Wheekerpedia: H
H is for:
Haircut: Expect a purebred longhaired variety of guinea pig’s hair to grow at approximately 1 inch per month, cross breeds will vary, some may only need trimming around the “skirt” (back end) area very occasionaly. Regular shampooing (monthly) with Gorgeous Guineas’ Posh N Go makes everything much easier. Posh N Go is a conditioning shampoo and with regular use it has been shown that it aids grooming. See our You Tube channel for more on bathing. Confidence is the key when doing haircuts!
Harlequin:
Three colours on each side; ideally uniform patches of equal size, of black, yellow and a black/yellow mixture. The head will ideally be half black half yellow, divided down the centre of the face.
Hay: No hay, no guinea pigs. Hay is essential for the correct wearing of the molar teeth as it promotes the grinding side to side action that is necessary. Hay comes in many varieties and from many sources but the only hay that should be given is good hay. Good hay is golden/green in colour, smells pleasant (of grass), and be free from dust and thistles (though being a natural product one or two may be present and should be removed). Local farm shops are a good source for finding hay as they supply stables and horses require ‘good hay’ too. The Yellow Pages (under farm shops) is a good place to look. Online hay is available from www.dustfreehay.co.uk and as the name suggests it is dust extracted (not once but 3 times). Oxbow hay is available from www.sphsupplies.co.uk.
Himilayan: A predominantley white guinea pig with a chocolate/black smut and ears, also legs.
Hutch: The minimum size for 2 guinea pigs is 4 foot by 2 foot or 120 cm by 60 cm. This was the recommendation given to DEFRA by the R.S.P.C.A. Hutches should be placed in a shed out of the damp.