On arrival at the rescue, every animal is given a health check and any necessary treatment. All animals are monitored for a minimum of 2 weeks to ensure they are fit and healthy, and to assess their temperament, prior to being put up for adoption.

GUINEA PIGS

The average life span of a Guinea Pig is 5-7 years

Guinea Pigs like to live in same sex pairs or a group of females bonded with a neutered male.

Guinea pigs require a good size hutch or indoor cage 5ft long x 2ft wide (150 x 60cm). Males may require a larger cage as they can be more territorial.

For ideas on suitable indoor housing for guinea pigs please see this website
www.candcguineapigcages.co.uk
PLEASE NOTE THE ENCLOSURE SHOULD OFFER A MINIMUM OF 10 sq ft for a pair of guinea pigs.

A Ferplast or similar indoor enclosure with stand would also be suitable (min size 140cm x 58cm) larger is preferred.

If you are shopping around for suitable accommodation please email the details of the type of hutch or cage you intend to purchase before buying to ensure it complies with our safety standards and minimum requirements. Despite what retailers say - some are not suitable for guinea pigs and could even endanger or be detrimental to their health. Some double storey hutches aren't suitable as the ramps are too steep if the hutch is not of adequate width. Some also have open bottom runs which do not provide enough floor area for exercise and could even endanger the guinea pigs.

Hutches should be sited in a sheltered area near your house. All guinea pigs require a minimum of 4 hours a day exercise out of their hutch or indoor cage, a secure run for daytime grazing is essential during fine weather.

Guinea pigs will need to be brought indoors, or into a shed or unused garage that has natural light, for the wintertime.

You will have to be very observant and quick to spot signs that your Guinea Pig is unwell, as being a prey animal they hide illness extraordinarily well.
LETHARGY - if your guinea pig is off their food, sitting hunched up or their fur appears ruffled, or their eyes look dull you need to seek veterinary advice immediately.
BLOAT - never feed your guinea pig stale or mouldy food, always ensure you serve fresh produce to avoid gut problems which can be fatal to guinea pigs.
HEATSTROKE - exhaustion and death can occur if your Guinea Pig doesn't have adequate shade and air circulation. Hutch covers are great for insulating in winter but in summer hutches can become ovens. Never leave your Guinea Pig shut inside a hot hutch or enclosure, they should be provided with plenty of shade.

The most important part of a Guinea Pigs diet is hay - this should be made available at all times in unlimited quantity, along with a selection of fresh vegetables high in vitamin C see list and a handful of good quality Guinea Pig nuggets, which will help provide them with the essential vitamins and nutrients they need. Guinea pigs also enjoy various fruits - a comprehensive list can be found here

Water bottles or bowls should be cleaned and refilled daily, using a bottle brush.
Housing should be spot cleaned daily, paying particular attention to litter trays or areas where your piggies urinate.
Carry out a thorough clean once a week with a pet safe disinfectant.

Wooden toys, bridges, hides, boxes stuffed with hay and nibbles will help provide interest as your Guinea Pig will love exploring, chewing and foraging for treats (healthy ones please that don't contain sugar).

Guinea Pigs enjoy time out in a secure run on the lawn during fine weather. The run should be moved regularly to avoid overgrazing (guinea pigs are very good lawn mowers).
The run should be constructed using fox resistant wire (weldmesh not chicken wire).
It should have a well constructed lid (not plastic netting) and all openings should be secured with barrel bolts (not swivel latches).

See this link for examples
Runs

We will rehome to suitably converted sheds, aviaries, playhouses and dog kennel and run combinations.

We will only rehome Guinea Pigs to live in pairs.
We will not rehome a single Guinea pig unless you already have one to bond and the bonding must be carried out on neutral territory supervised by ourselves here at the rescue.
Guinea Pigs should not be housed with other species - we will not rehome a Guinea Pig to live with rabbits, birds or other fowl.
We will not rehome Guinea Pigs to free range unsupervised.

We have a number of Guinea Pigs staying with us long-term because they cannot be re-homed due to old age or they have special requirements. We do not give up on animals just because they have problems - we provide them with the long term care they need.
If you would like to sponsor a Guinea Pig find out more.

VIEWING IS STRICTLY BY APPOINTMENT ONLY.

Please complete our homefinder form to express an interest in any available Guinea Pigs, then we can keep you updated on any suitable animals that are cleared for adoption.

We request a donation for each animal adopted so that we can continue to help other animals in need.

Watch this space......