Want a Guinea Pig(s) Is a Boy or a Girl Guinea Pig better?

[sdpiggylvr]

Thank you for defending my case, and I probably wont have a guinea pig through college.

I don't think you understand. If you get a guinea pig now, the guinea pig will most likely still be around by the time you are set to head off to college. Guinea pigs can live for up to seven years or even more in some cases, so if you're already in middle school the chances are the guinea pig will still be alive. The guinea pig will need care and love even when you go to college, whether you decide to take it with you or not. You either need to make sure your parents are completely willing to take over the care when you leave for college, get an older pig, or wait til you are an adult and have a more open schedule.

I don't even think I want to go to college.

This is your own jurisdiction, but my thought is this: How are you going to get a job if you don't go to college - I mean a good, well-paying job? In these days, it isn't enough to have a high school diploma. Most jobs and careers paths require masters or even doctorate degrees besides the basic bachelor's degree.

Please don't let money or time get in the way of your attending college. It really is almost "necessary" these days to have a good education if you're looking for a comfortable lifestyle.

My parents don't think I should have extra curriculars in high school.

Why not? Extracurriculars are so much fun. Colleges look for your activities and involvement with the community and school. Plus, you can meet friends who share your interests. You can also figure out what you might want to do for your career as you explore different hobbies or activities.

We eat a lot of healthy food, so vegitables are easy to get, and almost EVERY WEEK we buy cherry tomatoes.

Again, you can't simply feed what your parents buy for human vegetables. Often, guinea pigs require "strange" vegetables that most humans don't eat - like cilantro, red leaf lettuce, escarole. Tomatoes are not going to be enough, either. Just in one grocery trip, I usually pick up two heads of red leaf, two heads of romaine, a head of escarole, three bunches of cilantro, a bunch of parsley, one handful of corn husks, two yellow and two green bell peppers, two cherry tomatoes, one zucchini or cucumber, and a few extra veggies that change each week.

I don't think you understand that it isn't like you can throw in a few carrots and a piece of lettuce from your salad and be done with it. It's a bit more complicated.

So I don't think that I'm not ready, and my grandpa gives me $100 A YEAR.

As we said, one hundred dollars, even in a year, is not even going come close to paying off the expenses that come with guinea pig care.

Honey, I think you're completely misunderstanding how much work is involved. It isn't simple, it isn't cheap, and it IS going to be time-consuming. Just ask any of us...are you prepared to spend perhaps $600 or more each year? Do you want to spend a few hours each weekend cleaning out a cage? Will you want to take care of your guinea pig even when you're tired or have homework to finish? Even if you are busy, your guinea pig is still going to need a clean cage, a full and clean water bottle, daily exercise and handling for at least an hour, and a well-rounded diet.

I don't know if you yourself can handle all this - only you know. You must fully understand all the work involved before you know if you truly can "afford" a guinea pig - financially and time-wise.

 

[guineapigsrock1]

100$ a year is nothing! How many people have to tell you that!!! Maybe highlighting it in red will get it through to you?

Geeze, you don't have to be so mean about it...

 

[sdpiggylvr]

Geeze, you don't have to be so mean about it...

Well, do you understand it now?

 

[guineapigsrock1]

I guess, but my parents are going to help cover the cost of food/hay. I'm not going to completely pay for it all on my own, so most of my money will be safe in the bank. If my mom is agreeing with me, on buying a guinea pig, I'm pretty sure everyone is going to chip in with every thing. My whole family is going to help me with it so, please, stop trying to convince me to NOT get a guinea pig. And by the way, my original question was: Is a girl or boy guinea pig better? So, I'd like all of these responses based on that question, and other questions I ask. I'm not saying I'm not ready, I'm just saying that I want a guinea pig that is easy to take care of (or more properly phrased: which gender would I enjoy most?) Ok, so PLEASE KEEP ALL COMMENTS ON THE TOPIC QUESTION!

