About This Site:
times since created on 3/25/00.Updated 5/9/00
This site was created to help cavy lovers help cavies around the world. Many of us recognize inappropriate commercial products being marketed for guinea pigs in pet stores, and problems similar to this. These include inappropriate foods and dietary supplements, dangerous bedding material, etc. This web site is here to help make it easier for us all to get involved in an orderly fashion for contacting the companies, hopefully allowing for change to occur soon.
I am not including e-mail addresses because old-fashioned snail mail seems to make a larger impact. They know that you really took the time to write a letter, make out the envelope, slap a stamp on and send it out. Please take the time to write a letter, make out the envelope, slap on a stamp, and send out a letter for each of the action alerts listed below.
Where there is more than one action for a company, I suggest working each topic into one letter. There is no need to write several letters. But make sure that each concern is expressed clearly and individually, so that everything is not jumbled together.
When you write to these companies, please be sure to be polite!
Unlike other action/letter-writing sites, I am not including sample letters. I don't want these companies to all receive carbon copies of the same letters. I want them to realize that we are all individuals who care deeply about these animals, and who are also very upset at the carelessness that has put our little guys and gals in harm's way. However, I will give general suggestions for your letters: First, briefly introduce yourself. Then address the situation for which you are writing. Next, get into more detail about the problem, why it's a problem, and what needs to be done about it. Lastly, thank them for their interest and say something about how you look forward to hearing back from them that they have solved the problem(s).
If you have questions or concerns, or if you have any other information that needs to be added to this site, be sure to e-mail me at dperle@ix.netcom.com.
Beginning with New Additions, Added 5/9/00
Skip to Food & Bedding Product Concerns
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KAYTEE markets both Timothy and Alfalfa Hay. Unfortunately, the Timothy package only states that it is intended for rabbits. Thus, unknowing cavy guardians will feed Alfalfa to their guinea pigs, as that package states that it is appropriate for guinea pigs.
Please contact KAYTEE and politely ask that they change their packaging so that guardians will purchase the correct hay.
Please write to KAYTEE and politely tell them that this product is very dangerous to guinea pigs and they should appropriately change their packaging immediately. While you're at it, you may also want to mention that cedar has been linked to similar problems in hamsters and other rodents, and it should not be marketed for use for them, either.
Please write to KAYTEE and politely ask that they cease marketing this danger to guinea pigs immediately.
Also, the ingredients list unspecified "artificial color." Please note in your letter that the Cambridge Cavy Trust in England is concerned that there may be a connection between colorings used in guinea pig
feeds (E133 Bright Blue, E102 Tartrazine, E110 Sunset Yellow and E124 Alura Red) and bladder problems. Please ask whether or not any of their foods include these. (For more information, please see http://www.caviesgalore.com/ubb/Forum4/HTML/000063.html.)
Please write to KAYTEE (address above) and politely ask that they stop including those items that are inappropriate for guinea pigs.
Please write to KAYTEE and politely ask that they stop marketing this product for guinea pigs.
You can also try their toll-free phone number:
1-800-KAYTEE-1
Please write to Vitakraft as soon as possible and politely express to them how incredibly dangerous this product is, and that it should be recalled from the shelves immediately, and never again marketed for guinea pigs. You may want to appeal to their trademark symbol including the words "Feed with love," inside a red heart.
The American office is located at:
The Head Office, located in Germany, is:
You may want to write letters to both addresses, if you are writing from the United States. There are numerous other localized offices internationally. For more appropriate addresses, please see the Vitakraft home page.
Local Phone #: (516) 232-1200
Please write to L & M Animal Farms and politely ask them to immediately change the packaging to reflect these serious dangers to guinea pigs (and, while you're at it, hamsters and other rodents as well).
Please write to L & M and politely ask them to immediately remove the inappropriate contents from their guinea pig foods such as "Bonanza."
Please write to L & M and politely ask them to stop marketing alfalfa products for all guinea pigs. Instead, ask them to market each type appropriately and clearly.
Local Phone #: (513) 877-2131
Please contact this company and politely demand that they change their packaging immediately to warn against use for guinea pigs due to definite links to skin and respiratory problems, as well as for other rodents since similar problems ailing them have been linked to use of cedar as bedding material.
Rolf C. Hagen USA Corp.
As is discussed at length below, cedar shavings are extremely dangerous to guinea pigs, and possibly all rodents, due to skin irritations and respiratory problems. Wire-bottom cages are dangerous to guinea pigs as sore hocks will develop on their feet, and their feet and legs can otherwise be damaged by legs falling through the holes and getting caught, etc. Guinea pigs require solid-bottom cages with some form of bedding material. The book suggests use of a "mesh" over the bedding material so as to keep the material from being kicked or otherwise knocked out of the cage, and includes a picture of a cage with a wire bottom. And lastly, potato skins are known to be poisonous to guinea pigs, though potatoes themselves are indeed fine. A note must be included to not feed potato skins to guinea pigs.
