Video Doing Rounds: Opinions Please

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TheAurora

TheAurora

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There's a video doing the rounds and - knowing how much I love piggies - several people have shared it to my Facebook page.

My first reaction to it was actually shock and concern about the welfare of the animals. But then I watched it again and wondered if I was over reacting.

I would be interested to hear your thoughts.

The video shows guinea pigs having a swim in a pool.

They don't scrabble at the sides (like my piggies do at bathtime) and merrily swim off around the centre of the pool. The owner doesn't let them swim for too long before scooping them out.

But for some reason I found it disturbing...

I can't find a link to the actual video but notice there are lots similar on You Tube.

What does everyone think?
 
It's a tough one really. I'd personally try to explain politely the dangers to them?
 
@Flutterby I've written this as a message under the video links which have been shared to my page...

"Hey guys. I know this video is really cute, and this guy is very careful not to let the piggies stay in the pool too long, but if you have guinea pigs at home please DON'T do this! Piggies have tiny legs which don't make them natural swimmers. The weight of their bodies in comparison to their tiny legs mean they will tire out swimming very quickly. Guinea pigs usually find water incredibly stressful and are probably swimming out of shear desperation and fear (the guys in the video above do seem quite happy I'll agree - but one moment of fatigue and their heads fall under water just once and they'll be killed). Just saying because I'd hate for people to try this at home and lose a precious pet. Thanks x"
 
My sister tagged me in this video on Facebook, though I'd first seen it through the forum where someone had raised concerns. All of my pigs have different levels of disgust for water (although in the middle of the heat wave, they were all quite happy to paddle in half an inch of tepid water) but I agree, the bumblebee - like ratio of limbs to body seems to make swimming an unlikely pass time for piggies to undertake through choice. All it takes is a split second and they've tired out and gone under. None of mine will be taking a dip in the pool.
I think your response was perfect @TheAurora
 
I've been tagged in it several times now and felt I had to post on my Facebook to clarify my thoughts on it. I said something very similar to yourself. I find the video quite upsetting as they clearly have no other option but to swim. I also mentioned that due to their sensitive respiratory systems, if they aspirate any water they could be susceptible to pneumonia. I explained that I didn't want people to think guinea pigs were natural swimmers and try this for themselves.
 
I am guessing the video is the usual one that pops up from time to time. This is where Facebook is dangerous as people will copy and the videos get lots of views very easily. The Guinea Pigs are most likely swimming due to animals swim reflex and will be swimming from sheer panic. All you can do is highlight dangers in a calm, considered way and hope people heed advice of never placing piggies in water. I am disgusted each time I come across this video :(
 
So glad I have found this thread, as a friend also posted the video of piggies swimming in the paddling pool and I was unsure whether it was ok. Mine all hate bath/shampoo time, so I'm guessing they will hate the water anyway. Thanks for confirming what I thought.
 
A vets also shared this video this morning on FB and after complaints they have removed it. I've asked my friends not to like/share and not to tag me in the video as I think it's cruelty and have explained why. I know I've upset one of the people who tagged me in it but I can't endorse the video and I fear how many piggies could suffer if idiot teenagers start putting piggies in ponds and pools as a lark.
 
This has started appearing on my FB newsfeed too, though no one has shared it directly with me yet. It makes me worry that it will give people the wrong idea if they don't know the risks.
 
One of my friends has tagged me on it. At first I liked it to be polite as I didn't want to offend her, but then I un-liked it as it actually really horrifys me. What's really worrying is that she said she'll have to try it with her two pigs. I've not said anything in response. I'm rather shocked that people can find it amusing or nice in any way. That pool is way to deep, there's nothing for them to climb onto for a rest, the water could splash up their noses and choke them, I could go on. It's the equivalent of taking a toddler to a reservoir and dumping them in it.
 
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i have also been tagged several times and i just responded with ' NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO Guinea pigs don't like water much... they are swimming cos they have no choice and i won't be putting mine in any water more than a few cm's..... '
 
Drezella said:
One of my friends has tagged me on it. At first I liked it to be polite as I didn't want to offend her, but then I un-liked it as it actually really horrifys me. What's really worrying is that she said she'll have to try it with her two pigs. I've not said anything in response. I'm rather shocked that people can find it amusing or nice in any way. That pool is way to deep, there's nothing for them to climb onto for a rest, the water could splash up their noses and choke them, I could go on. It's the equivalent of taking a toddler to a reservoir and dumping them in it.
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And this is what concerns me. That people are going to think 'I'll try that with my pigs' :(

As much as I'm ashamed to admit it, one of my girls, Erika is overweight and I know for a fact that she wouldn't be able to swim without being in discomfort. I worry so much for the piggies who are going to be soon dumped in a pool after people seeing the video :(
 
Well my dad shared it and my aunt tagged me in it. Again I just said "any animal will try to swim if the alternative is drowning and dying". I shared the link @Wiebke has put on the Wiebke's tribe page and my mum shared it as well so hopefully everyone will know better than to tag me in it again lol!

@theoretikos even though my phone screen is already smashed I'm at the stage of threatening to smash someones face if they tag me in it again lol
 
So devastaing to see that,I suppose I'm quite sensitive but something else I hate are thoese videos of someone being filmed getting a piggie for christmas.

Its usually someone who shreiks and screams with tears,causing the poor little thing to (rightly) run and hide under something.I know I'm in the minority but I even feel uneasy with the "doing tricks" clips,it just feels wrong?

In one video the poor thing jumps over things,crawls under netting has to jump up for a treat.By the end it looks worn out.
 
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