Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Protection built in.

Meet the Other Phone.
Protection built in.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Small pets

Mumsnet does not check the qualifications of anyone posting here. If you're worried about the health of your pet, please speak to a vet or qualified professional.

Original poster

Can this work?...

134 replies

sleepingbunnies · 03/09/2012 14:19

Yesterday I took my DD to her friends party at her grandmothers house and I haven't been able to stop thinking about the grandmothers guinea pig since :-(

He is all alone, matted, no toys and just looks so so sad... I wanted to bring him home with me but couldn't as we have 2 girls (although the size of their hutch would easily take another piggie). She said I could have him and said 'I don't even like him'! It made me so sad to think how happy our girls are and how happy we could make him!

So my question is this.. If we get him 'done' is impossible that he would live nicely with our girls? Is there anything special I need to do?

I want to rescue him now!!!

OP posts:
Original poster
sleepingbunnies · 03/09/2012 19:46

Thank you so much for all your replies and knowledge!

If it will make him happier just to smell and communicate with my girls then it will be worth it.

Sat here with my DD and DN and we've just had cuddle time with our girls, can't help thinking that all our piggies are so lucky and I just want to give that boy a bit of love!

OP posts:
70isaLimitNotaTarget · 03/09/2012 21:10

If you can bring him home and keep him seperate then go for it.
If you do go for the neutering option he might still try to jump on the girls so they would probably get a bit annoyed with him and give him short shrift. But it's only natural that after a life of solitary confinement he'd want to spread his GP seed and repopulate the world (He won't register that he's seedless. They aren't very bright Grin )

Your females might come into season with a male in sniffing distance though.
2 sows and 1 boar works nicely .It's if you put a sow with two boars that chaos reigns.

TBH even if he never gets to run with the sows, it sounds like you can give him a better life than he's got now.
I can't imagine ever saying "I don't even like him" about my boars. Even when they pee on my son's bed (like GP1 did tonight. Little bugger.Meant a total remake of the bed) [sigh]

Original poster
sleepingbunnies · 03/09/2012 21:58

Sorry 70 but I burst out laughing at your last paragraph!

Just waiting for my phone to ring now and for them to say I can have him! I know they wont be bothered about him going so I really dont think they will care if I have him or not!

To everyone that has replied thank you so much - I am new to posting and you have all been so helpful - I will keep you updated - fingers crossed I get him!

Have uploaded a pic of my girl having her cuddles tonight! If I get him I will upload pic and you will be able to see the difference :-(

OP posts:
HmmThinkingAboutIt · 03/09/2012 22:20

They aren't very bright

Lies! I tell you. DO NOT BE FOOLED. My piggies are dangerous evil geniuses plotting to take over the world I swear! The daft act is just a cover like Boris Johnson's bumbling.

Ask yourself, whether they have you wrapped around their claw or not? If you do things like frequently go out of your way to buy the piggie treats you are a GP Slave and they are your masters.

RabbitsMakeBrownEggs · 03/09/2012 22:25

I am a guinea pig slave.

I hope that you manage to sort something out. x

Original poster
sleepingbunnies · 04/09/2012 11:38

It looks like we could have him on Thursday!! Iv roped my dad in to help us collect as we need a big car so everything looks good to go! All we're waiting for is a time to collect!

I must be mad!

OP posts:
guineapiglet · 04/09/2012 13:27

Oh, that is wonderful news, I am really happy for you ( and him). He is a lucky chap to have found you - I think as you have other guineas, you wont notice any more work or expense, and if you have got him his own hutch, he will be happy in something familiar. I think you should write a blog about it all !! He will be very frightened to start with but it sounds like he has lots to look forward to and enjoy with you and yours - really looking forward to hearing how it goes, and seeing some photos of him - have lots of fun.

Original poster
sleepingbunnies · 04/09/2012 13:40

Ah thank you! I am very nervous as iv never done anything like this before but I hope he will be ok and will have a much better life! I'm so excited but a teeny bit scared too! I don't want to mess it up!

