Breeders in MN - Guinea Pig Cages, Care, Store, Photos of Guinea Pigs and More Forum!

**chinamom** · #1 07-10-06, 03:38 pm

Hello,

We just lost our little Guinea Pig yesterday, she was purchased at PetCo and lasted 1 week, she had URI. We are very sad and would like to find 1 or 2 guinea pigs. Would you suggest a local breeder, I have tried to search but have found nothing. We are also going to look at the humane societies here in MN as well.

Lisa

**Percy's Mom** · #2 07-10-06, 03:42 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by chinamom

Hello,
Would you suggest a local breeder, I have tried to search but have found nothing. We are also going to look at the humane societies here in MN as well.

No, we will not suggest a local breeder to you. Cavy Cages is very anti-breeding and anti-petshop purchase to acquire animals. If you can post your city and state, some forum members can probably help you find pigs up for adoption. Check on www.petfinder.com to start with. You'll probably find more than you bargained for. And remember that pigs are herd animals, so you should really look into at least 2.

**uabutterfly** · #3 07-10-06, 04:01 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by chinamom

Hello,

We just lost our little Guinea Pig yesterday, she was purchased at PetCo and lasted 1 week, she had URI. We are very sad and would like to find 1 or 2 guinea pigs. Would you suggest a local breeder, I have tried to search but have found nothing. We are also going to look at the humane societies here in MN as well.

Lisa

Adoption is difinitely the way to go. Have you found the adoptions forum on this board? Also, I often see guinea pigs advertised on craigslist.com. It would be great if you could provide a loving home to them. While looking for your new additions, please take some time to look around this forum and the recomended websites. You'll see why we are anti-breeding and anti-petstore, plus learn the best way to take care of your pigs so that you are all ready for them when you find them. A lot of the stuff in petstores is junk and some is even dangerous. So, it is our responsibility to inform ourselves. Good luck on on your seach and welcome to cavy cages!
Sarah

**homeschoolmama** · #4 07-10-06, 04:11 pm

While I can't recommend any BREEDERS in Minnesota, may I respectfully recommend a few rescue centers?

Vicki at Jack Pine Guinea Pig Rescue has been a great help to me several times. She has walked me through several issues we've had with our boys over the years. She is closing her doors as a rescue and is currently trying to find homes for several piggies. http://www.jpgpr.com If I remember right, she's just north of Forest Lake.

And Paula from Paula's Pigdom is in Roseville. http://www.petfinder.com/shelters/MN152.html She too has been quite helpful in answering questions... she is SUPER friendly

I don't know this rescuer personally, but since she's listed on the JPGPR website I'm sure she's great too... Allysse runs a rescue in the Twin Cities area as well - http://www.petfinder.com/shelters/tcgpr.html

I am sure that between these ladies and the local humane societies you should be able to find a lovely piggie or two. Good luck

love,
mom

**rabbitsncavyluv** · #5 07-10-06, 04:16 pm

I'm sorry. Did you take her to a good exotics vet, or was it too late? If you submit your vet bills to Petco, they will usually pay if you make a big stink. They frequently sell sick and pregnant animals.

**chinamom** · #6 07-10-06, 04:36 pm

Thank you all for the info, sorry I was not sure if the breeder way was the way to go. I have left a email messgae with a rescue in MN and yes, we are looking at 2 this time.

We had to go to the Banfield vet with in Petsmart in Burnsville yesterday (I did) and they were so kind, but it was too late for Snuggles, she went down hill within the time we were at church. I feel guilty she had to suffer and this is how we learned our lesson.

I did take her back to PetCo and asked for our money back, one of the employees was snotty and asked why I didn't bring her back to petCo for care and I told her that I was PRETTY sure they would have done NOTHING for her and would have let her suffer and die and then throw her in the garbage. SHe was not too happy about my comment, but I believe that's what they would have done...not much! So after she was such a snot, I spoke to the manage, who was nice and and they refunded me for the vet bill 68.00 as well. I asked them about the other 2 pigs who were with Snuggles and they said they were sold, I asked them to see if they could call these people and give them a heads up...hmmm wonder if they will do it. I have a feeling they are the sick ones in the back that another employee mentioned to me.

I heard that Jack's rescue, he was retiring, is that true? Have you all made cages for your pigs? I htink I may be doing some construction, and we will save the other cage if they need to be taken care of while we are on vacation.
Lisa

**homeschoolmama** · #7 07-10-06, 04:48 pm

Yes, the Jack Pine rescue is closing.

I am so sorry that your poor little piggie died. I'm glad that the store refunded your money though. It was the least they could have done... yet so few are willing to do that.

And I have made two cages now. I made a 2x5 and a 3x5. The 2x5 was so easy to make and saved us tons of money. The 3x5 was a little tougher to figure out, but it was still inexpensive, and looks awesome. We use our pet-store cage as a storage bin for all of their fleece & towel bedding, and when needed as a quarrantine cage and bathtub for Mr. Pigg. The shallow base creates the perfect water level for piggies, and if you take the top grid off you can reach in to wash them up, but they can't jump out easily. I've gotta add that easily though, because our Junior actually cleared the 16" sides the one time we tried to bathe him!
love,
mom