Children breeding guinea pigs

[Piglet]

Children breeding their pets repulses me - So damn selfish. I'm under 18 and that thought has never even crossed my mind. I'd much rather give wonderful care to my 2 pigs. Honestly, with the amount of school work I get, I would never have time to look after 15+ pigs like some people do. It's ridiculous! I just don't see what good it is producing. If someone could just tell me how the animals are benefiting....

[C&K]

Originally Posted by Piglet

Children breeding their pets repulses me - So damn selfish. I'm under 18 and that thought has never even crossed my mind. I'd much rather give wonderful care to my 2 pigs. Honestly, with the amount of school work I get, I would never have time to look after 15+ pigs like some people do. It's ridiculous! I just don't see what good it is producing. If someone could just tell me how the animals are benefiting....

Not everyday I get to talk to a cactus

I think any child has the time to look after 15+ pig to the standard that most of us on this site do. I suppose I high level of care is a standard that some think is up for debate.

Personally, I don't understand how spending an hour a day with even 8 guineas housed in a shed can be considered a high level of care. Lets face it, that is less then 10 minutes per pig not including the time it takes for cage cleaning and maintenance! In the end, what is this really leaving any pig with? Maybe a quick pat or nuzzle every other day? Oh yeah, and I forgot, the sows get a 1: 5 chance of dying alone in labour every so often. Sounds like a fun existance for the pig, and an amusing time for the caretaker.

Those that more or offer even less in care or have more pigs cause me to shake my head even more...

That being said, my plonker baby just broke a plate so I gotta go.

[DocDolittle]

I too second that, Piglet. This morning I went over to my school car pool's house and showed my car pool's mom pictures of they boys I might adopt. Now this woman is the sweetest in the world, she owns a shelter dog and she used to keep guinea pigs, she would never intentionally hurt or neglect an animal. When she saw the boys she mentioned how cute they were and how involved I was getting. She then mentioned that I should start breeding them and sell them for profit. Well, naturally, i burst out laughing, thinking that this woman was joking. I then noticed she wasn't...*awkward silence*... Of course I then explained how many shelter piggies were out there and how dangerous it was for the sow to give birth. She understands now, but I can't get over how I burst out laughing! The idea of me breeding is bad enough, but someone younger than me? Uh-uh!

[suzilovespiggie]

I am positive I bought thru 4-H. In the county of which I live, it is a large county area, with a huge fair that takes place every April. The animal barns are enormous. The GP's, rabbits, birds and goats are housed together. The fair last 10 days. The animals stay 10 days.

The GP's are judged on 2 things. Breed, which is the GP and how it meets the standards of his/her breed and coloring. Showmanship, which is how the child shows and handles his/her GP's. The child holds the GP in various positions to show the body, front feet, back feet, teeth, genitals, ears and eyes. Each GP must be tagged on the ear to show his number. A blue ribbon or higher enables to GP to go to auction. It is a childs choice to put his/her pig in the auction. Pigs have been known to sell for up to 100 dollars. I personally talked to one father whose daughter has several blue ribbon pigs. She can make up to several hundred dollars on her pigs at auction. That's how she buys her school clothes every year.

The children whose pigs, birds, rabbits, earn red ribbons on down have the choice to sell their animals. I have seen on many cages. ForSale 5.00 to 25 dollars. The children themselves exchange pigs to better the chances of the perfect pig, so I guess some of them are breeding.

Working up to the fair is mock fairs or shows so the kids can practice on how to show and handle their pigs. It was at one of these I bought my 2 GP's. Pigs are brought to these shows to be sold. My Legelas, is such a pig. He has a tagged ear. He is a beautiful full breed silkie, but he didn't measure up and I got him for 5.00 dollars. The other was a full breed trexal (sp, I'm not good with the breeds.) My, much loved, Gimli, who was such a charactar. He too didn't measure up. He was old. He too was 5.00 dollars.

