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Original poster

I need help or more importantly my girls do :-(

12 replies

akaemmafrost · 27/01/2013 06:16

I have two female guinea pigs, for over two years. In September of this year I became really ill for weeks and was subsequently diagnosed with adult onset asthma, it now transpires that I am totally allergic to the guineas too, before the asthma it was dealable with but now I cannot walk into the house without my chest becoming tight, starting to wheeze and having to use my inhaler. I cannot handle them any longer, changing them triggers a full blown asthma attack. In short I need to rehome them but wanted to explain why.

So at the moment they don't have a great life because they can't get out and run around, used to have free run of the flat pretty much and I can't even pick them up anymore Sad.

Can anyone give me advice on where to go from here please? I am in London and want to do the right thing by them. They are well handled lovely girls, though one is more shy than the other. Can anyone recommend a rescue? Or just any thoughts at all please? I have been up since 4 thinking about this, hence my early post on a Sunday.

OP posts:
guineapiglet · 27/01/2013 10:16

Hi akaemma - poor you having to deal with this problem, and having to be awake to ponder it through. I can only sympathise with your predicament as our son became chronically allergic to our guineas and in the end they had to be rehomed outside in a shed/ in the basement in winter - he was unable to touch them/be near the hay etc - it is very sad for you after having so much pleasure from them. Someone will offer them a good home, it is how you go about it.

KRITIQ posted up details of a guineapig magazine which you should be able to find on these threads or by googling, and they have specialists who can advise on rescues. If you were nearer to me I could offer some respite care, but we are renting at the mo' so couldnt do it long term. There is a wonderful rescue near us in Hampshire ( Wheek and Squeak -) give them a ring and they may be able to put you in touch with someone nearer/give details of rescues in London who may help you. Don't give up - it is sad for you and and girls, but you are doing the right thing by them at the moment, just hang on for someone to come and rescue them for you. - Check the internet - jsut 'guinea rescue London' and some ideas will come up. Let us know how you get on and see if any London based guinea people may be able to help. Good luck.

guineapiglet · 27/01/2013 10:48

PS Start a thread - Home needed urgently for guinea girls - London - you may get some responses that way?

silver73 · 27/01/2013 12:12

akaemmafrost I have sent you a PM

Original poster
akaemmafrost · 27/01/2013 12:20

Wow! I love MN. YOu are never alone no matter what the problem Grin. Thanks for your replies. Will look at your PM now silver.

OP posts:
fridayfreedom · 27/01/2013 12:27

Don't feel guilty , you are re-homing for a good reason not because you got bored of them. I had to send a boar back to a rescue when he stopped eating I my dad was dying of cancer . I couldn't cope with syringe feeding and my dad.
Just find a good rescue to take them in, someone will then give them another lovely home.

fortifiedwithtea · 27/01/2013 12:39

Don't feel bad, you have a genuine reason for giving your girl piggies up. Are you near North West Middlesex RSPCA. They seem to have a good turnaround of re-homing guinea pigs. They have some lovely piggy boys at the moment. Not that I've been looking you understand Blush.

70isaLimitNotaTarget · 27/01/2013 23:07

Very Sad to have to make this decision but yes, a Rescue will rehome your hogs, especially as they are a sow pair (much much easier to rehome than boars)

Some posters on SuperFurry have got round the allergy problem by keeping the pigs outside and getting one family member to do any hay/fur related duties.
But it's not always feasible. And most agree in some parts of the country they can't be outside.

PLEASE:

Don't even think about Gumtree /PreLoved though no matter how desperate you get.
I could combust when I see some of those adverts. I'm sure some are genuine but there's alot of bloody cheeky chancers unscrupulous owners out there are you don't know who is answering these ads. Sad

Original poster
akaemmafrost · 28/01/2013 12:53

No, there's no way on earth they will go anywhere but to a new home with someone I know or to a rescue. I am in a flat unfortunately so no outside space and is it even ok to keep them outside in this kind of weather? I have a flat roof where they could feasibly go but what kind of life is that for them?

OP posts:
silver73 · 28/01/2013 13:08

I agree a flat roof would not be much of a life and it would be dangerous for them in high winds.

Sleepingbunnies · 31/01/2013 22:39

Hello!! Where in London are you?! I have 2 girls at the moment... What's another 2??!

:)

Original poster
akaemmafrost · 01/02/2013 17:50

Hi, I am afraid they've gone. To a MNetter actually. Sad They've gone but Grin that she was lovely and they seemed very much wanted. It's quiet here without them.

OP posts:
guineapiglet · 01/02/2013 18:03

:) Really pleased to hear they have gone to a new home and will be well cared for - hope the new owner lets you know how they are going on from time to time and you can tell us! I'm sure you will miss them, but hope your asthma improves now they aren't with you, Im sure you will notice quite a difference.

We ended up getting my asthmatic son some tetras and a giant bioorb when he was told he co:uldn't have furry pets - guess who ended up cleaning them out!!
:D

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