Wanting on breed of Guinea, am I a bad human??

[Morningstar_S]

So, I'm new here and new to Guinea Pigs. I haven't even got my first pair yet. (i do want two though, I believe almost all animals need a companion!) But here is my question(s);
I really want at least one skinny guinea pig. Will a rescue help me find one of that type that needs a home? Is it even right to ask?
I know that there are many good guinea pigs that need homes. I have already committed to not buying from a breeder or store. But I also have a nephew who is allergic to dog and cat dander. I am worried that if i get a normal pig that he wont be able to come over. Besides the skinny pigs are so cute! Does this make me a bad human and future owner??

 

[ferndalezoo]

Of course it doesn't. HOWEVER, please be aware that skinny pigs are actually not any less likely to cause allergic reactions than "regular" ones. My allergic daughter reacts much worse to our two skinny pigs (who were rehomes) than she does to our two long-haired pigs. Also, skinny pigs are prone to a lot of health problems, so it's doubly important to be sure you have a great exotics vet and the funds for future vet care lined up.

 

[Duffinvt]

I see no reason why it is bad to want to adopt a skinny pig. I've seen them up for adoption, so you might just find one. I am sure others here have adopted skinnies.

 

[blackarrow]

It makes you a sensible potential owner to consider whether there's a type of pig which you could have which would fit into your life better than another. And of course you're allowed to have personal preferences about them, and it doesn't make you a bad person to have a personal preference - it's not wrong to ask a shelter for a particular type of pig. However, there's not a lot of chance of getting a skinny from a rescue as they're pretty rare.

The good thing about guinea pigs from an allergy standpoint is the amount of dander they would have is small because they're small, and it isn't all over your house because the pig is contained, unlike a cat or a dog. Most people here who have allergy problems are allergic to the hay rather than the pig - and many people who are allergic to one type of animal are not allergic to a different type. I would be quite surprised if your nephew was so badly allergic to guinea pigs that he wouldn't safely be able to visit, regardless of whether the pigs were skinnies or not.

 

[Morningstar_S]

Thanks for the pointers! There is a really good exotic vet close to my house so that's covered. But I have had a hard time finding info on skinny pigs. Most of it comes from breeders and they dont seem all that trust worthy.

 

[FlowersGrandma]

I'm new to GPs, but I agree that I don't think it makes you bad to like a certain kind, any more than you're a bad person to say you are looking for a GP over say a dog. We all have our preferences. If you find an animal that appeals to you in looks you are more likely to give it better care and love and isn't that what it's all about. I wanted a short hair because I didn't want to deal with long hair. I think the long haired ones are far cuter, but I knew all that hair would be an issue to keep clean and healthy. Doesn't mean I love my little guy less or think he's any less cuter, just that he fits my needs as a pet much better.

 

[Onetwo]

OMG I want a skinny SOOOO bad too! Unfortionately there are none at any local rescues. I will wait as long as I have to for one. Right now I am NOT actively looking though because I already have 6 males. If one falls into my lap though I am not going to say no. I look on Craigslist for NON breeders and petfinder for rescues within 100 miles. I dont know where you are located but there were hundreds of skinnies seized in a raid on a breeder, hoarder or pet store (I cant remember which) There is more info on guinealynx. go to www.guinealynx.info go to forum go to cavy placement and its right on top. Dont know if it helps but its a start other than CL and Petfinder. Good luck!!!

 

[rabbitsncavyluv]

Hairless Guinea pigs are NOT hypoallergenic. I know of at least one skinny owner that still has allergic reactions to their skinny.

And most allergies occur due to the hay or the pigs' secretions, not the guinea pigs themselves or their hair. Allergies

Skinnies are high maintenance - more so than any long hair guinea pig.