Chance of Sickness?

[LilSweety]

What is the average chance (out of 100) that a piggie in its average life span (5-8 yrs) would get sick and need vetinary care? Just curious...

 

[Jennicat]

Of the four pigs I've had the longest (2 I've only had for a few months), 3 have had at least one issue that required vet care during their lives.

 

[aqh88]

Out of the 11 pigs that I have had the past 2years we have had 1 injury, and 4 illnesses requiring vet care. Then we've treated them ourselves about 5times for mites, lice, or fleas usually brought in by a new pig but sometimes because Chris decided to play with petstore pigs or from other pets. Mine are also mostly young so only half of them are at an age they could begin to develop bladder stones or ovarian cysts. Chances are if you have 2 pigs at least 1 will go to the vet at least once in it's life but 2 or 3 times would not be a surprise.

 

[LilSweety]

So It's extremely likey If I get 2 pigs that they will need vetinary care more than once in their lifetimes!? Wow... I thought they could only get mites, not lice... :/

 

[WEAVER]

LilSweety---your pigs WILL require vet care. That is not something that can be avoided. You can not adopt a animal, any animal and think there are not going to be vet visits along the way. That is a fact and you have to know that upfront and plan for it if you decide to adopt two guinea pigs. Going and getting your animals vet care is all part of owning a pet and being a responsible pet owner.

Guinea pigs NEED to be seen by a vet and become sick fairly easy. As they age it is like a elderly human, and they become at a higher risk for things to go wrong. I am trying to be as upfront with you as possible and I think it is great you are asking questions and trying to learn. I don't want you to take this wrong, but guinea pigs are expensive pets and trying to figure out ways to make them "cost less" is going to cost you a lot more money in the long run, or even worse your guinea pigs will have to deal with the consequences because they are more money than you can afford right now.

I want you to think about something, really think, and try not to let what I am about to say offend you.
In life there is always going to be things we dream about having, unfortunetly for different reasons we can not always get the things we want. There is a time and a place for everything, and sometimes we have to wait, be patient, and know that someday after we work real hard, and be real patient, we will achieve what we have set our minds too.
I know you are young, but you are old enough to make good decisions and think this out. I know you have been working hard to earn the money to get you two pigs, but please realize that without your parent's help standing behind you, your pigs and you are going to be the ones who suffer in the long run. Food, bedding, grids, coroplast, veggies, toys, supplies, and last but the biggest expense, VET BILLS can get VERY costly, very quickly. Two of my guinea pigs is more of a expense than my 80lb dog on a perscription diet. Please throughly think this through and try to see the expense of these animals. I know you want to be a responsible owner, but until you have a dependable job bringing in money you can rely on, can you provide two guinea pigs a stable home and offer them all the things they require?

 

[LilSweety]

That made me think... I really want Pigs, and I know it wont for sure take a short amount of time. I'm thinking now that I should jsut make, a cage, with all the money I have. And when everything is ready for 2 Pigs, i will just save and save and save. I'm thinking $400 for the pigs and their vet bills is enough. Is it?

 

[WEAVER]

That made me think... I really want Pigs, and I know it wont for sure take a short amount of time. I'm thinking now that I should jsut make, a cage, with all the money I have. And when everything is ready for 2 Pigs, i will just save and save and save. I'm thinking $400 for the pigs and their vet bills is enough. Is it?

((((((Taking a deep breath)))))))).......What exactly did I say to make you think that??????

 

[PiggieMom]

LilSweety, perhaps you could sit down and talk with your parents again. Explain that you are going to save up $400.00 (or whatever amount you choose). But if something drastic happens will they cover any vet costs beyond that. That way they can see that you want to be responsible for them, but your pigs are also protected if a real emergency comes up.

If they aren't willing to help you out with this at all, I really don't suggest you getting piggies until you are old enough to have a part time job. I know it's hard hon. I'm still waiting to get the cat I've wanted ever since I was three (and I'm 19 now). But you have to think about what's best for the pig.

