Wait… Guinea pig rescues are a thing?
 
If you’re looking into getting guinea pigs, one of the most important (and easily overlooked!) decisions is where to get your new guinea pigs from. Here’s my seven key reasons why I always recommend adopting.

The Options.

For the vast majority of new piggie owners, there are four main options available:

1. Pet shop – the obvious option (but rarely the best…).
2. A “hobby” breeder (someone selling guinea pigs locally through social media or online ads – think Preloved or Craiglist.
3. A “professional” breeder of pedigree pigs.
4. A guinea pig rescue (my recommended choice!)

So why have I picked out the rescue option?

1. THE HEALTH OF YOUR PIGGIES

In a nutshell, guinea pigs from a rescue, whether they be adults or born there, are looked after by people who have their health and wellbeing as their top priority. Rescue pigs are health checked, free of lice and mites and have been taken to the vet for any necessary treatment. In the case of pet shops, nobody is given strict responsibility for the health of the young guinea pigs in the shop, meaning many health problems go unnoticed. Common issues include parasites, skin problems and underlying respiratory infections, most likely a result of the poor breeding conditions piggies experience before they end up in the pet shop. Breeders vary – some care about their piggies and unfortunately some don’t.

2. GENDER DILEMMAS!

Baby guinea pigs are relatively easy to sex – but this does not stop pet shops getting it wrong. And worryingly, some may even knowingly mis-sell males as females, because females are in greater demand (and profit comes first). With a rescue, or a reliable breeder, you can trust the gender of your guinea pigs and avoid any unexpected pregnancies!

3. PERSONALITY

A common myth is that rescue piggies may be traumatized by their past and permanently afraid of humans. However, guinea pigs (with time) adapt well to new homes and will learn to trust and bond with you. In fact, the most characterful guinea pigs I’ve ever owned have been rescues. I believe this is down to the environment they enjoy at the rescue, often indoors in large open cages where they can be sociable, and where they spend a lot of time with humans who care about them and handle them frequently. This is particularly noticeable for young guinea pigs born at a rescue, they are subject to a friendly environment full of piggies of different ages, as well as different people, making them more well-rounded and content around their owners.

4. THE RIGHT ADVICE. FROM THE BEGINNING.

Unlike pet shops and many breeders, rescues have a vested interest in making sure their piggies find loving forever homes. This means you get the right advice from the beginning and always have them on hand to ask them about any concerns you might have. They also often develop ‘owners groups’ on social media, where you can feel part of a community of adoptees, who share advice and support each other.

5. SOCIALLY BONDED PIGGIES

Guinea pigs from a rescue have been bonded into pairs or groups and have lived together for a reasonable amount of time, until they are ready to be adopted together. This means that the chances of piggies falling out is much less. Many breeders and pet shops don’t pair up piggies to be rehomed together, so if you want two or more it can be a gamble, and they may not actually get along that well as they grow up. Fighting guinea pigs who injure each other need to be separated, which can be upsetting and means difficult decisions for us owners!

Also, if you’re left with a single piggie and want to find them the ideal best buddy to live with, a rescue can help you do just that. It’s called Piggie Dating and whoever thought of it is a genius!

6. BUT I WANT ONE LIKE THAT!

New owners can be worried about the availability of guinea pigs from a local rescue. What if I am only interested in younger ones? Or what if I am looking for a specific type of piggie? These questions may sound a little selfish to some, but if you do really have your heart set on a particular ‘category’ of piggie – don’t give in! There are so many rescues out there, and many post their ‘piggies up for adoption’ on Facebook or their websites. So you can inquire about specific piggies. And you can also wait for baby guinea pigs to become available if you really want youngsters. Keep your eyes on their listings, and when those perfect piggies pop up, you’ll know its the right time to enquire!

7. THE FEEL GOOD FACTOR.

Another reason to adopt? You might not think it, but you will genuinely experience a feeling of pride and happiness knowing that you have given a rescue pig their forever home. Rescues across the world are struggling with the huge intake of unwanted guinea pigs. By adopting, you and not adding to the problem by supporting the pet shop industry, and you are freeing up another space for another deserving piggie at a rescue. Be proud and love your piggie all the more for that!

I hope this article has helped you to seriously consider getting your pigs from a guinea pig rescue – please let me know if it did! At the end of day it is an individual’s choice, and whilst I would always advise against the pet shop industry, I understand why some people want to opt for a trusted and responsible breeder. But even if you choose not to adopt, or to mix it up, don’t forget you can still support the utterly amazing and difficult work that rescues do. Donate money or supplies, fundraise, offer your time volunteering, perhaps even have a go at fostering some piggies!

Thank you for reading, and if you would like to check out the full video over on YouTube, it’s here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zdlAcuY-TqM