First time Piggies- questions

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karenrgpr

These questions are aimed at people who researched their first piggy andf those who know where their first came from :)

Over the past few years we have made good progress in informing Jo Public about Reading Guinea Pig Rescue and adoptions are on the up, but, I would like to attract more 'first time buyers', these people (in my opinion) need the extra help and advice that we can give, not to mention the matching of pigs to people. The majority of my adoptions are to people that have previously had rescue pigs/had pet shop pigs previously. Lots of my pairs need to be split in order to find homes because people want single pigs to go with bereaved pigs- very good but I want more first timers through the door :)

1. Where did you get your first guinea pig?
2. Did you research it?
3. Where did you research? eg books/internet/etc etc
4. Where are you most likely to notice information about a rescue? eg supermarket, local paper...
5. Any ideas suggestions on publicity welcome :)

If you can't answer all of the Qs then just the ones you can would be helpful. Please add any comments you feel would be useful, thankyou :)
 
Well I'll answer what I can ;)

I got my first guinea pigs from the local free ads, not exactly the road I wanted to go down but when we saw the advert it stood out to us. They were not from a breeder, and we also agreed to take the hutch and the run (although we didn't particularly want it), mainly to be more sure that they weren't going to get more pigs any time soon. Yep, I did research guinea pigs for around 6-9 months.. at around the 6 month mark I told my parents and they started researching too. I researched mainly on the internet, although I do have one book. I think I'd be most likely to notice information in supermarkets and shop windows. Maybe you could put an advert in a free ad (or similar) newspaper, in the 'small animal' bit where people are trying to sell guinea pigs...new owners may be looking for some guinea pigs, see the ad and decide to take that route? Maybe not, but it could be worth a try? When advertising, you probably already do these or similar but just my thoughts, things like you can guarantee they will be healthy, you never let an unwell guinea pig go, if they need advice etc. you are only a phone call away, things like that.

Yeah..not sure how much I helped but thought I'd add something to this anyway ;) Hope I have actually helped and not just rambled on about a load of rubbish :P
 
1. Where did you get your first guinea pig?
From a rescue centre. We had rescue dogs when I was a child so I was aware of rescuing and preferred to go that route.

2. Did you research it?
Not really. Got a book from the library but wasn't aware of places like this.

3. Where did you research? eg books/internet/etc etc
As above :)

4. Where are you most likely to notice information about a rescue? eg supermarket, local paper...
Vets. Flyers through door etc. Notcie in local paper.

5. Any ideas suggestions on publicity welcome
The rescue I foster for are doing a stall at a fair and , as well as hopefully raising some cash, will be handing out masses of flyers - saves on postage or leg work!
Also leaflets in vets seem to produce quite a lot of interest.
 
I got my first cavy ten years ago.

I got my first guinea pig from a pet shop and I didn't really do any research before getting him I'm afraid to say. I just got the one book in caring for him. But I'm pleased to say that when he got mites and I didn't know about them he went straight to the vet so I couldn't have been that stupid. I kept him fulll and stupidly got a company in form in a sow 98) But obviously I now know better (hence why I said the above sentence).

I also learnt about cavies from people who (sorry Ellie) showed piggies and learnt some of my stuff that way and generally through experience. I would notice about a rescue and likeswise through a Ad paper, a pet store or at the supermarket be honest.

HTH (and don't moan at me for being stupid 98))
 
1. Where did you get your first guinea pig? He came from Squeaky pigs Guinea Pig Rescue in Castleford
2. Did you research it? Yes, I had had many types of small pet before. When I lost my hamster my vet recommended Guinea pigs as a pet that would suit my situation.
3. Where did you research? eg books/internet/etc etc I bought Peter Gurneys Collins pet guide from WH Smiths and borrowed a lot of books from the library (which I now know were full of bad advice!) but main place to research was internet. When searching for guinea pigs and yorkshire squeaky pigs came up. Had never heard of guinea pig rescue before but thought it sounded like something I would like to support... even though it involved a little travel on public transport.
4. Where are you most likely to notice information about a rescue? eg supermarket, local paper... Online, local press, radio.
5. Any ideas suggestions on publicity welcome Maybe at places like garden centres where people could spontaneously buy a guinea pig. I went to one today, not knowing they sold animals... and basically anyone could have bought one without knowing what they needed. Even a leaflet might be a nice idea.
 
