Feature Article Questions

Larry123 · Jun 29, 2017

Hi, I am assigned to do a feature article about subculture for my class assessment. I have chosen 'guinea pig lovers' as a subculture but I want to add some actual guinea pig lovers perspectives into the article. Can those who want to help please answer these following questions:

How many guinea pigs would you think is normal to own and how much is too much? How many do you own
How much money do you find yourself spending on your guinea pigs? Are they expensive? Is it a struggle? What is the most you spend on them (eg. Food, bedding, toys, treats, etc)?
How long have you owned guinea pigs for?
Do you think you’re devoted to guinea pigs or your whole life revolved around them? Why?
What is the craziest thing you think you have done as a guinea pig lover?
In general, what do you think about guinea pigs? Are they the best animals/pets to have?
How far would you go for your guinea pigs?
How do you deal with a grievance of a guinea pig that has passed away?
What do you feel about breeding guinea pigs?
If you know about a person breeding guinea pigs in their backyard for their own personal income and they don’t have much knowledge on the topic, what is your reaction? What steps would you take to help the guinea pigs?

Jesse's pigs · Jun 29, 2017

1- The number of guinea pigs doesn't really concern me. If you're willing to provide a happy and healthy life for them which can be sustained throughout their 5-7 year lifespan then have as many as you want. At the minute I have two boars and until I've finished all my education that is how it will stay- possible another pair could be welcomed into my life in the future. As much as I'd love a herd, I want to wait until later on.

2- In terms of food etc my piggies haven't proven too expensive. A bag of food usually lasts a month and a bit and the £4 bag of hay I buy -though it looks small- lasts again around a month if not longer and that's with me filling 2 hay racks. Vet bills are what boost the cost. Last year I spent £42 on Mo for medicine that was only given as a precaution. Their veg costs literally nothing so thats no problem but the items like their toys and cage are what I find takes most of money. Worth it though to seem them happy

3- This is my second time as a piggy mummy. I owned a sow for three years but she passed away four days after her third birthday. And in 2016 I got my Mo and now Steve. So not long but I can confidently say I'll forever own a piggy.

4- I wouldn't say my whole life revolves around them...but it does! Lol. They (like my other furbabies) mean the world to me and I would do anything for them. My whole camera roll is pictures of them and my conversations throughout the day usually involve piggies. And I can't even walk in a shop now without thinking...hmmmmm the piggies would like this.

5- The craziest thing? Oh I don't know really.

6- I think guinea pigs make wonderful pets and for such a small animal they have huge personalities. Once they trust you, there is nothing better than a piggy that'll run up to you or follow you during floor time. Now I won't say they are my favourite pets because that would be putting my other animals down which I can't do lol. But guinea pigs deserve more credit then they're given. I have fallen for them.

7- How far do you want me to go?

there is nothing I wouldn't do for my piggies even if it means the difficult task of having them pts.

8- You deal with it in your way which is individual to everyone. Me I sobbed for a few days- okay a few weeks- and it still hurts now sometimes- she'd have loved to meet Mo. But like other animals that pass you have to remember you gave them a good life full of love.

9- I don't breed piggies and I don't agree with how some breeders go about the process. That being said, without breeders I wouldn't have my Mo so I can't say I think they're vile etc. I do feel more needs to be done to show people that piggies in rescues are just as cute.

10- obviously I would attempt to point out the risks of breeding and show how to properly care for a piggy. Then id show them how many piggies are needing a home at rescues etc. Hopefully convincing them to give up breeding.

Guineapigfeet · Jun 29, 2017

No such thing as 'normal'! I have three :-)
I have very healthy pigs, so far, but I know a major expense can be vets bills. I don't spend too much. £20 every 6weeks on hay. £14 every 6 weeks on pellets. £9 every 5 week on bedding. Veg goes into my regular shop. Biggest single expense was their cage! It's not a struggle for me. I work full time and we have a very manageable mortgage!
10 years when I was younger, 18months as a grown up
No. Obviously I'd do what it takes to keep them healthy and happy but they as part of my life, not my whole life.
i don't think I've done anything crazy!
I love them for their own reasons. Thy are different from a dog or cat or horse, but none are 'better' for me.
As far as I could
Same way I deal with the death of my dog or my horse
plenty of accidental babies to keep us going!
if conditions are poor or I'm worried about the animals, I'd report them, but tbh it's none of my business. If they are approachable I may try to talk to them.

