Lethal?

[Sophie B]

I’ve been doing my guinea pig homework, and I’ve been reading up on “lethals” and I was wondering why they have been given that name, why not something nicer? Lethal sounds a bit mean... I’d like just any more bits and pieces of information you guys can give me about them. Instead of lethal I’m going to call them special, on this thread (and others if you want) they shall be referred to as special!

 

[Guineapigfeet]

I think the name came from the fact that they often have sooo much wrong with them that they died. Their condition is literally lethal. With specialist care they can survive, but it’s hard work

 

[Sophie B]

They could've been more creative with the name though, or maybe something that gives a bit of hope

 

[Eriathwen]

Personally I think the name needs to be reasonably negative to ensure people arent tempted to breed roans and dalmations willy nilly producing them without a thought. It really is a lethal combination and while they're most definitely special, wonderful little people, they shouldn't have to live the way they do. Anything that draws attention to what a terrible idea it is to breed without properly looking into the consequences is fine by me. They don't know they're lethals, so it doesnt matter to them thankfully

Not that theres anything wrong with calling them specials either, I call my Bramble special/special needs rather than rattle off all her issues as it makes it sound like she has less quality of life than she actually does. Although people arent purposefully producing neurologically damaged piggies to make pretty colours so I guess it's technically not the same.

 

[Merrypigs Sanctuary]

I call our specials 'disabled' even though really they are a able but just differently