4th February 2014

About 20 pens of piggies in, and double that of rabbits. Most the pigs sold, and went to more private looking bidders. As usual I was there on behalf of Avalon to pick up the unwanted animals, along with any that looked in need of attention or care. It's a tough time of the year, and the rescue's finances are low so we have to be careful, but there is no way we are going to leave in need guineas to the mercy of the dealers and innocent buyers.

Today was a real example of why we go. The first pig through was a white sow, sat in the back of her pen with her eyes closed looking thoroughly miserable. We had decided to buy her before we knew what sex she was, and even more so when it became clear she was a girl and a lethal.

For those who don't realise, the gene that creates the roan guinea pigs, carries a 'lethal' element, that has no effect until doubled up in the breeding pen. So if mum and dad are both roans then there's a 50% chance the progeny will be 'lethals'. These are often born blind, with major teeth malformation, and also can have poorly formed insides. Many live very short lives, others appear to manage until their teeth prevent them eating, as this little girl has found. The ignorant breeders that continue this process should be strung up, it only causes heartache. Some may not realise the issue, others carry on regardless.

Anyway, this sow was not going back into the breeding game. I was determined she was coming back with me. But no one was interested anyway, and she came to Avalon for a minimum bid of £1. She did look very ill to be fair, as it turns out it's more from malnutrition than anything else. 

We also collected 3 very young boys, all beautifully marked but suffering from patches of fungal, a black rex type lad who apart from being terrified is rather nice..... and a cage of hay.

Yep you read that right. There was no piggy in sight. Just a load of hay with a 'lump' in it. He was the last pig sold and we decided to take a punt on him, although we had to go to £3 to get him! Turned out he was the most adorable hairy peru type lad, and very even tempered. Glad he's safe now

All are at Avalon now, the little white lady is called Snowflake and will stay at the rescue. Her front teeth have been clipped, as have her rear ones. They are growing out sideways rather than up, so they will never wear properly. But now they are no longer digging into her mouth and tongue I'm sure she'll be happier. She immediately started foraging in the cage we put her in, and a foster 'auntie' started to give her attention. She may be older than she appears, and is small due to lack of nutrients. But it doesn't matter, she's safe now.