 

[sdpiggylvr]

Sigh. We have already answered that question. If you look through the last few posts, you'll see that we have said that it isn't really a matter of who is better, since both genders make for great pets.

Lastly, we are not trying to convince you not to adopt a guinea pig. We are trying to convince you that guinea pigs are a lot of work and are expensive so that you are prepared for the responsibility.

 

[SnickersD]

There is no 'better' choice, some people have listed off (in a very good list I might add) the pros and cons of each gender. If your still interested in getting a GP I would look back on Shahbazin's helpful post for your answers, which should help you decide. Because really only you(and your family) know which gender would be better for you. I'd start a new thread if you have questions on cages or bedding types etc and let this one go, since it has strayed off your first post.

 

[Sirene]

I have a suggestion, Guineapigsrock. Please show your parents this thread. Have them read what everyone has said about the time, money and commitment involved. After all, they need to know what they're in for. If, as you say, they are fully on board with it, there won't be a problem and you will be well on your way to becoming a well-prepared, well-supported guinea pig parent. If, however, they don't know what they're in for, this could be a real wake-up call for them.

 

[TwilightStar]

I think it is quite unfair to say that someone under 18 can not properly care for their guinea pigs. I have met two amazing guinea pigs owners, who the rescue I volunteer at adopted to, who love their pigs a great deal and take excellent care of them. I agree that this is not the norm for younger people, but the OP is doing research and joined this forum, a great start to getting a guinea pigs or pigs. /quote]
No one said that. My sister and I have been the main care providers for our guinea pigs the whole time we had them. We turned 18 a couple months ago.

 

[Thor-Loki's mom]

Thats a fantastic idea Sirene!

When you're young, you truly dont think anything bad will ever happen. You dont understand the value of money, 100 dollars a year ? Oi how I wish my pig only cost that. Not to beat a dead horse, Im going to stop.

I truly truly think thats a great idea that Sirene has.

 

[TwilightStar]

I guess, but my parents are going to help cover the cost of food/hay. I'm not going to completely pay for it all on my own, so most of my money will be safe in the bank. If my mom is agreeing with me, on buying a guinea pig, I'm pretty sure everyone is going to chip in with every thing. My whole family is going to help me with it so, please, stop trying to convince me to NOT get a guinea pig. And by the way, my original question was: Is a girl or boy guinea pig better? So, I'd like all of these responses based on that question, and other questions I ask. I'm not saying I'm not ready, I'm just saying that I want a guinea pig that is easy to take care of (or more properly phrased: which gender would I enjoy most?) Ok, so PLEASE KEEP ALL COMMENTS ON THE TOPIC QUESTION!

All your answers could be found through forum searches, I am not your personal internet search.
You keep neglecting to state who will pay the bills for the vet. Their health is a gamble, so be prepared to spend thousands at the vet for one pig.
I hope you do not plan to buy, as that will prove you really haven't read anything on your own. Adopt, don't shop.

 

[MyLittlePiggy07]

It honestly is a lot of work to care for a guinea pig, which I realized these last few months of having one. I only have one, but I spend so much time and money on him. I really didn't think they took much enery and money to take care of, but they really do. Luckily I make enough money to buy and take care of him properly. Some days it feels like I am taking care of an infant. They have such specific diets and need a lot of care. Even though he takes a lot of my time and money, it is extremely rewarding having him. Once I graduate from college this year and settle down doing something else I plan on getting one or two more pigs so my boy can socialize.

I could not imagine having one guinea pig in middle school let alone two with how much care is needed so I would really think long and hard about getting pigs now. Since you mentioned you're in middle school you're not old enough to have a job yet; therefore, you're still dependent on your parents' money and most likely won't be able to care for them financially on your own. If you do go through with adopting pigs I would make sure your parents know what they are in for. Not only do you have to be 100% committed, but your parents have to be as well. Good luck.