OP posts:
guineapiglet · 04/09/2012 15:04

I can imagine you are a bit nervous - but you are doing something to help give him a more interesting and cared for life, so as an act of kindess, I think its wonderful to give an uncared for animal a second chance- Im sure it will all go much better than you think once you physically have him with you. He will get used to the sound of your voice, know where his food is coming from, and most importantly, will not be ignored or lonely - its a win win situation!!! Enjoy every moment with him, if I lived nearer I would bring you some flowers ( and cucumber for the new recruit!!)

Original poster
sleepingbunnies · 04/09/2012 15:16

I know you are right, i'l feel so much better when I have him and can properly see how much work needs to be done...

Cucumber at the ready! Will upload pics as soon as I have him!

Now we need a name!..... I don't think he has one :-(

OP posts:
guineapiglet · 04/09/2012 16:41

Do hope it all works well. What colour is he? You may have to get to know him a bit before a name comes to you! We named our rescue (who arrived late on Christmas Eve,) Carol, and we always called her Carolove - my daughter is desperate for some black boars, to be called Hagrid and Dumbledore - I loved the list of names from the post with 29 guineas - some of the names were brilliant. Im sure once you get to know him a name will pop up! Im almost as excited as you are!

HmmThinkingAboutIt · 04/09/2012 16:53

We have a 'second hand' gp as part of our brood. He's lovely. And after learning to trust us, is very friendly (though always nips a little hard still). We think he was a cat victim and has a torn ear so we consider any affection to be really special.

Don't ask what his name is btw; we knew his original name and tried to rename him. It didn't work! Still has his original name even though I hate it.

Original poster
sleepingbunnies · 04/09/2012 18:00

His fur is in pretty poor nick but he looks to be a ginger with a black spot on his head! I just know after a bath his fur will be lovely :-)

I saw the thread with 29 piggies on and thought how much I'd love to have the room for that many!

Hmm - a cat! Ouch! Poor baby... Hoping our rescue goes as well as other people's on here! Fingers crossed!

OP posts:
70isaLimitNotaTarget · 04/09/2012 19:56

sleepingbunnies - have a look on the Georgeous Guineas website for their shamppos- they do treatment shampoos, summer ones , conditioning and Just For Boars (musky, sandlewoody)
They do sample bottles for £2 -ish.
And his greasespot will probably be manky (some sites recommend Swarfega) but we just use neat shampoo, rub and rinse well.
You might find it takes a few goes to get him pristine but it will make such a difference to him.

Hmm our big agouti boar is the cavy version of Boris Johnson- aimiable, easy going, accepting crusts of toast with a "Oh, don't mind if I do" jollity.

But underneath a wild animal survival instinct (to make sure he gets his unfair share of the Cornetto cone that DD is eating Blush

70isaLimitNotaTarget · 04/09/2012 19:59

BTW- disclaimer.
Not that I recommend Cornetto cones for guinea-pigs you understand. It's just that my DD was eating one while she was cuddling him.
And he hasn't read the Guinea-Pig Rule Book Grin

Original poster
sleepingbunnies · 04/09/2012 20:54

I am so so upset. The grandmother has changed her mind and said she wants to keep him after all...

That's no life for a piggie... I'm so so angry / sad :(

OP posts:
70isaLimitNotaTarget · 04/09/2012 21:35

Aawwwwwwww bunnies that is bad news. Sad Angry

What do you think made her change her mind?
Maybe the grandchildren were all "please keep him" (but won't actually do anything for him).

Hopefully she'll have been shamed into taking better care of the piggle.
But you're right, it's not the life he deserves, stuck in a cage alone and dirty.

(Maybe by winter she'll change her mind? They are much harder work in winter)

Original poster
sleepingbunnies · 04/09/2012 21:40

No idea, I just said to my friend that he needs friends and if she ever changes her mind I really really want him! I also said he needs
Some tunnels / toys... Friend just never replied :-( I could literally cry sitting here. I know it's silly but I only saw him for 10 mins and its plain for anyone to see he is depressed!!!

