Willow Woods Cavy Camp is an indoor guinea pig boarding facility located in Hoppers Crossing (Melbourne, Victoria, Australia).
An indoor environment suits guinea pigs better as the ambient temperature can be controlled which eliminates the risk of heatstroke. In addition, the risk of attacks by predators is virtually zero.
Guinea pigs are accommodated in a separate room away from rabbits, as rabbits can pass bacteria (Bordetella bronchiseptica) to guinea pigs, which can result in a fatal respiratory disease in guinea pigs. Therefore, the room is strictly for guinea pigs only.
Temperature
Reverse cycle refrigerative air-conditioning/heating units are used in our facility, and the ambient temperature is maintained at a comfortable level at all times.
Accommodation
All guinea pigs are housed in metal cages or C&C pens, separated from one another with white solid-core boards.
Cages & playpens are placed on the floor individually. They are not stacked vertically for hygiene reasons.
The base of each cage or pen is lined with puppy pads under a towel or fleece.
Dimensions of cages: 1.4 m (L) by 0.7 m (W) by 0.64 m (H);
Dimensions of C&C pens (4 x 2 configuration): 1.4 m (L) by 0.7 m (W) by 0.35 m (H)
Note: Timber hutches are not used as they are more difficult to maintain odour-free and germ-free.
Upgrades
Upgrades of C&C pens are available (to 5 x 2, 6 x 2 and 5 x 3 configurations). These are upgrade options are available for selection in the booking calendar.
Hygiene
Our aim is to maintain a clean and hygienic environment, to reduce the risk of infectious diseases being spread from boarder to boarder.
Each cage/pen and litter tray is cleaned and disinfected with vanodine or F10 daily. They are also washed with detergent under running water after each guinea pig checks out. All foam board separators are washed and disinfected when soiled or when each guinea pig checks out of the facility.
Puppy pads are changed every morning.
In addition, a UV air steriliser is used to prevent the transmission of air-borne viruses and bacteria amongst our cavy campers.
Igloos or Hide-Outs
Guinea pigs will be provided with the largest-sized igloo hide-outs or something similar, which gives them a sense of security as they will have somewhere to retreat into.
Litter Trays
Litter trays will be provided. These will be cleaned and disinfected with vanodine or F10 on a daily basis.
The litter tray will be lined with newspaper, which is covered with hay. There is an option to add a sieve-like tray, to limit access to the soiled newspaper and to keep your guinea pig’s feet dry.
Drinking Water
We supply bowls for drinking water. Please bring your own water bottles (if required) as our experience has been that most guinea pigs would not use our bottles.
Bottles or bowls are washed daily and replenished with fresh supplies of cleaning drinking water.
Diet
All guinea pigs are given fresh vegetables everyday, and an unlimited supply of grass hay.
There is an option to purchase extra serving of timothy hay each day. This is in addition to unlimited grass hay which is included in the boarding rates.
If you would like your guinea pigs to be fed dry pellets as well, please bring an ample supply for the duration of their stay. Since guinea pigs generally do not handle changes in their diet very well, we prefer to continue feeding them with what they are accustomed to.
Playtime / Socialisation
Additional play time outside of these pens is not provided, as pens are spacious enough for guinea pigs to “popcorn” and run around in.
Guinea pigs from different families will not come into contact during their stay. This is to avoid the risk of fights and injuries.
All guinea pigs are socialised and provided with daily cuddles and pats.
Summary
Boarding rates include:
– unlimited supply of grass hay
– daily serving of vegetables
– daily cleaning and disinfection of flooring, litter tray, water bottles & dishes
– pats & cuddles
– use of equipment: litter tray, water bottle, dishes & toys
– climate control (heating & cooling with reverse cycle split system)
– 24/7 security
Weekly photo updates via our Facebook page are complimentary.
Inspection
Our boarding facility is open for inspection only on Saturdays between 11 am to 12:30 pm by appointment only. Other inspection times are not possible in order to minimise disruption to our boarders’ quiet enjoyment of our boarding facility during the week.
More Photos
More photos of our facility, cages, exercise pens and toys are available on our Facebook page.
Availability / Online Booking
Click here to check availability or to make an online booking.