I knew he was blind BUT! - Page 5 - Guinea Pig Cages, Care, Store, Photos of Guinea Pigs and More Forum!

**Treen** · #81 02-10-05, 12:14 pm

I think things seem to be a bit high spirited round here at the moment. At the end of the day, message boards exist so that several different opinions can be sought in an environment where others can add in with their views at any stage. There isn't always a right or a wrong answer to questions or problems, often just opportunity for advice and opinions which the person can listen to or ignore as they see fit.

If everyone can just try and say their piece without having a go at what others have said or the way they've said it, I'm sure it'll make a much nicer atmosphere for us all!

**pennick** · #82 02-10-05, 12:16 pm

I Agree With You

**dagwellismypigy** · #83 02-10-05, 02:13 pm

I actually like this thread because it is a bit hostile. I like that not every one gets along all the time and is always friendly. It makes it a little bit more interesting, and personally I learn more this way. Then again that is just my oppinion.

**Rocinante** · #84 02-10-05, 03:56 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by guineagurl

Whatever Rocinante.
Read the posts before you comment.

I was flaming the people who were bashing you. I am sorry if you misunderstood.

**RubyPiggie2** · #85 02-10-05, 04:10 pm

This thread has made me laugh.
Doc, Susan, Tashagrl, I agree with you on EVERYTHING you said. I don't think that guineagrl knows what she is talking about(my own comment) and of COURSE she is going to be bashed, look at what she's written!
Guineagrl, if you wouldn't mind, please post pictures of your guinea pigs and rabbits, so we can see how big they are. And the cages. And DEFINATELY bring them inside, it's not good at all if they're outside, especially since you have all this weather, even if you brought them in.
I just HAVE to say something. Guineagrl, when you said you DO use correct punctuation, look at your posts again! You constantly put "didnt" instead of "didn't", and "Im" instead of "I'm", ect. ect. Gosh, it pains me to write that way, let alone look at it. And whoever said there AREN'T rules, look at when you post a reply!!! There are four lines of rules with grammer, punctuation, spelling! Some is in bold, and red font. It's not hard to miss, though some people obviously do.
And is that you, Chatty? (Ly&Pigs) If so, congratulations! You're a mod! XD

**tashagurl** · #86 02-10-05, 04:49 pm

All I said was that Guineagirl was going to go around talking like she was that she might be banned. I was warning her, not threatening her.

I think this thread should be moved into the kitchen forum.

**DaCourt** · #87 02-10-05, 05:45 pm

And PLEASE...it is "I" not "i" when talking about yourself.

I am about to be lazy and say there are too many posts for me to go back and find who said what I am about to refer to. Someone said they are her pets so what does it matter to us (or something like that). Well, she is on a BM talking about her animals and sharing her experiences with us. In other words, bringing us into her life. So, if she wants us to invested enough to care about her story, then I would hope she want us to be invested enough to care about her animal in the first place.

Another question...what's going to happen if your hubby wins out on this?
http://cavycages.com/forum/showthread.php?t=4552
I lied...another question. Didn't you say you were doing it alone with 3 kids under 3? If you have a hubby, what exactly are you doing alone?

**guineagurl** · #88 02-10-05, 06:00 pm

Actually i have 5 kids,
I didnt lie!
My hubby isnt here to help & wouldnt even if he was...i guess thats why i allways refer to this as my house because i AM doing it alone. Believe me or not i dont really give a shit!

**guineagurl** · #89 02-10-05, 06:01 pm

He is here, but not for long, works long hours i meant.

**DaCourt** · #90 02-10-05, 06:02 pm

Please read again...I said I lied. I never said you lied. I roigianlly said one more question, and then I asked another one.

**guineagurl** · #91 02-10-05, 06:13 pm

Ah ok got ya.

**guineagurl** · #92 02-10-05, 06:14 pm

And theres no way he'll win but i dont want a smelly house either.

**guineagurl** · #93 02-10-05, 06:32 pm

I took a picture so you can atleast see im not neglecting my piggies but its 50k so i cant get it to upload!
I dont know how to make it smaller

**Ly&Pigs** · #94 02-10-05, 11:57 pm

Yep Ruby it's me formerly ChattyCoCo and thanks.

**DocDolittle** · #95 02-11-05, 05:54 pm

Okay, first of all Pennick, for the amount of times you have commented on the hostility of this board, then just leave the kitchen forums! We're rarely rude in cavy and general chat! If it bothers you when we're rude, just don't come. And also, that wasn't meant to be rude, it's just a small tip.

Second, things only really started getting hostile when no one was listening to each other, what were we supposed to say, "Oh, it's okay, I guess we'll just keep our mouths shut and move on then..." I mean, come on, this was ASKING for an argument!

**Access** · #96 02-12-05, 05:51 am

First, there are other sites dedicated to trolling + 'starting flame-wars' where this site may be cited often, it's likely the person who started this thread doesn't even own any animals and is just trying to get people riled up. Sometimes they even work with confedorates or others. Notice how this board will be relatively quiet for a week or so and then a bunch of people come to start threads that seem like obvious trolling.

