I am using a D-Link wireless DCS-5300G webcam for the stream. The camera has its own server, so you can see the piggies almost the entire day. The lights go out at 1:00 a.m. EST, so you will see a black screen until sunrise.

Important: If you cannot see the live stream, you need to let Internet Explorer install an ActiveX plug-in when the request pops up. However, if you are using Windows XP Service Pack 2 or Vista, you will need to click on the following link to have the D-Link camera install the plug-in: D-Link Video Streaming Plug-In (Username and Password = guest). Please note that the plug-in installation may be blocked by IE. You can unblock it by clicking the bar near the top of the browser screen. The plug-in is safe to install and use.

Firefox users: You won't be able to see the live stream above until you download this extension: IE Tab, which allows Firefox to emulate Internet Explorer.

Please sign my guestbook and let me know what you think.

04/19/08 Update

It is with great sadness that I report Meeko's passing. I had to put her to sleep today because of tumors she developed on her uterus and bladder back in January. A spay and tumor surgery bought her some time. However, all of the tumors could not be removed. Ultimately, the remaining tumors caused her much pain and bleeding. There was no chance for recovery, and I waited until she had more bad days then good days before I had her euthanized. She was a sweet piggy and will be greatly missed. Meeko was just over 4 years old. Lottie is still with us and on camera and will enjoy the 2 x 6 cage to herself for the time being.

Still Pigtures  (taken when motion is detected)

Questions and/or comments?:  GUESTBOOK (partially displayed above) OR MESSAGE BOARD (member activated registration required)

The Stars

                     Lottie                                                       Meeko (RIP)

                                   

Lottie: I adopted her back in October, 2005 from the Critter Connection. She will turn three years old later this year. She is a smaller pig (2 lbs) with black and light brown fur. She is very social and curious. She loves to rearrange her house. She enjoys nibbling on my licking my fingers and chin scratches. She still loves to run laps around her cage.

Meeko was adopted back in January of 2005 also from the Critter Connection. She was four years old when she died on April 19, 2008 because of inoperable tumors. She was a sweet, laid-back pig and will be greatly missed.

The Introduction

Both pigs are both healthy and happy living side by side in a big 2 x 6 cage because they can see and smell each other. In fact, even Meeko will popcorn when she sees Lottie, and Lottie will cry when I remove Meeko from the cage. However, I have tried 3 times to introduce them and they always end up fighting with Meeko ending up with bites around her nose and chin. I tried all the tricks (buddy bath, neutral territory), but nothing works. They bond in the sink when I bathe them because of their fear, but as soon as I put them together, the problems start. I would rather have them share all that space (16 sq. feet), but what can I do?

The Cage

It is a standard 2 x 6 CC (cavycages.com) inspired cage with coroplast. Each pig has her own 2 x 3 section that is separate from the other pig's. Each pig has her own pigloo, which rests on a fleece bed.  There are two water bottles and feed bowls near the center of the cage. The cage sits on a layer of wood cross beams, which keeps it elevated and stable. The entire structure sits on 12 caster wheels that I ordered from Seville Classics. I am trying fleece and towels as their bedding.. I loaded some empty cardboard rolls with hay. They love playing and eating from it.

Their Food

These piggies are well-cared for, but I don't mind the costs. I am responsible for their well-being. I feed them a mix of Kleenmama's blue grass and timothy hays, Oxbow timothy pellets, and a spring mix of leafy vegetables that I get from Sam's Club.. As a treat, I will give them small portions of various fruit. Come by to watch them devour their vegetables at around 7:30 p.m. EST.

Questions and/or comments?:  GUESTBOOK OR MESSAGE BOARD (member activated registration required)

How to build your own cage

General care and health of guinea pigs