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Challenges of indoor living for rabbits and guinea pigs - free John Chitty webinar

Thanks both. I'll give it another try after 24 hours. Could see the slides, but didn't see anywhere to click for audio.
 
Not sure I got much from that, and some of his ideas about guinea pigs directly contradict my experience.

I've always thought that there was a link between my indoor pigs and bladder issues (albeit that I would be amazed if any outdoor pig owner noticed urinary issues ever). What to do about it is a whole other issue.

Perhaps there will be some interesting questions.

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SarahP said:
What to do about it is a whole other issue.
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I'm wondering this too, I'd love to know what it is specifically that makes outdoor animals less prone to cystitis and what can be done to prevent it.
 
nap91 said:
I'm wondering this too, I'd love to know what it is specifically that makes outdoor animals less prone to cystitis and what can be done to prevent it.
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I certainly don't think my pigs have had a lack of drinking. But I have never known any pigs drink from a bowl. They just poo in it! But maybe I could put even more bottles in - I have 2, one on each end.

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SarahP said:
I certainly don't think my pigs have had a lack of drinking. But I have never known any pigs drink from a bowl. They just poo in it! But maybe I could put even more bottles in - I have 2, one on each end.

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Same for my bunnies - one specifically prone to cystitis but drinks so well. I have asked the question in the chat box so hopefully they answer it!
 
Spoiler alerts

I like Northern Vets better, Molly & Frances reign , Joey... typed by his non projectionist care giver (of sorts)
 
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I wanna get controversial (says Boobly Bear :lol:) - his alternative ideas about how to let rabbits live in groups was single sexes but unneutered cos thats not natural & invasive (for the bucks). So advice to "just try" 2 single uncastrated bucks together. Irresponsible advice in my opinion . This being successful will not be the norm surely?
 
I always find vets talk a lot about obesity (a bit like doctors really). But my experience is the opposite, that the piggies with the greatest life chances have been the chunky food mad ones. The ones who are only just ok with their weight plummet at the first sign of illness and it is virtually impossible to get them back. And I have only had two spayed pigs, but both have lost lots of weight rather than become obese.

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Sorry. Mousey has an opinion too. The idea that to be able to socialise effectively with your rabbit was reliant on breeder & pets shops as that is when the learning window is open (weaning stage)...now people more likely to buy if they house indoors as who can rely on a rescue rabbits learning window being positive.

I did think it raised loads of really valuable points - B&W rabbit
 
yes, I don't agree on that learning window being closed. They continue to learn at any age if they get used to a routine and a safe way of being picked up etc.

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Another thing I have found is that, in the summer, if I try to move pigs over to grass rather than veg, the urine goes awful - full of calcium. It's a confusing business, for sure.

I have wondered if it's because the soil here is so calcium rich.
 
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