2014 Review

2014 saw lots of guinea pigs rescued from the Melton auctions, and taken to Avalon to start a new life. Whilst many are still at Avalon waiting for their ‘forever home’, they are no longer suffering by being over-bred or being treated as sales items rather than pets.

I want to share with you some of the stories of the guinea pigs, which highlight the cruelty which they are subjected to at these auctions, and in their lives before coming to auction.

1-2 year old sow - She'd been in a dealer's crate for days on end with little food or water, and covered in urine. She had massively overgrown nails so couldn't walk properly. Her fur is white, but when she arrived at Avalon she was filthy brown. She was underweight and her bones could be felt sticking out. Her fur was patchy with sore skin underneath, further irritated by being covered in urine. Before being sold at auction, she would've produced several litters of puppies despite still being only 1 or 2 years old.

Young sow - sadly what is called a 'lethal' guinea pig, which means she is likely both blind and deaf, due to a genetics problem with the way that she was bred.

Young boar - arrived at Avalon with bumble foot, a painful and nasty looking condition on his feet, making walking almost impossible. He was minimum bid, without reserve. He was very scruffy, hiding away his beautiful coat. 

Sow - was at the auction with a reserve price due to her having a poorly eye. Looked very depressed to be there, desperately needing a loving new home. 

Long haired boar – came from auction with a massive and uncomfortable fur ball at his rear

2 pigs in pens at the auction, looking depressed

4 month old sow - was rescued from the auctions, tragically delivered 2 dead babies, then died herself

Poor little piggie at the auction was terrified, cold and wet, with skin burning from the urine burns and had a leg swollen to about 6 times more then it should, dripping with puss. This turned out to be septic arthritis, which is extremely painful for the guinea. His life was saved by Avalon and he now has a loving home.

Little boar - with poison leaking out of his eye, all down his front. Avalon gave him a bath, but he has lots of holes around his eyes and constantly has a wet chin/chest. He’s around 3-4 weeks old and he stunk of infection before his bath.

2 mums and their 1/2 day old babies were up for auction. Guinea pigs this young should not be in a market situation, they need to be left alone to bond with their mother and receive all the food, warmth, water and cleaning up after that they need.

3-4 month old heavily pregnant sow - when she arrived at Avalon, she was put in a hutch with other mums and babies, to give her the best chance of coping with her situation.

2 pregnant sows - a fierce bidding war took place to ensure that these guinea pigs could be rescued by Avalon. Being at auction is completely out the comfort zone for a guinea pig, and it was obvious that these 2 were distressed. One of the pigs threw herself into the water bowl as soon as soon as the pen was opened, which was worrying behaviour. 

Avalon will continue to have a presence at the Melton Auctions during 2015, so that we can continue to minimize the mistreatment that these lovable animals are being subjected to.

November 2014

Avalon had a massive influx of guinea pigs back in November when a breeding farm sent a lot of their unwanted pigs to the auctions. Whilst they would have been looked after OK at breeders, as soon as they are in transit, their quality of life will start to deteriorate. On this occasion, they have probably been squashed up in the pens together, risking suffocation, for a week before they went to auction, and purchased by Avalon. The original dealer is not known for mistreatment, so it would have just been the week leading up to the auction when the pigs were living in foul conditions, but this is still a week too long. A few weeks later, Avalon managed to collect more unwanted pigs directly from the dealer to avoid the horrible auctions, so that was a great success.

23rd September 2014

I arrived at Avalon with over 30 pigs yesterday. Most were boars that didn't receive a bid and had no reserve. I know so many people whinge about buying from auctions but you come with me one week and explain how we should leave them. One chap sat in his pen eating the grotty straw they were bedded down on. We got him into a cage and he just quietly sat at the food bowl, I bet he thought his dreams had come true, he was starving. Literally. About 8 of them in the same run of pens, same seller, are bone thin, with muscle wastage on their hind quarters and so bloody miserable. They get another chance, even though it costs to remove them from the market and it costs more money to get them up to weight. 5 pens had sow/boar combinations, although sold as 'unsexed'. Those sows will have to be watched for obvious reasons. One trio of boys included a very very tiny ginger and white boy. He was about 3 weeks old I'd say, he has gone straight in with a group of mums and babies and went into the group and nuzzled in immediately. Yes, removing these animals costs the rescue money. But it is worth it to give them a better quality of life.

22nd April 2014

There were big crowds again today. I failed completely at the first hurdle when I realised my pad/pen/bidding card were not in the car! A little perseverance and half hour later I was sorted though. There were quite a few pens of pigs, around 20. A friend pointed out that one of the cages contained a mum and young babies, and another had a couple of very tiny babies with her. As you all know, I'm not in favour of buying animals that are getting bids from decent looking people, but in this case there was no way I was going home without those very young babies. There was one such pen, which turned out to contain semi adult sow with two babies that didn't appear to be hers, and should really have still been with their mum. They cost me just shy of £15. 

