An overwhelmed pet owner has surrendered more than 130 guinea pigs, prompting calls for Adelaide locals to rehome the animals.
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The southern suburbs owner surrendered the guinea pigs, also known as cavies, after their numbers ballooned out of control, the RSPCA said.
The sudden intake has put a strain on the organisation's already stretched Lonsdale shelter and sparked a "great guinea pig adoption drive" at Petbarn Norwood from Thursday to Sunday.
"Guinea pigs can breed from a very young age, as early as one-month old, so it's all too easy for their numbers to escalate if they're not properly managed," RSPCA South Australia animal care manager Danielle Griggs said.
"This owner has done the right thing in recognising that she didn't have the capacity to care for so many animals but we urge people to avoid getting into this situation in the first place by ensuring un-desexed male and female animals are not housed together."
The adoption drive is offering up guinea pigs in same-sex pairs for $20, as the animals are happiest when kept with other guinea pigs.
The RSPCA urged South Australians considering adoption to take a well-researched approach to their care.
"Unfortunately, we sometimes have guinea pigs come to us in poor health due to the failure of their owners to understand all their care needs," Ms Griggs said.
"This includes good nutrition, clean and dry housing, exercise and enrichment and - with the long-coated varieties - regular grooming."
While children could learn a lot from taking care of the animals, they must be overseen by a responsible adult, Ms Griggs said.
Guinea pigs can be easily distressed if they are not handled properly.
Australian Associated Press
