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ABOUT US

Cavy Haven is run by Tracey Clarke (me!), ably assisted by hubby, Tim and daughters Debbi & Rosie. We have been guinea-pig-aholics since 1999 when we got our first pair of boars; Milo & Jake. (Yes - the Tweenies were our daughters' idols at the time and we later added Judy, Fizz, Bella, Max and Doodles too).

It seems that I have become known locally as 'the guinea pig lady' - mainly because of my appearances at local fetes, fairs, open days etc, along with a few squeaky little friends. These events provide opportunities to offer advice and education on the proper care and welfare of guinea pigs, and sometimes include demonstrations of nail-clipping, grooming and bathing.

When the phone rings at home it is often heralded by a comment such as "Mum, you might as well answer that - it's probably someone asking about guinea pigs!" This is not a complaint - just a pretty accurate statement! I find myself increasingly on the end of the phone or answering emails about a huge range of aspects of guinea pig health and welfare.

I am by no means an expert, but I do have experience and some training behind me, coupled with a general interest in and knowledge of animal biology and care. Having been involved in Cavy shows, we, as a family, have been priviliged to meet and be advised by many very experienced cavy keepers, and have put their combined advice into practice in our own caviary. Thus our own experience has developed from valuable sources of information and expertise.

In addition to this, I have now gained my qualification from the British Association of Rodentologists. This course is focused in great detail on guinea pigs, but also covers other members of the rodent family - including rats, mice, hamsters, chinchillas, and rabbits. The coursework includes a very detailed study of anatomy and physiology, then goes on to cover diseases, dentistry, medicines, poisons, nursing, breeding, and more. It also includes workshops & seminars, and one-to-one training sessions in a variety of aspects of health and welfare.

We very much welcome opportunities to advise and educate people about cavies, whether this is at shows, fetes etc or on a one to one basis when people contact us.

If you would like any kind of help or advice with regard to your guinea pig(s) and you can't find the answers you need on this website then please do not hesitate to contact us - preferably by email (unless it is a real emergency) as we do have a very busy family life too! If you do phone us you may well be greeted by the ansaphone but please leave a message, including your name and telephone number, and we promise to call you back as soon as possible.