Help!need advice on how to convince parents to let me have a cavy!

**tazbabie4** · #1 05-30-08, 06:52 pm

I need some way to convince my parents to let me get a Cavy. My mom said that when I get all A's I could have one, but know it is summer and I couldn't get all A's. Next year I am going to be home schooled, so i need a new idea on how to convince my parents to let me have one (or two)

**guineapigluver1** · #2 05-30-08, 09:14 pm

If they say no, then they mean no.

**Stephluvspigs** · #3 05-30-08, 09:57 pm

My mom let me have a guinea pig because she leaves alot and doesn't want me to be lonely and because i'm responsible. Do some things around the house and prove to your parents that you can really care for them and don't ask to much or they will never consider it.

**tazbabie4** · #4 05-31-08, 07:44 am

That was what the all A's were for. My mom says I am responsible, but our life is too busy, she says. I've been thinking about guinea pigs alot, and I do have time to devote to these little creatures, but she still doesn't see it!

**Stephluvspigs** · #5 05-31-08, 11:29 am

Oh then your parents are right. You need alot of time to give to them and if you have alot to do already then it would be hard to devote everything to them. Why don't you start with a hamster, which are a bit easier to care for. then that will prove to your parents you can fit them in your schedule. You should spring for 2 cause one would get lonely.

**tazbabie4** · #6 05-31-08, 12:32 pm

They won't even let me have a hamster! i had gerbils when i was younger, but they won't let me have anything now!

**VoodooJoint** · #7 05-31-08, 01:23 pm

My parents wouldn't let me have much in the way of pets when I was younger either. Their house, their money, their rules. I suggest you wait until you are older to get pets. If your parents are against it then they are unlikely to be willing to spend the considerable money it takes to properly take care of them and they may force you to rehome them later on if they no longer want them around.

Pets are a family experience. If the entire family doesn't want them, to one degree or another, then it's best it the animal not come into the house at all. I know this isn't what you wanted to hear but it's the best advice I can give you.

**Justin** · #8 05-31-08, 02:12 pm

You would need to convince your mom to adopt a pig for herself, not for you. That will be even harder, but I don't see any other way to insure a good care. You see, maintaining them is not cheap.

**caviecrazie** · #9 06-01-08, 05:02 am

My mum only let me have cavies cos she secretly wanted them too! However, I was surprised when she actually said yes. I had asked a couple of years ago and she had said no. Now I suppose I'm older and more responsible. You have to convince her you will will look after them.
How about you save some money up to show her you are serious?
I spent £200 on mine in the first week.

**Haley0489** · #10 06-01-08, 09:14 am

Quote:

Originally Posted by caviecrazie

My mum only let me have cavies cos she secretly wanted them too! However, I was surprised when she actually said yes. I had asked a couple of years ago and she had said no. Now I suppose I'm older and more responsible.

Same thing with me! I had wanted GPs a year or two prior and she said no way, but when she saw them and heard them purr, SHE wanted them. I've had animals all my life, and was probably at least 16-17 when I had asked the first time, but now looking back, I can see why she said no. I was about to graduate high school and possibly move away to school, it wasn't fair to them. Not to mention, I was working a killer job and didn't have much time for "extra curricular pets". I ended up staying home for school and have my piggies, if I ever move off they're coming too!

PS - My parents also support my piggies [financially] 100%. When I start worrying a vet visit in order, they think I'm being a little obsessive, but they have never argued with me over the cost to care for my boys.

**tazbabie4** · #11 06-01-08, 11:08 am

Quote:

Originally Posted by VoodooJoint

My parents wouldn't let me have much in the way of pets when I was younger either. Their house, their money, their rules. I suggest you wait until you are older to get pets. If your parents are against it then they are unlikely to be willing to spend the considerable money it takes to properly take care of them and they may force you to rehome them later on if they no longer want them around.

Pets are a family experience. If the entire family doesn't want them, to one degree or another, then it's best it the animal not come into the house at all. I know this isn't what you wanted to hear but it's the best advice I can give you.

My mom owns horses, so it isn't that she doesn't want pets, she has 11 horses and 2 dogs! but I want my own pet at home, but she hasn't said yes... yet...but hopefully soon!

**calymo** · #12 06-01-08, 01:42 pm

Haha my parents made me the same deal....and i came very close with only one B. I am now planning to ask for my birthday in august. If youre birthday is a long way to come...Show them what can happen if you dont adopt one. I think my mom is already sold on adopting a couple after hearing how some places raise them and that in Brazil they are considered to be a delicacy called cuy. Good Luck!!!

**thief** · #13 06-01-08, 08:31 pm

You'll need a minimum of two piggies and a lot of time and money to maintain them. Maybe think about getting a job this summer to prove your responsibility?
You also need to think about the animals in question here. Animals are not disposable, they are for life. You cannot turn around and decide that you can't afford to keep them anymore [time/money/allergy-wise]. What will you do when/if you go to college? Where will they live? Who will take care of them? Who will play with them? Do you have the time to play with them and maintain them right now? It takes me almost two hours each week to clean/disinfect/wash my guinea pigs' cage and accessories. They need a minimum of one hour of floor time each day, They need socialization. They need vet care. They need to be weighed weekly and given a variety of foods. They [along with any other pet] are far from low-maintenance.

**babyboo** · #14 06-01-08, 09:02 pm

My parents told me before I got all my pets that I have to show then that I was responsible, and I have 11 pets.

**tazbabie4** · #15 06-02-08, 07:12 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by calymo

Haha my parents made me the same deal....and i came very close with only one B. I am now planning to ask for my birthday in august. If youre birthday is a long way to come...Show them what can happen if you dont adopt one. I think my mom is already sold on adopting a couple after hearing how some places raise them and that in Brazil they are considered to be a delicacy called cuy. Good Luck!!!

Me too! But know i will be homeschooled my birthday was a couple of days ago! and i asked for them! it was the only thing i wanted!!

knhappyface · #16 06-02-08, 09:00 pm

I haven't gotten Guinea Pigs yet, but I will be quite soon. Both my parents were VERY opposed to having piggies, mostly because they thought they smell horrible and they just aren't very good pets overall, because so many were up for adoption.

What I did to convince them was I did my research - and when I say that, I mean it! I've been looking on almost every availible website for over 3 months, sucking up every little bit of information. I've been to YAHOO! answers, Guinea Lynx, this website (obviously

), and numerous other ones. I checked probably a dozen different sources to find out whether or not they stank, whether or not males stank MORE, and a bunch of other stuff.

What I'd suggest doing is just convince your parents to the best of your ability that Guinea Pigs are really great pets that are calm, affectionate and that you'll be responsible for them.

Another big hit is Youtube - I showed my parents a few of my favourite piggy videos, and they realized how unique they are. My mom's exact words were "Well, they really are quite the characters .. I wouldn't mind having a couple of those in the house."

Really the biggest thing, however, was when my mom and I went to the new Petland. We each got to hold a Guinea Pig for ten minutes or so, and now she wants her own! Instead of me getting 2, she decided that we'll each get one. She fell in love with a certain, tricolored little guy - we even went back the same evening so she could pick him up again.

Best of luck! I'm sure with a little bit of work, you'll have your own piggies in no time!

Thank you VoodooJoint, for this useful post, say these 4 members:
daftscotslass (06-01-08), PiggieMamaKelly (05-31-08), socal805 (05-31-08), Ziggy&Herald (06-01-08)

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