Need a Second Pig?

[Basil&Clover]

Hey, I have a guinea pig named Clover, and I have never seen her popcorn. I really have always wanted to see a piggy do that, though. I don't know why she doesn't. She always has Oxbow hay and pellets, fresh veggies and water. And she has Carefresh Ultra, and I clean it every night. I also let her out to play daily. I don't know what I'm doing wrong. I think she really needs a friend. And I so wish I could get her one. No matter what I say or do, my parents will not let me get another piggy. I am a fantastic owner, too! They just say: "Nope! We can't have another pet. Not at all!" And besides Clover, All we have is a small dog. If you can come up with a way for me to convice them, that would be great. But I already told them about how guinea pigs need the comfort of a friend, and they can become emotionally unhealthy, Ive tried almost everything. Thanks so much for reading this and possibly helping!

[buttons]

Try making a deal with them...for example if you get an awesome report card you can have another guinea pig.
It would show your parents that you have your priorities straight.

Otherwise you could maybe find a guinea pig for sale/adoption CLOSE to home, and get a picture of it. Some parents just can't resist those cute button-like eyes!!

Good luck!!

[Basil&Clover]

Originally Posted by buttons

Try making a deal with them...for example if you get an awesome report card you can have another guinea pig.
It would show your parents that you have your priorities straight.

Otherwise you could maybe find a guinea pig for sale/adoption CLOSE to home, and get a picture of it. Some parents just can't resist those cute button-like eyes!!

Good luck!!

Thanks! I usually get A's and B's on my report card, but I'll try for all A's when school starts! I hope hope it works, but in the meantime, Any other ideas/tips are welcome.

[banjosnotbombs]

I think your best bet would to show your parents the facts. How important cage mates are.
Here are some links on information that you could have them read.
Guinea Lynx :: Companionship
Guinea Pigs Social Life

Those sites are really great, and should help for future reference also.
Goodluck, I hope you're able to convice your parents.

[greenbeans]

It is so important to get a 2nd pig for your pets health and happiness. So give your parents that info first.

Your parents may still be worried though, if they think:

1) 2 pets will be 2 times as much work, time, mess, expense
2) you will lose interest and they will be left looking after 2 pets
3)if you buy another pig, then you will want another, and another...


If you think this is the case, you need to tell them:

1) 2 pigs will only cost a little more, and shouldn't take up any more time or make more mess. But so much be happier and healthier.
2) you know this is a long time thing and you're prepared for cleaning feeding duties etc
3) you only want 2 pigs, not 3, 4, 5....!

Of course actions speak louder than words, you need to show them how mature and responsible you are, not getting into an argument, looking after your piggies, and maybe offering to earn a little money to pay towards looking after the new pig.

You could also check out these similar threads:

one two three

good luck!

[crazywiggy]

Sorry this is going to be another long one!

One of the most important things you can do is to give your parents the facts and let them think them through.

I learned a lot about animal welfare through my degree - particularly whilst reseaching for my dissertation. You would not believe how many published papers there are on the effects of housing / social life on animal welfare and health. This is just what I can remember off the top of my head, I am not telling you to scare you or make you feel bad - but your parents should be aware of what problems isolation can cause:

Some things to consider:

Guinea pigs are a social species. This includes our doemtic pets, their closes wild relatives and their ancestors. All are strictly social - they NEVER live alone.
No amount of human contact can make up for another piggie. We are two totally different species, so we can not communicate or interact with our piggies in a natural and meaningful way. We don't eat with them, sleep with them, establish dominance, squabble over the best veggies, popcorn together etc. Even if you could spend all day every day with your piggy she would still be better off with a same species companion.
And even if you could replace another piggie - for how long? With school / work, chores, eating and sleeping etc your piggie would still be completely alone for the vast majority of its day - for life!

Two piggies isn't much more work than one:

If you already have a cage that meets the minimum / preferred size for one piggie, (i.e. a 2x3 or 2x4) then you should be able to house a second piggie without needing to expand.
If you are cleaning out frequently enough you shouldn't need to clean out more with a second pig, so no extra time or bedding costs.
Females are usually really easy to introduce and bond, so it is unlikely you will have any problems with this.

So why not keep a single piggie?

It is well established, scientific fact that keeping social species in isolation causes a huge variety of welfare and health problems. These can include:

Boredom, increased fearfulness, frustration of natural behaviours, etc.
Abnormal behaviour, eg stereotypies, depression etc.
Reduced fitness
Reduced immune response and increased healing time (more likely to get sick - less likely or takes longer to recover)
Reduced learning ability and memory
Reduced lifespan

In short, a single piggie is more likely to "suffer" from being bored, lonely and frustrated and is more likely to get sick and succumb to an early death.

It isn't just the scientists that tell us this. All the animal welfare organisations, and all knowledgable rescues clearly state that guinea pigs need the company of their own kind. Even lab animal guidelines (in the UK and EU at least) specifically state that social species must not be singly housed unless there is a specific good reason (scientific or veterinary) reason. Even on this forum you will find many people who will tell you how much their pigs improved after getting some company - more wheeking and popcorning etc.

Finally, as well as informing your parents about why guinea pigs need company, you could also offer to help with the costs. Maybe save up the money to pay for the adoption fee, any extra supplies etc.

Good luck, I'm sure you're doing your best!

[auburnmare5]

I would make a deal with your parents. I don't see anything you are douing wrong so I would say a seconds pig is the best choice. Don't forget quarentine, and both pigs should be as happy as can be.
Good Luck!!

[Haley0489]

Originally Posted by greenbeans

1) 2 pigs will only cost a little more, and shouldn't take up any more time or make more mess. But so much be happier and healthier.

I actually think having two pigs would be better, money wise. I see so many single-piggie-parents on here complaining about wasted veggies. Another mouth to feed means less wasted food in the trash.

[gooberific]

Originally Posted by Haley0489

I actually think having two pigs would be better, money wise. I see so many single-piggie-parents on here complaining about wasted veggies. Another mouth to feed means less wasted food in the trash.

This is very true. Even with two, we were ending up with some waste... we buy too much thinking we might eat some, too. Now that we have three, the amount that I buy each week should be right near perfect (as long as my son keeps eating carrots!).