Happy Thoughts

So, as many of you know, (and have heard about incessantly I'm sure) our guinea pig Happy has been extended an invitation to stay at school. He has been more active and curious during his time in Pre-K than ever when he was at home! Lucky for us, Ms. Molly says he is welcome to hang out.

 He made his Pre-K debut during pet week, but he has fallen in love with the peas. And the feeling is mutual. Evidence of this love is pictured below in the form of fan mail, love notes and pictures. They are so sweet. 

Happy in his cage.

Hairy Happy.

Well fed Happy.

Pretty Happy.

Last but not least, me riding Happy!

And why wouldn't he love it? Peas sing songs to him, make him mazes from blocks, feed him constantly and give him tons of attention.

 And, I found this super cute freebie on TPT helped us find just the right rules for Happy's home in our classroom. If you ever consider adding a pet, it's recommended!

 The peas have begged for Happy to make weekend home visits like some guinea pigs at the Elementary schools have apparently done. However, after much thought, Happy won't be making the rounds. This is partly due to his skittish behavior. Happy was adopted from a shelter two years ago by my 11 year old daughter. We aren't sure where he was prior to his adoption, and whether he in a good environment or cared for properly. All we know is that he has not read the guinea pig manual. Guinea pigs are supposed to be docile and love to be handled. Happy isn't aware of this guinea pig criteria as he is very skittish and does NOT like to be picked up. He has mellowed out more than ever during his time in the classroom, so I think this is the place for him. However, he has been known to nip and run, so it wouldn't be wise to put him in new environments. We are going to let him get used to this one for now.

However, if your child would like to do something to help care for Happy, there is something he loves. Food. Unlike other animals, guinea pigs cannot manufacture Vitamin C, so we have to ensure he gets enough of this essential nutrient every day. This comes in the form of fresh fruit and veggies. He gets servings every day of fresh fruit or veggies in addition to his pellet food and hay.

Below is a list of fruits and veggies he likes. All fruits and veggies must be fresh and raw. If your child ever would like to prepare and bring him a small portion (think snack size ziplock) they are welcome to! However, our rules state that feeding must always occur with consent of the teacher, so check first!

Veggies

Carrots

Leafy green lettuce (No iceburg)

Green/Red/Yellow Peppers

Green Beans

Fruits

Zuchini

Tomatoes

Strawberries

Blueberries

Raspberries

Oranges

Squash

Watermelon

Apples

Cucumbers

Apples

Cantaloupe

None of the following, please

Dairy

Nuts

Meat

Avacado-(they're poisonous to guineas!)

junk food/snacks

potatoes (also poisonous)

mushrooms

bananas

 

For more information on guinea pigs, visit this site.

For some fun guinea pig reading, check out the following books!

 

 

 As for this curious guinea pig:

 

he's happy right where he is.