Spring has arrived early at the GSPCA Animal Shelter
Submitted by GSPCA on 14:54, 29th Jan, 2013 |
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Despite the recent snow and inclement weather the GSPCA are already seeing signs of Spring.
From guinea pigs to pregnant cats there has already been birth's at the Shelter and yesterday we received our first chicks of 2013.
Buck and Trout two young pigeons which were rescued from a work site are now being hand fed by staff and volunteers at the GSPCA Animal Shelter.
The young birds will need caring for a number of weeks before they can be released back to the wild. The guinea pigs that have been giving birth are those that were found abandoned in a box in St Martins at the end of last year. Jusse was born on Christmas Day and we also have other baby guinea pigs born from the same group called Spirit, Hope and Peace.
Also a cat called Fern has given birth to two kittens this week and there are other pregnant cats currently at the GSPCA Animal Shelter although these won't be ready for rehoming until they are at least 9 weeks but we do have dozens of adult cats in need of new homes.
An interesting fact is that both guinea pigs and cats have a gestation period of approximately two months although new born guinea pigs have their eyes open, are mobile and can eat solids from birth.
In the past other than grey seal pups to see young animals and birds at this time of year would have been extremely unusual but the GSPCA as well as other charities around the UK are seeing an increasing trend of birth's throughout the year.
Steve Byrne GSPCA Manager said 'We currently have in excess of 200 animals and birds on site and with all these birth's we are gearing up for another busy year.'
'We currently have dozens of cats looking for homes as well as over 40 rabbits, hamsters, ferrets, birds, rats, chickens, guinea pigs, not to mention a peahen and a husky called Storm.'
'In years gone by it was extremely unusual to see kittens and other animals breeding during the winter but it is likely with milder winters and central heating in most homes that many animals are confused with the seasons.'
'The GSPCA encourages responsible pet ownership and owners of cats should speak to their vet about neutering as the Animal Shelter cares for hundreds of stray, unwanted and feral cats every year.'
Yvonne Chauvel Senior Animal Care Assistant said 'It seems every year the young birds come in earlier and earlier.'
'We tend to peak with young birds between May and July but we are starting early this year.'
'Thankfully we have intensive care units that we can place these young birds to keep them warm and we have a lot of experience at the Shelter so they should do well.'
If you are looking to adopt any type of animal the GSPCA asks you to think of those in rescues that haven't always had the best start in life and need that forever home.
To see many of the animals at the GSPCA in need of a home please go to our web page http://www.gspca.org.gg/animals call 01481 257261 or pop in the Shelter Monday to Saturday between 11am and 4.30pm.
If you would like to donate to the GSPCA and help us care for animals in Guernsey you can do so by calling into the Shelter, over the phone on 01481 257261 or by clicking the Paypal button below.
To see the story of Jethou Bumblebee the grey seal pup please check out this short video from start to finish on how staff rescued him with a lot of help.
Every Tuesday during term time between 10.30am and 12pm at the GSPCA we have a coffee morning with bric-a-brac and pet supplies on sale. Please click here for more details
To find out about the GSPCA Purple Week - Celebrating 140 years Caring for Animals in Guernsey 11th - 17th February and how you can join in.
The GSPCA are pleased to announce our GSPCA Sunday Family Fun Lunch on the 3rd March - click here for more details
25th - 31st March GSPCA Cupcake Week - more details to follow.
4th April - World Stray Day - more details to follow
Saturday 6th June 2013 Itex Walk Guernsey - We are pleased that for 2013 we are one of the nominated charities benefiting from this years walk. To register and find out more click here for more details.
June 2013 - Summer Fayre and Dog Show - more details to follow
September 2013 - Animal Welfare Seafront Sunday - more details to follow
4th October - World Animal Day - more details to follow
There are always animals at the GSPCA looking for good homes from farm birds to rabbits and to see many of them please click here. Felix in the video is our longest stay cat and really needs your help to find a new home.
There are many items on the GSPCA's Wish List and you can see many of them by clicking here including a list of Amazon items which would make a difference to animals in Guernsey.
To download our latest newsletter or become a member of the GSPCA please
elter.
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