MissJean

One of the things about me being young (I'm 20-something) is how "incomplete" I am. I seem to be rapidly changing as a person as I encounter more "adult" scenarios in my life. What I thought I knew a year ago, can be vastly different from what I feel right now.

Almost a year ago (perhaps a little over?) I bought my guinea pigs from a pet store. I thought I was doing everything correctly for these guys. I got an appropriately sized C&C, learned about diet, and familiarized myself with their common health problems. I saw a few cons about buying from pet stores. The support they give to breeders. I tossed that information aside because I felt the pet store took fantastic care of their animals. I had an argument on here, and joined another cavy website that had breeders on it.

I got to know about this woman's breeding practices and they seemed fine. She kept them in a huge area that had heat, ventilation, and protection from the elements. She also limited how many births each sow had, made sure they seemed hearty enough, and watched over their deliveries. I felt she was a very responsible breeder.

All those things are nice. The space accommodations and such. However, each time she impregnated a sow, she was making a gamble. Having my guinea pigs for almost a year, I understand how fragile they are. I have my C&C in pristine condition(fleece and microfiber towels), they are fed well,I fluff out their hay outside to reduce dust (KM's hay), I don't use any fragrances... they even have their own air purifier! Regardless of all these things I was doing, they got a URI anyways. I won't ever know what caused it, and perhaps I didn't do anything wrong at all. They are just susceptible creatures. Getting your pig pregnant is purposely causing a risk factor in already wimpy animals. That is not responsible to me.

Further still, giving life to a purposely bred guinea may be taking the possibility of a home for another pig waiting in a shelter.

I feel so embarrassed for having thought differently last year. Ashamed. The cons of breeding and pet store purchases is so obvious to me. Why didn't I see all this before?

I absolutely love my guinea pigs. They have so much character and they are distinct individuals. I hope that when I'm ready I can provide a home to some pig(s) waiting in a shelter.Who's there because of breeding, which is entirely irresponsible to me whichever way you look at it. I just wish I adopted to begin with. Nothing will correct or make up for my pet store purchase, but maybe I can do a little good in the world from now on with my future guinea pigs.