Reading the Room, Reading the Forage

If you’ve followed GGT for a while, you’ll know I’m not just passionate about creating the best forages and treats for your animals — I’m also endlessly fascinated by behaviour. Whether it’s guinea pigs, rabbits, or humans, the way we interact, react, and connect tells a bigger story.

This weekend reminded me just how much of GGT’s heart comes from that mix of observation, patience, and knowing when to step back (and when to step in).

When Life Becomes a Behaviour Lesson

I spent part of the weekend in a social setting that, let’s just say, was a little more chaotic than I’d like. People clashing, disappearing off together, feeding each other’s frustrations…
I stayed mostly quiet — not because I wasn’t paying attention, but because I was doing what I do best: reading the room.

When you’ve run a rescue for over a decade, bonded countless guinea pigs, and learned the fine art of introducing prey animals safely, you develop a knack for spotting tension before it blows up.
You notice the subtle things — the way someone’s tone changes, how a glance lingers, how certain personalities can spark each other in the best or worst ways.

That’s what I was doing this weekend. And honestly? The skills are exactly the same as when I’m working with animals.

Calm vs Chaos

The difference between a harmonious evening and a stressful one isn’t about where you are or what you’re doing — it’s about the energy in the space.
If one person is unregulated (emotionally all over the place), it spreads. Add another with the same energy, and you’ve got an echo chamber.
With people, that might mean arguments, mood swings, or controlling behaviour.
With guinea pigs or rabbits, it might mean chasing, teeth chattering, or refusing to share space.

In both cases, my job is to spot it early and act in a way that keeps everyone safe.

Control for the Sake of Control

One thing that stood out to me this weekend was how control sometimes pops up where it’s not needed — making decisions not because they’re best, but just to prove you can.
I saw it in the way someone insisted on things being done their way, even when the alternative was just as easy (if not easier).

It reminded me why I let my animals lead the way when it comes to forage choices. I don’t force a certain plant because I’ve decided it’s “better” — I offer variety, watch what they pick, and learn from that.
Control for the sake of control rarely leads to harmony — in animals or humans.

Food Battles — and Why I Avoid Them

There were even food battles this weekend — someone trying to force a child to finish a plate before they could have a treat, despite knowing that child’s specific sensory sensitivities.
It struck me because I’d just been working on a forage blend for fussy guinea pigs — and I’d never dream of forcing them to eat something they don’t like. I’d simply offer an alternative and let them enjoy the process of choice.

Food should be about nourishment and enjoyment, not power struggles. That applies whether you’re talking about kids, people, or pets.

Why Observation is My Superpower

By the end of the weekend, I’d pieced together exactly how the tension had built, where the key friction points were, and why things played out the way they did.
I wasn’t a bystander — I was an observer.
It’s the same with GGT. Every blend I make, every plant I pick, comes from that same attention to detail. I know which herbs calm digestion, which leaves spark curiosity, and which combinations reduce the chance of conflict in group feeding.

That level of awareness is why I can create forages that aren’t just tasty, but meet the emotional and nutritional needs of the animals they’re for.

From Chaos to Calm — in Life and in GGT

The weekend was a reminder that calm is a choice you create. With people, that means knowing when to step back, when to redirect, and when to hold a boundary.
With animals, it means creating an environment that supports their natural rhythms — plenty of space, safe hides, and forages that encourage gentle exploration rather than competition.

So whether I’m out in the world navigating a room full of clashing personalities, or in my workspace sorting bamboo leaves for a custom order, the skillset is the same:

• Observe closely.

• Know the triggers.

• Create conditions for harmony.

Your Turn

Have you ever had a moment where your skills in one part of your life helped you in a completely different situation?
Drop it in the comments — I’d love to hear your stories. And if you want to bring a little more calm into your pets’ lives, take a peek at our forage range here: https://www.guineagourmettreats.co.uk 🌿