Flutterby · Jun 29, 2017

How many guinea pigs would you think is normal to own and how much is too much? How many do you own. I own 10 at the moment. I don't think there is such a thing as too much, as long as you can give them the care, love and vet attention that they need. If not, then you stop at what you can comfortably care for.
How much money do you find yourself spending on your guinea pigs? Are they expensive? Is it a struggle? What is the most you spend on them (eg. Food, bedding, toys, treats, etc)? I spend around £80 a month feeding all my pigs. They have cage liners so bedding costs are at a minimum.
How long have you owned guinea pigs for? Approx 5 years.
Do you think you’re devoted to guinea pigs or your whole life revolved around them? Why? I am devoted to them, they are my babies. If I wasn't devoted, I wouldn't have them. All my animals get my love and attention, otherwise whats the point. It is a privilege to own them, not a right.
What is the craziest thing you think you have done as a guinea pig lover? Hmm, I don't think I've done anything specifically crazy, but my work colleagues think I'm a bit nuts for loving the pigs so much.
In general, what do you think about guinea pigs? Are they the best animals/pets to have? Guinea pigs are wonderful, I never knew how much until I had my first pair. They are addictive and creep up on you when you aren't expecting it. They are a wonderful pet to have and certainly my favourite!
How far would you go for your guinea pigs? As far as needed, I am their care giver and it's my responsibility to make sure they are safe and well kept and also pain and suffering free.
How do you deal with a grievance of a guinea pig that has passed away? I dive into my other pigs and animals, even though it is hard, and try to turn that negative energy into something that will benefit the others. A piggy passing it's very hard to deal with, but the forum has been an amazing support.
What do you feel about breeding guinea pigs? I always think adopt before you shop or go to a breeder, but I also don't think every breeder is bad/ uncaring or just in it for the money.
If you know about a person breeding guinea pigs in their backyard for their own personal income and they don’t have much knowledge on the topic, what is your reaction? What steps would you take to help the guinea pigs? I would offer to help, give them advise. Always educate, never discriminate. Before I found this forum I could only go off what the shops said on piggy care, so some people don't do it to be cruel, it's because they don't know any better.

Louise's Zoo · Jun 29, 2017

How many guinea pigs would you think is normal to own and how much is too much? How many do you own No idea what is considered a normal amount. Too much in my case would be if I was struggling financially or couldn't give them all the time, love and attention they need. I own 3 female guinea pigs but one of them came to me pregnant so the numbers are due to rise soon!
How much money do you find yourself spending on your guinea pigs? Are they expensive? Is it a struggle? What is the most you spend on them (eg. Food, bedding, toys, treats, etc)? A lot less than I expected. I don't pay weekly for bedding as I use fleece and have plenty of blankets washed and ready. The hay is probably £5 a fortnight. I could get it much cheaper but I like to buy from my local petshop. Food, a bag a month I'd say so about £4 a month. Vegetables and fruit, I buy anyway for myself so I don't notice the cost. I tend to spend too much money on soft furnishing like snuggle pouches and strawberry shaped houses but this is just extras and not really needed. A cardboard box works just as well.
How long have you owned guinea pigs for? 3 weeks and 1 day! I'm a very new owner and still learning a lot.
Do you think you’re devoted to guinea pigs or your whole life revolved around them? Why? My life now includes them as their care forms a part of my daily routine. I don't feel it a chore. I enjoy caring for them. My life doesn't revolve around them but they are now a big part of it.
What is the craziest thing you think you have done as a guinea pig lover? Probably spending a fortune on ebay buying silly things for them that they don't really need but I think they'll like.
In general, what do you think about guinea pigs? Are they the best animals/pets to have? I've owned and still own many other animals. Can't say if they are the best as it depends on peoples individual circumstances and what they want from a pet. They fit perfectly into my family so I am very happy with them.
How far would you go for your guinea pigs? As far as needed.
How do you deal with a grievance of a guinea pig that has passed away? Not had to deal with that yet, thankfully but just a month ago my 8 year old house bunny past away and I took it very badly. I was utterly heartbroken and I still miss him everyday. I am already totally in love with my guinea pigs and would be just as sad if anything happened to them.
What do you feel about breeding guinea pigs? As far as I can understand since joining this forum, they are massively over bred and people have no real need to breed them when rescues are full of pigs wanting a forever home.
If you know about a person breeding guinea pigs in their backyard for their own personal income and they don’t have much knowledge on the topic, what is your reaction? What steps would you take to help the guinea pigs? That's how I got my 3 girls. The owner was giving up breeding them and gave me the adults and a one eyed baby for free. Sadly it turns out one of my girls was already pregnant again. It's not really my business and I'm not a confrontational person so unless I knew the person very well, I doubt I'd say anything. If I knew the person well I'd try to advise them and educate them on why breeding them is so unnecessary. That's all I could do.

