Adoption advice please

[Sherlocksmum]

I was lucky enough to share my childhood with five lovely guinea pigs, and now that I have a suitable home, I would like to have some guinea pigs as part of my family again.

Although I previously had guinea pigs I realise that things have changed dramatically in terms of knowledge and understanding of what they should have. I've been researching into changes and decided the best set up to get would be a c and c cage (and sourced where to buy it all from), and I've put up a post up about a good guinea pig vet in Surrey (I have a great rabbit one, but realise that guinea pig knowledge is very different) *- is there any advice that you can share with me e.g. What illnesses to look out for? What rescues I should speak with for adopting guinea pigs or any guinea pigs that are looking for homes that might love what I can provide (love, pampering, quiet home, no children, a geeky partner and being part of a family with 7 buns, a hamster and 20 tropical fish)? What foods to buy or not buy? all sorts of things like this, really, I want to be the best guinea pig mum I can possibly be, and whilst the loving part will be so easy, I want to make sure I'm giving them the best of everything else they could possibly want to.

 

[Suzygpr]

To find a recommended rescue can be tricky sometimes as you may have someone tell you a rescue is fab, when they aren't aware of them also breeding from the rescued pigs, animals in poor conditions in areas not seen by the adopters, etc.

The Piggy Bank has a list of recommended rescues that meet a high standard - the list is always growing as more rescues make the changes required to meet the standard of the PB. The link in the first post on the Facebook page show a map with all the PB recommended rescues, hopefully there will be a rescue in your area.
https://www.facebook.com/piggybank.gpr

Anne O'Meara is a top cavy savvy vet in Surrey.
http://www.vethelpdirect.com/practicedetails.php?id=349&town=Ewell&county=41

HTH

Suzy x

 

[herriotfan]

Good luck with your search. I'm sure the special piggies are just waiting for you to take them home x

 

[Sherlocksmum]

I've contacted wheak and squeak and bobtails rescues - so now just waiting to
hear back.

Thank you for the advice, everyone seems so lovely and friendly on this forum.

 

[Guinea pig slave]

Aw, always happy to see potential slaves looking for needy piggies to love and care for x>>
We started with 2 boys and now have 18 piggies, 13 girls and 5 boys (in pairs, trios and a herd) so be warned...they are sooo addictive x)
Keep us posted and happy searching

 

[Wiebke]

Hi and welcome!

Best of luck with rehoming your piggies! It can take a bit of time to hear back (rescue people are usually very busy people), but it is certainly worth it.

After I started with a surprise pregnancy from a shop bought sow, I have gone strictly reputable rescue since and wouldn't get my piggies any other way. All those rescues recommended by the PB will rehome only healthy, properly sexed and bonded piggies and support you with advice. Like you, we had guinea pigs when I was a child and I have come to them again.

Please keep an open mind as to the age and gender; if possible, go and visit the rescue. Some amazing characters just don't come over in a picture!

As to which foods; any good quality pellets will do. Some people feed a mix.
The same goes for hay (should make up to 80% of the daily food intake).
Here is a list of veg that piggies can eat; make sure that you include one that is high in vitamin C every day, like a slice of pepper, a floret of broccoli or a some parsley. Piggies should only have about 1 cupful of mixed veg per piggy per day in as many servings as you like.
http://www.theguineapigforum.co.uk/showthread.php?t=42

 

[piggyfan]

Hi I just wanted to wish you lots of luck in finding some piggies. How lovely you are making sure you research and are even looking for a herd. I cannot wait to see who you take home.