Following a huge intake of guinea pigs from a southern suburbs property last month, RSPCA South Australia is on a mission to find them all loving homes in their Great Guinea Pig Adoption Drive this week.
More than 130 of the endearing animals (also known as “cavies”) were surrendered by their overwhelmed owner after their numbers ballooned out of control.
According to RSPCA SA’s Animal Care Manager Danielle Griggs, overpopulation easily occurs with guinea pigs unless they are desexed or males and females are housed separately.
“Guinea pigs can breed from a very young age, as early as one-month old, so it’s all too easy for their numbers to escalate if they’re not properly managed,” Ms Griggs said.
“This owner has done the right thing in recognising that she didn’t have the capacity to care for so many animals, but we urge people to avoid getting into this situation in the first place by ensuring undesexed male and female animals are not housed together.”
The sudden intake of so many animals has placed a strain on RSPCA’s already stretched resources at its Lonsdale shelter. The organisation is encouraging anyone with interest and capacity to rehome guinea pigs to come along to the Great Guinea Pig Adoption Drive happening at Petbarn Norwood over the next four days.
Guinea pigs are happiest when kept with other guinea pigs. Due to their highly social nature, they will be available to adopt in same-sex pairs for just $20.
While guinea pigs make wonderful pets, Ms Griggs advised that they require a well-researched approach to their care to ensure they live happy and healthy lives.
“Unfortunately, we sometimes have guinea pigs come to us in poor health due to the failure of their owners to understand all their care needs,” Ms Griggs said.
“This includes good nutrition, clean and dry housing, exercise and enrichment and – with the long-coated varieties – regular grooming”.
“Children can learn a lot from taking care of these beautiful little animals, but their care must be overseen by a responsible adult and young children in particular must be supervised as guinea pigs can easily suffer distress if not handled properly.”
More information on the drive and guinea pig care can be found on the RSPCA Australia knowledgebase, click here for more.
Where: Petbarn Norwood – 31 The Parade, Norwood.
When:
- Thursday 16 Feb – 3pm to 8pm
- Friday 17 Feb – 10am to 5pm
- Sat 18 Feb – 10am to 5pm
- Sun 19 Feb – 10am to 5pm
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