Guinea Pig Rescue

Things You Should Know Before Bringing a Rescued Guinea Pig Home:

During Adopt-A-Rescued Guinea Pig Month, which is recognized annually every March, guinea pig rescues and animal shelters around the country work hard to educate pet owners about the proper care of guinea pigs, also known as cavies. Unfortunately, there are countless guinea pigs living in less-than-ideal conditions, facing neglect, malnutrition, and abuse at the hands of their owners.

In some cases, the abuse isn’t intentional but it still exists. Because they are docile creatures and rarely bite, guinea pigs are often considered ideal pets for children. The downside is children can be rough with guinea pigs, making it essential for their parents to supervise them. Children can also tire of a pet quickly, leaving their parents to care for the guinea pig or to abandon her altogether.

Anyone who’s ever had a guinea pig knows how affectionate they can be, making them a wonderful addition to the right family. But, in the hands of the wrong person, a guinea pig can suffer unless someone steps in to rescue her.

Guinea pigs are wonderful pets, affectionate and well-suited to apartment or small home living. However, you should be aware of what you can expect when adopting a rescued guinea pig, especially if you are unsure of what has happened in her past. Even a guinea pig who was handled roughly in her former home will need extra care.

Before you adopt a rescued guinea pig, prepare her new home. You may want to get her a pen to run around in or a cage that is big enough for her to explore. Never house your guinea pig in an aquarium no matter how big the aquarium is because your cavy won’t get the ventilation she needs. In addition, avoid using a cage that has a wired bottom which could hurt your guinea pig’s feet or cause her to become stuck in the wire.

Make sure there are plenty of places for your guinea pig to hide in her cage. You can purchase tubes and igloos or put boxes in the cage. If your guinea pig becomes frightened or needs a break from her new surroundings, she can hide. Guinea pigs should also be allowed to run around a room supervised to give them the exercise they need.

You can hold your guinea pig and pet her, but don’t be too aggressive, especially until she begins to trust you. When guinea pigs are uncomfortable or frightened, they will squeak. If your guinea pig squeaks, put her back into her cage or put her down to run around.

Because guinea pigs are prey animals, they will hide their illness, often until they are extremely sick. After you’ve adopted a guinea pig, take her to an experienced exotic vet to get a complete check-up. That way, you will know if she has any ongoing medical problems and what you need to do to keep her healthy and comfortable.

Before bringing a guinea pig home, whether she has been rescued from abuse or she is a baby, make sure you do your research so you know what to expect from caring for a cavy. Remember to make sure you have the financial means and the commitment to caring for your guinea pig for the whole of her life.