Walsall Rspca Adoption Procedure

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As explained in my last thread about bonding Penny to Freddie and Oreo, this has gone really badly. It's a no go and really disappointing. It would have been heart-warming to see Penny slotting in with them but absolutely not going to happen.

My issue is driving. I don't drive and hubby can only drive short distances due to his shoulder injury.
Now RSPCA Walsall happens to have had an influx of piggies and there's many there up for adoption. Penny needs to choose her next partner/partners and the Walsall rescue is right now looking ideal. However they rehome their piggies through fostering. Not that it's not a good thing, I think it's a great thing as the pigs get used to living in an actual home, just that I wonder if anyone knows if they have one fosterer who looks after many pairs of pigs, or if they spread them out. If I can get to see one then it may be possible to go down this route, but if I would have to journey from one home to another for different sow-dates then it's looking increasingly like a no-go.

What exactly happens please? Thank you
 
Hello, it all depends to be honest. Vicky tends to have the majority of the piggies at her house and then there may be some pairs already at fosterers if that makes sense.
 
Critter said:
As explained in my last thread about bonding Penny to Freddie and Oreo, this has gone really badly. It's a no go and really disappointing. It would have been heart-warming to see Penny slotting in with them but absolutely not going to happen.

My issue is driving. I don't drive and hubby can only drive short distances due to his shoulder injury.
Now RSPCA Walsall happens to have had an influx of piggies and there's many there up for adoption. Penny needs to choose her next partner/partners and the Walsall rescue is right now looking ideal. However they rehome their piggies through fostering. Not that it's not a good thing, I think it's a great thing as the pigs get used to living in an actual home, just that I wonder if anyone knows if they have one fosterer who looks after many pairs of pigs, or if they spread them out. If I can get to see one then it may be possible to go down this route, but if I would have to journey from one home to another for different sow-dates then it's looking increasingly like a no-go.

What exactly happens please? Thank you
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I have just been given the go ahead by the RSPCA Walsall for dating my own Tegan after a fall-out amongst my Peru Mafia and the unexpected death from a heart attack of a reserved special sow on back-to-back pregnancy watch at East Peckham Guinea Pig last weekend. Unlike Penny, 4 year old Tegan is a rather bit of an amibitious and sneaky so-and-so, and both her mum and her auntie are emphatic about not wanting her back...
She failed to settle with the Two Fat Ladies and was too dominant for frail stroke survivor Nimue; thankfully Nimue has slotted in well with the Two Fat Ladies. :(

I have been told that all boars are with the same fosterer. I am yet waiting for them to come back to me with the fosterer's phone number to set up a date from 10th March onwards, which is when 3 of the 4 boars become adoptable.
Would you like me to take Penny at the same time if you can get her down to Coventry?
 
Wiebke said:
I have just been given the go ahead by the RSPCA Walsall for dating my own Tegan after a fall-out amongst my Peru Mafia and the unexpected death from a heart attack of a reserved special sow on back-to-back pregnancy watch at East Peckham Guinea Pig last weekend. Unlike Penny, 4 year old Tegan is a rather bit of an amibitious and sneaky so-and-so, and both her mum and her auntie are emphatic about not wanting her back...
She failed to settle with the Two Fat Ladies and was too dominant for frail stroke survivor Nimue; thankfully Nimue has slotted in well with the Two Fat Ladies. :(

I have been told that all boars are with the same fosterer. I am yet waiting for them to come back to me with the fosterer's phone number to set up a date from 10th March onwards, which is when 3 of the 4 boars become adoptable.
Would you like me to take Penny at the same time if you can get her down to Coventry?
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PS: From what I understand from @becky86, the fosterer is not Vicki, but the daughter of the woman who fostered my Nerys and Nia for the RSPCA 7 years ago.
 
