Fort Collins rescue takes in 500 guinea pigs (2024)

FAQs

Fort Collins rescue takes in 500 guinea pigs? ›

More than 500 guinea pigs were rescued from a Colorado-based breeder in the largest single-owner surrender case this Fort Collins-based rescue has encountered, according to a Monday Facebook post by Cavies and Canines Animal Rescue.

Pet stores breed and sell guinea pigs, often advertising them as low maintenance pets. Because they require special care and attention, they often end up in shelters when pet owners aren't able to meet their specific needs.

While guinea pigs do not require any vaccinations, it is recommended that you take your pet to a veterinarian familiar with guinea pigs at least once each year for a routine checkup.

When they do come to you or you do pick them up, it is from a trust perspective. Be Patient! Changes will not happen overnight. Taming your guinea pigs can take weeks even months but the results are well worth it.

Health & welfare

See your vet immediately if you see any changes that might indicate that your guinea pig is in pain, ill or injured. Guinea pigs are very different animals to cats and dogs and so it is important to find and register with a vet who specialises in guinea pigs.

Euthanasia of Rodents using Carbon Dioxide:

CO2 inhalation is the most common method of euthanasia used for mice, rats, guinea pigs, and hamsters.

If your small pet is unwell, euthanasia is often used to end their suffering if: they have an inoperable or untreatable condition. treatment is not working as well as the vet might like and recovery is unlikely. treatment may be possible, but it may be kinder to let them go to prevent suffering.

The reason why guinea pigs don't like their bellies or backs being touched is because it feels unexpected to them. When they are being touched on their belly or bottom, it often reminds them of predator-like behavior.

Guinea Pigs Are Messy

Guinea pigs have to spend a great deal of time chewing in order to wear down their constantly growing teeth. And all the food pellets, hay, vegetables, and chewing blocks add up to a baffling amount of waste. Since most can't be trained to eliminate in a certain area, the waste ends up everywhere.

Contact your vet to inquire about options. Most vets will have links to a crematorium and provide this service. It often doesn't even have to be your vet, so call around.

Can you leave a guinea pig alone for 3 days? ›

For healthy adult guinea pigs with cavy companionship, it is generally safe to leave them alone for about 24 hours. However, this should be an exception rather than the rule. Regular interaction with their human family members is important for their emotional well-being.

You should talk, quietly and gently, from the moment you first get them. Always chat to them during hand training and feeding. They will soon come to associate that voice with all that love, and will love you back by coming when you call – no matter what you actually call!

CONCLUSION. Once your guinea pig becomes comfortable around you, they can be incredibly loving and affectionate.

Most guinea pig health problems are a result of nutrition, digestive, dental issues, or obesity. Regular veterinarian visits are an important part of keeping your pet happy and healthy.

Can you return a pet to PetSmart? You typically have two weeks to return an animal and receive your money back. However, if you are having second thoughts past two weeks, most petsmarts will still take the animal back and adopt it out at no cost to another person.

Guinea pigs need time out of their cage and attention from human companions every day. Whether this time is spent stretching their legs and exploring new environments or cuddling in your lap, daily interaction and attention are essential for a guinea pig's well-being. Guinea pigs need to be groomed regularly.

Some owners, feeling left without options or mistakenly assuming their animal will thrive in the wild, release their small pet outdoors. In Boston, there was a 56% increase in abandoned and stray guinea pigs between 2021 and 2022, according to the MSPCA.

The most common reasons small animals are surrendered to the MSPCA are because the children in the house have lost interest, the family doesn't have time to care for them, or there are too many (accidental breeding).

A large exercise area and secure shelter where they can rest, feel safe and protected. Guinea pigs feel vulnerable in unprotected open spaces and like to stay in contact with solid surfaces. You can buy special 'houses' for inside the hutch, or provide cardboard boxes or tubes.

Guinea Pigs Are Messy

Guinea pigs have to spend a great deal of time chewing in order to wear down their constantly growing teeth. And all the food pellets, hay, vegetables, and chewing blocks add up to a baffling amount of waste.