THE RSPCA Animal Centre at Block Fen near Wimblington desperately needs new homes for guinea pigs after finding itself overrun with them before and during, the Christmas break. The centre has 13 guinea pigs available for rehoming. There are also several o

THE RSPCA Animal Centre at Block Fen near Wimblington desperately needs new homes for guinea pigs after finding itself overrun with them before and during, the Christmas break.The centre has 13 guinea pigs available for rehoming. There are also several others which may form part of prosecution cases and will have to remain at the centre until the conclusion of the cases.Jackie Lines, manager of Block Fen, said: "Guinea pigs are a popular pet, but when people take them on they may not realise that these animals need regular attention and commitment."Like rabbits they are often bought as childrens' pets and may end up becoming the forgotten pets in hutches at the end of the garden."Among the unwanted and abandoned guinea pigs to come into Block Fen before Christmas was Wendy, a sandy-coloured guinea pig, which was found huddled under a hedge in Peterborough in November. She was very frightened, painfully thin, covered in sores and had very little fur.Wendy was brought to Block Fen where she was given plenty of food, warmth and the veterinary care she needed. After a lot of care from the centre staff, she has blossomed into a happy healthy guinea pig.Like most guinea pigs Wendy enjoys the company of others so staff matched her with a male called James and they have become a very happy couple who just need a new family to adopt them both. Whoever adopts the pair will not have to worry about unwanted babies as James has been neutered.Guinea pigs have lots of needs that prospective owners need to ensure they can provide before taking on the responsibility of owning one.These needs include feeding twice a day with a varied diet; a constant supply of water; a large weatherproof home with hay for burrowing and separate sleeping areas; plenty of exercise; the company of other guinea pigs; regular cleaning of their home and to be taken to a vet if ill or injured.For more information on rehoming a guinea pig or any other animal from Block Fen Animal Centre, call 0870 906 1426.