MEETING THE REQUIREMENTS

Guinea Pig Rescue Singapore (GPRS) strives to provide our guinea pigs their happy-ever-afters with their adopters.

Have a read on the requirements stated below which you will be required to fulfil in order to have a successful adoption!

Please note that there may be a waiting list to adopt and our volunteers might take a couple of weeks to get in touch with you.

We thank you in advance for your kind understanding and patience. Feel free to drop us a message if you have any queries regarding our adoption requirements.

*We require adopters to sterilise our female guinea pigs within a period of time, unless stated otherwise.

If you fulfil all of the requirements below, click here to check out available pigs for adoption!

MINIMUM CAGE SIZE

C&C stands for Cubes and Chloroplast.

The minimum cage size we require adopters to adhere to would be a 2x4 C&C cage. It measures 70cm in width and 140cm in length.

If you plan to have a bigger herd, you are required to increase the cage size accordingly.

For example:

3 guinea pigs - 2x5

4 guinea pigs - 2x6

We require a surrounding border of 1/3 height of the cage to prevent guinea pigs from getting their heads stuck in the grid. You can do your part in keeping the guinea pigs safe by preventing this fatal accident.

The crossed out cages that are sold in pet shops are TOO SMALL. The ammonia build-up from urine can easily lead to a respiratory infection, which can be fatal if not treated immediately.

APPROPRIATE BEDDING

Choose a safe bedding that fits their needs and is convenient for you.

Refer to this post for more in-depth information: https://www.instagram.com/p/CFMXzvOgl_s/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Safe bedding should be absorbent and soft on their feet. They consist of:

- Fleece

- Pee pads

- Noodle mats

Choosing the correct bedding is important as guinea pigs' respiratory systems are extremely sensitive.

Absorbent bedding should not feel wet on the surface so as to prevent guinea pigs from getting urine scalds and/or bumblefoot.

*Recycled paper bedding can be used for a portion of the cage (kitchen or potty). We do not recommend using it for the entire cage as it can be uncomfortable and costly in the long run.

CAGE ESSENTIALS

Water bottles and bowl(s).

We require a minimum of 2 water bottles for 2 guinea pigs. Each water bottle should have a minimum capacity of 300ml. Guinea pigs require lots of water to prevent dehydration and bladder issues. Water bottles under 300ml are not sufficient.

Having just ONE bottle is not sufficient for 2 guinea pigs as accidents can happen. The bottles can sometimes be faulty. A leaking or jammed bottle would deny the guinea pigs access to water for a long period of time and may lead to a heatstroke.

Any type of bowl works, preferably a heavy one so it does not flip over easily.

SAFE AND HEALTHIER PELLETS

A hay-based pellet is the best kind.

For adult guinea pigs, we recommend pellets that are hay-based and do not contain alfalfa that can cause calcium build-up. Stones can form in the kidneys or bladder and can sometimes become lodged, causing a life-threatening obstruction.

For nursing/young guinea pigs (under 6 months old), we recommend alfalfa-based pellets as they need the extra calcium for development.

Recommended pellets:

- Oxbow
- Sherwood

- KMS Hayloft

Only a tablespoon of pellets should be fed to each guinea pig per day.

UNSAFE ITEMS

Hanging metal hay balls, exercise wheels, leashes, and potty pans with wired bases.

Guinea pigs can sometimes get their heads stuck in between the metal frame of the hay ball, and get injured while they try to escape.

Exercise wheels and leashes can badly injure their delicate back/spine, as it forces their spines to curve in an unnatural concave position.

Potty pans with wired bases, or bases with holes are dangerous as their feet can get easily trapped. The wired bases are also uncomfortable for their feet, which might cause bumblefoot in the long run.

UNSAFE FOOD ITEMS

Mineral chews / salt licks, seeds, coloured food.

Mineral chews / salt licks are not required. Unlimited hay is the most important part of their diet.

Seeds are a choking hazard, and can get stuck in their teeth causing pain and discomfort.