The other, a mum, two tiny sow babies that are perhaps a week old, and a heavily pregnant sow as well, set me back £25. Having handed them over to Avalon, I am sure we did the right thing, even if it meant a good bit of cash disappearing. It's not right that a sow so close to delivering should have to go though the market experience. 
Also coming home to the rescue today were three mixed age sows, and a handful of boys, some crested and some long haired. I was horrified to find the amount added up to over £60 once the commission was paid, but I stand by the decision to get each and every one of these animals. I would have paid that alone to bring those two black and white babies home, they were terrified. I know they will get the best of treatment at Avalon, and they will have a promising future.

15th April 2014

There were about 25 pens of pigs today, and lots more of rabbits. There was nothing pitifully young, old or ill looking, although a couple of pigs had visible fungal infections in their fur. But with it being the school holidays, buying on a day like this is a lottery; once a family has decided that is the pig for them, you don't have a chance! But I'm only there to 'pick up the pieces' as they say so as long as everything sold. I came away with 4 pigs, an adult boy, a young sow who is of rex type, and two tiny boys who are actually extremely gobby! All seem fit and well, I didn't get the cage I was after, two miserable pigs with fungal infections, they had a reserve on and it wasn't my 'friendly' auctioneer who would help me buy unsold animals.

8th April 2014

It’s the school holidays again, so plenty of people about and loads of pens full of guinea pigs and rabbits. The first 11 cages had big guinea pigs in, a couple had two. I figured most would be boars and they were indeed. There were about 30 pens of pigs in total, some from the usual dealer. None were badly under age or ill looking so things were good in that department! I ended up getting an older boar with a mullet, a rex type with 'come get me' eyes, two small boys, one looks to have a touch of fungal on his crest, a pink eyed rex type sow and a grey agouti/white girl. As usual there will be a risk of these two being pregnant as their history is unknown. Good business for the auction today, with only a couple of pens with big reserves on unsold. I would hope that most of the pigs that ended up as family pets today would have a good chance as they were strong, bright eyed and healthy looking. So a good day from a rescue's point of view!

1st April 2014

Well the auction pens are back round in their normal spot but there was nothing else normal today! A different auctioneer who not only insists on moving in ££'s instead of 50p's on the low animals, but he also insists on selling the pens in groups. Sometimes you are after the 3rd in the run and you find unless you win the bid on the boar three pens above you haven't got a hope as he gives the original buyer an option on them all. It doesn't matter so much to me as I just pick up what no one else wants, which today was a big fat zero. Even the dealer pens were fetching serious money. There were a lot of new people bidding, not one of the regular buyers, and the car park was packed too. On the plus side, although the dealer pens had some guinea pigs with small patches of fungal in their fur, they were generally in good condition. So luckily, there were no guinea pigs today that needed to head to Avalon.

25th March 2014

There were 13 cages of guinea pigs at the auction today; the first 6 lots were single boars. No one was interested so I got 5 out of the 6 at minimum bids. I’m glad I went really, what would have happened to them otherwise? They all look related, Swiss types. I also got a cage of boys, again at minimum bid, and then heart ruled head and I bought two pairs because I didn't want the wrong person to obtain them. Two were Dutch type and are really gentle. The other two are a long haired dark lad and a satin 'rex' type. All are in reasonable health; one or two have scabby patches but nothing appalling, which makes a nice change. No one wanted the piggies today. This is why it’s so important for someone to be there every week to give the mistreated pigs some respite at Avalon, before being adopted into their ‘forever homes’.

18th March 2014

Arrived very late due to other commitments thinking the sale would be in full swing.... only to find it was nowhere near starting. There were not many pens in today, about 12 pens of guinea pigs and around 20 pens of rabbits. The first line up were guinea pigs, presumably from the same unknown seller, with plenty of weight on but with skin issues across the board and the older ones had horrific nails.

I think they were all boars, I'd suggest they have been kicked out from someone using them for breeding. I bought three of them for Avalon; the others received bids from known good homes. Next were 4 pens of extremely dodgy looking pigs. One pen was withdrawn from the auction due to its condition; the others went to known reliable buyers thankfully. I pestered the auctioneer and they agreed to sell the withdrawn pen to me on the understanding that the guinea in it had ringworm and needed treatment. Sale was agreed and I had a look. She is a white crested sow, a very pretty one. Or rather she would be if she wasn't ripping at her flesh and causing huge sores. It appears to be mites, no signs of ringworm. She is terrified and spends the whole time when picked up squealing in a very high pitch. She should have never been accepted in the auction, but well done to the staff for refusing to offer her to the public. If we pester to get these auctions closed down, these pigs will never get a chance in life. We need to educate and prosecute those who feel it is acceptable to have animals suffering in this way, not close down the outlet. There are a lot of healthy pigs sold each week; they have as much chance of finding good homes as they would if sold on an internet site, or pet shops!
I also brought back three other pigs for Avalon.

