Below are some of the questions that we are asked frequently. Click on the question to expand and reveal the answer.
If your question is not answered below, please feel free to contact us.
Are you a rescue?
Yes, Cavy Corner is an award winning registered charity established in 2008 who rescue, rehabilitate and rehome guinea pigs.
We don't receive any government funding, grants or get money given to us. We rely on donations from our supporters and we work hard to fundraise to cover our all of ongoing costs. Guineas unable to be adopted due to long term health problems or older age will remain with us to live out their days receiving all the ongoing care and support they need. We have a team of hardworking volunteers who care for the guinea pigs, not one person is paid here.
We only take in guinea pigs, no other species of animal is accepted.
Where are you based?
Doncaster, South Yorkshire, UK.
Can I visit you?
No, to keep the guinea pigs and volunteers safe we are not open to members of the public. Any visits are strictly by appointment only.
How do I adopt from you?
Have a look at our adoption policy, which has our requirements for adopters, then contact us for a chat.
Our minimum cage size requirement is a 2x4 C&C cage (140cm x 70cm) or equivalent providing 10.5 square feet of unbroken floor space for a pair but bigger is always better. We do not allow our guineas being adopted to live in 120cm cages or double tier cages as these are too small.
An adoption fee is to be paid to fund the care of the next guinea pig in need of a rescue place.
Anyone who adopts Cavy Corner guineas must return them to us if they are no longer able to care for them.
More about adopting a guinea.
Why can't I see what guinea pigs are available for adoption?
We don't believe it's fair to choose a guinea based on it's looks from a photo so we don't advertise available guineas. Every guinea has it's own personality. Anyone who adopts from us has to attend a care class in person, you will then be matched up to suitable guineas.
Can I adopt from you if I have a cat or dog?
We don't automatically exclude adopters who have other pets however you will need to demonstrate how you will keep the guinea pigs safe and in a stress free environment.
Can I adopt a skinny pig from you?
The skinny pigs are unable to be adopted due to long term health problems.
Why do you adopt to indoor homes only?
Lots of guineas who are surrendered here have experienced neglect and abuse, often from being kept outside and ignored. We want to ensure the guinea pigs we adopt out will not experience that neglect again. We believe indoor homes mean signs of illness are spotted earlier and there is less chance of them being ignored and not having their welfare needs met.
Do you adopt to schools, colleges, further education centres, care homes or petting farms?
No, the RSPCA is against pets in schools and we agree with this. Non residential settings are often high stress environments for prey species like guinea pigs and welfare needs can't always be fully met to our standards due to the animals being left alone for extended periods.
Do you bond guinea pigs?
We are no longer able to do bondings here. If we have a suitable single guinea who is likely to be a match we will ask you to attend for a care class and we will tell you how to bond at home. This way has proven to have an extremely high success rate of a happy bonding. Ongoing support is offered.
Do you do holiday boarding?
Yes, for guinea pigs only. We offer indoor accommodation for a daily fee and everything is provided. Our highly experienced and skilled volunteers mean we are able to look after guineas with ongoing health problems or special needs and are able to give prescribed medication. We can also provide respite care. Find out more about holiday boarding.
Can I volunteer?
We have different roles available for volunteers. We ask for a minimum commitment depending on the role. We are fully insured for volunteers including under 18's and ongoing training is provided. We accept student vets for their pre clinical EMS placements, Duke of Edinburgh volunteers and college work placements. Find out more about volunteering with us.
How do I surrender a guinea pig?
Due the ongoing crisis with high numbers of guinea pigs needing to be surrendered we often have a waiting list for non urgent surrenders. We do have to say no at times and close the waiting list due to being at full capacity. As a responsible rescue we have to consider space, funds and time needed to care for the guineas and we can not go over our maximum capacity. Contact us for non judgmental advice and support as we may be able to help you keep your guineas. Guineas at risk of and experiencing abuse and neglect are prioritised as per our admission policy.
What is:
Popcorning
When you see your guinea jump up energetically and twist in the air making happy sounds, you just witnessed popcorning! It's a sign of an excited and happy guinea pig. It often occurs during play and at the sign of new food. It mostly occurs with younger guineas but happens with older ones too.
Rumblestrutting
When you see a guinea pig walking (or strutting) around making a deep rumbling sound you are witnessing rumblestrutting. This is quite normal behaviour. See guinea behaviour patterns.