 

[LilSweety]

Guinea pigs NEED to be seen by a vet and become sick fairly easy. As they age it is like a elderly human, and they become at a higher risk for things to go wrong. I am trying to be as upfront with you as possible and I think it is great you are asking questions and trying to learn. I don't want you to take this wrong, but guinea pigs are expensive pets and trying to figure out ways to make them "cost less" is going to cost you a lot more money in the long run, or even worse your guinea pigs will have to deal with the consequences because they are more money than you can afford right now.

I want you to think about something, really think, and try not to let what I am about to say offend you.
In life there is always going to be things we dream about having, unfortunetly for different reasons we can not always get the things we want. There is a time and a place for everything, and sometimes we have to wait, be patient, and know that someday after we work real hard, and be real patient, we will achieve what we have set our minds too.
I know you are young, but you are old enough to make good decisions and think this out. I know you have been working hard to earn the money to get you two pigs, but please realize that without your parent's help standing behind you, your pigs and you are going to be the ones who suffer in the long run. Food, bedding, grids, coroplast, veggies, toys, supplies, and last but the biggest expense, VET BILLS can get VERY costly, very quickly. Two of my guinea pigs is more of a expense than my 80lb dog on a perscription diet. Please throughly think this through and try to see the expense of these animals. I know you want to be a responsible owner, but until you have a dependable job bringing in money you can rely on, can you provide two guinea pigs a stable home and offer them all the things they require?

That up there made me think. I'd do anything to get a pair of pigs anything. I owe giving guinea pigs a great long living help to someone. It's more of an inside thing so don'y ask about that please. I will do whatever it takes! Even if it means waiting years, or having at least 500 for vet bills, or anything. I'll do whatever it takes. I KNOW they are expensive.

 

[WEAVER]

Please just don't rush into this. Save your money, don't buy a cage right now, just save and continue thinking this through.
Are you still going to want the financial burden of two guinea pigs years from now when you are wanting to purchase a car, go out with your friends, start dating? Things change so quickly when you are young, priorities change. Animals are like children, they are wonderful, but a huge financial burden and a big responsibility.

 

[LilSweety]

Ok guys can we close this thread now, I'm not getting pigs anymore. No matter how badly I want them. My parents aren't willing to help me out and it's way too expensive for only me to take care of. So I guess this is goodbye... maybe I'll come back in a few years when I actually have a job. Or maybe I'll stick around. And WEAVER, about me not wanting to take care of animals, and get pigs, that won't ever change because my dream is to become a vetanarian. well goodbye.

 

[WEAVER]

No one is going to close the thread, and no one is trying to upset you. I think it is wonderful that you want to someday be a vet and help animals. With the love and passion you have for them I know you will be a great vet someday.

 

[PiggieMom]

Like I said LilSweety, I feel for you. Keep on working toward your dream to be a vet and you will get to spend many happy years with plenty of animal companions. I know it doesn't seem fair, and that seems so far away. Just sometimes you have to be a patient as you can be. Focus on school so that you can get into a good college someday to become a vet.

It's a good goal, and you've made a responible and difficult dicision. I'm proud of you.

 

[LilSweety]

Thanks... I guess... I guess I'll just keep saving up my whole life maybe, and then when I get a job, save up more, and more. I know 1 day I will get a pair of guinea pigs. One day...

 

[PiggieMom]

Once you get a part-time job and have a steady income I would think that you would be able to set up a budget to be able to take care of your pigs. I only work part-time right now and that is how I take care of mine. Hang in there, it's tough to be a kid.

 

[HowietheGreat]

You could maybe volunteer at a shelter or offer to watch guinea's in a newspaper ad when people go on vacation. Then you would be around them in the meantime.

 

[PiggieMom]

That would be a good idea to help save money is to put out flyers as a pet sitter if your parents will let you. I used to do that for my friends' families.