Snowy and Burt

Snowy and Burt are both three years old – about sixty in human years. Snowy has straight white hair. Burt sports a bouffant of reddish brown hair.

Snowy. Wow, he’s big …

These likely lads munch through large quantities of hay and vegetables. Snowy’s favourite food is parsley and Burt loves a carrot. Not being fussy eaters, they will chomp away at almost anything. However rhubarb, garlic, potatoes and tomatoes are poisonous to guinea pigs and fatal if eaten.

Guinea pigs, like elephants, occasionally eat their own poo. They are however very clean, well groomed, house proud creatures.

Contrary to it’s name the guinea pig comes from the Andes region of South America. Snowy and Burt came from Camden and now live in Berkshire. They live outdoors in a duplex style hutch with access to a lawned area via a ramp (weather permitting).

If startled (e.g. by a backfiring car) a guinea pig will jump one foot into the air.

… Burt. He looks a bit more manageable.

Burt is cheeky, outgoing and always gets the first carrot. He can bite. I try to avoid eye contact with Burt. Snowy is more introverted. He plays the long game and waits for the apple. He occasionally mistakes my finger for a carrot and nibbles without intent, only attacking if cornered.

It’s painting time!

Guinea pigs are furry and loveable. They may not offer the companionship of a dog or the wit of a parrot, but, apart from the large quantities of hay, they are reasonably low maintenance pets.

Gordon Beswick