Advice How do I know if this is a breeder or not? - Guinea Pig Cages, Care, Store, Photos of Guinea Pigs and More Forum!

**lissie** · #1 10-28-09, 11:58 pm

I found baby piggies on Craigslist and I'm not sure if the ad is posted by a breeder.
Baby guinea pigs: adorable three-week old females, males

The tricolor piggie is a male and I would love to adopt him if this is not a breeder. I emailed them and the response is that, the babies are $10 each. They didn't say if it's an accidental litter or intentionally bred pigs. They've sent me pictures of both mom and dad. How should I tactfully ask them if they are breeders?

**rabbitsncavyluv** · #2 10-29-09, 12:17 am

Just simply ask them if it was an accidental litter or intentional. The fact they have the parents and the phrasing of the ad, infers they are breeders to me.

**javim121** · #3 10-29-09, 12:20 am

Sounds like a breeder. But the fact she is selling them so cheap tells me otherwise. A breeder would try for more money.

**Scout.Layne** · #4 10-29-09, 12:23 am

Yeah I agree that if it were a breeder they would be trying to sell them for more. Unless of course they were trying for a particular type of pig and got something else.

**Ly&Pigs** · #5 10-29-09, 12:45 am

How far are you from San Mateo? CavySpirit's rescue may be close to you. You could always see about adopting a pig from her.

**CavySpirit** · #6 10-29-09, 12:49 am

I very recently referred someone to CL who had an accidental litter and has a pregnant sow because she didn't remove the male in time. I can't say, but it's possible it's that person.

Please don't shy away from adopting off of CL if it's legit. I FREQUENTLY refer surrender calls there. You just have to do your due diligence.

**rabbitsncavyluv** · #7 10-29-09, 12:55 am

Quote:

Originally Posted by javim121

Sounds like a breeder. But the fact she is selling them so cheap tells me otherwise. A breeder would try for more money.

Not all breeders are trying to make a buck. Sometimes they just want "cute little babies" for the fun of it. Many breeders dump their culls or give them away for free. The ad just said rehoming fee. It didn't say how much.

Adopting from a rehoming ad is good if it is not a breeder and it is a legit ad. Cavy House has an ad up. They may have some babies or young pigs, if they are near you too.

**Peggysu** · #8 10-29-09, 01:29 am

We have breeders here on the local craigslist that sell a pair for $15. They are just getting rid of the "pet" quality guinea pigs. It's absolutely sick.

Ultimately, ask point blank if these are an accident or not. Most people won't mind telling you they are a breeder.

**lissie** · #9 10-29-09, 03:56 am

Thanks everyone. I will email them again and ask them if they are breeders.

I am very close to San Mateo and also not too far from Cavy House. I've been there, great facility. The thing is, I wasn't actively looking for a pig to adopt. I already have 3 lovely boars (who live together peacefully *knocks on wood*). I just happen to come across this ad and thought I have room for one more. If they are not breeders, and if he can't find a home after a week, I might get him.

"Thank you, rabbitsncavyluv, for this useful post," says:
lissie (10-29-09)

"Thank you, javim121, for this useful post," says:
lissie (10-29-09)

"Thank you, Scout.Layne, for this useful post," says:
lissie (10-29-09)

"Thank you, Ly&Pigs, for this useful post," says:
lissie (10-29-09)

"Thank you, CavySpirit, for this useful post," says:
lissie (10-29-09)

"Thank you, Peggysu, for this useful post," says:
lissie (10-29-09)