Coseley born Jme Eglington-Parkes remembers getting his first 'golden' haired guinea pig at an auction when he was a kid. This was his first step to becoming Black Country's answer to Dr Dolittle as he now houses 80 of the little fur balls.
36-year-old Jme loves guinea pigs so much he is also an official judge at Cruft-like competitions, where owners compete for the prize of best guinea pig. As well as managing his own hairdressers he also owns Birmingham and Black Country Cavy Club which features guinea pig shows.
Despite the hard work looking after his mini animal kingdom which also features chickens, pigeons, dogs and a tortoise, Jme would not have it any other way. Nothing gives him more pleasure than his guinea pigs reaching up from their cage for a kiss.
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He also featured in documentary The Keeper of the Pigs which charts everything amazing about the furry creatures, from the UK to Peru. Jme's childhood was filled with animals, he said: "I was brought up with animals and I was always an animal lover.
"I was at a bird auction and I saw a ginger coloured one I absolutely loved, I only had £3 of pocket money. I bid with my dad but it sold for £3.50 to the lady sat next to us.
"I was so upset that I didn't have that extra 50p, but the lady saw how upset I was and let us buy it off her for £3. I came home with this guinea pig and I named it Ron Weasley.
"When I was growing up I had doves, chickens, pigeons, tarantula, aviary full of birds, gerbils, hamsters, rabbits and dog."
His love affair with the squeaky rodents began and he then learnt about the unknown world of show guinea pigs. Fascinated, he started volunteering as treasurer at Birmingham Cavy Club then rising to secretary after the previous owner stepped down.
He was nervous about the post which involved judging guinea pigs, but after a confidence boost by friends he threw himself in. Jme said: "There are over 40 registered breeds and it's like Crufts, they go up against the same breed. Colour and coat has to be right, they must be well groomed, right face shape, big bold eyes, droopy ears and they must stand nicely.
"It can get competitive."
When asked why he loves the animals so much he replied: "Other rodents climb but guinea pigs don't so you don't need a lid on your cage. They don't have tails with other people like and they don't bite, I have had them since I was nine and been bitten three times.
"I also love how they sing, if I open a fridge door or rattle a bag you hear 'cheep cheep cheep' from 80 guinea pigs. I recorded it on my phone and made it my ringtone.
"People think they sound like birds. They cheep for chatter, warning signs and they 'pop corn' which is a term for them jumping around."
He lives with his partner in a 1930s semi-detached house fit with a large garden. Jme built a 16.5ft square garage which is fully insulated, lined with plastic and heated with double glazing. It also runs hot water and features a grooming bath.
Aside from housing the animals he uses it as a sanctuary where he comes to relax. All guinea pigs are bred for show but some are rescued, where Jme will find a good home for them. He insists his breeding is for show only and not profit.
He also praised director Sharon Walia's film The Keeper of the Pigs which he featured in, calling it a fantastic all round view of guinea pigs. The film aired in UK cinemas on November 10.
Despite judging the flashiest guinea pigs across the world, there is one that always had his heart, Jme revealed: "My all time favourite was Australia, in 2015 I went to a lot of shows and she was with me through all of them.
"Best pig I ever bred, she was so calm and when she stood up for a show she stood with such glamour. She'd always come to the edge of the cage for a kiss."
Sayings you only know if you're from Birmingham or the Black Country - how many do you know?
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