Local childrens farm has guinea pigs in with rabbits

[Julie.T]

And they also have rabbits in with a parrot!

They're in huge outside enclosures but they still shouldn't be housed together should they?

I should really have said something whilst we were there but didn't feel brave enough so I'm thinking of writing a letter to them complaining about the way the animals are kept. I'm a bit rubbish with things like that though, would really appreciate any help with what to write.

 

[Salt n Peppers mum]

Hi Julie

I think you'll find this thread of interest

http://www.theguineapigforum.co.uk/showthread.php?t=66996

p

Paula

 

[Julie.T]

Thank you

 

[JoBo]

Its funny you should bring this up cause i was messaging Jo yesterday who used to run Cheylesmore Guinea Pig rescue and she went to Hatton Farm yesterday where they have a giant guinea pig village. I went a few years ago and there is total chaos in the village. Unneutered males and females all live together and constantly breed. I myself saw babies being bullied by adult guinea pigs. I asked what happened to the babies and they said that they keep some and the rest they sell to the local pet shop.
When Jo went yesterday the conditions had sadly not improved. She saw a male guinea pig with very sore feet that she asked to be removed and also the guinea pig that her children were given to cuddle had a half chewed ear with dry blood on it.
Its an absolute disgrace that people pay to visit animals that are not having their needs met. I have been to Hatton a few times and its a beautiful place and the first few times i went i know hardly anything about guinea pigs and really loved the village, which is obviously what the majority of the visitiors are doing.
However once you learn about guinea pigs and how they live and how easily they breed this sort of place breaks my heart. As Jo said many of the babies are probably pregnant which can also explain how many people are unknowingly buying pregnant pigs from pet shops.

What should we do about this?

 

[Gems]

Saltwell park near where I live has 2 enclosures where there are rabbits, guinea pigs, peacocks, chickens and other birds all together. I wrote a letter of complaint to them but they said they have regular RSPCA checks and comply with all laws. The guinea pigs did look happy enough, but come on, peacocks! Who honestly thought they should all live together, its not a natural environment!

 

[salapples]

Julie - which farm was it?

 

[MrsM]

I've had a similar experience recently. I wrote an e-mail stating my concerns and suggested ways for imrpovement, all in a friendly way. I got a reply within 48 hrs and was assured that things would improve, the lady admitted that the piggies were a new addition to the centre and as such they were novices. She thanked me for my advice too.