Guinea pig hoard up for adoption

Toward the back of the Edmonton Humane Society’s shelter, row upon row of steel kennels are filled with guinea pigs. Twenty-nine of the fluffy brown and white critters were dropped off at the shelter last Wednesday, after their owner — who started out with just two — realized she couldn’t manage them all.

“It’s bad that someone got into that position, that they didn’t recognize it early enough,” said Shawna Randolph, spokeswoman for the organization.

When they arrived at the shelter, the guinea pigs were malnourished and not in the best condition. Five of the females were pregnant and four males had bite marks on their backs. “When you have a large number of guinea pigs, it’s very common for them to be having territorial issues and they do fight,” Randolph said.

In total, 41 of the animals are up for adoption, ranging in age from two months old to adult and weighing one or two pounds.

The Humane Society has been urging members of the public to consider taking one home.

“Something for people to consider is maybe their lifestyle doesn’t suit having a cat or dog at this point,” said Randolph, adding guinea pigs cost about $500 a year for care. “Maybe they want to consider a guinea pig as an alternative.”

The pets are best suited to adults or families with older children, she said.

“People say that once they get to know them they find them quite charming. They’re very entertaining and very affectionate if they get a lot of attention.”

Having so many guinea pigs at the shelter — when five to 10 is the norm — has put a strain on resources, Randolph said.

She’s relieved that the owner turned them in, since that doesn’t always happen.

“Many times, people in this situation do not seek help, do not realize it … and then we’re dealing with a very, very, very sad situation,” she said. Neighbours who notice something strange should contact the Humane Society’s animal protection department.

Since Friday, four guinea pigs have been adopted.

Anyone who is interested in adopting one can go on the Humane Society’s website at www.edmontonhumanesociety.com. Each family member is required to meet the potential pet and learn about how to care for it. Adoption fees are $15.