1. Where did you get your first guinea pig?  From a petshop almost 20 years ago
2. Did you research it?  Yes
3. Where did you research? eg books/internet/etc etc  I bought a book from the petshop first
4. Where are you most likely to notice information about a rescue? eg supermarket, local paper... local paper, internet search
5. Any ideas suggestions on publicity welcome :)  Vets, local papers, petshops?
I never knew rescue centres existed when i got my first piggy, infact i only found out when i joined Susie's forum
 
Thanks Susie, unfortunately giving leaflets to garden centres doesn't work- we are, in effect, taking their trade, so need another route (unless the centre is willing of course but many are not. I agree that most pets are bought at a shop- well its where you'd go isn't it? We are looking into the leaflet idea but its a bit of a non starter so far...

Cashmincal its not about being stupid and I'm not anti breeder. It was a breeder friend of mine that suggested I take up rescue and do the Rodentology course at CCT- not a rescue! I believe that there are enough surplus stock produced by the cavy fancy to provide us with pets- we do not need to breed them. But I don't want to turn this into a breeder vs thread :)

Thanks LL for your input, I thought libraries were out of date, seems not ;)

Niki, if you'd seen mention of a rescue in a petshop would that've stopped you buying or would those Piggy eyes have won you over?
 
I agree about the piggy eyes. I dont even go in pet shops to buy anything for that reason. But caught unawares today at this garden centre. Went into a room and there were pigs, rabbits fish. There was the most gorgeous long haired sow trio it was very hard to walk away! I see your point about the garden centres... how about at shows etc?
 
1 Where did you get your first guinea pig? Pet shop some 20 odd years ago.

2 did you research it? yes

3 where did you research? 20 odd years ago it was books. Last year when I decided to get some piggies I brushed up on the internet.

4 Where are you likely to notice information on rescues? local radio, Local paper and have noticed them in free ad papers. I actually knew of the rescue place in our city through a piece in the local paper many years ago. all of these answers on question 4 would give you lots of publicity.
 
I go to the London show and have friends at local clubs and often get people from there that want pets but not necessarily to show. I can usually help because even if they're out of area I know someone with piggies in another area and we arrange a meet up or the pigs are dropped off at mine and adopted from there... I don't go to many shows myself though, prefer to spend time with the guineas :)
Thanks PP, I used the radio for the first time the other wheek, its coming up a lot so may use it more...
 
Karen
Just had a thought on a paper story for you,contact the local paper about the new animal welfare law and how much you welcome it :) Your hoping more people think long and hard before purchasing a pet and taking care of it properly. Raiseing awareness of your rescue for sure. Go on contact the paper tell them all about yourself. You never know local telly might then contact you to do a piece on local news.
 
karenrgpr said:
Thanks Susie, unfortunately giving leaflets to garden centres doesn't work- we are, in effect, taking their trade, so need another route (unless the centre is willing of course but many are not. I agree that most pets are bought at a shop- well its where you'd go isn't it? We are looking into the leaflet idea but its a bit of a non starter so far...

Cashmincal its not about being stupid and I'm not anti breeder. It was a breeder friend of mine that suggested I take up rescue and do the Rodentology course at CCT- not a rescue! I believe that there are enough surplus stock produced by the cavy fancy to provide us with pets- we do not need to breed them. But I don't want to turn this into a breeder vs thread :)

Thanks LL for your input, I thought libraries were out of date, seems not ;)

Niki, if you'd seen mention of a rescue in a petshop would that've stopped you buying or would those Piggy eyes have won you over?
Click to expand...

Ooh that's a hard one but i think yes i would've gone to a rescue, my cats were all from rescues :)
 
I got my 1st pair of sows from a local breeder, that was 20yrs ago now.
Yes I researched piggies first, library mainly and picked the breeders brains regularly.
Most likely to notice information about a rescue, umm internet, papers newsagents windows.
Cards in shop windows might be a good idea, ads in pet sections in papers.
 
