going to a rescue...

[charli_sav]

....today!

I'm actually a little bit nervous! Is there anything I need to know before I go? I feel like I've done lots of piggie research!

 

[Suzygpr]

Hopefully I can reassure you a little.

When a propsective new owner visits here the some of questions I have for them -
Size of cage/pictures of it if poss
any other pets
age of children if any
piggy experience if any
what they expect from their pet - one be to cuddled or one to watch in their environment
any allergies in the family
Just a general chat to get the level of research and enthusiam for their new pets.

Then it's questions from the family,
if your are getting a bonded pair, how long have they been bonded for
what food are they on at the moment
what's their fav veg
what's their history, health and rescuewise
have they been quarantined for at least 2 weeks
does the rescue breed any of the animals there
which pigs suit your family's requirements, as not all piggy personlities are the same


All your questions should be given full answers. At the rescue they should be indoors or in a shed at the very least. You should not be offered a 'pick n mix' pairing from a group. The pigs should be in obvious good health. Standards of cleanliness should be high - the cages may need cleaning but not be overdue and smell of ammonia. Water bottles should not have any signs of green from algae left to grow. No old veg going yucky in the cages.

Remember you are checking out the rescue, not just them deciding if you are suitable owners for the pigs. Not all rescues have the same standards and only if you feel happy with the standards of the rescue and that the pigs have been well cared for should you choose to take any pigs from there. Poor rescues will not improve their standards if people still give donations and take animals from them.

It should be a relaxed and fun visit, not an interrogation so if you feel at all unsure about anything do ask. You can always leave and make your decision as a family at home and get back in touch with them or choose another rescue.

HTH

Suzy x

 

[Sodapops]

I'm actually a little bit nervous! Is there anything I need to know before I go? I feel like I've done lots of piggie research!

Don't take any bags and DO NOT wear a coat with big pockets - else you might come back home with more than you bargained for!

On a serious note though - there's really nothing to worry about, i know it seems a bit daunting at first - but just be yourself and i'm sure everything will be fantastic - you'll be reserving/bringing home some gorgeous piggies in no time.

 

[charli_sav]

Don't take any bags and DO NOT wear a coat with big pockets - else you might come back home with more than you bargained for!

On a serious note though - there's really nothing to worry about, i know it seems a bit daunting at first - but just be yourself and i'm sure everything will be fantastic - you'll be reserving/bringing home some gorgeous piggies in no time.

That really made me chuckle haha!

Thank you so much for your replies - unfortunately we can'tgo today just as I had psyched myself up!

I will keep those questions in mind Suzy - really helpful, thank you!

 

[clairelove]

awww why cant you go?

 

[CrawleyGuineaPigRescue]

At my rescue (run from home) I take ages with possibly new piggie parents. Agree with Suzy all she has said, plus we get the piggies out on laps (with lap blankets) for the people to handle them.

If you ask questions about the piggies dont worry if they have to look up the info (speaking from experience) as we cant remember everything.
You should be told about their health in the rescue, if they have been treated for mites.

 

[charli_sav]

awww why cant you go?

Ah, I wanted to confirm to go, but couldn't get through to the phone so we ended not going because we had to see family later in the day. Just a little bit of miscommunication and also understand they are busy and it is a Sunday afterall! It's okay though, I think we will go next weekend now

Thank you Crawley, I will take your points on board too!