outdoor cavies

[mncavylover]

Ok, I'm glad they're relatively indoors. What was their argument?

[three_piggies]

Well I bought my first guinea pig from a petstore. He was sick with mites and fleas (odd most piggies usually only get mites or lice). But anyways I didn't notice for maybe a 2 weeks. And then I had my dad rush me to the vet when I did notice. And my prediction was right he had fleas and mites. So he got treated with Ivermectin and something else. And anyways the vet said the type of mites he had could be given to cats (and we have 4 cats), and of course the fleas could too. So the vet reccomended we go and check all the cats for fleas and mites, because at the time the guinea pig was living inside. And sure enough (because the cats had been sitting next to the guinea pig cage a ton) they had fleas but no mites. So we had to treat all four cats for fleas too, and the rabbit (because I introduced the rabbit and the guinea pig). The total cost was over $100. I paid for it but my parents were so mad. And they put up with the guinea pig in the house for another two-three weeks (during that 2-3 weeks I bought my second pigg) and then they flipped out. Saying the guinea pigs were stinky, making the cats sick (fleas), cost them and me too much money etc etc (they were also mad because the rabbit had peed on the carpeting a lot). And that they were going to take them to the feedstore and dump them. But then when they calmed down a bit they said I could keep them if they lived outside. And even though I didn't want them to live outside, it was either that or they go to the feedstore (and who knows what would happened to them there). Well anyways that is a breif version of the story I am too lazy to write to the whole story. But this gives you an idea.

[agpiggy]

wow im in australia and its unusual not to keep them outside! mine are outide in a hutch.. only because im not allowed them inside! but dont worry, i spend most of my time outside if im not on the computer, and they always come inside for floor time sometimes twice a day!! but i have noticed when you keep them ouside they need to be bathed more!! they hate that! when it is raining or we have bad weather i move them onto the concrete and put newspaper or towels down! trust me they are very well loved and spoilt!!

[Piglet]

In england, its the norm to keep them outside. Everybody at school thought I was weird for keeping them inside. I don't get it though since the winters are freezing over here, why keep them outside?

[mncavylover]

That's probably normal, but think about it. It's "normal" to keep them in tiny cages. It's "normal" not to know about their needs, or that pine and cedar is dangerous to them. Just because it's the norm does not mean that it is good.

three_piggies, I'm sorry that happened. Nearly 100% of cavies you get from a pet store have something, that's why it's good to get them checked out right away. Does he have a friend?

[three_piggies]

Yes he (fluffy) has a friend named Oreo. And I am getting another piggy really soon this week or next week! It's ok I guess I should have known to take him to the vet as soon as I bought him, and to adopt but I didn't. Oh well, you live and learn. I am trying to convince my parents still to let them live inside. But they still said no. And even if they did live inside their cage would have to a 2x4 or 2x5 instead of 2x7.

[Piglet]

I know mn, just because a lot of people do it doesn't make it right.

[mncavylover]

That's too bad that they would have to live outside. You can always add a second level to make thing larger! Also, I think they'd rather be inside in a slightly smaller cage than outside in a larger one.

I was pretty sure you knew, Piglet, just talking in general. Sorry, I do that sometimes.

[three_piggies]

That's too bad that they would have to live outside. You can always add a second level to make thing larger! Also, I think they'd rather be inside in a slightly smaller cage than outside in a larger one.

Ya but they aren't allowed inside at all. I even snuck them inside once, boy was I in trouble. They (parents) just won't budge on their rule.

[Piglet]

Its ok =)

[mncavylover]

I don't understand them, and I'm sure you don't either. That was pretty mean of them. It's not like they're getting mites again! Oh well.

(Thanks, Piglet!)

[three_piggies]

Ya I don't understand them either. I talked to my dad on the phone and he said he doesn't care if they live inside as long as they stay in my bedroom. But my mom said no way (and well she is in charge) because they stink, I might be allergic to them and get sick (when I had hamsters they lived in my bedroom and I got really sick all the time because of them), and a whole bunch of other stupid reasons. One was the cats would bug them too much, I told her I could put a top on the cage. But she still refuses so I guess until she gives in they will live outside. grr sometimes I don't understand my parents.

[mncavylover]

Wow, they don't smell at all compared to other pets! If they do, then it's time for a cage change. That's too bad.

[RubyPiggie2]

Originally Posted by Piglet

roosterboy, I swear you were banned from this site!

He was... , I don't know why they "unbanned" him, .

[DaCourt]

Again...this is just my honest opinion, and not directed at any one person...

Whay have a pet if you are not going to interact with it? I know some are at the mercy of their parents, but I don't get people who make a choice to own an animal, and then make it sleep outside. I just don't get it. The only time my dogs are outside is when there is no one home during the day. And even then they have 2 shelters. Obviously, if they want to go out they can, but I always keep them in at night and most other times too.

OK...my rant is over.

[three_piggies]

Hmm I don't know. I guess people just don't like their animals enough. We keep all our cats inside at all times they never go outside. And I find no problem with keeping my guinea pigs outside in their own little shed, although I would love for them to be inside. They have a large cage (larger than what they would have inside) they have millions of toys, hay thrown every where. And I see them a lot, but I would probably see them more if they were in my room.

I know some are at the mercy of their parents, but I don't get people who make a choice to own an animal, and then make it sleep outside.

Yes I am at the mercy of my parents as you described, but when I first bought my guinea pigs they were living inside the house. So therefore because I am not physchic () I did not know they would be living outside in a shed after about a month. And they are not sleeping outside they are in a shelter so they are inside, just not inside our house.
I understand what you mean Dacourt, but there is nothing I can do about my piggies situation, it is up to my parents. I knew perfectly well before I joined this forum that not everyone (more like no one) would approve of where my piggies are kept. But I joined anyways.

[DaCourt]

I understand that you did not get your piggies with the intention of keeping them outside. That is why I said that my post was not aimed at any one person. You are obviously trying to make the best of a bad situation and I am glad you are trying. Better with you than dumped in a shelter. Who know...maybe they will change their minds.