Finding a new Piggie

LeahsPiggies

LeahsPiggies

Teenage Guinea Pig
Joined
Aug 15, 2013
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Location
Cheshire, UK
Hi everyone. As some of you know I sadly lost one of my boars just over a week ago, and he leaves behind his 2 year old brother. He seems to be getting on fine, but I don’t want to deprive him of companionship as he is only young and it’s what he deserves - even though I don’t feel ready for another guinea pig I am going to put him first.

I want to undoubtedly rescue another boar, as Paul (my current piggie) is unneutered. I have looked through the recommended rescues in this forum, and unfortunately they’re either too far away or they don’t have a piggie that fits into what we need for Paul.

I have came across a rescue online which has many many piggies looking for new homes and it’s in reasonable distance for us - but I have since heard controversial topics about said rescue.

I am stuck on what to do - from my knowledge there aren’t anymore rescues close by. I definitely do not want to go to a pet shop and if I can help it, I don’t want to go to a breeder as I am pro rescue. Any advice would be welcome!

Thank you in advance.
 
I didn't realise you'd lost a piggy recently, sorry to hear that, but well done for looking into a friend for Paul, even though you don't quite feel ready yet. It's a difficult decision and afraid I don't have any wise advice either. I've been in a similar situation before, where I was looking all over the country for a rescue pair! I think to an extent it very much depends on how Paul is in himself. If you think he's ok, then that gives you more time to search/wait for a piggy to become available, but if he starts to get depressed, off his food etc, then I would just find a piggy he likes, and just go for it.
 
Drop me a PM regarding said rescue.. Will do some digging
 
@VickiA is in your neck of woods, any ideas on single boars anywhere Vicky?
 
@LeahsPiggies have you emailed Helen @The Potteries Guinea Pig Rescue ? Not all piggies are on the website & she does boar dating. It’s probably your nearest approved rescue.
I suspect I know the “rescue” you’re referring to and I’d avoid it. Reta at Coseley GPR is also worth mentioning. The rescue is officially closed due to an accident Reta suffered but she is still rehoming guinea pigs.
 
VickiA said:
@LeahsPiggies have you emailed Helen @The Potteries Guinea Pig Rescue ? Not all piggies are on the website & she does boar dating. It’s probably your nearest approved rescue.
I suspect I know the “rescue” you’re referring to and I’d avoid it. Reta at Coseley GPR is also worth mentioning. The rescue is officially closed due to an accident Reta suffered but she is still rehoming guinea pigs.
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Unfortunately Stoke is too far for us as we do not drive and rely on lifts/taxis currently. I will still e-mail though to enquire as you never know. Thank you
 
LeahsPiggies said:
Unfortunately Stoke is too far for us as we do not drive and rely on lifts/taxis currently. I will still e-mail though to enquire as you never know. Thank you
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oh that's a shame - have you pm'd Sport_Billy ?
 
LeahsPiggies said:
Unfortunately Stoke is too far for us as we do not drive and rely on lifts/taxis currently. I will still e-mail though to enquire as you never know. Thank you
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I’m afraid for boar bonding at a reputable rescue you’re probably going to have to travel. Piggies travel well by train, car, bus etc as long as they are in a suitable carrier. When we participate in large scale rescue the piggies travel many miles to available rescue spaces.
 
VickiA said:
I’m afraid for boar bonding at a reputable rescue you’re probably going to have to travel. Piggies travel well by train, car, bus etc as long as they are in a suitable carrier. When we participate in large scale rescue the piggies travel many miles to available rescue spaces.
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Thank you, I did think this 😞 it’s a shame because I can’t travel over a certain distance due to transport and I wouldn’t want to put Paul under the stress of a bus or a train. I will have to think of another way!
 
I know we always promote rescues but appreciate there are times went it not always possible, you need to put PAul's needs above all else. How is he doing on his own?
 
sport_billy said:
I know we always promote rescues but appreciate there are times went it not always possible, you need to put PAul's needs above all else. How is he doing on his own?
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Thank you! I will do what I can to rescue a piggie, although it sounds bad I’d rather go to the unreputable rescue than go to a breeder or pet shop - just because some of these pigs have still come from sad backgrounds and it opens up another space for an unwanted pig. He’s doing surprisingly fine, acting totally normal and I haven’t noticed a great change in his personality, apart from maybe hiding away and attention seeking a little more.
 
LeahsPiggies said:
Unfortunately Stoke is too far for us as we do not drive and rely on lifts/taxis currently. I will still e-mail though to enquire as you never know. Thank you
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I Foster for the Potteries and can always help bring a piggy up to you/ take yours down for bonding etc if you need it :)
 
So sorry to hear about your loss :soz: It's wonderful to see that you are looking to find a friend for him, must be so hard for you being so soon x
Adding further to @Flutterby 's offer to help (thanks for the heads up @Veggies Galore :)) If an appointment for a boar dating session can be made at The Potteries, there is a group on facebook (The Piggy Train) which is full of volunteers who can form a 'Piggy Train' to help get your beloved boy to and from The Potteries. Fingers crossed he finds a forever friend soon :)
 
Thanks so much to you all. Yes I am still in Cheshire! Unfortunately our very old hamster has just came down with wet tail and I’m trying to nurse him through it, so I’m having to put the new piggie on hold for a bit longer until I know the outcome. Will definitely report back, I appreciate the kind offers x
 
LeahsPiggies said:
Thanks so much to you all. Yes I am still in Cheshire! Unfortunately our very old hamster has just came down with wet tail and I’m trying to nurse him through it, so I’m having to put the new piggie on hold for a bit longer until I know the outcome. Will definitely report back, I appreciate the kind offers x
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Sending lots of healing vibes to your little hammy
 
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