Melton rescue

Twenty (20) pens of guinea pigs today! Many had padlocks on and the pigs were hidden under the straw so absolutely no chance of viewing beforehand, you were buying blind. I don't know if that was the reason, but the first 7 lots came to me at the minimum bid, £1 plus commission. They turned out to be in ok condition, a mixed bunch but all fine.

Then came 3 lots of pairs. Two lots were babies, the third lot was, what appeared to be, 'dad' with another youngster. They would probably be about 4 weeks old, one or two underweight but otherwise ok. They came to me for £1, £3 and £2. Again there were 3 lots of pairs, all red mismarked American crested. There have been so many of these recently they must be from a local breeder. I paid £2, £2 & £1. Then 2 more single semi adult boars, both £1 each. Bit of a break whilst they sold bunnies, then another boar (£1) and a single sow, allegedly in pig, white with black eyeliner. Really sweet! Paid £6.50 for her, Shaz and I had talked about the in pig and just delivered ones going back into the breeding cycle and we'd agreed to get them if we possibly could.
Then a pen of mum plus 3 sow babies, about 4 weeks old. The dealers' eyes lit up so I got determined and had to pay £10 to get them. The very last pig lot was three adults, I hadn't spotted them so they must have arrived late, but they were very popular and fetched £21. At that I would hope they were more than dealers would pay, and indeed they went to a couple with a decent carrier so hopefully they will be ok. So with commission I paid out almost £50, for 26 guinea pigs. I'm happy to foot some of that as my little bit for the animals' rescue, I hope those of you that donate can see how your money is helping to remove unwanted boars and very wanted breeding sows away from the dodgy dealers.


We cannot end the cycle, but we can help those pigs that we come across. 

Many of the pigs are smelly, coated in urine and with nails buried in dried on muck. They are now safe, in clean surroundings and once paired up and quarantined hopefully they will find long term homes as family pets.

Some are very very cute!

Rescue 2

There were a few pens in today, mostly rabbits and 9 pens of cavies. I'm getting to know those I'm not impressed with care/handling, and those who, although I don't know them, do seem to be caring for the animals.

I bought the first pen, a 'sow' red & white, older one. He was £2 plus the 20p commission, I say 'he' as he was indeed a boar. This is not uncommon! Cute though.  I also bought the two following pens, paying £7.50 and £4.50 plus the commission. I don't usually bid beyond £4 but I had taken a shine to the first and didn't like the bidder of the 2nd....

The next three lots had babies in, listed as sows for the first two and boars for the 3rd. They went for £12,£13 & £7.50. I was happy with those bidding for the boars, they seemed normal and not harsh, so left them be. The next was an abby (abyssinian), again I was happy to leave to the bidder on £5.50. The following pen was a pair of black self breeders. Apparently...I didn't check. There had been a lass making rude comments when I handled a couple of the pens pre-auction to check the state of them. I am not a quiet person so I did challenge her comments....and then explain that yes I did want to see what condition they were in and that I was not a dealer. The girls' mum(?) seemed pleased about that. Anyway, this lass told me she wanted a few lots but that the dealers there did not like her and would run her up. Now I will listen to anyone, but that doesn't mean I take all as gospel. But she did seem ok, so when the blacks came up I sat on my hands and refused to bid. She did get them at £10. I didn't speak again. I bought the final lot, a mum and 2, two week old babies. I paid £11 for them.

The reason I have listed all this, is to explain what we are aiming to do when going to the market! Also because it has come to my notice tonight that the girl I allowed happily to bid alone has been name calling and abusing someone I like and have respect for. I am looking forward to bumping into her again. She did most certainly not pay £45 for the pigs. And I most certainly did not bid against her at any time. I'm happy knowing I do not lie, she must be very worried to feel the need to do so. 


This is not a game, nor a bidding war. This is about trying to save animals like Braveheart from suffering. Why do people feel the need to be like that? Immaturity is the answer I have come up with.