Thank you @Wiebke that's very kind indeed. Coventry is slightly further away to us than Walsall, however the trains look quite good to Walsall with just the one change, so perhaps we could meet at Walsall station and go together if it turns out that this lady has most of the piggies. Hopefully this will mean the one trip. x
 
Critter said:
Thank you @Wiebke that's very kind indeed. Coventry is slightly further away to us than Walsall, however the trains look quite good to Walsall with just the one change, so perhaps we could meet at Walsall station and go together if it turns out that this lady has most of the piggies. Hopefully this will mean the one trip. x
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If she is not in Wallsall (I remember her mum being in Cannock), I might be able talk my hub into picking you up at the station and taking both of us there.
 
I could take her to Conventry instead as you first suggested if that is easier for you? I assumed (sorry I shouldn't assume) that you were going by train and would naturally therefore end up at Wallsall station! :) x What ever is easier for you and your hubby :)
 
Having said that, it would be nice if I could go, and easier in terms of not having to make another journey to pick her up again from Coventry. I assume this is a one-day procedure? Sorry, just don't know how it all works. Perhaps it's easier to PM? x
 
Critter said:
I could take her to Conventry instead as you first suggested if that is easier for you? I assumed (sorry I shouldn't assume) that you were going by train and would naturally therefore end up at Wallsall station! :) x What ever is easier for you and your hubby :)
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Depending on where it is, I'll be going by train, but if it is not easy to get to, then I will have to ask hub (grudgingly). You are welcome to join the bandwagon in that case (whether that is at Coventry or Walsall) and save some taxi cost! If I go by train, we would ideally meet up in Birmingham New St station.

Yes, it is a one day procedure; they test for general acceptance. Once that has happened, you take them home.
 
Wiebke said:
Depending on where it is, I'll be going by train, but if it is not easy to get to, then I will have to ask hub (grudgingly). You are welcome to join the bandwagon in that case (whether that is at Coventry or Walsall) and save some taxi cost! If I go by train, we would ideally meet up in Birmingham New St station.

Yes, it is a one day procedure; they test for general acceptance. Once that has happened, you take them home.
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Thank you :) Sounds good :)
 
I can't promise anything, it does depend on whether or not I'm working, and it is a long journey for Penny. Thankfully I have less overtime coming up, it's been crazy over the last few weeks and I've been unable to get time off due to no-one else being in on many of the days (staff holidays booked, one left suddenly, one has been off sick and needs an op). Things are calming down now. But please do let me know when you are going, I feel Walsall would have a good chance of helping Penny.
I have just found some piggies in a Bramcote rescue, which I may actually be able to get a lift for, and whilst it's not on the recommended list I think that's worth an investigation too. I'll phone them tomorrow to find out if they offer dating too.
Thank you again and thank you to Hub, and your Tegan sounds like a bit of a tinker!
 
I've been in touch with Bramcote rescue, which is closer to us. They had a load of piggies in from a lady on Wednesday and I was told to phone today to ask more about them (though we knew they wouldn't be ready at that point as they've only just come in).. Scary thing is that many of them are in the midst of having babies, some were even born yesterday, some babies are a week old already, some sows are ready to drop, and the rest are all on pregnancy watch. There are a few that they've had in a while, and are all clear, some are in pairs, some are in groups. I can go at the weekend to date Penny with the ones they've already got, and if that doesn't work I can wait eight weeks till the babies they already have are old enough to leave, or even take a mother-daughter pairing (Penny permitting).
She says they do proper dating, and from what she's been saying they ensure all are 'clear' of pregnancy and issues before they consider them for adoption, so it all sounds good to me!
 
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Oh it's fine, I can still go to Bramcote and take a look at the piggies they already have ready, and if Penny doesn't take to them I can go along in eight weeks and see if she'll like a baby or mother/baby pairing.
It is a shame that so many came in pregnant though. Sounds like the lady who had them got overwhelmed.
 
