Should I rehome my guinea pigs?

[babyandtheo1]

Do guinea pigs form a bond with its owners (me)? They are 8/9 months old. I don't really pick them up every day like I should and so I feel like when I do pick them up, they don't enjoy it. And sometimes they'll bite me. I feel like I've been a really bad parent. I feed them when I can though and when I do pick them up, sometimes they'll enjoy me rubbing their belly (well one of them) and will lay there for a little bit. They used to sleep on me when they were really young. I feel like I'm trapping them in a cage and don't let them run around enough. And this is while I'm NOT working. They also squeak a lot. But they also popcorn a lot which I think means they are happy?

I'm currently looking for a job and when I get one, I plan to move out and I'm not sure if I should take them with me. Normally when I'm not home or feel too depressed to leave the bed, my mum will feed them but I won't have her there when I move and I can't leave them with her. Also if I don't take them I don't have to specifically look for places that allow pets so I'll have a bigger option. But I just feel so terrible about selling them, like why did I take up the responsibility of taking them at 5 weeks old if I couldn't stay with them forever. And I truly do care for them, I just don't feel like they love me back? and maybe someone else will be able to give them a lot more attention and love than i do because apparently, they are social creatures? And maybe me not picking them up every day and only like once a week will affect their development? Or is it too late at 9 months?

They also help me when I'm feeling blue if I pick them up. But I don't want that to be the only reason to keep them. Advice please?

 

[Betsy]

Welcome to the forum! If you really feel like you can't look after them properly (they are a big time and financial commitment and not an instant cuddly pet) and you don't want to leave them with your Mum, have you considered surrendering them to a rescue? Recommended Rescues here Recommended Guinea Pig Rescues They will be found a good home to go to and you won't need to worry about them.

 

[Seven7]

Welcome.
The joy I get from raising my piggies is much more than the money, time and energy I put into raising them. When they greet me, it brings so much happiness to my life.

My piggies saved me and they continue to do so. I just don’t think I am saving them.

Anyways, but I do understand your situation and how it would be difficult to maintain pets under the circumstances.

 

[Guineautopia]

Hi, at this point your piggies are still very young, they could actually live to be 8 years old, So If you are already questioning how much time you have for them, well then perhaps piggies are not quite right for you at this point in your life. It is good that you are thinking of their well-being and it shows you care.
I agree with @Betsy to contact a rescue and let them rehome them to make sure they go to a good home. It’s better not to sell them privately as you can’t know who they will end up with.