Mmmm. I really should do more local paper stuff. Niki, I would have got the pet shop guinea, I know I would, people like me need to be caught before the pet shop... ::)

Cavy: I found breeders a good source of info too, one in particular is a good friend. I was miffed at the interrogation I had to go through to get one of her precious cavies though (I do realise now that this was a good thing).
 
As an adult I got my first piggie from the local paper free to a good home. I knew she was a couple of years old so wanted to get her a companion of a similar age so went to the RSPCA to get an older pig - on reflection if she would have been a young pig I would have probably gone to a pet shop for a young one.
I didn't do too much research at the time because of having pigs though out my childhood - thought it was all the knowledge I needed - how wrong was I! I did go through my ancient book which looking at it now gives out more bad tips than good. Then the piggy bug bit me a bit harder so I hit the internet.
These days I would spot a pig ad anywhere - my eyes are piggy radars!

But as someone who is looking to aquire a friend for a pet shop pig or just looking to get one I would advertise in local primary schools where the parents wait to pick up their children - or even ask schools/nurserys if they would have you to do an educational talk then you could give out flyers. Or ask schools can hand out to kids a flyer from you asking for stuff such as newspapers etc will at least make people more aware. The amount of parents where my daughter goes to nursery who haven't even thought about going along the rescue route is amazing. As I am known as the'animal nut' I get all sorts of questions & I always direct them to local rescues - it does seem to be more rabbit orientated rather than piggie though. But I do know that through school gate chat 5 rabbits in my area have been speyed/neutered & a rescue friend has been found for them. Other wise these rabbits would have had pet shop friends or been sad lonely animals alone.
Stands at school fetes would be a good idea. Someone here mentioned ages ago about getting kids in schools to suggest names for animals in your rescue.

Other than that Shop notice boards - cheap and gets all sorts of passing trade.

Good luck - keep us updated on how you go on.

hx
 
1. Where did you get your first guinea pig? Breeder
2. Did you research it? yes
3. Where did you research? eg books/internet/etc etc google
4. Where are you most likely to notice information about a rescue? eg supermarket, local paper... saw in on tele, and rspca, since i used to go to the cattery when i wanted a kitten when i was younger. (we got monty instead)
5. Any ideas suggestions on publicity welcome dont understand this question...
 
No that was not what I meant - it was irresponsible of me to put a boar and sow together without thinking I would get pups ::)
 
1. Where did you get your first guinea pig? - Pet department within local garden centre (didn't know any better at the time)
2. Did you research it? - Yes, bought Peter Gurney's "The Proper Care of Guinea Pigs", first of many piggy publications!
3. Where did you research? - Numerous books, friend who bred piggies many years ago and more recently the internet.
4. Where are you most likely to notice information about a rescue? - Vets waiting room (always end up reading all the notices to try to help pass the time!), internet, pet section of free ads paper.
5. Any ideas suggestions on publicity welcome - Free ad papers under pets for sale sections, leaflet in local free paper, local radio, vet waiting rooms, leaflet for small animal boarders/animal groomers to display on their premises and a fab idea from pumpkinpiggie to contact your local press about the new Animal Welfare Laws coming into force.

Hope that helps.
 
Hi everyone this is my first post !

1. Where did you get your first guinea pig?
I got my first 2 boys from a friend who had some babies she had always had pigs and had the occasional litter of babies.

2. Did you research it? & 3. Where did you research? eg books/internet/etc etc
Mostly by talking to her and another of my friends who is a vet nurse, I also bought a book from P@H and looked on the internet and found my way onto a GP forum after I had my boys and realised there were answers I needed which weren't in books.

4. Where are you most likely to notice information about a rescue? eg supermarket, local paper...
Here's the thing I only knew about my local rescue because I saw an advert in the vets .... but I wouldn't have been in the vets if I didn't already have my pigs. Also it didn't occur to me to search for rescues because to be honest I didn't realise small animal rescues existed I thought they only rescued cats/dogs/donkeys ... bigger animals I suppose.

5. Any ideas suggestions on publicity welcome.
Local free papers I suppose.
Here's a daft one - back of toilet doors - who doesn't read whats on the back of a door when there isn't much else to do.
How about taking some pigs into local schools - educate the children and raise awareness of the rescue at the same time.
Places people are bored and looking for literally anything to read eg doctors, dentists, railway station waiting rooms.

Hope there is something useful in there !
 
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