Adopting a guinea pig from us
When we first hear from someone we find out exactly what type of guinea pig you are looking for and see if we have any here that would be suitable for youe home environment.
If we do not have any suitable guineas at that time then we would add your name to our waiting list and let you know as soon as a suitable guinea pig/s are available.
If you are on our waiting list we try and get homechecks done as soon as possible so there is plenty of time for people to ak questions and get everything ready for their guinea pigs. It is also lovely to get to know people during this process as it is great to keep contact going after adoption so we can help with any problems that the guineas might have and support their new adopters in getting to know their guinea pigs.
When we have a suitable guinea pig/s and your homecheck is successful, people are more than welcome to visit here by appointment to visit any prospective guinea pig friends and get to know them a little before they go to their new home.
When Guinea pig/s go to their new home we call a week later to see if they are getting on, do so again in around a months time from adoption and then again further along the line. We are more than happy to hear how our adopted guineas are getting on at any time.
If for any reason the adoption is not succesfull we are always happy to accept guinea pigs back at any time for whatever reason. This is rare but can happen, peoples circumstances change etc. Our door is always open and we will visit if you are having problems and offer support and advice. If the guinea pigs need to return here we will offer them a forever home as we do not like the thought of them repeatedly going to new environments. Please do not hesitate in contacting us if you are having problems we aim to make people and guinea pigs as happy together as possible.
Homechecks
Homechecking is a way for people to ask us questions so we kind find out exactly what type of guinea pig/s would be suitable for you and that you can provide a suitable environment for the guinea pigs.
The animal welfare act states the minimum size housing for two guinea pigs should be 4ft by 2ft and we stick to this guideline. Most hutches are not 2ft wide that are made commercially but 4ft in length gives the guineas enough room to run around and play.
5ft by 2 ft is the recommended size for 3 guineas
6ft by 2ft is the recommended size for 4 guineas etc.
If being housed outside the hutch should:
have a sleeping area
be well ventilated
be in a sheltered area of the garden (damp and excess heat both cause guinea pigs problems)
be covered in cold weather to keep guineas nice and warm.
Indoor guineas are far more interactive with their owners, and if you are lucky enough to be able to keep your guinea indoors a nero4 or ferplast 100 sized cage is suitable for two guinea pigs.
Guineas hutches should be spot cleaned daily and cleaned out and disinfected at least once a week.
A safe and secure run that can be moved around the lawn so the guinea pigs can have some grass time outdoors in the summer is needed and can be purchased cheaply on free advertising sites or made (we make our own)
Guineas need to have access to water at all times so a good sized water bottle with it's water replaced daily is essential. (A good way to keep water bottles clean is to use milton sterilizing fluid to soak then with a little water in the bottom add some dry uncooked rice and shake to get rid of debris then empty and rinse!)
Food bowls should be preferably shallow but definately heavy so they do not tip. These should also be cleaned regularly.
(We have clean plates and cups for our food the guineas deserve the same.)
You will need to get a small pet carrier for your guineas in case of trips to the vet, (these can be brought fairly cheaply)
Guinea should have hay available at all times a hard feed of guinea pig food once a day and a cup of mixed vegetables each per day.
Good quality hay is essential for guineas as poor quality hay can carry fungal spores which cause them lots of problems we use hoirse quality hay for bedding and they have just grass to eat every day.
Your guinea pig will need regular grooming and nail clipping no matter what length their coat. Boars have a grease spot on their back end which needs regular attention with washing up liquid.
Guineas need as much handling time as possible and floor time indoors is great fun, the more time you spend with you guinea pig the more handleable and friendly they will be.