AN AWARENESS week is running this week in a bid to improve welfare of guinea pigs.
The RSPCA says it is seeing a 37% rise in the number of animals given up by owners or abandoned, something they say the cost of living crisis has exacerbated.
In all 237 guinea pigs arrived into the care of the charity up to August – almost as many as were taken in during the whole of 2022.
Guinea Pig Awareness Week (GPAW) takes place this week with the aim of educating the public about the welfare needs of the small animals.
Dr Jane Tyson, the RSPCA’s small animals welfare expert, said: “Pet ownership rose significantly during the pandemic and people often think that guinea pigs will make good starter pets for their children.
“But, like other small animals, they have complex needs and they are not easy or cheap to care for well. Owners don’t always correctly sex small animals either, so a pair can quickly spiral into double figures and beyond.”
Guinea pigs are sociable animals and owners are advised to keep two or more together. But that can lead to unwanted litters if there are unneutered males and females.
A downloadable digital pack is available, including advice on ensuring guinea pigs are kept in a suitable environment with enough space to exercise and explore.
They need a range of toys, tunnels and hiding places so they can exhibit their natural inquisitive behaviour.
GPAW is also being supported by Woodgreen Pets Charity, Blue Cross and Raystede Centre for Animal Welfare.
A spokesperson for GPAW said: “Given the growing number of guinea pigs in rescues and in need of loving homes, it is really important that we educate as many owners as possible so that these wonderful creatures can live the happy life they deserve.
“We know that rescue centres play a vital role in ensuring that owners have access to the right information about guinea pigs, which is why we would love to see more rescues than ever downloading and sharing our free digital packs in support of this year’s GPAW.”
There is a wealth of information and advice on the RSPCA website to guide existing owners and anyone who may be considering adding guinea pigs to their family.
Before making the commitment of ownership it is worth knowing:
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Typically guinea pigs can live for five to six years and some may live longer
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Guinea pigs are active up to 20 hours per day, only sleeping for short periods
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They are highly social creatures – in the wild they live in family groups of five to 10
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They get lonely and shouldn’t be kept alone – they’re happiest in pairs or small groups
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Guinea pigs need a high-fibre diet supplemented with vitamin C
