Duff Finds a Home!!!

Ok, so this REALLY BIG dude came by the table while we were at Tractor Supply yesterday, and he fell in LOVE with Duff! So, at last, Duff has found a loving home! (Seriously, this guy Jason was taking pics of Duff on his phone, calling his family members, etc.) We had a great day..we made enough money to buy a bag of food, but then when I went to get it, they were completely out! I did buy some fresh produce at a farm stand this evening as a special treat for all the piggies.
We had a great time at the adoption event, and saw all kinds of interesting animals. Hopefully this will help spread the word and we can get some of our younger piggies into new homes!

Why Two (or More) Guinea Pigs are Better than One

It seems that when most people decide to get a guinea pig as a pet for the first time, they decide to get one, thinking that one is "all they can handle." The thing is, guinea pigs are social rodents who enjoy the company of a buddy, especially if you're going to be out of the house a lot. I find that many people get one guinea pig, only to decide much later on that they would like another, but by that time, adding another guinea pig might lead to fighting or injury if one has been used to living alone.
It is best to keep guinea pigs in groups of 2-5, in a cage that is large enough for them to run around in freely. It is possible to place two unrelated pigs together as adults, but it needs to be a careful process. They must be introduced on neutral ground, not simply thrown together in a cage, even if the cage is clean. Females are more likely to get along than males, but even pairs that have been together their whole lives will still "fuss" (tooth chatter, butt wiggle, hump, chase, etc.). This happens with both males and females and is perfectly normal; as long as no one is getting hurt, it's fine.
When pairs or groups of guinea pigs arrive at our rescue, we keep them together, and try to adopt them out together. I realize that this results in fewer adoptions, since again, most people want only one, but I will not separate pairs or groups that have always been together, as this can be traumatic. On the flip side, I will not force two unrelated, same-sex, single guinea pigs to live together as cagemates. I have far more failures than successes in this arena. If, after the second or third introduction, the guinea pigs aren't getting along splendidly, I will not put them together. Every guinea pig has a different personality, and if one is more dominant, it will only lead to problems if you make introductions recklessly.
So, if you are considering adopting, it would be best to adopt a pair, even if it means a little more cage-cleaning, etc. In the long run, it will be much better for your pet.

Vacation

Ryan and I are going away for a bit for our anniversary, so I've been busy all day washing fleeces, etc. to make sure everyone will be clean for the next couple days. Also, against my better judgment, I am taking in one more male. His owner is moving, and the guinea pig is visually impaired, so I'm concerned that he may end up somewhere that would not be able to care for him properly. His name is Steve, and we are picking him up on our way back home Sunday. Because he is partially blind, Steve will be a permanent resident not available for adoption. This will be the first time I've had a semi-blind guinea pig, so I want to make sure he is comfortable and doesn't continue to get moved around.
However, I am hoping that next weekend, I will find a home or two for a couple guinea pigs going to Tractor Supply with me. I called Pinot's new owners, and he is doing very well, and probably getting more attention than he was here with so many other piggies.
I was also very blessed today to receive a small donation of fleece and a check from a person who has been reading my articles in Kritter Kronickles, and after checking out this site, she wanted to help. I sincerely appreciate everything everyone has done for our little rescue...no donation is ever too small!
So, I will update the blog again when we return, and post pics of our new resident!

Spring Has Arrived!

I have been woefully behind in updating the blog, mostly because there really is nothing going on here. The biggest development has been the explosion of dandelion growth, which means FRESH GREENS for all the piggies! I refer to dandelion leaves as "guinea pig crack," since they can't seem to get enough of them! Every time we go in or out the door now, everyone starts squeaking for a treat!
Fortunately, I have a very big yard, so I gather greens twice a day (weather permitting), and everyone is enjoying the spoils. I took Indigo and Gobbles out for some cuddles this evening, sitting on the back deck and getting some fresh air. I'm looking forward to using my outdoor enclosure soon, when the weather starts getting more consistent.
Again, I will post more on this as the date gets closer, but we will be back at Tractor Supply in Clay on Rts. 31 and 57 on Saturday, May 15. This time I am bringing several guinea pigs available for adoption, and I am going to type up some informational sheets to bring along with me to get the word out about our rescue and about guinea pig care.

Reasons NOT to Get a Guinea Pig

After having several guinea pigs returned to me, I realized that (as with many pets) people may not be prepared to bring them into their homes and give them a lifetime of proper care. So, here is my list of reasons for NOT getting a guinea pig:
1. You don't like getting your hands dirty. (which translates into, you don't like cleaning cages, touching poop, possibly giving baths, brushing your guinea pig or getting peed on occasionally)
2. You don't like noisy little beggars. Guinea pigs get used to a feeding schedule, and will squeak LOUDLY to get your attention, and a treat.
3. You don't like cuddling. Guinea pigs love to snuggle in your lap or on your chest.
4. You don't like animals that shed. (self-explanatory)
5. You can't afford to take your guinea pig to the vet if it gets sick, because it will probably cost you more than a dog or cat visit, and you have to find a vet who will treat exotic animals.
6. You're allergic to hay. Guinea pigs MUST have hay in their diet.
7. You want to keep it in the smallest cage possible to save space and money. Guinea pigs NEED space to run around and, well, act like guinea pigs.
So, if you don't find any of these things appealing in the least, a guinea pig is not for you!

Fluffy, aka Foofer

This is our newest arrival, five-year-old Fluffy, or "Foofer" as she was also called, so we use both names. She's a cute little silkie; Morgan has already brushed her and she is settling in well. I've put her cage next to Buttercup's so she has someone to visit with.
Speaking of Buttercup, she is actually not as hyper or loud as her previous owner described, so I think she's just happy to be back here! I have a feeling she will also be a permanent resident now, haha!

Guinea Pigs and the Central NY SPCA

When I started taking in guinea pigs six years ago, I got a few from someone who would pick them up from the CNYSPCA in Mattydale for free, then she would place an ad in the paper and accept a $15 donation to the SPCA. Apparently things have changed a lot since then; now the shelter is charging over $30 per guinea pig (Lollypop Farm in Fairport asks $15 apiece). That's the same price as most pet stores!
I have also heard stories of wounded guinea pigs not receiving medical care, and someone who donated fresh carrots found out later that they were all given to the rabbits and none to the guinea pigs that were there.
I certainly don't expect the SPCA to give guinea pigs away for free; I know they need money and the staff is very overworked, but I do believe the animals all need to be taken care of. Part of me wants to try to give them a hand, but part of me is unhappy (with the guinea pig and other situations) to the point where I almost don't want to deal with them at all. On top of all this, I physically do not have anymore room in my house to take in more pigs at this point, so if I do decide to work with the SPCA it would have to be put on hold until I have more space.