Please write to T.F.H. Publications and demand that this book (or at least outdated versions, if newer versions have been corrected) be recalled immediately and not be put back on the shelves until the offending material is corrected. Additionally, the book should be removed from their web site. (http://www.tfh.com)
Phone: 1-800-631-2188
Please write to the ASPCA noting the dangerous selections that I have outlined and ask them to relinquish their support from T.F.H. until the company recalls all dangerous editions of the book from shelves, virtual as well as physical. Encourage them to encourage T.F.H. to fix the problems with the book, if newer editions have not already included corrections.
Also, please direct them to this web site, encouraging them to look into the other dangerous products detailed here, and ask them for their help in ridding the shelves of these dangerous products.
At Pet Supermarket I found the L&M items listed in black, not red, and the T.F.H. Publications book.
Please write to each company respectively, and politely ask them to stop selling the offending items in their stores, until the manufacturers fix the problems. Ask them whether their goal is to help animal lovers care for their pets as well as possible, or if all they are interested in is making a buck at the expense of unfortunate pets. Please write to the companies individually, focusing on the products found in their particular stores, but also mention the other products found in the other stores as unsuitable alternatives.
Also, please encourage these stores to post pertinent and even life-saving information in their "Small Animals" sections, such as direct warnings against using cedar shavings for guinea pigs (and, while you're at it, hamsters and other rodents as well). This can even be a compromise, seeing as it is doubtful that these corporations will agree to discontinuing sale of cedar shavings until the manufacturers get their acts together.
Encourage these stores to begin selling (if they haven't already) products from the Oxbow Hay Company. It is cheaper than other common foods, and their pellet foods include Stabilized Vitamin C and sell foods that are Timothy-based, not Alfalfa-based. (Address: 29012 Mill Road, Murdock, Nebraska, 68407. Phone: 1-800-249-0366. Web: http://www.oxbowhay.com. E-mail: oxbowhay@navix.net.)
Additionally, upon sale of guinea pigs, it would be a good idea for these stores to give purchasers (or "adopters") sheets of paper with general, basic care-giving facts. These facts for guinea pigs, also which could be included in the notices described in the previous paragraph, could and should include:
Store employees should be aware of these matters so as to help new (or otherwise unknowing) guinea pig guardians care for their animals well by not purchasing inappropriate cages, foods, etc. for their new guinea pigs.
Also, suggest to these stores that since they sell books on how to care for guinea pigs, these proposed brief care-notices can state encouragement to purchase such books for more information.
Please write to:
Telephone Number: (623) 580-6100
and:
L/M Animal Farms Red Cedar Shavings Bedding (extremely dangerous for guinea pigs and apparently all rodents, as the oils are linked to severe skin irritations and respiratory problems); KAYTEE "Fiesta" food (see specific action alert above); KAYTEE Healthy Bits food ("..."); L/M "Bonanza" food ("..."); KAYTEE Honey Treat Sticks (includes shells, seeds, & nuts -- See important action alerts regarding these ingredients above); 8 In 1 Ultra-Blend Veggie Nut Treat (shells and nuts). And the Hagen Guinea Pig Starter Kit includes cedar chips.
Alfalfa hay is sold here, but Timothy hay is most appropriate for most guinea pigs. (Please see action alerts above detailing appropriate uses.)
Additionally, "Four Paws" tank top products are sold for guinea pigs that are kept in acquarium settings. However, these types of cage environments are not recommended because it does not allow adequate ventilation for guinea pigs. By selling these products, Petopia encourages poor habitats which encourage poor health. Also, a more bizarre product found when searching for guinea pig products is the excercise wheel, as used enthusiastically by mice and hamsters. This is certainly not an accessory used by guinea pigs, and though the product is not specified as being appropriate for guinea pigs, unknowing cavy shoppers may buy it and try to get their cavies to use it. Along similar lines, Lee's "Kritter Krawlers" are shown among the appropriate toys. (This is a plastic see-through ball that you can place your small animal in, allowing them to run around a room without getting stepped on, or getting into tight places where you cannot get them.) While this is not among the more crucial offenses, guinea pigs do not tend to use these very much.
The following food products are sold. I am not currently sure if they are safe or not, as I am not sure if certain dangerous or inappropriate ingredients are included: L/M Animal Farms Canister Treats for Rabbits and Guinea Pigs (do they include shells or seeds?); Vitakraft Treat Stick (include seeds or shells?).