Reenie · Jun 29, 2017

How many guinea pigs would you think is normal to own and how much is too much? How many do you own I don't think there's a normal. - how much space, time and love do you have to give. I have three. I've loads more time and love, but not enough space for any more.
How much money do you find yourself spending on your guinea pigs? Are they expensive? Is it a struggle? What is the most you spend on them (eg. Food, bedding, toys, treats, etc)? I don't know. Hay and nuggets probably about £20 a month, and £10 on veggies as I have an allotment and get some of the veg from that. I've not had any vet expenses to date, but I'm sure that will come. I like to buy them things, so probably another £20 or so a month. I don't consider them expensive - cheaper than a dog or cat for example. I've pretty financially secure, so no struggle. Most expensive thing is the cage - I like my C&C cage and will probably buy more parts to extend it and ring the changes.
How long have you owned guinea pigs for? I've only had my own for a couple of months, but before that I fostered for a year or so from the animal sanctuary where I volunteer. (Never really considered guinea pigs before then, but fell in love with them).
Do you think you’re devoted to guinea pigs or your whole life revolved around them? Why? I am devoted to them, but my life doesn't revolve around them. I enjoy them and their antics, and I live alone, so they are also company.
What is the craziest thing you think you have done as a guinea pig lover? Probably getting up really early in the morning so that I can spend time hand feeding them before work. Not that crazy really.
In general, what do you think about guinea pigs? Are they the best animals/pets to have? If you have space they are the perfect pets. They seldom bite, they don't need an awful lot of input compared to some animals (less time cleaning out the cage than taking a dog for a walk, you don't have to go out in the rain). They are clever and friendly and interact with you, fun to watch their behaviour.
How far would you go for your guinea pigs? As far as for any pet to keep them healthy, safe and well cared for.
How do you deal with a grievance of a guinea pig that has passed away? Fortunately not had to deal with that yet, but one that I fostered a while back passed away last week which was sad.
What do you feel about breeding guinea pigs? No need. There are enough babies from accidental pregnancies to go round.
If you know about a person breeding guinea pigs in their backyard for their own personal income and they don’t have much knowledge on the topic, what is your reaction? What steps would you take to help the guinea pigs? Offer advice and try to discourage it. If they were badly treated, I'd report to the animal welfare authorities.

Never really thought of guinea pig lovers as a subculture, but I suppose that's what we are.

Reenie · Jun 29, 2017

How far would you go for them - Just to add to above - I tripped on the top of the cage while I was holding one of my piggies, and in an effort to protect him, smashed my other hand off the wall and badly injured my toe....so I suppose I would put myself in mild danger for them. - or is that the craziest thing I've done? lol

Kallasia · Jun 29, 2017

How many guinea pigs would you think is normal to own and how much is too much? How many do you own?
I think two is the most common number to own but I don't think there is a "Normal". People have a varying number depending on space and free time and other commitments - you have what you can care for and what feels right for you.
I have two handsome boars.

How much money do you find yourself spending on your guinea pigs? Are they expensive? Is it a struggle? What is the most you spend on them (eg. Food, bedding, toys, treats, etc)?
I'd say I spend more than average. If you want to own pigs on the cheap you can, by buying the bare minimum. But my piggies get only organic veg, timothy hay, alfalfa, orchard grass and high quality nuggets. I also buy them toys to play with regularly.
I'd say I spend about £30 a week on my two boars, which is way above average. I'm not rich, I'm a minimum wage worker, but I don't drive, smoke, drink, gamble etc so all my "leisure time" money is spent on my boars.

How long have you owned guinea pigs for?
I got Errol and Binky at the beginning of February 2017. I've been researching for much longer. I would have gotten them sooner but my physical health was not good so I needed to mend myself first before taking on anything else.

Do you think you’re devoted to guinea pigs or your whole life revolved around them? Why?
Yes. Binky's medicine and appointments come before mine. When I get home, they are fed before me and my partner. In our current home (hopefully moving soon) the pigs have taken over the living and dining rooms. We have the bedroom, so they have more space than us. I talk about them all the time. Think about them all the time. Drive my family mad talking about them. I have a home security camera to watch them on whilst I am at work - and it has two-way audio so I can hear them and talk to them. When looking for somewhere new to live, the priority was a big bedroom for the guinea pigs so they can have their own space, along with a south-facing garden so we can grow plants for them.

What is the craziest thing you think you have done as a guinea pig lover?
That's tough. It's an opinion, some of the things I think are fine someone not interested in pigs may find "crazy".
I have done clay impressions of my guinea pigs' feet. I've bought a nebuliser machine to help Binky's lungs.

