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Please forgive my ignorance, and please don't jump on me for cruelty. That's why I'm contacting your forum. I don't know ANYTHING about guinea pigs, except what little I remember from one I had 35 years ago.
I run a children's program at my church. One of the sessions is based on a state fair theme, and involves racing piglets. I don't have a ready source for piglets, and I was wondering if I could race guinea pigs. I DON'T want to traumatize the pigs, or do anything that might hurt them in any way. As a matter of fact, I was thinking I could use it to educate the kids about guinea pigs and how to care for them. (We did a program on "scary" animals last summer, and had an exotic animal rescue organization come and talk to the kids about the animals.)
Is this something that is reasonable to do? I would set up separate runs for two or more guinea pigs, put a treat at the end of the run, and see which pig got to the end first. Let me know if this is possible, or a completely dumb idea. Thanks!
I'll let the experts advise you on this, but I wanted to say that I appreciate your thoughtful manner. You are clearly not intending harm and are showing how responsible you are by seeking answers before acting.
Whatever you end up doing, I'm sure the kids will have a good time and learn interesting things. Blessings to you!
I agree, you obviously care a lot about guinea pigs . I think racing would be safe if you just let them run, but they aren't really runners so you'll end up with a bunch of lazy piggies!
Where would the pigs come from? What happens to them after the race? How crowded and noisy would it be? Would the children be handling the animals? How old are the children? Where would this race be held?
Those questions need to be answered before decisions on how good or bad of an idea this is.
Heres a few videos you can watch to get an idea. Some pigs wont race cause they dont know what you want them to do.
Depending on how noisy n crowded it is. The first video Id think the racing pigs are used to the noise but ones from a quiet house would be scared to death put into that situation.
Jay Leno has guests on that bring out different animals they are there for people to learn about them so i dont see a problem with learning about pigs while your looking at a couple of them.
I wouldnt let kids handle them on thier own. Best thing to do would have them sitting down and put the pig in thier lap for them to pet them. And pet them from head to bum slowly. Not up and down or you will hurt them.
I dont think racing is such a good idea.
Best thing to do is see if some of the kids have pigs and maybe set up a play pen for them to play in. Put in some hidey houses/ cut out boxes and toys and treats and you and the kids can sit around the pen and talk about them.
Be a good idea before you bring pigs in, maybe have the kids make some cardboard houses for them to run to if thier scared.
Good thing to do would be sure there all the same sex .
I think that if you are going to teach correctlly about GPs, is a good idea to bring some to the classroom. The Race is just not going to work. I think they (the piggies) might be to scare to get out and run (in the right direction).
Try to study about them first. Maybe some piggies will get adopted in the future for those kids, that will be great. You'll be opening the kids hearts and prolably helping some homeless piggies!!!
Were you are from? Maybe someone from the forum can help you with that.
As for your fair theme, I would make a small carnaval with cotton candy and corndogs. Kids are going to love that. Maybe you can add a bucket full with water, and tell them to try and catch an apple with their mouth. Maybe some small prizes to the winners.
You can add a pet expo with an expert and teach them about rescue & adoption!
Location: Mesquite or San Antonio TX (SA in summers)
Posts: 575
Re: Can I race guinea pigs?
So you are saying it would be OK to just adopt pigs, teach and then what ever. They are PETS for crying out loud! Not some teaching tool that you "adopt" just for teaching!!!!!!
Can I race guinea pigs?
. I think racing would be safe if you just let them run, but they aren't really runners so you'll end up with a bunch of lazy piggies!
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