Please write to Petopia and politely ask them to stop selling these offending items from their web site for guinea pigs, until the manufacturers fix the problems (if applicable for a particular product). Ask them whether their goal is to help animal lovers care for their pets as well as possible, or if all they are interested in is making a buck at the expense of unfortunate pets. Also, encourage them to begin selling products from the Oxbow Hay Company. It is cheaper than other common foods, and their pellet foods include Stabilized Vitamin C and sell foods that are Timothy-based, not Alfalfa-based. (Address: 29012 Mill Road, Murdock, Nebraska, 68407. Phone: 1-800-249-0366. Web: http://www.oxbowhay.com. E-mail: oxbowhay@navix.net.)
Phone (Toll-Free): 1-877-PETOPIA (1-877-738-6742)
United Airlines does not allow rodents on board. Please contact them and politely encourage them to change their policy, and inform them that because of their policy they are losing your business to those that do allow rodents such as guinea pigs. See their Pets page for more information.
Toll Free: 1-800-241-6522
Trans World Airlines (TWA) considers guinea pigs to be non-domesticated, and thus, do not allow them on board. Please contact them and help them realize that animals such as guinea pigs, rabbits and ferrets are just as domesticated as are dogs, cats and birds. Encourage them to change their policy, and inform them that because of their policy they are losing your business to those that do allow rodents such as guinea pigs.
Local Phone Number: 314-589-3000
Customer Relations
Toll-Free: 1-800-892-2247
American Airlines charges $50 per kennel per flight within the western hemisphere. It is unclear whether or not guinea pigs are specifically acceptable. Ask them if they are. If so, thank them for being so progressive over those that do not. If not, encourage them to do so and let them know that they are losing your business to those airlines that do.
Northwest Airlines charges $50 per kennel per flight. Contact Northwest for more information:
Phone: 1-800-225-2525
U.S. Airways allows only dogs, cats and birds; animals that they consider "traditional household pets." Please contact them and help them realize that animals such as guinea pigs and rabbits are very common these days. Encourage them to change their policy, and inform them that because of their policy they are losing your business to those that do allow these animals.
Tel: (336) 661-0061
Delta Airlines allows guinea pigs, charging $40 per small pet carrier per flight. For updated and extended information, see their Pet Travel page, or call 1-800-1212 for information.
I have been notified that a new book is planned that includes more current information, not including any of three specific offenses I have listed. However, since a recall of the dangerous book currently on the market has not been addressed, I am still keeping the action alert online.
It is essential for guinea pigs to be given plenty of hay everyday. The best hay is Timothy Hay, though Alfalfa Hay is also marketed for guinea pigs. Alfalfa Hay is good for pregnant, nursing and growing guinea pigs and is okay in general as a treat for adults, but it is not appropriate as a main part of the diet, as it is known to cause bladder stones, requiring surgery. Timothy Hay is the ideal.
The picture on the front of the packaging shows several animals that this product is useful for, including guinea pigs. While it is good that KAYTEE includes an asterisk note on the back stating that the product may be a problem for guinea pigs, the fact is that it has certainly be linked to bad respiratory and skin problems for guinea pigs, and cedar shavings should never be used for them. They should not be shown among the animals on the front of the packaging, and there should be an even more obvious note warning against use for guinea pigs on the back.
This product includes nuts and seeds, including sunflower seeds in their shells. It is all kept together with honey. The sunflower shells are very dangerous to guinea pigs!! Sunflower seeds in their shells should never be fed to guinea pigs, as guinea pigs have been known to choke on the sharp shells. Additionally, the honey, other seeds and nuts are also inappropriate.
Loving guinea pig slaves are attracted to KAYTEE's "Fiesta" package of guinea pig food, as it includes many treats along with the standard guinea pig pellets, including corn, dried fruits and seeds. Unfortunately, seeds are not appropriate for guinea pigs, and the nuts and dried fruits are too fattening. (Occasional treats are okay, though.)
This product is marketed for several species, including guinea pigs. It includes seeds and nuts. Guinea pigs are not seed-eaters, and nuts are generally frowned upon due to the high fat content. (However, as a treat, nuts can be given so long as KAYTEE explicitly states to give sparingly as a treat, and not as a main part of the diet.)
Includes seeds, sunflower shells, and nuts.
This product includes extremely dangerous sunflower seed shells, as well as inappropriate seeds. Nuts are inappropriate as a main dietary component, but is okay as an occasional treat.
Kaytee
Attn: Customer Service
521 Clay Street, P.O. Box 230
Chilton, WI 53014
This product, marketed for guinea pigs, includes nuts and seeds, including sunflower seeds in their shells, all held together with honey. As stated above for a different product, sunflower seeds in their shells are extremely dangerous to guinea pigs, as they can create a definite choking hazard. As well, the honey, nuts and other seeds are also inappropriate.
