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What should I do?

10 replies

LousThighBurn · 17/08/2013 01:14

I need your advice, I recently visited an establishment which had a variety of farm/ small animals although this is not their primary attraction it obviously entertains the little ones whilst the adults are occupied by something else.
My particular concern was how they kept their guinea pigs and rabbits, firstly,underneath a decking area was a medium sized enclosure in which there were two rabbits and,if my memory serves me correctly,4 guinea pigs in together. The pen itself was probably on the small size just for the rabbits as they thrive on space.
Secondly,above this enclosure (on top of the decking) there were two other cages, one with guinea pigs and one with 3 rabbits, the rabbits were in a cage/run that was barely big enough for them and they were lounging on top of one another, they had a rather generous amount of food and a large tub of water. My issue being the size of the cage rather than food/water situation although that wasn't great.

Lastly, the guinea pigs (I wasn't able to count how many) were in a larger cage that had two waters bottles fixed on the outside, although the water bottles appeared full, one was extremely green with algae. I've had rabbits and guinea pigs over the years, it has always been simple enough to look after the water bottles by scrubbing them with a brush or buying the 'summer' bottles which have a filter to delay the algae growth. But I also worry that the guinea pigs were not getting their vitamin C supplement, it was difficult to tell because the water bottles were discoloured, my understanding is that this can be administered by water or by adding it to food so obviously this may be a non issue.
I know I should have mentioned something whilst I was there, I'm an idiot but it has been playing on my mind. What would be the best thing to do? I'm hoping to be able to visit again in the morning, if not do you think tweeting or a telephone call would be sufficient? I wasn't able to take photos of any of the animals.

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70isaLimitNotaTarget · 17/08/2013 01:29

It is rubbish how some Petting Zoos and the like keep the animals but if you did say anything they'd probably tell you
"We've kept them like this for years" (so they're not going to change) Sad

They might let the animal out in a larger enclosure after hours. Maybe if they give them space they'd all pootle off so the visitors wouldn't see them.

The water bottles- gross. How long does it take to scrub a bottle.
The Vit C- i don't give routinely . They have Vit C enriched pellets and plenty in their fruit/veg.

It would be worth writing a letter to voice your concerns though. But it doesn't sound from your description that they keep the guineas and rabbits together. Sadly some places do.

Years ago we went to a farm where there was a large pen inside a stable - full of 30 + female GPs. We were all encouraged to step in and pick them up. My DD was scared off them (she was only 4 at the time) and I was determined to catch one of the skittery little pigs rather than the lardy ones.
I did catch her for a cuddle, but looking back now, it seems a bit cruel. I've had GPs as a child but loads of the adults especially just lunged at them.

LousThighBurn · 17/08/2013 01:54

Thanks for responding 70, regarding the Vit C, I though that had to be given in their water daily as they do not store it? Do you think writing a letter would be better than attempting contact with them? The animals in the bigger enclosure were a mix of GPs and rabbits and at the top there were more but in separate cages, I though there was a risk of the rabbits laying on the GPs and that is why they are better off separate?

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70isaLimitNotaTarget · 17/08/2013 02:16

I'd write a letter personally because I would get a bit shrill and ranty on the phone or in person Blush (Emotional when it comes to GPs)
Or an email and you can get a 'read reciept' so you'll know someones read it.

WRT bunnies and guineas (didn't realise they were together) - they shouldn't be together. Their diet is different. The rabbits can kill a GP with a kick. They can pass a respiratory bacteria onto GPs.

Vit C they can;t make but the water can be 'tainted' by the flavour so it would stop them drinking if they don't like the taste.And it can react with the metal in the bottle. (My boars never drink water anyway) .

Sadly , in loads of places that should know better, GPs are being given a bum deal. (I'm a guinea fan , not keen on rabbits myself). How many boars live alone because would be owners are told "Oh no they can't live with another boar" or "put it with a rabbit, it can't get pregnant".

They are one of the most vunerable little animals ever U think. No defences to speak of Sad

70isaLimitNotaTarget · 17/08/2013 02:17

U think should be "I think" (Hairy Trucker Hands)

Jellypudmum · 17/08/2013 02:27

I would ask the RSPCA to pay them a visit; this would effectively force the place to change if insufficient care is being given.

LousThighBurn · 17/08/2013 13:00

Jelly I'm never sure of the RSPCA, they can be a bit pick and choosey about which cases they take, surely every animal is as important as the next? I was going to steal/save them all but I doubt I would have got very far! I hate seeing animals being mistreated as they have no real voice to say they need help. I shall write an email just voicing my concern then, hopefully their situation has changed but a carefully worded email will just let them know that it hasn't gone unnoticed.

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guineapiglet · 17/08/2013 14:02

Hi _ I agree with all of you, and 70s points are brilliant. Poor little things, they are usually an afterthought when it comes to proper care, and these little furries really dont ask for much.... Definitely write and cc the letter to the RSPCA, the fact that you have done this might put the wind up them. Another ploy might be to threaten to write to local paper and MP, the thought of them being 'outed' would put potential visitors off and threaten their livelihood. In my experience, love of money usually wins out. You could make polite suggestions as to the ways they could improve the animals' life and conditions there. They are not being good role models for their visitors if the animals are kept in unsafe and cruel conditions.... Good luck, we are all behind you :)

MadeOfStarDust · 18/08/2013 12:17

Sounds a horrid place - I would phone and ask to speak to the animal carer (as if they would have one! - alternatively, the manager) and voice concerns that way. The conditions sound far from ideal.

Vit C is probably in the food - ours is... and the easy way to stop algae is any black odd socks (shhhhhh - hubby might be looking, he's the only one with black socks) - put it over the water bottle - no light=no algae....

Jellypudmum · 19/08/2013 02:17

Never tried that with the socks! Am going to give it a go!

LousThighBurn · 19/08/2013 18:30

All great suggestions, I shall keep you all updated when I receive a response! We used to put socks on our rabbits water bottles Made men's ones were better in the winter as they are thicker! Thank you all so much for your help. I'm really hoping it makes a difference and they change the way the animals are living. It isn't a place that is nearby it was a day out whilst we were on holiday, so I can't go back to check until next year!

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