Parents Cutting Corners - Guinea Pig Cages, Care, Store, Photos of Guinea Pigs and More Forum!

**YayPiggies** · #1 10-03-09, 09:59 am

I'm getting Guinea pigs very soon, but my parents are always finding the minimums. For example, we have this huge empty rooom big enough for a 7x11 C&C, and I want to build a 3X6 (not such a tall order, considering I'm paying for everything). But my parents said, 'What's the minimum? Smaller is better.' Now they want a 2x3. I want to feed them Oxbow, but they say it's too expensive and there's Guinea food at Walmart. I wanted 3 Guinea pigs (rescue pigs), then we settled on 2, and now they're asking if they really need company- why not get 1? I probably sound very babyish- I want, I want- But what I really want is what's best for the pigs. I don't want to hurt their feelings but how am I supposed to convince them? Thanks for your advice!

**Toadies** · #2 10-03-09, 10:22 am

Perhaps compromising on the number (2 instead of 3) and the size of the cage (a 2x4, which will be easier to care for and you can add a second story) will enable you to get the quality of food that you want. I wonder how things will go for you when the veggie bill comes. If you truly pay for everything (not to insinuate otherwise), then being able to come down a notch on what you want might make things easier. Maybe they are looking at the long range financial or time commitment of the project, no? There is also a mega amount of info on this and other (quality) sites to support your wanting a good amount of space and at least 2 piggies. Best wishes to you and your future piggs.

**MapleSyrup** · #3 10-03-09, 10:23 am

Maybe should give them a homemade paplet on why they must exceed some of the minimum reqirements. Tell them that it's like giving you the best they can provide and it will be you who will pay for your guinea pigs and give them the best for them.

**princesspoppy** · #4 10-03-09, 10:31 am

You want what's needed yaypiggies. Show your parents the minimum space required for the c&c Guinea Pig Cages, Your Cavy At Home 2x4 for 2 piggies. One box of grids(16) will make a bigger cage. I'm not sure of the food/pellets that you all use in the u.s. I'm sure another member will help you out. But stay away from the dried veggie stuff thats sold in supermarkets.

Why not show your mom this site or print out a fact sheet for her. I'm sure if you show her the facts she'll understand. Tell her you want to be responsible for the 2 pigs and do everything correctly not half and half. If you can't do it properly the first time then you don't want to do it all. I'm sure she will come around.

Best of luck.

**Cornish Cavies** · #5 10-03-09, 10:33 am

Not to add more pressure but how will they feel about vets bills? Are they happy to help you out if needed? Sadly a lot of people dont think small animals ever need to visit the vet. Have you ahd a chat with them about this?

**YayPiggies** · #6 10-03-09, 06:48 pm

Hi guys,
The stupid thing is I already bought 90 grids at a garage sale! That's also why I'd like to buy a big cage, it'd take me 60 grids with leftovers for a playpen. The grids were so cheap I got them all, so why not use them on a bigger cage?
Well as for vet bills I have been saving up for emergency costs and so far I have $175. They think it's unnecessary to take a tiny animal to the vet, but I have a kitchen scale and Ly's food charts printed out so I can maintain their health better before it gets too late.
Thanks, so far your advice has been very good and so very useful!

**piggiewiggies** · #7 10-03-09, 07:48 pm

i think that is a great idea! good luck! (i sorta had to do the same thing for my parents!)

**ferndalezoo** · #8 10-03-09, 08:56 pm

Be sure to get your parents onboard BEFORE you acquire any pigs. See if you can reach a compromise on the cage. If they think 3x6 is excessive, ask if they'll let you build a 2x4, or 2x5, both of which would be adequate for 2. It's great that you have a whole bunch of grids, but if it helps smooth the path, there's no reason you have to USE all of them. The food, really, is the only "non-negotiable" where you really need them in your corner (well, that and vet care if you'll need their help transporting or paying for it). Show them the articles here about which pellets are bad, and why. If they think Oxbow is too expensive, see if they'll consider the 5664, which usually runs about $15 for a 25 lbs bag.

**JD In Van** · #9 10-03-09, 09:22 pm

You can call around too. My Cavy Savy vet buys Oxbow in bulk and rebags it in what ever size you want for 3something/lb. Which is nice cause I know it costs the same for 30 lbs per pound as it does for 5 so I don't need to bulk up to get a better deal just buy 3-4 lbs at a time and it only costs me like $10-11.

**GizzyandMe** · #10 10-05-09, 02:25 am

I am actually very proud of you! You seem to be still very young (please no age needed) and yet you have all this worked out so far, buying your grids at a garage sale and having vet money saved up.

When I was younger I used to make "Pro-Con" lists for my parents cause it will also give me an honest look at things. Why not make a list for your parents about the size of the cage detailing as much as possible without going overboard all the pro's and con's. Then do the same with why there should be two.

I am sure your parents will take into consideration your effort on this and will make a decision on what is best not only for the piggies but for you as well.

"Thank you, Cornish Cavies, for this useful post," says:
Peggysu (10-03-09)