Advice On Rehoming.

[Sash]

Hi all.
I have two female guinea pigs named evie and revie. They are about 16 months old now. When we got them we lived in a flat that was cool all year round, we moved to a new flat in the winter last year. As the weather has started to heat up I've realised how hot my new flat is. There are big south facing windows and it's a very new building so it retains heat well. There's been days I've come home and it's so hot in the flat the thermostat shows 27°C and over. I've moved them to the coolest spot in the flat but it's still so hot.
I don't have a balcony or a garden and I am considering rehoming them because of this. I've found somewhere, it's like a home run charity. They take in guinea pigs and do home checks to those wanting to adopt them. I don't want any money and I'm happy to donate all the food, bedding and cage I have. Just aslong as they go somewhere loving.
They emailed me yesterday that they have space for evie and revie but now they've emailed me I feel so bad and can't bring myself to let them go.
My mother in law has a huge garden and has said she'd be happy for them to live there if I get the hutch and move them back to mine in the winter. Problem is I've found out I'm pregnant and I'm worried I won't get the time (or be able) to be there every day for them. I obviously can't expect her to take full care of them.

My question is what do I do?! I'm heartbroken if I have to let them go and my daughter won't have any of it (she's 4) but I don't see another option. Is it bad if I rehome them? Any advice?

Sorry for the essay.

 

[DM030819]

It's not bad to rehome them, you need to do what is best for you and for the piggies. And sometimes that is letting them go.

I've never rehomed any of mine so I can't comment on the process or how I felt.

Ultimately it is your choice and whatever it is, it will be the right one for you and the pigs.

 

[Swissgreys]

Welcome to the Forum, and sorry for the difficult situation you are in with your piggies.
If you do decide to rehome them, then I would carefully check the details of the home run charity you are thinking about.
Have you visited and seen where the piggies will be kept?
Have you talked about the rehoming criteria to make sure you piggies will be going to a good home?
There are many wonderful and well intentioned people out there who take on this sort of work only to find themselves overcrowded and overwhelmed.

Otherwise have you considered large black out blinds for the main windows of the flat? You can usually get blinds with deflect the heat, so that might help.
Or a portable air conditioner that you could run for a few hours on the hottest days.
To be honest if it gets that hot inside it sounds like it won't be a problem just for the piggies!

Good luck with whatever you decide.

 

[lauraboara]

You sound like you are not really ready to part with them and if that is the case then I agree with @Swissgreys to look at practical things for cooling your flat. Ceiling fans, air con, insulation, heat reflecting blinds, triple glazing, shutters, etc. If u just google heat reducing blinds you get a million options. There are forum members in hot countries who have to deal with heat and in the UK summer heat can be a problem but there are tricks to reduce it. Do u rent rather than own flat?
It will be nicer for your family, gps and future little baby (congratulations!) if u can cool whole flat?
If u do decide that rehoming is the best then research your rescue, as mentioned. There is a rescue locator on the top bar up there /\