-Less destructive (than rabbit)
Yes, generally. Although you should supervise any animal at all times to ensure they don't get into anything they shouldn't or that might be dangerous.
-Won't require 3+ hours of floor time (rabbit's do, not saying on the days that I have the time I won't though)
Yes, but they should still have 45 minutes to an hour of floor time 4-5 times a week if you can't do it every day.
-Are more likely to be content with sitting on my lap
They will be more likely to sit there for longer periods without incident or getting impatient.
-Will be content with running around my room (pig-proofed of course)
This is generally true of a rabbit too, especially a smaller one.
-Won't require spaying/neutering
Unless a health issue necessitates it. Not necessary as a remedy to behavioral issues.
-Are awesome
-My mother is dead set against anything bigger than a pig
-Since I am a vegan I already eat tons of veggies daily
It still seems to me that you don't really have a plan for when you go off to college. Also, that a rescue says you can keep a single male doesn't mean it's optimal or even necessary. Pigs are social creatures that need companionship. Generally, given enough space and time and taking into consideration personalities involved, male pigs can be paired happily and successfully.
Rectum disease? Older males are prone to impaction. Neutering may or may not help this if it's done before the problem develops; however, it may actually make impaction worse if it's done after the issue starts. I've had several males and only a handful have developed impaction issues. It's not a big deal, just requires a little bit more time daily to clean out their poos.
I am still torn between a rabbit or a guinea pig but I think with a guinea pig it may be easier to prevent it from destroying furniture. Maybe I will just settle for a hamster and see how my life goes from there.