Of course I would prefer not to wait eight weeks, but she is coping very well indeed on her own. With my first pig I was desperate to get her a friend as she had been on her own for over a year and was so sad and timid. With my lone sow Snowball she didn't want to li9ve with the sow-herd, but after spending a few weeks apart I could tell she was getting 'needy' and I knew she craved company, but not sows, so I got her a neutered boar quickly, which was partly down to luck. When Snowball died I could see that Freddie (the neutered boar) didn't quite know what to do with himself and was clearly missing company, so it was only two weeks before he was with a friend.
Penny though..... she is coping really well. Of course I'm sure she'd like company, but with her I feel that I can wait a little longer and ensure that all is fine, rather than rush into things. So if it needs to wait those extra weeks then perhaps it's worth it if it means she is with the piggies of her choosing. :)
 
I definitely think it is worth it, I have two single boars just now they've been separated for about a year and we'll I'm sure they will be delighted to have company both cope really well on there own.

I recently took them on as the owner couldn't cope anymore and have decided to neuter them and pair with girlie's. The little guys developed ringworm just before the operation. It feels like we've been waited forever but it's the right thing to do to ensure we don't have any further complications so can understand your decision also!

Good luck finding a new friend, my boys operation's is booked for the 15th now. I can't wait till they meet there new wives!
 
Aw you're doing a lovely thing by them, I hope their ops and recoveries go really well, and the ringworm vey soon clears up and becomes a distant memory!
Sounds like they'll soon have things sorted and will be living the good life with their future wives :) x
 
Meet Ruby and Rosie, two lovely 9 month old sows who sadly had to be rehomed by a friend of @Smile124x . They have been living with @Smile124x whilst she's been looking for a new home for them on behalf of her friend, and I know she's going to miss the little sweethearts, as is her friend.
A massive thank you to both of you for letting me give them a new home.
I'll be keeping their names.

From left to right: Penny, Rosie and Ruby during the introductions.
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In their new home :)
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The intros went smooth, Penny established that she was boss with no resistance from Rosie and not much from Ruby. After half an hour or so we felt it would be OK to put them in their cage (rearranged). Penny's been off to explore the cage, Ruby and Rosie haven't left the safety of the hay box, but all is going well. :)

It was lovely to meet you @Smile124x . Thank you very much once again. Do please give me a nudge whenever you want updates x x
 
Critter said:
Meet Ruby and Rosie, two lovely 9 month old sows who sadly had to be rehomed by a friend of @Smile124x . They have been living with @Smile124x whilst she's been looking for a new home for them on behalf of her friend, and I know she's going to miss the little sweethearts, as is her friend.
A massive thank you to both of you for letting me give them a new home.
I'll be keeping their names.

From left to right: Penny, Rosie and Ruby during the introductions.
View attachment 43859

In their new home :)
View attachment 43860

View attachment 43861

The intros went smooth, Penny established that she was boss with no resistance from Rosie and not much from Ruby. After half an hour or so we felt it would be OK to put them in their cage (rearranged). Penny's been off to explore the cage, Ruby and Rosie haven't left the safety of the hay box, but all is going well. :)

It was lovely to meet you @Smile124x . Thank you very much once again. Do please give me a nudge whenever you want updates x x
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They look gorgeous! I am sure that Penny is a very happy girl having two younger sows to boss around!
 
Critter said:
Meet Ruby and Rosie, two lovely 9 month old sows who sadly had to be rehomed by a friend of @Smile124x . They have been living with @Smile124x whilst she's been looking for a new home for them on behalf of her friend, and I know she's going to miss the little sweethearts, as is her friend.
A massive thank you to both of you for letting me give them a new home.
I'll be keeping their names.

