FOREVER FRIEND: 'Funny and cute' trio of guinea pigs ready for adoption
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Why get one adorable guinea pig when you can get three?
Basil, along with Mabel and Penny, are a trio of four-year-old female bonded guinea pigs ready for adoption at the Toronto Humane Society and there’s no time like the present given Wednesday is International Guinea Pig Day.
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“Basil was surrendered to us in May with her two friends, Penny and Mabel,” said THS spokesperson Lucas Solowey.
“My understanding is that they were living in a home together but then they were all surrendered. I don’t know the reasons for surrender. But they are a cute trio of friends. They make the sweetest little squeaks. They’re very funny and cute.”
Solowey says guinea pigs have a life span of six to seven years and an enclosure measuring two feet by five feet would suit this trio well.
“In terms of caring for them, Basil would thrive in a calm and patient home, ideally bringing her pals Penny and Mabel with her. Guinea pigs are pack animals that do best with other pack animals,” he said.
“And in terms of food, guinea pigs eat hay, fresh greens and dry pellets. They should also drink fresh water and have space to sleep, eat, drink, hide and play. Guinea pigs can get nervous at times, so it’s good for them to have a hideout. And little toys for them to play with.”
As for their personalities, Solowey said Basil is “gentle and curious. She takes her time getting to know new things, but with a bit of patience and the right treats she starts to shine. While she’s on the shy side, she has been slowly warming up to human company. She enjoys a peaceful nibble of peas or carrots and can even take in treats right from a gentle hand, though she prefers the safety of her cosy enclosure.”
As for Mabel and Penny, they are ”similar. They are shy at first,” said Solowey. “Once they come out of their shell, they’re playful. They’ll make cute squeaks when they want your attention. They’re very sweet animals, very funny, unique personalities. But they’re all in good health.”
Guinea pigs like their head rubbed, but not necessarily being picked up a lot.
“Let them come to you,” said Solowey. “It’s fine to pick them up from time to time, but I just kind of pay attention to how they’re reacting. If they seem to be nervous, just kind of let them do their thing. I often would put out paper towel rolls or toilet paper rolls and they seem to like to chew on those.”
Solowey said homes with dogs and possibly cats should be avoided — basically anything that can be a predator to a guinea pig — but small children in the house are fine.
“As long as the kids know to be gentle with them,” he said.
Anyone interested in adopting Basil, Mabel and Penny can visit torontohumanesociety.com to start the adoption process.
UPDATE: Carson, a two-year-old mixed-breed male dog from June’s Forever Friend column, was adopted.
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