I know these are not "pet shows". These pigs have to be a breed with very set standards and colors. I am not saying the kids don't love their GP's and take care of their pigs. They have to keep logs as to just how well they are taking care of these pigs. It is part of the weekly 4-H meetings these kids attend thru out the year in getting ready for the end result, the fair. I too don't know how many keep their pigs because after loving and raising their pigs they can't give them up.

I thought for years it all was ok. Showing and selling GP's. It has always bothered me with the bigger animals that they were raised with love and then sold off to be food.
I am sorry this is so long. That is how the 4-H is here with the GP's. Other places may be different.

I see it now the same as if I bought from a petstore. It just keeps the process going. I'd like the kids to have some more education on this. Like I said I point anyone who will listen to me to Cavy Cages. I get on my soap box and then I can't shut up. Ok someone tell to shut up. over and out.

[Odella]

"Someone said in another thread that breeders should be required to have a license. I agree completely - people should have to get a license to have children."

Amen!

[JiggityJig]

I live in an agricultural area, and 4-H is heee-UGE here. I've asked several kids involved if they'd ever known of anyone who bred guinea pigs for the program, and they all look at me like I'm crazy, and laugh.

In fact, I don't know of *anyone* who (intentionally) breeds guinea pigs around here, and I've asked around to anyone who might know...school teachers, feed suppliers, etc. I asked at the pet stores, and they sd. that they get their pigs from a lady who travels from about 100 miles away.

This is why it took me so long to find a pig to rescue. It's not that I think the area we live in is so "evolved"...it's just that owning guinea pigs is not real big around here.

[Funnygpigs]

No, I dont think you should shut up. I found what you wrote very interesting. I had no idea 4-H could be like that. All I was ever exposed to was dog 4-H. Any way, Thank you for giving me more information. :0)

Originally Posted by suzilovespiggie

I am positive I bought thru 4-H. In the county of which I live, it is a large county area,
with a huge fair that takes place every April. The animal barns are enormous. The GP's, rabbits, birds and goats are housed together. The fair last 10 days. The animals stay 10 days.
The GP's are judged on 2 things. Breed, which is the GP and how it meets the standards of his/her breed and coloring. Showmanship, which is how the child shows and handles his/her GP's. The child holds the GP in various positions to show the body,
front feet, back feet, teeth, genitals, ears and eyes. Each GP must be tagged on the ear to show his number. A blue ribbon or higher enables to GP to go to auction. It is a childs choice to put his/her pig in the auction. Pigs have been known to sell for up to 100 dollars. I personally talked to one father whose daughter has several blue ribbon pigs. She can make up to several hundred dollars on her pigs at auction. That's how she buys her school clothes every year.
The children whose pigs, birds, rabbits, earn red ribbons on down have the choice to sell their animals. I have seen on many cages. ForSale 5.00 to 25 dollars. The children themselves exchange pigs to better the chances of the perfect pig, so I guess some of them are breeding.
Working up to the fair is mock fairs or shows so the kids can practice on how to show and handle their pigs. It was at one of these I bought my 2 GP's. Pigs are brought to these shows to be sold. My Legelas, is such a pig. He has a tagged ear. He is a beautiful full breed silkie, but he didn't measure up and I got him for 5.00 dollars. The other was a full breed trexal (sp, I'm not good with the breeds.) My, much loved, Gimli,
who was such a charactar. He too didn't measure up. He was old. He too was 5.00 dollars.
I know these are not "pet shows". These pigs have to be a breed with very set standards and colors.
I am not saying the kids don't love their GP's and take care of their pigs. They have to keep logs as to just how well they are taking care of these pigs. It is part of the weekly 4-H meetings these kids attend thru out the year in getting ready for the end result, the fair. I too don't know how many keep their pigs because after loving and raising their pigs they can't give them up.
I thought for years it all was ok. Showing and selling GP's. It has always bothered me with the bigger animals that they were raised with love and then sold off to be food.
I am sorry this is so long. That is how the 4-H is here with the GP's. Other places may be different. I see it now the same as if I bought from a petstore. It just keeps the process going. I'd like the kids to have some more education on this. Like I said I point anyone who will listen to me to Cavy Cages. I get on my soap box and then I can't shut up. Ok someone tell to shut up. over and out.

