Questions to ask

**paperlady** · #1 03-01-08, 08:58 pm

I've been researching, and I know what I need to do to have happy, healthy guinea pigs. My question is this: what should I ask when I call someone about rehoming their cavies? I was looking through my local newspaper's classifieds, and someone is giving 2 cavies free to a good home. what should I ask when I call? I know I should ask the sex, why they are getting rid of their pets, and if there are any health problems. Is there anything else I should ask?

**newpiggiemommy** · #2 03-01-08, 09:05 pm

You can ask any questions you may have, just know that if they are giving up the piggies that means they DO NOT WANT THEM ANYMORE! They will no longer be giving them the care they need. And they may not answer your questions honestly anyway. If you are a minor make sure you have your parents permission and request to see them. This is the only real way to know how they have been cared for and if they are healthy. And please don't go see them alone!!! If you are a minor, please take a parent with you to see them. And if you are an adult take someone with you. This is just my fear of strangers coming out!!!

**fourboys4now** · #3 03-01-08, 09:19 pm

I found someone on this site and adopted her 2 male piggies. If you decide to meet up, definitely meet in a safe place, we met in a WalMart parking lot. I would also recommend someone being with you. We both brought someone with us just to be safe. The person I adopted from on this site was very nice and we emailed for the week leading up to the adoption. Maybe they have an email address so you can ask the questions you need answered as you go along. Good luck and we would love to see pigtures if you adopt them!

**catzeye21138** · #4 03-01-08, 09:46 pm

Personally I would make a time with them so that you could go check out the pair and be sure they are healthy and what you want.

Also you should see if they will take care of any vet bills that MAY occur within the first month or so, just as a precaution to be sure you aren't getting sick cavies from them.

**paperlady** · #5 03-01-08, 09:56 pm

I haven't been a minor for a while now, and my husband would be going with me, but thanks for the concern. I'm still trying to decide if I'm going to call or not, actually--I decided to see if I can make a C&C cage last night, well after business hours, and so haven't had a chance to call around to see if anyone has any coroplast. The ad does say that the 2 cavies each have a cage--would a few more days (less than a week) longer in the cages make much of a difference while I'm assembling the materials and then the cage, if I do decide to adopt them?

**newpiggiemommy** · #6 03-01-08, 10:29 pm

The cages they come with would be fine for a short time! Many people started with small cages before they built their C&C cage. You can always give plenty of floor time during those days that they are in the small cages!

**Pumpkin_RIP** · #7 03-02-08, 07:29 am

Yes, the smaller cages would be fine for a couple of days, as long as they get to get out and run around. Just make sure you go visit the pets before adopting. Check them very thoroughly for anything that seems unusual. You wouldn't want to adopt a sick pet!

**OSUCavies** · #8 03-02-08, 09:19 am

Congrats paperlady on adopting AND planning to build a CC cage. I'm sure your future cavies will be very happy to be under your care.

We're glad you're here and glad to help you with anything you or your cavies need

**OSUCavies** · #9 03-02-08, 09:22 am

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pumpkin_RIP

Yes, the smaller cages would be fine for a couple of days, as long as they get to get out and run around. Just make sure you go visit the pets before adopting. Check them very thoroughly for anything that seems unusual. You wouldn't want to adopt a sick pet!

I hear where you are coming from Pumpkin, but if I found 2 cavies for free in a newspaper and found that they were both ill, that would be more reason for me to want to take them and get them vet care and try to get them healthy. Just my opinion. I guess if someone is willing to do that, there is no wrong. It's not like buying a pet at the petstore. I'd rather take a free guinea pig that needs medical attention and help it rather than let it sit there in a tiny cage and suffer.

**pig-in-paradise** · #10 03-02-08, 09:52 am

paperlady, I'd ask if the 2 guinea pigs get along. Since they are currently kept in 2 separate cages there is probably be a reason for it.

Also, familiarize yourself with what boars and sows look like so that you can double check for yourself when you see them.

Ask about their diet so that you know what to expect, piggies that have never seen veggies might not eat them right away when they come to live with you. If you know that, you won't worry needlessly.

**paperlady** · #11 03-02-08, 03:52 pm

Well, I finally got a human instead of an answering machine, and the piggies were already gone. Probably just as well--I'd rather have things ready first.

By the way, what does the check mark in the orange box mean?

**OSUCavies** · #12 03-02-08, 08:18 pm

paperlady it just means you are "subscribed" to the thread meaning you have either posted on it or read it several times.

**paperlady** · #13 03-02-08, 08:52 pm

Oh, OK, that makes sense!

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