I'm going to have trouble sleeping tonight :-(

OP posts:
guineapiglet · 05/09/2012 08:46

AAh, Sleeping - I am devestated for you, I can imagine exactly how you are feeling, sending a big hug. My sister had a lonely singleton girl, who got no attention, cuddles etc, my nieces utterly lost interest in her, and when compared to the fun and games my girls had, I know she had the most miserable lonely life. On several occasions I offered to take her and integrate her with mine - my sis was very tempted, but on every occasion the girls said no, they wanted her - and then went back to ignoring her again. I guess it is the 'implication' that by merely suggesting you could offer a better life, it suggests you think the life they have is crap, ie its an insult to the owner, - it is! On many nights I used to imagine going to 'snatch' her - Im sure no one would have noticed, so basically these lovely creatures are condemned to a miserable solitary life. My ONLY consulation, is that if they have known nothing better, if they are at least fed and watered, and clean, their life isnt truly awful, but I think I am kidding myself. In an ideal world ALL animals would have a dignified, loved life, and in reality, this is not the case for many sadly.

Maybe you could offer 'respite' care to the grandma, ie if she goes away you could look after him and she will realise how much easier it is without him. Keep plugging away gently at the friend. Im keeping everything crossed that they might change their minds. Please dont beat yourself up - you have offered, and will keep offering, in my mind thats as good as it gets!!

Original poster
sleepingbunnies · 05/09/2012 09:12

I was so angry last night! My friend never replied to my message, I know this is stupid but I actually had a little cry :-( I just know how much happier he would be!

I had been looking at shampoos and treatment stuff for him, and had ordered some toys from amazon, not the end of the world as at least my girls will have them now but not the same :-(

Very sad today :-(

OP posts:
Original poster
sleepingbunnies · 05/09/2012 13:39

Do you think next time I'm due to see my friend I should print off a load of info for her and basically show her how wrong it is that he is kept like that or is that pushing it?

OP posts:
guineapiglet · 05/09/2012 13:57

I guess a lot depends on how well you know your friend! Does she know you have guineas and how well you look after them? - I assume she does. You could approach it from the ' I have been looking for a mate for my girls and yours is obviously on its own, would you be willing to let me borrow him? type route, ie making it out to be her decision, not yours.... these things are so difficult, you dont want to cause offence, but you know guinea would be better off with you! This is how I felt about the girl my sister had. Maybe you should just let things quieten for a bit, and then diplomatically ask her if she has had any other thoughts about it. IF it is a question of the kids wanting to see the guinea, could you make him available at your house, so they know he has gone somewhere nearby and friendly? Or maybe write to the friend and grandma, apologising if you have upset them (? - do you think you have?) but just stating that you would still be interested and for them to consider you if they have a change of heart? I wouldnt loose your friend over this, but you could take guinea some toys and treats etc to set an example, and offer to look after him if they go away? Just some thoughts. Feel sad for you and him.

guineapiglet · 05/09/2012 13:58

*lose

70isaLimitNotaTarget · 05/09/2012 14:20

If she logs onto this site (Super Furry Animals) she'll see the strength of everyones feeling.
No-one has posted "Nah, leave him well alone, in his own filth and only himself for company"

Every post is positive that you can give him a better standard of living.

The RSPCA has interesting information WRT GP care.
A companion (appropriate) is definately on the list.
As is adequate shelter , care of the coat, nails and general health.
Might be worth printing those so you can give her the source of your information.

Original poster
sleepingbunnies · 05/09/2012 15:19

See I don't think that she's a bad person I think she just genuinely bought him and didnt research how to care for them beforehand... I think i'l leave it a few days then give her a ring.

I can't believe I'm getting this worked up over something that I can't change! Just makes me so sad!

I also think pet shops should HAVE TO sell them in pairs! You shouldn't get the option of just buying one! It's just not fair :-(

OP posts:
Swipe left for the next trending thread