{"id":5370,"date":"2026-02-08T13:42:06","date_gmt":"2026-02-08T12:42:06","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/doncha.local\/sl\/?p=5370"},"modified":"2026-03-31T22:01:49","modified_gmt":"2026-03-31T20:01:49","slug":"najprej-kunci-zdaj-trpijo-morski-prasicki","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/doncha.si\/en\/najprej-kunci-zdaj-trpijo-morski-prasicki\/","title":{"rendered":"First rabbits \u2013 now guinea pigs are suffering"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Two years ago it was rabbits as \u201cstarter pets\u201d \u2013 now guinea pigs are suffering.<\/strong> \ud83d\udc39<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Two years ago, rabbits were considered \u201cbeginner pets,\u201d and now they have been replaced by guinea pigs. Both are wrong and unfortunate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Of course, children should learn to treat animals with love and grow up alongside them. However, hamsters, rabbits, and guinea pigs are anything but \u201ccute plush toys\u201d that can form the basis for responsible pet ownership. Small cages are still widely offered, while truly animal-appropriate living conditions are underestimated and rarely fully provided. About two years ago, rabbits were mainly treated as \u201cliving toys\u201d in children\u2019s rooms; today, guinea pigs are the trend.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2025 \u2013 rise in abandoned guinea pigs<\/strong>
In particular, the Assisi estate of the Austrian Animal Welfare Association is seeing a significant increase in surrendered guinea pigs. In 2025, they took in almost twice as many \u201csqueakers\u201d as the year before.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cGuinea pigs are not beginner pets, and false expectations combined with unsuitable housing directly lead to animal suffering. Many underestimate the daily time commitment of at least one hour as well as the requirements for space, diet, and social interaction.\u201d
\u2014 Alfred Kofler, Head of Animal Care, Assisi-Hof Stockerau<\/p>\n\n\n\n

No walks and no training<\/strong>
At first glance, it is clear why these small rodents are often chosen as a \u201cstarter model\u201d for a child\u2019s pet: animals that do not need walking, training, or discipline seem like they cannot become overwhelming. However, this misconception deprives many animals of a species-appropriate and enriching life and is truly unfair, as a small cage and occasional feeding are by no means sufficient.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At the Assisi-Hof in Stockerau, dozens of guinea pigs currently live in spacious, animal-appropriate indoor and outdoor enclosures. It is one of the most important temporary shelters for guinea pigs in Lower Austria.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Guinea pigs need plenty of exercise, a structured environment, the company of their own kind, and a fiber-rich diet. \u201cA lack of knowledge about their needs is leading to more and more animals being surrendered, while suitable temporary housing options for guinea pigs are scarce,\u201d explains Alfred Kofler.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why guinea pigs end up in shelters<\/strong>
The most common reasons for surrender are lack of space, time constraints, and health issues caused by improper feeding. How dramatic the consequences can be is shown by the case of a guinea pig named \u201cRoberta,\u201d who was found sick and abandoned in a plastic bag at a road intersection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Animal expert Alfred Kofler: \u201cGuinea pigs are shy animals and not cuddle animals.\u201d Frequent handling is stressful for them\u2014a fact that is often underestimated, especially in families with children. \u201cWhen they must be picked up, care is essential: one hand supports the chest, the other the hindquarters.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Solitude<\/strong>
Group living is equally important: guinea pigs should never be kept alone. Ideally, they live in groups of at least four animals, with a castrated male and several females of similar age.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Guinea pigs need fresh hay at all times, as their teeth grow continuously throughout their lives. They also require a diet rich in vitamin C, such as peppers, broccoli, or parsley, as they cannot produce vitamin C themselves. Diets high in grains quickly lead to obesity and health problems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Healthy and happy!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n