NewToPiggyCare
New Born Pup
Hi, guys.
I just got two guinea pigs, Ziptie and Button, two weeks ago. They’re adjusting well and I think we’re bonding.
However, I have some concerns about both their health. I had to purchase them from the pet store (on account of my local shelter being shut down due to COVID), and I’ve heard many horror stories about piggies health when it comes to pet store care.
So, I was already apprehensive and alert from the get-go. I noticed Ziptie making these loud sounds, sort of a purr but it could also be a wheeze. I looked up all GP noises, and it seemed like neither.
I’ve been monitoring his eating and drinking, and he’s doing great. He’s semi-energetic but also depends a lot on Button (as the dominant of the bonded pair), but I’m still worried it’s not a deep, content purr but a sign of a URI. Mostly because he does it for long stretches of time (I’d say at least an hour) and mostly it happens at night (it’s not snoring either). I wish I could get a video, but everytime I approach the cage, he still runs away.
Next is Button. I thought he was normal at first, but then I noticed him scratching at his ear. Like, a lot. At least four or five times a day.
This wasn’t really a concern until I saw his nose bleeding, and assessed the cause was his scratching. Again, no other symptoms of an ear infection.
The problem is whether I should take them to the vet or not. On most cases, I’d jump to it—but my parents are tight on money right now, and I spent everything on the cage and supplies. My mom bought me them, allowed me to keep them (even if she doesn’t want any herself), and helped with supply money. Now I’m asking her to take my piggies to the vet for $120?
I have a history with hypochondria (it’s passed down from my dad), and my mom is Asian so she doesn’t believe very much in doctors. None of us kids even go to doctor visits, or dental care, unless it’s absolutely necessary.
If I’m wrong, she’ll never let me take them again. If I wait to earn the money myself, it might be dangerously late if there is something wrong. It’s a bad situation and I’m hoping some long-time GP owners could help. I have researched extensively, but I can’t find muchthat’s not determined on “changed behavior”, and I have no idea what they were like prior to two weeks ago.
Sorry for this TL;DR—my main thing is, should I take them? Or get my own money? I was planning to splurge on Guineadad liners once I made enough, and I know their health is more important, but if it’s nothing to worry about than it’d just be a waste of money.
I just got two guinea pigs, Ziptie and Button, two weeks ago. They’re adjusting well and I think we’re bonding.
However, I have some concerns about both their health. I had to purchase them from the pet store (on account of my local shelter being shut down due to COVID), and I’ve heard many horror stories about piggies health when it comes to pet store care.
So, I was already apprehensive and alert from the get-go. I noticed Ziptie making these loud sounds, sort of a purr but it could also be a wheeze. I looked up all GP noises, and it seemed like neither.
I’ve been monitoring his eating and drinking, and he’s doing great. He’s semi-energetic but also depends a lot on Button (as the dominant of the bonded pair), but I’m still worried it’s not a deep, content purr but a sign of a URI. Mostly because he does it for long stretches of time (I’d say at least an hour) and mostly it happens at night (it’s not snoring either). I wish I could get a video, but everytime I approach the cage, he still runs away.
Next is Button. I thought he was normal at first, but then I noticed him scratching at his ear. Like, a lot. At least four or five times a day.
This wasn’t really a concern until I saw his nose bleeding, and assessed the cause was his scratching. Again, no other symptoms of an ear infection.
The problem is whether I should take them to the vet or not. On most cases, I’d jump to it—but my parents are tight on money right now, and I spent everything on the cage and supplies. My mom bought me them, allowed me to keep them (even if she doesn’t want any herself), and helped with supply money. Now I’m asking her to take my piggies to the vet for $120?
I have a history with hypochondria (it’s passed down from my dad), and my mom is Asian so she doesn’t believe very much in doctors. None of us kids even go to doctor visits, or dental care, unless it’s absolutely necessary.
If I’m wrong, she’ll never let me take them again. If I wait to earn the money myself, it might be dangerously late if there is something wrong. It’s a bad situation and I’m hoping some long-time GP owners could help. I have researched extensively, but I can’t find muchthat’s not determined on “changed behavior”, and I have no idea what they were like prior to two weeks ago.
Sorry for this TL;DR—my main thing is, should I take them? Or get my own money? I was planning to splurge on Guineadad liners once I made enough, and I know their health is more important, but if it’s nothing to worry about than it’d just be a waste of money.