From left to right: Penny, Rosie and Ruby during the introductions.
View attachment 43859

In their new home :)
View attachment 43860

View attachment 43861

The intros went smooth, Penny established that she was boss with no resistance from Rosie and not much from Ruby. After half an hour or so we felt it would be OK to put them in their cage (rearranged). Penny's been off to explore the cage, Ruby and Rosie haven't left the safety of the hay box, but all is going well. :)

It was lovely to meet you @Smile124x . Thank you very much once again. Do please give me a nudge whenever you want updates x x
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Aww thank you so much for your lovely words @Critter! Was lovely to meet you too, I'm so happy you'll give them a forever home, I will miss them very much but at least I have my girls still to get through. I will indeed nudge you for updates every now and then, thank you so much x
 
P1120926.webp

@Smile124x
Rosie and Ruby have had an active evening and have now discovered there's a world outside of their hay tray :) They've been enjoying the Squbes and all three are on the top level as I type, sleeping. Penny has given the odd chase here and there, and humps for good measure, but the two now appear comfortable in her presence. They've had a lovely evening meal of cucumber, pepper, lettuce, broccoli and green beans and things are quiet for now. I caught Penny popcorning earlier, so even though she's been a bit assertive with them I think she's pleased to have company again. By the way I am watching Rosie curled up in a Sqube she looks happy, and Penny and Ruby are now pancaked out in front of the squbes nose to nose :) :wub:
 
Critter said:
View attachment 43891

@Smile124x
Rosie and Ruby have had an active evening and have now discovered there's a world outside of their hay tray :) They've been enjoying the Squbes and all three are on the top level as I type, sleeping. Penny has given the odd chase here and there, and humps for good measure, but the two now appear comfortable in her presence. They've had a lovely evening meal of cucumber, pepper, lettuce, broccoli and green beans and things are quiet for now. I caught Penny popcorning earlier, so even though she's been a bit assertive with them I think she's pleased to have company again. By the way I am watching Rosie curled up in a Sqube she looks happy, and Penny and Ruby are now pancaked out in front of the squbes nose to nose :) :wub:
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You always get the dominance phase for a few days or weeks as piggies establish a new hierarchy, but it seems to be on the mild side and be taken in good part by all parties.
 
Thanks @Wiebke
Yes, it all looks fine :)
Both Smile124x and I were pretty nervous this morning though... didn't know how Penny would be with them, but we're both pleased with how she's accepted them. Penny I'm sure will calm down with the humping in due course.... :P :)
 
Critter said:
Thanks @Wiebke
Yes, it all looks fine :)
Both Smile124x and I were pretty nervous this morning though... didn't know how Penny would be with them, but we're both pleased with how she's accepted them. Penny I'm sure will calm down with the humping in due course.... :P :)
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I could only wish that Tegan will be so civilised, but having seen her in action when she shifts to dominance, I don't hold out too much hope... :mal:
 
Wiebke said:
I could only wish that Tegan will be so civilised, but having seen her in action when she shifts to dominance, I don't hold out too much hope... :mal:
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Aw good luck with Tegan this weekend. She sounds like such a little madam! I hope she finds a partner she can be amicable with x x
 
Well, we're having a lovely morning, I've been watching them for the last hour and all have been up and about and active. And no chasing. It's almost as if they've been with each other forever already! It's wonderful. I can see Penny is chuffed to have company again. The three have been following each other around quite often, Penny following as much as the others following, and not in a bossy way. They are all comfortable with each other, and it's very heart-warming to watch. Just been watching Penny and Ruby with their noses in one of the food bowls, side by side. She's rumbled her bottom at them a couple of times, but that's all :)
The three took some coriander from me, even shy Rosie plucked up the courage :)
 
Critter said:
Well, we're having a lovely morning, I've been watching them for the last hour and all have been up and about and active. And no chasing. It's almost as if they've been with each other forever already! It's wonderful. I can see Penny is chuffed to have company again. The three have been following each other around quite often, Penny following as much as the others following, and not in a bossy way. They are all comfortable with each other, and it's very heart-warming to watch. Just been watching Penny and Ruby with their noses in one of the food bowls, side by side. She's rumbled her bottom at them a couple of times, but that's all :)
The three took some coriander from me, even shy Rosie plucked up the courage :)
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Aww that's so great! Glad Rosie is coming round a bit, she just takes time to adjust to new surroundings x
 
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