. Unfortunately, from time to time your pet may become unwell and need to see a vet, or perhaps you are going on holiday and need to transport your pet to a friends place for care while you are away.

Safely transporting your pet rabbit or guinea pig does not need to be a hassle. Some groups advocate the use of pet transport crates (appropriately secured within the car). A pet crate will keep your rabbit or guinea pig safe and contained, whilst allowing them adequate ventilation for your car trip.

When choosing a crate to transport your guinea pig or rabbit, ensure you consider how many pet/s you will be transporting at the one time and their size. Make sure you select a pet crate that has enough room for your bunny or guinea pig to stretch out and lie down, sit up, stand up and easily turn around- it should also have room for a toy or two and perhaps a treat.

If you are transporting more than one small animal at a time, make sure they are not sitting on top of each other and will have adequate space between them. Pet crates come in many different sizes, generally bigger is better. If travelling a long way, ensure you also put food, bedding and water in the crate for your pet/s.

Before placing your pet in a crate for transport, introduce your pet to the crate in a positive way. To get your pet used to the crate try feeding them in the crate with the door open, so they can leave as they choose. Gradually, as they become used to the crate and are no longer wary, try closing the door behind them for very short periods of time.

It is important to get your pet used to the crate to minimise any stress to your rabbits or guinea pigs when you need to transport them.

Note: Remember to never leave your pet rabbit or guinea pig alone in the car, even if it is for a short period of time.

Cleaning your Rabbit or Guinea Pigs’ Enclosure

It is recommend that guinea pigs and rabbits have their home cleaned daily and bedding changed weekly. It can be hard to clean their enclosure whilst they are still playing in it, as they tend to make more mess, come up for cuddles and pats or may accidentally escape. To make it easier to clean their enclosure, consider temporarily housing them in an appropriate sized pet crate for a short period of time while you clean their home.

When choosing a pet crate, consider how many pet/s you will be temporarily housing whilst you clean their cage. Also consider your pets’ size. Select a pet crate that has enough room for your bunny/s or guinea pig/s to stretch out, stand up, turn around and lie down without touching each other.

Note: Be sure to place the crate in an area sheltered from harsh weather/predators. You may wish to provide them with their food, water and toys and partially cover the crate with a towel to create shelter. Never leave your pet rabbit or guinea pig unattended in a pet crate.

Play Time for Your Rabbit or Guinea Pig

Even as pets, rabbits still have a desire to hide in a “burrow”. Guinea pigs are similar, as they enjoy playing and hiding. To encourage this behaviour and interact with your pet, you may consider using a pet crate in a sheltered area (out of harsh weather conditions) during supervised play time with your pet/s.

Open the door to your pet crate and place it in your pets play area, which may be a room in your house or a playpen. Place a few toys or cardboard boxes for hiding, and/or some treats in the crate. Leaving the door to the crate open allows your pet to enter and leave as it wishes.

You may wish to partially cover the pet crate with a towel. This could make for a fun game, and it also encourages your pet to see their crate as an enjoyable place, making it easier when it comes time to put them into a pet crate for transportation.

Note: Be sure to place the crate in an area sheltered from harsh weather/predators. You may wish to provide them with their food, water and toys. Never leave your pet Rabbit or Guinea Pig unattended in a pet crate.

SEE ALSO:
December 6, 2016
Somerzby Christmas Competition
Christmas Facebook Competition

For your chance to win a Somerzby Cottage –

We want to see your Somerzby hutch, coop or enclosure decorated in the Christmas Spirit.

Think Christmas lights, tinsel, or any other decorations of your choice.

For your chance to be the lucky owner of a Somerzby Cottage, simply post a photo of your Somerzby enclosure with all its decorations to our Facebook page.

The Winner will be announced on the 18th December 2016.

Your brand new Somerzby Cottage should arrive just in time for Christmas! What a treat for the kids.

Conditions are:

• Entries close 23:59 AEDT 17/12/16.
• Only valid within Australia.
• Photos much include an existing Somerzby, hutch, coop or enclosure.

We found these lovely examples below online – happy decorating!

Win the Somerzby Cottage Chicken Coop

All new style, adorable Coop available in 3 colours!

With easy clean and access, the Somerzby Cottage is one of the favourites with Children and adults alike, it is the perfect fit for a smaller backyard.

It is easy to clean with a Metal pull out tray and one complete side of the Coop forms a door.

The attached run also features 2 Large opening doors for easy access to your Chooks and ease of cleaning.

Features
- Complete side opening door
- Metal pull out tray for easy cleaning
- Door to sleeping area can open and close
- Rot resistant Fir Wood
- Water proof grey/green asphalt roof
- Water based non toxic stain
- Galvanised mesh wire
- Available in Pink with white trim, Blue with White Trim or Classic Brown and Green
- Nesting box – W500mm x H320mm x D320mm approx
- 2 large opening doors on run
- 1 perch
- Suitable for approx 2 chickens, if you let them out for daily runs or 3 rabbits
Enter today and this could be all yours!

Merry Christmas from all of us at Somerzby.
November 29, 2016