[suzilovespiggie]

The breeder who breeds for this 4-H club has Teddies. She gives each child a young GP to work with for the year. They get to keep the pig. If they want another one it can be bought from her or they can get it from another breeder or member. The breeder keeps up to 30 GP's. Her cages are metal and they stack on top of each other. I don't know the size. I have told her (in the past) the cages are to small and to check C&C cages. I don't think she has. She still breeds and is a main leader in 4-H. Her pigs are kept clean and live in a aircondiontioned room built just for them.
she also raises goats and birds. Her whole family is involved. She is perfectly or was content with the way it was. The GP's are not pets.
It's a whole different way of thinking, like the ones who come on the site and try to change all of our minds. I changed my mind, my pigs are pets, my babies. I will continue to try to educate all of those I come in contact with, including this lady, tho I do not see her often.

[ellenvega]

In this case you should be condemning that particular 4H group, not the entire organization. I also live in an area where 4H is big, and have never heard of them breeding guinea pigs as a project.

[rabbitsncavyluv]

Grr:
http://sandiego.craigslist.org/pet/101935488.html

Funny this should come up now. FYI, I have seen Silkies in the local SD rescue and in shelters. CA has lots of fancy piggies for adoption.

"
Pedigree Guinea Pig w/ giant cage and supplies $200.00 or best offer

Reply to: MrySvn@aol.com
Date: 2005-10-04, 5:32PM PDT


I've got a pedigree Silkie guinea pig with papers,cage,water bottle,and food bowls,plus food and litter. She was my 4-H project last year and isa a great pet for any child. If your interested let me know.
Thanx,
Savanah Willis"

[The Magic Taco]

I'm telling my NINE YEAR OLD neighbour that she shouldn't breed them but she doesn't listen. But what is REALLY sickening is that her mother supports her. This nine year old is the most ignorant little brat and her mum feeds her pigs and gives them stuff. I'm too "polite and quiet" to tell her mum about breeding.

[C&K]

Originally Posted by The Magic Taco

I'm telling my NINE YEAR OLD neighbour that she shouldn't breed them but she doesn't listen. But what is REALLY sickening is that her mother supports her. This nine year old is the most ignorant little brat and her mum feeds her pigs and gives them stuff. I'm too "polite and quiet" to tell her mum about breeding.

Maybe you could just print out the info on Cavy Spirit and send it in the mail to her?

[The Magic Taco]

She would know it's me. Maybe I could get the RSPCA on them?

[C&K]

Originally Posted by The Magic Taco

She would know it's me. Maybe I could get the RSPCA on them?

That is an idea... Are they being kept in bad conditions? Just breeding them is probably not enough, although it should be. People should have to get breeding licences, even if it is for an accidental litter, maybe they should not be hard to obtain, but an information package could go out with the licence, and then if they don't abide by certain standards set out in the package, they could have the animals taken away, as they had fair warning.

It is sick what some current "bad" breeders are able to get away with. I don't buy into the "good breeder " idea, but some are admittedly beyond bad and just plain criminal.

[The Magic Taco]

They clean their cages about one a fortnight and feed all 20 (Or something, I have to count) once a day, which isn't enough.
The brat is sitting behind me now. I cannot STAND her. Luckily she isn't looking, but in a way, I hope she gets the hint.

Wooo! 500th post!!

[C&K]

Originally Posted by The Magic Taco

They clean their cages about one a fortnight and feed all 20 (Or something, I have to count) once a day, which isn't enough.
The brat is sitting behind me now. I cannot STAND her. Luckily she isn't looking, but in a way, I hope she gets the hint.

Wooo! 500th post!!

It is possible that the SPCA may look into that, it does not sound very good. Hopefully they will hit them at the right time, like day 13 and not day 2. I would consider calling the SPCA and mentioning your concerns... then the ball is in their court...

[The Magic Taco]

But I would want to remain anonymous, and I don't want them knowing it was me.