Should I or shouldn't I?

[jenny3195]

You may have seen me posting around here before over the summer and I was thinking about getting a piggy then but then I didn't nad now im back. I have had 7 hamsters who have sadly all passed away in the past 2 years. Leo was the most recent and passed away around last May. They were all from Petsmart and Leo died from a tumor. I have been through many deaths and that is what is holding me back fomr getting another pet (preferably guinea pig). So now im thinking about that and long-term care since next year I will be a freshmen in highschool. Is there anyone in that grade or 8th that has a guinea pig and is balancing care and school (sports too because I play soccer)?

[AmysAnimals]

Well, I am out of highschool so I cant really speak on that subject, but being a previous hamster owner as well and also being a college freshman this year, I can sort of touch base with what your concerns are. The most important thing is the willingness of your parents to assist in care, both physically and financially. You need to make sure that they are willing to pay for emergency vet visits, wellness check ups, quality food, a nice C and C cage, hay, hideys and all the other expenses that guinea pigs bring. As far as balancing them between school, homework/work, family and my boyfriend, I really havent had much of a problem at all. I clean the boys cage before I leave for my morning class, feed them when I get home and take them out for dinner and floortime around 8 at night until I go to bed at 11. However, you do need to keep a schedule and stick to it. You have be willing to clean the poo up everyday, check everything over, refill food, water and hay if need be as well as keep a weekly or daily weight chart. Guinea pigs are certainly pets that need commitment. They can have an average life span of 5-7 years. I think that you also need to think about what you will be doing when you graduate from highschool. Will you be going away to college or staying at home? Working or not? Have long days at school or short days? All of these things really do add up.

[BABY'S MOM]

Ditto Amy..

I'm not in school anymore, but I used to have a hamster when I was in highschool. And I really didn't have the support of my family. I took care of my little gal' by myself. Which is really hard to do on your own. So I would consider talking to your family first, to see what they think.

Guinea Pigs really do take alot of commitment. I know hamsters do as well, but it seems that guinea pigs need alot more from us. They can get so sick, so fast. So we really need to be on our toes with these little guys.

Good luck with whatever decision you make.

[jenny3195]

Really? So you are a freshmen in college and have a guinea pig? Or was it a hamster? Anyway I have all of the info needed for the care of the guinea pig in many word documents and am well prepared for the care and time of having a pet because im used to it. But if I do decide to get a guinea pig it would probably be an elder and plus not many people care to get an elderly pet because well they are old, but that dosen't matter to me. I would definetly be going to college for one. So your college allows pets? Thats the college for me :] My parents would be willing to pay for things as long as I pitch in. Although I would rather pay for everything with saved up birthday money but they would want to help pay. Its good to know that people can juggle all of that. I really would like to thank you. :]

[AmysAnimals]

Im currently a college freshman. I was in highschool when I had my hamster from sophmore to senior year. I go to a community college right now so I am able to live at home and drive myself to school. If I were living on campus, I probably wouldnt have gotten a guinea pig or another pet at all. Even if you find a school that allows pets, which is probably very rare, you also have to consider your roommate. Some people are NOT pet people and may not want to room with someone that has a pet. Some people have allergies. Also, if the school would allow pets, you would need to make sure you dont end up rooming with a cat person or something of that sort haha.

Adopting an elderly pig is great! However, this means higher medical costs if they become ill and most likely, more frequent vet visits. Make sure to find an exotics expert that is trusted. Also, youll have to mentally prepare yourself incase the elderly pig passes on. There are also things to consider such as impaction--common in older boars. Would you be able to clean out his anal sac to get rid of extra poo?

Other than that, if you can honestly answer yes to all of these questions then you are probably ready. You know, I think I know of something that would be perfect for someone like you who isnt sure what to do. Some rescues will do foster to adopt programs! It will give you a chance to foster a pig and see if it is the right pet for you! That would be an awesome option.

[jenny3195]

I haven't thought of that. Fostering might be good for me to start out. I would probably get a female though. There is a vet very close to us that tried to save Leo and we take our 14 year old collie there for ultra sounds every month so they are trusted. She has a small tumor that we have to keep an eye on but it isnt life threatening. Sometimes it causes her head to twitch but thats pretty much it. Im still thinking it over though because I don't know how I would be able to cope with the death at the moment. I just might need a bit more time.

[guineapiggoddess]

Take as much time as you need, jenny!

[AmysAnimals]

Leo reminds me alot of my hamster, Hammy. He had a tumor on the outside of his ear and also, we think, one behind his eye. He was having strokes and the vet said that since he was so old--over 2.5 years old-- that it would be far to risky to try to operate.

[jenny3195]

Aww im sorry. Leo's tumor was internal. I thought he aws just gaining weight because he was young...but I guess not.