 

[RoxieJo]

I'm just saying that I want a guinea pig that is easy to take care of (or more properly phrased: which gender would I enjoy most?) Ok, so PLEASE KEEP ALL COMMENTS ON THE TOPIC QUESTION!

To answer your question very directly (as you requested)- neither gender is easy to take care of. And, unless you are willing, able and happy to put in alot of work, effort, inconvenience and money for many years... neither gender would be enjoyed by you.

I think Sirene had the best idea yet. Your parents should definitely review this entire thread if raising your guinea pig is to be a family commitment, as you stated.

 

[Pennypig'smom]

guineapigsrock1, I think what you are failing to realize is that you joined a forum supported by people who hold very strong opinions. As stated before, the answers to all of your questions could have been found through a simple google search, or by reading the stickies posted to the top of each section in the forum. Since you opted out of this impersonal option, and decided to post your story in a thread of your own, you are left open to hearing about all of these strong opinions.

Most of us would never try to convince you not to get a guinea pig. The purpose of this forum is to give people a chance to share their ideas, and inform others about the joys and hardships that come with guinea pig ownership. Those who have shared their ideas have all also stated positives, and most have actually already answered the questions you asked. The fact that you insist on skimming through the posts thereby not reading the positives and getting frustrated because the negatives arn't what you want to hear is maybe why people are getting somewhat high strung? If your intent was to get sugar coated, generalized answers then you should have opted with the google search. However, again, you decided to post your story in your own thread which means that people can and will comment on your entire story whether you like it or not.

Geeze, you don't have to be so mean about it...

I don't think they were trying to be mean. They were trying to get you to actually read what people have been posting, as opposed to skimming through and re-explaining things that other members have already commented on. We are trying to get you to see that even though, to you, $100 might be a lot of money, when you have to sit down and spend it, it's doesn't come close anything at all.

We all own guinea pigs because we love them. We love them for a reason. Some of our posts are comming off like guinea pig ownership is a burden that no one should have to put on themselves or their parents. I don't think this is the intent of the posts, but I understand why you, guineapigsrock1, might be frustrated by what you read in this thread. We are simply trying to help clarify some of the missunderstandings that you have (and you have quite a few). These are missunderstandings not about the responsibility, but about the general care involved in getting a pig. I suggest that you do some simple internet searches to have your questions answered if you are unwilling to subject yourself to our many opinions....but getting upset and yelling (text in all caps implies a raised voice in my head...) because you just don't like the opinions that you yourself asked for is inappropriate and uncalled for.

I will dissagree with the posts stating that just because she is a minor means she should not 'burden her parents with the responsibility' of pig parenthood. Afterall, no breeder, pet store, adoption organization, or even individual party would just hand over a guinea pig(s) to a middle schooler without concent from the parents first. Even pet stores who we all know will sell to just about anyone, require people to be 18 before they even let someone hold the pig without parental concent, much less purchasing them. Since she has other pets who are, I assume, well taken care of, I really don't think her parents would neglect the new pet. If they are allowing her to have one, it doesn't mean they are telling her to jump in the car and drive herself there. It means they will need to take her and help her pick one out. I also assume that since she is doing the research, that adopting a pig will not be an impulse decision. Assuming that she is not capable of taking care of a pig is unreasonable. However mature she may sound, she is still a child (sorry guineapigsrock1 if you take offense to this, it is not my intent). I will assume that her parents realize this. Since she is not even old enough to have a job technically speaking, I also assume that they will pay for most everything, as guineapigsrock1 has already stated.

I do think that you have a lot more research to do, guineapigsrock1. I suggest you really read through some of the posts in this thread, and on this forum in general, as they actually contain a lot of really great information. Guinea pigs are a unique pet with lots of special needs that really should be understood before you take your parents to pick them up. They are also a complete and total joy and I really can't imagine my life without my girls. I love them as if they were my own children, so it doesn't feel like a burden at all. I'm sure that when you come to experience a pig of your own (whether you're the one paying for it or not) you'll feel the same way!

