Guineas Are Fine, Daughter Is Allergic :( Rehome Or Any Other Options?

[MelScruff&Binky]

So we love our 2 girls, Binky and Bonky, and have had them for around 6 months now. With the weather getting colder we decided to bring them inside rather than insulate their plywood hutch (personal choice decided not to winter them outside) and it turns out kiddo is allergic.

We've changed the bedding to hypoallergenic, the food to hay pellets and given them a good trim of hair and nails but still every time she handles them she sneeezes and itches. (She has a history of allergies, but mainly food so we didnt think the guineapigs would be an issue, we were wrong.)

Anyonne got any other ideas of what we could try?

Alternatively does anyone know of anywhere I could put to rehome them responsibly? Or sell as Ive indoor and outdoor hutches, all beds and accessories etc for 2 pampered girlies!

I'm in Leeds if there are any local groups anyone knows about.

Thanks all,

A broken hearted Mel

 

[Swissgreys]

It looks like you have put a lot of time and effort into your set up - lucky piggies.
Sorry to hear about your daughters allergies though.
Does she only react when she handles them, or when she is in the same room but with no contact?
Is this a new thing since they moved indoors, or did she also react when they were outside?
How severe is the reaction?

Depending on the reaction it could be related to molting after moving inside, and may ease over time.
Or if it isn't severe it might be managed by a through hand and face wash and a change of clothes after handling?

Maybe if you can share a few more details people will come up with suggestions.
As a major allergy sufferer myself, your daughter has my full sympathy.

 

[Veggies Galore]

What a shame !

There are a few members on here who have allergies - so I am sure you get some advice in due course.

One option - if your children were OK with the guineas outside - would it be possible to keep them in a shed ? A few of us on here keep our guinea pigs in sheds and are particularly successful if the shed has an electric supply as the shed can then be heated .

If you really feel you need to rehome , we advise you look at our rescue locator to see if there is a rescue nearby .
Guinea Pig Rescue Centre Locator

but, hopefully it won't come to that ...

 

[MelScruff&Binky]

Thanks for replying, yes its only since we brought them indoors and only when she handles them, so perhaps yes could be the fur / moulting.

Ive contacted her allergy clinic who will do a skin prick test next time we're there, so if we can at least minimise reactions for a couple of months it will hopefully prevent the allergy worsening.

We do have a garage with a power supply so perhaps we could put them in there with a heater on when its very cold, it seems very lonely to me! I'm sure they would enjoy the quiet though

Mel Binky and Bonky (nee Scruffbag)

 

[SugarCookie]

So we love our 2 girls, Binky and Bonky, and have had them for around 6 months now. With the weather getting colder we decided to bring them inside rather than insulate their plywood hutch (personal choice decided not to winter them outside) and it turns out kiddo is allergic.

We've changed the bedding to hypoallergenic, the food to hay pellets and given them a good trim of hair and nails but still every time she handles them she sneeezes and itches. (She has a history of allergies, but mainly food so we didnt think the guineapigs would be an issue, we were wrong.)

Anyonne got any other ideas of what we could try?

Alternatively does anyone know of anywhere I could put to rehome them responsibly? Or sell as Ive indoor and outdoor hutches, all beds and accessories etc for 2 pampered girlies!

I'm in Leeds if there are any local groups anyone knows about.

Thanks all,

A broken hearted Mel View attachment 53559 View attachment 53560 View attachment 53561 View attachment 53562 View attachment 53563 View attachment 53564

Since their outside, they should not be a problem in the house, but they can still be a problem to your daughter. When I and my family first went to the allergist for being allergic to them, they told us to get rid of them, or we would have to take meds. Hopefully she won't need meds or shots. Since they are outside though they will not get on the carpet or couch, wicth saves you from consent vacuuming. The allergist told us to change are close after we held the guniea pigs, and just limted the time with them. They also told us to wacth out for urnie. She's not allergic to poo or the fur, she's allergic to the pee. You might need to clean the cage multiple times a week due to this. This is why when she holds them, she has a allergic reaction. Try getting a holding towel, to limted skin contact. It has to be a thick towel, like a batch towel. Beware, this will be pricy. Between meds, clothes changed, cage changed, vacuuming, and well um, the price, it's time to ask yourself, is it worth it?


If all fails, their are lots of homes for them to be with.

But these things really helped me, and my family, so try them out.

If she uses a inhaler that with defidently help. Ask a doctor about shots.

I'm really sorry, but if it makes your daughter happy....