Rescue group seeks more volunteers

A not-for-profit organisation dedicated to rehoming mistreated, abused and unwanted guinea pigs is desperately seeking more volunteers.

Qld Guinea Pig Refuge Inc, which primarily services Moreton Bay, is looking to recruit more people from the community who can spare a few hours a month to assist with caring for the animals during open days.

Tabitha Bennett, who has been involved with the organisation since it began almost 11 years ago, says they have reached a dire situation and need as many hands on deck as possible.

“We are at the point that if we don’t get more volunteers to help us man the shop during our open days, we won’t be able to run them,” Tabitha explains.

“Our open days are held on the first and third Saturday of the month and give people the opportunity to come and meet or adopt the guinea pigs that are currently in foster care, as well as purchase food and hay, or have their guinea pig groomed at our piggy parlour.

“We have a lot of great people who come and help us out, often spending all day at the open day, which can be quite tiring for anyone.

“We need to fill some gaps and find more people to add to the roster so we can give our regulars a bit of a break, so they don’t burn out.

“We need people who can help us make up the guinea pig food we sell, as well as help with the grooming, running the shop, as well as packing up and packing down.”

Tabitha says the role would be perfect for anyone who loves animals or someone who wants to give back to their community in a positive way.

“We welcome anyone and everyone to come along find out more about what we do,” Tabitha says.

“We can be flexible, so if you say you can only help for two or three hours, that’s fine with us.

“If you think you would be a great fit, get in touch and we can show you a little bit of everything to make sure you get the role that is best for you.

“We will teach you everything you need to know.”

Kids of working age are welcome to volunteer but must always have a parent or guardian with them.

Open days are held on the first and third Saturday of every month at the Albany Creek Scout Den, located at 12 James Cash Court, Albany Creek.

About the organisation

With a no euthanasia policy, Tabitha says the organisation can sometimes care for hundreds of guinea pigs at any given time.

“We have been called to cases where people have reported dozens of guinea pigs not being cared for properly, as well as taking in guinea pigs that have been surrendered by their owners.

“The number of guinea pigs we care for can range anywhere between 100 to 200 at a time.

“All these piggies are cared for by our wonderful foster carers who give them lots of love and attention.

“It’s important they are cared for by people every day who can give them the right food, groom them, and are handled the correct way.”

Having grown up with guinea pigs, Tabitha says they make great pets.

“Guinea pigs make great pets because they are easy to care for, are very loving, and you can have them as an inside pet,” she says.

“If you would like to adopt a guinea pig, please come along to an upcoming open day and see the cute piggies that are available.”

Top tips for looking after for your guinea pigs

If you’re looking to introduce a new pet into your family, here are some top tips from Qld Guinea Pig Refuge Inc to help ensure you give your new cuddly friend the best life possible:

Companionship

Guinea pigs are highly social animals because in the wild they live in small herds, so having a companion at home is essential to their health and wellbeing.

Ensuring your piggy always has a friend will keep them happy, provide them with the ultimate entertainment, and make them healthier.

Guinea pigs can be kept in pairs, trios, quads, herds... whatever your space allows!

Diet

A guinea pig's diet is a little more complex than most people think, so it’s important you get all the right information to keep them healthy.

Foods that are suitable to feed your piggy include:

Hay: It is high in fibre, necessary for their digestive systems to function, and helps to grind back their teeth to prevent possible dental issues in the future.

Dry food: Qld Guinea Pig Rescue make their own Pig’n’Mix, or they recommend Oxbow or Cavy Origins pellets, all of which are available for sale at each open day.

Fruits and vegetables: Guinea pigs should be given around a cup each of fresh food every day, and mostly vegetables like cos lettuce, capsicum, choko, celery and cucumber.

Fruits should be given a maximum of three times per week to ensure they aren't receiving too much sugar in their diet. This includes pineapples, pears, oranges, apples, berries, strawberries, seedless grapes, grapefruit, and honeydew melon.

Water: Ensuring that you always have a water bottle full of fresh, clean water for your piggy is essential. Some piggies drink lots, and some little, but ensuring fresh, clean water is always available is a must.

Treats: Stick to trusted brands that make fantastic treat products for guinea pigs. At their open days, Qld Guinea Pig Refuge sell a variety of treats, including from Oxbow which is Australian made. But a simple treat can also be your piggie’s favourite fruit or vegetable.

More information regarding housing, grooming, general health tips, and recommended vets can be found on their website.

Get in touch

To find out more information about the organisation, to sign up as a volunteer, or adopt a new family member, visit the Qld Guinea Pig Refuge Inc website or send an email to [email protected]

You can also follow them on Facebook and Instagram for updates.