18th March 2014

Arrived very late due to other commitments thinking the sale would be in full swing.... only to find it was nowhere near starting. There were not many pens in today, about 12 of pigs and around 20 rabbits. The first line up were pigs, presumably from the same unknown seller, with plenty of weight on but with skin issues across the board and the older ones had horrific nails. I think they were all boars, I'd suggest they have been kicked out from someone using them for breeding. I bought three of them for Avalon, the others received bids from known good homes. Then came 4 pens of extremely dodgy looking pigs. One was withdrawn due to its condition, the others went to Mr Shiny Shoes and another reliable buyer thankfully. I pestered the auctioneer and they agreed to sell the withdrawn pen to me on the understanding it had ringworm and needed treatment. Sale was agreed and I had a look. She is a white crested sow, a very pretty one. Or rather she would be if she wasn't ripping at her flesh and causing huge sores. It appears to be mites, no signs of ringworm. She is terrified and spends the whole time when picked up squealing in a very high pitch She should have never been accepted in the auction, but well done to the staff for refusing to offer her to the public. If we pester to get these auctions closed down these pigs will never get a chance in life. We need to educate and persecute those who feel it is acceptable to have animals suffering in this way, not close down the outlet. There are a lot of healthy pigs sold each week, they have as much chance of finding good homes as they would if sold on an internet site. Or Pets at home!

I also brought back three others for Avalon, although unfortunately one big boar decided to cause trouble immediately and somehow I was forced to put him back in my boxes and he's here with me
Please look at the picture of the little white sow. She will take more money to get right than she will ever be worth, but she will have everything she needs from now on. If you feel we are doing the right thing by helping her and the others found suffering please consider Donating. 

Just £1 will help enormously if we all chip in. Help us to help them, they don't have many options.

11th March 2014

Not many lots in today, equal amounts of pigs and rabbits. During the auction two lots from one dealer were withdrawn by the auctioneer due to 'illness'. One of these lots was subsequently re-offered, probably rightly so. The other lot was a young rex type boar and he was huddled at the front and covered in fungal. We had already decided to bring him home with us. I bought him after the auction. I do begrudge having to pay for ill pigs that will need medication, but these are the pigs that desperately need help. I've had a skin infection recently. I know how painful and irritating it is. And fungal is so easy to treat. There was another pig covered in fungal, but she was lively and they tried to sell her anyway. I bought her afterwards for the same reasons. £10 for two pigs is probably more than they are worth, but they would not have been treated if they had returned home with the seller.
I bought a cage of young Himalayans. Not because they were unwanted, but because I have a soft spot for them and I didn't like the other bidder! This isn't what the rescue are here to do, this was my heart ruling my head. They can stay here is Shaz prefers, sometimes I make rash judgements and I apologise.
Some of the dealer lots didn't sell, some went for reasonable amounts. All looked healthy enough. There was a run further along of pigs, I bought three out of the four lots, two whiteish boys, two satins and two aby types. All look healthy, the two mainly white boys are very scared but in good condition.

4th March 2014

About 25 lots in today, all sold including those with reserves. There was a bottom cage right in the corner that it was difficult to see in, I got the torch app on my photo into action and found a brown sow and three young grey babies in. I checked it was ok to bid more than usual as I was worried the sow was either in pig again to the sire of these babies, or one of the babies was a boar
She's safe now though. The babies are sows (at a quick glance!!) and about 4 weeks old ish. The mum looks rather tubby, but I couldn't feel another pregnancy from the quick cuddle I had. She and her babies are, as you can understand, rather stressed. I also brought back the past pig sold as interest had waned by then. He's a himalayan rex boy, about 12 weeks old I'd say. Very sweet So only one box was needed, the others just go for the trip these days! There was one piggie that caught my eye but not until after he had been bought as he was buried in straw.... a chocolate coloured long hair that has gone to a good home now and will no doubt get the bath he needed....pooh!