In general, what do you think about guinea pigs? Are they the best animals/pets to have?
Yes. They are loyal and loving. They are gentle and sociable. They are good fun to watch play and explore.
They are like lap-puppies but with no aggression and they don't need walking.
If I am having a bad day, I get home, hold my fluffy Binky and silky-smooth Errol and everything is alright in the world. They can tell when you want to play and when you are sad. They know when you need a nuzzle.

How far would you go for your guinea pigs?
I would do anything for them. I've spent £100/fortnight on medication for Binky to help his lung condition. We're trying to buy a bigger house so they have more space...

How do you deal with a grievance of a guinea pig that has passed away?
I am fortunate enough not to have experienced this yet, however it is something I have thought of often when Binky has been particularly unwell.
I want to make sure the piggies' memories live on, with photos, memorials etc. I think I would be distraught when the time actually comes. I would be sick, mentally and physically. I would try to distract myself with practical things and looking after the remaining pig.
But, I will do everything in my power to give them a long, healthy, happy life.

What do you feel about breeding guinea pigs?
Breeding can be awful, as it is for dogs and any other animals. It can create a lot of "waste" animals who are not "perfect" and dumped in shelters or killed. It leads to genetic problems and susceptibility to illness as keeping animals pedigree or "pure" means not widening the gene pool. Inbreeding occurs which results in all manner of problems.
There are far too many animals (of all kinds) in shelters all over the world. Adoption should be a priority.
If such a time comes that there's more demand than supply, guinea pigs should be bred responsibly and in the most healthy way possible - no pedigree nonsense.

If you know about a person breeding guinea pigs in their backyard for their own personal income and they don’t have much knowledge on the topic, what is your reaction? What steps would you take to help the guinea pigs?
If they were a friend or family member I would have a very serious and stern conversation with them. Should they not heed my advice, I would not hesitate contacting an animal welfare charity such as the RSPCA.
If I did not know the person, I would not confront them personally, but alert an animal welfare charity, or the police if the situation was dire.

rome_italy · Jun 29, 2017

How many guinea pigs would you think is normal to own and how much is too much? How many do you own
minimum 2; maximum, as many as you are able to breed, paying all the vets' bills and respecting the rule of room, quality of the ambient and so on. I own 2 piggies and it is the maximum I can afford, considering that I don't want to spend all the family money for pets.
How much money do you find yourself spending on your guinea pigs? Are they expensive? Is it a struggle? What is the most you spend on them (eg. Food, bedding, toys, treats, etc)?
NO, they are cheap pets. No doubt about that. Their cage is not snobbish and elegant, hay is cheap, grass is free, 100g vegs cost nothing here in Italy, pellets is only a treat. Another story is the vet's bill, but they are not prone to be ill all their life long. I spent 20-30€ for building a cage; 3€ for a box of pellets which will last more than one year; 2€ a kg of hay; 16€ for 2 piece of fleece used as bedding (washed and washed again...); newspapers and flyers used as absorbant layer is free of cost; grass, their main food is free as well. Toys and houses: recycled boxes.
How long have you owned guinea pigs for?
Long ago I had a pig, died young (2 1/2 years old), then I had no pets at home for 16 years and last march I adopted two piggies.
Do you think you’re devoted to guinea pigs or your whole life revolved around them? Why?
I think I am now totally concentrated on my piggies, I spend hours just looking at them. My daughters are now teenagers and young adults, therefore I don't spend much time looking after them and I can be focussed with my beloved pets.
What is the craziest thing you think you have done as a guinea pig lover?
adopting them, maybe... But they are bringing joy. Anyway I have no friends who would help me in breeding them in case of necessity.
In general, what do you think about guinea pigs? Are they the best animals/pets to have?
They are suitable here at my home and are the only pets who can live here for a lot of reasons.
How far would you go for your guinea pigs?
I adopted them going and fetching them to another city 400km from Rome. I adopted them ONLY because I know that the best italian cavy savvy vets are here in Rome. Before adopting my piggies I already knew which vet I would have chosen.
How do you deal with a grievance of a guinea pig that has passed away?
badly. when my former piggie passed away I suffered very much.
What do you feel about breeding guinea pigs?
It gives me a lot of satisfaction which unfortunately share with my friends who are not pets owners
If you know about a person breeding guinea pigs in their backyard for their own personal income and they don’t have much knowledge on the topic, what is your reaction? What steps would you take to help the guinea pigs?
there is nothing I can do, I might inform some association maybe, which are only groups of volonteers... Luckily in Italy only few people adopt 1-2 pets without thinking twice; breeders are really rare and have a lot of controls. The few breeders we have in Italy seem to know the rules of their job. Illegal breeders do their affair very far from the cities and nobody knows anything of their activities...