Vitakraft Pet Products, Inc
12E Chimney Rock Road
Bound Brook, NJ 08805-1148
Vitakraft-Werke
Wührmann & Sohn
Mahndorfer Heerstraße 9 · 28307 Bremen
Germany
This product, marketed for guinea pigs, as do similar products, include the inappropriate ingredients of honey, seeds, and the sunflower seeds in their ultra-dangerous shells.
Please write to 8 In 1 Pet Products and politely ask them to stop marketing this dangerous product for guinea pigs.
Includes seeds.8 In 1 Pet Products Inc
2100 Pacific St
Hauppauge, NY 11788-4737
As stated above, cedar shavings have been linked to serious health problems for guinea pigs, including respiratory problems and skin irritations. This company suggests this product to be used for guinea pigs.
Like KAYTEE's "Fiesta" food, this is attractive for pet owners because it seems more interesting than more "bland" pellet food. However, the seeds, nuts, and certainly the sunflower seeds with shells are inappropriate for guinea pigs, and should not under any circumstance be on the market.
As stated above regarding other manufacturers' alfalfa products, that type of hay is known to cause bladder stones in guinea pigs, which often requires surgery. L & M markets alfalfa for guinea pigs, and they absolutely should not; they may, however, market alfalfa for pregnant, nursing and growing guinea pigs, and only those guinea pigs.L & M Animal Farms
5374 Long Spurling Rd
Pleasant Plain, OH 45162
Toll Free Phone #: 1-800-332-5623
I have not seen this product for myself, but I understand that it is marketed as "safe for pets" including small animals, and includes a picture of a guinea pig on the packaging. As described below, this is extremely dangerous and certainly not appropriate for guinea pigs; or probably any rodents.
Customer Service Dept.
E.M. Brown's Sons, Inc.
P.O. Box 2116
Sinking Spring, PA 19008
This product is sold through Petopia.com, and I can only assume it's a complete package put together by Hagen. Of course, cedar chips are very dangerous to guinea pigs and other rodents. Please write them and demand that they no longer use cedar chips in these starter kits, assuming that they put the kit together and not Petopia.com. Otherwise, encourage them to keep cedar away from guinea pigs and other rodents.
50 Hampden Road
Mansfield, MA 02048-1892
This book (Copyright 1987, 1994), found in Pet Supermarket and probably plenty of other stores, gives numerous examples of terrible advice. By either outright stating these or by providing photographs thereby giving the "okay," this book: 1) suggests cedar shavings as bedding 2) suggests wire-bottom cages and 3) suggests feeding potatoes.
At the last minute before putting this action alert online, I noticed at an online bookstore this book listed with an additional author, copyrighted 1997. I do not know at this time whether or not the offenses that I have listed have been corrected in this edition, so please, when you write, leave the door open that these problems may have already been fixed. However, since I did just find an edition with the mentioned offenses in a Pet Supermarket for sale, I have decided to continue with the action alert.
T.F.H. Publications, Inc.
1 TFH Plaza
3rd and Union Avenues
Neptune City, NJ 07743
The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, unarguably a terrific organization, has given their "seal of approval" to T.F.H. Publications, who publishes this horrible book.
ASPCA
424 East 92nd Street
New York, NY 10128
These two stores sell the above dangerous and inappropriate items. I found the following at PETsMART: The KAYTEE, Vitakraft, and 8 In 1 items listed in black, not red.
PETsMART, Inc.
19601 N. 27th Avenue
Phoenix, AZ 89027
Pet Supermarket Inc
800 NW 65th Street
Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33309-2006
Petopia is the Internet presence of the PetCo chain. Offenses found when searching the web site for appropriate guinea pig products include:
Petopia.com
1200 Folsom Street
San Francisco, CA 94103
Phone: 415-503-2700
Fax: 415-503-2710
Yahoo! Travel -- Airline LinksCustomer Relations—WHQPW
P.O. Box 66100
Chicago, IL 60666
Local Phone: (847) 700-6796
Fax: (847) 700-2214Corporate Headquarters
515 North 6th Street
St. Louis, MO 63101
1415 Olive St.
St. Louis, MO 63103
Fax: 314-589-3626
American Airlines
Customer Service
P.O. Box 619623
DFW Airport, TX 75261-9623
Northwest Airlines, Inc.
2700 Lone Oak Parkway
Eagan, MN 55121
U.S. Airways Office of Consumer Affairs
P.O. Box 1501
Winston-Salem, NC 27102-1501
Fax: (336) 661-8031
Updates
This book (Copyright 1987, 1994), found in Pet Supermarket and probably plenty of other stores, gives numerous examples of terrible advice, including: 1) suggests cedar shavings as bedding 2) suggests wire-bottom cages and 3) suggests feeding potatoes. (Potatoes are fine, but the skins are poisonous.)
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Copyright (c) David W. Perle, 2000.
All Rights Reserved.