25th February 2014

From the sublime to the ridiculous. About 20 pens of pigs in today, thinner crowd but still running alongside the bird auction. Thought the day might be strange when the first two pens of 2 had a £10 reserve on them, and didn't sell. Then a buyer asked to purchase them 2 lots later.... this buyer went on to buy another run of paired babies (unsexed) Then also bought all the dealers' at their reserves, and with a couple of exceptions they also had all the other lots A couple were close to minimum bid, some were several pounds more. Boars and sows alike.
Now, we go to the auctions to buy unwell or young stock, or those who appear in pig and also anything that is not wanted. So I came home empty handed. I have no opinion on the buyer today, I have seen them around before but not seen them grabbing so many. At first I thought perhaps they were buying babies for shop resale, but why so many older boars too? But they handled the pigs well, and seemed ok so I have to hope their intentions are as good as they can be.
Many thanks to my able assistants today who did little other than trot backwards and works watching for the start of the sales! But thank you very much for making the effort and joining me. Hopefully now you have seen what we try to do I can send you on any days I can't make it!

18th February 2014

No pictures this week i'm afraid. I ended up having no help at all, and with it being school holidays I knew I was going to be in trouble. The furries are still in the same area as the birds, and there was no way you could see into half of the pens as the crowd watching the bird bidding was too dense. I listed what I could though. Lots of rabbits, a run from the usual dealer, and some pigs from an unknown seller. Had a chat with the buyer known as Mr Shiny Shoes, as I thought he has grandchildren who help with the animals he buys, and his daughter helps and rehomes what is suitable. We were both down in the tat sale trying to buy run and hutches too! He's certainly not buying for bait, all good news.
Lots of bidders and buyers meant some of the dealers' lots went for silly prices.... one pair of baby sows went for £26! Last week they didn't get a bid I bought two beautiful satin baby sows cheaply and thought that would be it. Then a couple of pens held pigs, some of those it was impossible to see into (the bird auction was still going when the rabbits started...two lots of shouting in the same area. Chaos) I ended up with both lots, two ginger sows and a black very very funky boy.
I was ready to go and fetch the car down, then noticed the auctioneer had more paperwork, turned out there were more pens around the corner, and then even more in the old area the sales were previously held! Most of the buyers had moved off by then, so nothing was gaining bids. I followed the usual principle of buying guinea pigs that were not raising any bids at all. Tell me, those of you who feel buying is wrong, what do you think will happen to these animals? If they can't make £1 in the sales, are the sellers really going to take them home, care for them, ensure they have the correct diet and environment? Or just off load them anywhere they can so they don't lose more money. Abandon them there in the pens. Neck them. Harsh? It's the reality of life i'm afraid.
This way they have every possible chance to go on to live a good quality of life. You might think that donating £1 to the rescue will not help. It will help these guinea pigs enormously I can assure you. Please carry on helping us to help them.
I bought 9 lots, most had multiple pigs in, all for minimum bids. Boars and sows, mixed ages. Avalon don't 'choose' who to save, any that are in need will be welcomed.
Then even fewer buyers headed around the corner to the dozen or so pens stuck around there. Two had pigs in, one lot of two boars attracted a bid from another 'family' type buyer, I had the other pen.
So poor Shaz had to endure my arrival with boxes of pigs. Room was found, pigs were checked over and they were soon eating. I was also handed over 5 young boars from one of the dealers, a sweet chap with an eye issue and four other healthy boys that should be suitable for rehoming soon.
Again, sorry for the lack of photos, trying to do everything alone is a complete nightmare. If you can help in the future that would be great, most weeks it's easy but occasionally we get a manic one like that was. I do have a few friends I can call on, but unfortunately in this case I found out I would be alone too late to drag anyone in

11th February 2014

Ok, it's winter now! Had to contend with a hail/rain/snow storm when we were at the auction today, boy was it cold! The cages are of course undercover but they are metal and i'm sure very cold for the pigs. Luckily there were not many in today, the usual run from the dealer and then a group from an unknown seller. All those sold, but just one pen from the dealer was sold through the auction. I was happy to let them go for reasonable amounts as usual, but there was a buyer who did their very utmost to obscure a pen and stop others getting close. Me being me I decided to run them up Then I decided I would rather have them myself They are two aby sows, listed as in pig. I figured them and their unborn babies would be better off with Avalon! Very sweet, but completely terrified. They are still sat in the same place in their overnight b&b, not made any attempt to even nibble the fruit/veg/food. I've left them now, and will see what they take overnight.
I also bought a small choc/white boar and two sows from the dealer. One sow is small and about 2 months old, the other is bigger and apparently 'mated'. Wouldn't be a surprise if both were. I got the boar because he is sweet, and because I like to take one from them when I can. It is a good idea not to alienate the dealers completely as from the inside there is a chance to re educate. I have explained about the fungal, and now when one is suffering they bring them to me. Not ideal, but the main thing is the pigs are then receiving treatment rather than suffering on.
Total cost today: £10 (plus commission) for the two abys, £4 each for the sows and £2 for the little boar. These two groups are eating and are bright and alert