 

[guineapigsrock1]

Thank you for finaly realizing that Im capable of this!

 

[Pennypig'smom]

no one doubted your capability. We do however, doubt your ability to read...or at least I do right now...

 

[SFailed186]

I am going to re-repeat this information again.

No one gender is easier. Period. There are personal preferences and that is all. There are pros and cons to both genders, if you want to look at it that way.

Your other questions can be found by doing a forum search, as many of us have already stated. Your questions are answered now.

A vet visit alone could cost $50, and that's just for one pig. If both were sick, that is considered two separate visits by most vets, so that $100 would be gone before the vet even gave you a diagnosis, let alone prescribe them medication. Depending on illnesses and complications, you can very easily spend another $100 in just medication (anesthesia, pain meds, antibiotic, probiotic...). No one is telling you to not get guinea pigs, but we are telling you to SERIOUSLY consider all of the information we have told you based on our own experiences.

My sister and I learned the hard way. We ended up paying Freya's almost-$100 vet bill in one dollar bills, quarters, dimes, nickels and pennies. The change was saved in a jar and we sat on the floor of the vet office and counted it all out.

 

[linshad02]

My daughter is 8. I would never dream of getting a pig for just her. Adopt. If you must get a pig, adopt. I went about everything all wrong. I bought from a pet store. The whole litter was probably inbred and had god knows what else wrong. We fell in love with our girl. We took her to the vet two days after Christmas and got an antibiotic to treat a URI. They gave her the first dose. Within two hours, she had what looked like a seizure or a stroke and died on the way back to the vet. The heartbreak from losing her was horrible and almost made me not want another. But I will try again. I am a stay at home mom, so being there to take care of/love is not the issue. (There is a point to this rambling)
Everyone here adores their pigs and hates to see them done wrong. No one wants to see a pig have to be rescued because all of a sudden there is no time for the pig(s) or no one wants to take care of it/them. Or, god forbid, the pig(s) get sick and get dumped at a shelter because the vet bills will be too high.
Having a pet is a major responsibility. Some people can handle it and some have zero business owning a pet. Be confident that you can give the pig the quality of life that it deserves.

 

[rabbitsncavyluv]

Guinea pigs are a lot of work and far too much of the time they are purchased on impulse and then dumped when the child is too busy or bored of them. You should carefully consider adding guinea pigs to your family.

We also do not recommend keeping them in a child's bedroom Why No Guinea Pig Cages in a Child's Bedroom

You will be spending $100 a month on average if not more for the basics of feed and bedding so $100 a year is not going to cover it. A vet bill can easily run hundreds more.

Neither male or female guinea pigs are easy to care for.

 

[guineapigsrock1]

Ok, I think I get that the vet is expensive, and that the GPs are hard to take care of. I have another question: What reason(s) would I need to go to the vet for? I'm sorry if I sound dumb with this question, but you never know, it might need to go to the vet and I'd have NO idea, so, please answer this question with nice responces? (I'm sorry, I don't take mean very well without almost crying. it's a problem I have, you know growing with 'hormones' and whatnot)

 

[sdpiggylvr]

It is for guinea pigs as it is for us; when we feel sick, we go to the doctor. Guinea pigs need to go the vet whenever you notice signs of illness (drainage of the eyes or nose, eating or drinking less or not at all, strange breathing, skin problems). When you get to know your guinea pig, you will know when he is out of sorts. That's when you should take your guinea pig to a good, cavy-savvy vet. Be careful, for not all vets are cavy-savvy. Many vets claim that they see small animals, but if they do not have much experience it is best to avoid them.

Guinea pigs go downhill extremely quickly. When you notice something odd about your guinea pig's behavior, it is important to schedule a vet appointment right away. "Waiting and seeing" could mean the death of your guinea pig if you do not attend to the symptoms right away.

You can also get a basic kitchen scale and weigh your pig. Often, weight loss is a pre-warning of illness. I highly recommend this.