There are pleanty of bacteria-borne illnesses that can be passed from human to pig and vice versa. Staff infection, anthrax, tetanus, different variants of e. coli and salmonella.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pathogen#Bacteria

There are some cross-species viruses, but they are pretty uncommon. Also, viruses can mutate, many mutate freely, there are many different strains of 'HIV'/AIDS and some infect different types of animals. There are primordial viruses like the phage virus that infects just about anything, but most of these end up being self-destructive infections where the virus kills its host before it has a chance to spread or reproduce.

Finally there are parasites, 'worms', etc. that can be passed by handing an infected pig, then not washing your hands before eating.

**Susan9608** · #97 02-13-05, 06:06 pm

Can human beings pass staph (not staff), anthrax, tetanus, e.coli, and salmonella to guinea pigs? I realize that some diseases do cross species in the sense that a disease that infects one animal can mutate and infect a human being with a disease that causes similar symptoms/disease processes ... but, for instance, if I had tetanus (which I believe is a disease that is *not* spread person-to-person), are you telling me that I could pass a tetanus infection to my guinea pig?

I realize that guinea pigs are also susceptible to anthrax, but again, I thought anthrax was contracted through the skin, through inhaling the spores, or through the GI tract ... are you saying that if I had anthrax and handled my guinea pig, I could transmit it to him?

I'm not trying to be argumentative; I'm truly interested in this subject, and if you know of instances where a human being has passed a disease they are suffering from to their guinea pig, I would love to hear about it.

**guineagurl** · #98 02-13-05, 09:17 pm

Hi everyone.

To Access, I'm not sure if you were talking about me as I started this thread but I do own pets and I wasnt trying to start any wars. I'm not even sure what 'starting flame-wars' is exactly.

Hope your all having a nice day.

**Access** · #99 02-13-05, 09:52 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by Susan9608

Can human beings pass staph (not staff), anthrax, tetanus, e.coli, and salmonella to guinea pigs? I realize that some diseases do cross species in the sense that a disease that infects one animal can mutate and infect a human being with a disease that causes similar symptoms/disease processes ... but, for instance, if I had tetanus (which I believe is a disease that is *not* spread person-to-person), are you telling me that I could pass a tetanus infection to my guinea pig?

In the case of tetanus, if tetanus was actually in your system (infection), you'd be dead, or at least, in no condition to handle a guinea pig. The poison produced from the bacteria is highly toxic.

If it was on the surfaces of your hands (from playing in the dirt or something) and you touch the pig, it could get on his skin, then if he injured himself it could get into his blood that way.

You may not be able to actually 'transmit' the disease, but you can transmit the bacteria itself, which may cause the disease or get some additional help (such as a future injury) and cause the disease, etc.

You go through life trying to minimize chances of bad things happen, hence we wash our hands before eating, we use seatbelts when we drive, we wear shoes when walking around outdoors, etc. Very few automobile trips actually include a high rate de-acceleration, the type a seat belt keeps you in your seat for, but it's a good idea to use them nonetheless 'just in case'. Yes you can overdo it, ie. someone with OCD who has to wash their hands every 5 minutes, but in general a little bit of prevention goes a long way. Washing your hands before and after handling your guinea pig is one of these preventive things, it wipes out any bacteria and/or other germs that could be there.

Bacteria are much hardier than viruses. A bacteria is a living, functioning organism, a virus is not. Bacteria will multiply as long as they have nutrition and reasonable environment/conditions. Even a single bacterium can multiply and over time start a massive colony. If you've done some 'looking around' with a powerful microscope, you'd realise that bacteria are everywhere.

**bunnyluv17** · #**100** 02-14-05, 01:58 pm

To guineagurl

Why not keep the pigs and rabbits in seperate cages all the time but allow them playtime together? That way you can supervise and seperate them immediately if something goes wrong. I would stop the guinea pig immediately if he starts humping the rabbit; it may seem funny, but quite a few rabbit fights start with humping and then escalate to kicking and biting. A guinea pig does not have much chance if the rabbit becomes annoyed and decides to take it out on the guinea pig.

Why are you keeping the rabbits outside? Rabbits are very social animals and thrive on attention. The average lifespan of an outdoor rabbit is only 2 years, but when spayed/neutered and kept in the house rabbits can easily reach 10 years and beyond. The reason for the huge difference is all the risks that outdoor rabbits are exposed to. Rabbits can die from just sensing a predator and foxes can pry open a rabbit hutch. Raccoons can literally pull a rabbit apart by reaching inside the hutch.

Outdoor rabbits are exposed to all weather conditions including the heat of the summer and the cold of the winter, and thunder storms (which can give them a heart attack). You are less likely to notice any illness or injury when you spend only minimal amounts of time with them. Any outdoor animal is likely to be neglected at one time or another; out of sight, out of mind. It is inconvenient to go out in the middle of a thunderstorm, snow storm, or when it is extremely hot or cold to care for your pets.

Rabbits need about 3-4 hours of exercise a day to keep them healthy and happy, most outdoor rabbits are stuck out in a hutch 24/7 with minimal to no exercise.

Outdoor rabbits with minimal exposure to humans will most likely become timid, protective, aggressive, and may bite.

How will you enjoy your rabbits when they are stuck outside? Rabbits can make fun, endearing, and entertaining pets. They run, jump, play with toys, most like to be petted, and some even enjoy suddling on the couch with their favorite person.

You can visit www.rabbit.org for more info on rabbits.