How to rehome my boar Guinea pig?

[harryhausen]

I'm posting this with trepidation, as I've witnessed other posters getting a flaming over similar (but to be fair that was dogs and this is not AIBU)

Anyway, I want to rehome our Guinea pig. He's a lone boar (his brother escaped years ago and we were advised by a guinea rescue centre not to re-pair him). Here comes the problem. I'm severely allergic to him and its getting worse every week.

He's beautiful, long haired Black and Tan. He has loads of space to live in and run in. However, I'm finding it hard to care for him because even picking him up now leaves me with huge unbelievably itchy welts and spots on my arms and hands, as well as sneezing followed by asthma

Consequently, he's been getting less and less handling gradually and I'm finding grooming him a real trial. I've managed so far with huge doses of anti histamines but the effectiveness if this is beginning to wear off. I don't think this is any life for him. He looks depressed, although is eating fine and still gambles around the run when I put him out.

So, I'm asking how do I go about rehoming him? I got him & his brother from a rescue centre about 4 years ago. They were young adults then (although the centre didn't know their exact age). I think the same rescue centre has closed down.

To be honest, I'd be embarrassed to take him to a centre as it feels so irresponsible to give up, but I'll have to get over that.

Would a private ad or rescue centre be best?

[BonkeyMollocks]

I think you have a valid reason for re-homing!

I personally would find a rescue center to take him in - if you re-home privately you have no idea what will happen to him! A rescue center will ensure he will find a good home.

Where abouts are you?

[harryhausen]

Thanks! Omg, I'm in Bristol on the boarder of N.Somerset.

I feel like a bit of a failure, and am worried about his health etc as I'm putting off grooming him (although I'm managing within reason). As he's alone, he really really needs lots of cuddles and I can't give them

I'll look up a rescue centre and hope they'll except him.

[FernieB]

Find a rescue centre that will take him. Unless you live near Bonkey and then you could just take him round

I think you're doing absolutely the right thing and also being very brave as some people can be quite judgey about stuff like this. You clearly care about him but it's no life for you or the pig. I don't think any rescue centre would judge you - they'll understand and do their best to find him a lovely home.

[harryhausen]

Thanks Fernie B

[harryhausen]

Thanks welovegrapes. That's reassuring

[70isaLimitNotaTarget]

Definately contact rescues and explain like you've said on here.
If you are so allergic to GP that it affects your health then it in turn affects his health.

GPs need cuddles (especially lone pigs) and as you say you are having trouble with his fur. In the summer months he'll be at risk of flystrike too.

Is there someone who can bath him and maybe tidy his fur (make him look a bit more presentable and comfortable).

A rescue will either match him with a boar piglet; neuter him to match with sows (they will have cavy savvy vets ,he might be a bit old for surgery ) or just keep him alone but within shouting distance of other pigs so he'll have company.
You'll most likely be asked for a donation to surrender.
But don't let your embarassment get in the way of your boy's future. They will have heard it all. At least you're not dumping him in a box or passing him onto someone on a whim.

I got my two adult boars from rescue (my DD demanded we got boars -strange girl ) so they will try to rehome him , or he might have permenant 'foster' home with company side-by-side.

[harryhausen]

Thanks 70 I will dose myself up and try and bath him. His fur isn't too bad, although it does get knotted - I've managed so far just with brushing and the odd haircut here and there on his under carriage.

I will not let my embarrassment stop me. I would LOVE him to be with other piggies. I would gladly make a donation.

Thanks everyone. Thank you for giving me the advice and not shouting at me

[BonkeyMollocks]

Oh fecking crap!
I'm in North east Somerset.......

[BonkeyMollocks]

Ok, if the timing was better I would have him like a shot stuff dh but dh has just started a new job and we have a gap of 6 weeks where we have no money......
I'm going to struggle to feed us and the zoo in the next few weeks so I need to be sensible for once :( .

I know there are some good rescues in Bristol though.....and try here for info on rehoming (you may need to register). They may even be able to find a foster home for your chap until he can find somewhere permanent! :)

:(

I could have had a LittlePig, a BigPig and a HairyPig

I hope you find him somewhere :)

[guineapiglet]

OhBonkey - you are a sweetie, we know you really want a third hairy pig! - It might just be too much for your BP and LP - they will be vair jealous of a third ! - I know if I lived nearer I would be very tempted as well...

Hi Harry - very sorry to hear about your situation and your allergies, I do sympathise as my son was very allergic to all our girls and couldnt bear to be in the same room as them, it is a shame for you when you are so fond of him.

I am sure a local rescue/your local vet may be able to advise on someone who may want an extra boy - he is obviously very independent and used to being on his own, so lets hope someone is looking for just that type of boy. Really hoping you find someone to have him and then you can relax a bit - try the guineapig matters magazine which KRITIQ mentioned on an earlier thread, they seem to have lots of rescues to recommend. Good luck!:)

[harryhausen]

Bonky, I don't mind keeping him several weeks for you I've managed for years, a few more weeks wont make too much difference!

Anyway, thank you all so much for the advice and the links etc. I'll have a good luck and start getting myself together x