Any Good Points To Use In Convincing My Parents For A 2nd Piggy?

[Aryel]

I currently have one guinea pig, Brownie. My first guinea pig unfortunately died from what is suspected to be upper respiratory infection or possibly pnemonia. We did take her to the vet but she didn't survive
She died about a month ago and Brownie is left all alone now. I'm worried she will become or has been lonely. Ever since Ginger died, she stopped drinking from her water bottle and won't even touch it. She also has had weird eating habits which might or might not be connected to her cagemates death. For example, she is eating just fine one day and the next day she is reluctant to eat her food. Then the next day she is better and chomps down all her food.. And then about 5 days later she is again reluctant to eat her food. My mom is pretty against another piggy as for now because she does not want to spend any more money on another vet visit and partly because she helped me to syringe feed ginger and it was HARD. Took hours and really tired my mom because Ginger was a real fighter. After Brownies death and took A LOT better care of her. Before, I used to feed them both only lettuce and parsley and maybe one other vegetable everyday but now I created a whole 7-day food schedule with a variety of foods. Also, before I used to take them out rarely for playtime but now I take Brownie out for 2-5 hours whenever I can per day. However, Brownie is always so bored and does nothing when I take her out. She never really was an active piggy but I'm hoping another guinea pig would help her become more energetic and less bored.

I actually prepared something like an essay which talks about my commitment towards Brownie and why guinea pigs should be kept in pairs. I want to gather AS MUCH info as I can to help convince her so can you guys help me out a bit?

 

[Wiebke]

I currently have one guinea pig, Brownie. My first guinea pig unfortunately died from what is suspected to be upper respiratory infection or possibly pnemonia. We did take her to the vet but she didn't survive
She died about a month ago and Brownie is left all alone now. I'm worried she will become or has been lonely. Ever since Ginger died, she stopped drinking from her water bottle and won't even touch it. She also has had weird eating habits which might or might not be connected to her cagemates death. For example, she is eating just fine one day and the next day she is reluctant to eat her food. Then the next day she is better and chomps down all her food.. And then about 5 days later she is again reluctant to eat her food. My mom is pretty against another piggy as for now because she does not want to spend any more money on another vet visit and partly because she helped me to syringe feed ginger and it was HARD. Took hours and really tired my mom because Ginger was a real fighter. After Brownies death and took A LOT better care of her. Before, I used to feed them both only lettuce and parsley and maybe one other vegetable everyday but now I created a whole 7-day food schedule with a variety of foods. Also, before I used to take them out rarely for playtime but now I take Brownie out for 2-5 hours whenever I can per day. However, Brownie is always so bored and does nothing when I take her out. She never really was an active piggy but I'm hoping another guinea pig would help her become more energetic and less bored.
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I actually prepared something like an essay which talks about my commitment towards Brownie and why guinea pigs should be kept in pairs. I want to gather AS MUCH info as I can to help convince her so can you guys help me out a bit?

Watching a guinea pig die can be a traumatic experience. I am very sorry for your loss! it is not going to be quite easy, but you are right that Brownie doesn't deserve to pay the price.

Sadly so far Switzerland is still the only country with an animal welfare law that forbids the keeping and sale of single guinea pigs.
Here are our guides on bereaved guinea pigs and companionship:
Looking After A Bereaved Guinea Pig
Companionship
Guinea Lynx :: Companionship

As to general care (including diet), checking for illness and understanding guinea pig behaviour, you will find our guide collection very helpful, which you can access via this link: New Owners' Online Starter " Booklet" For Really Helpful Advice.
Our diet guide is very detailed as which food groups (from hay to pellet quantities) to what you can feed how often and in which quantities and also contains a sample diet as well as a list what you can feed how often in which quantities in order to maximise health and longevity.

 

[Apollopig]

Why don't you explain to your mum about why Brownie shouldn't suffer?
Maybe she will understand if you tell her how bad it is if Brownie isn't eating properly,
and besides, she'll have to pay more money anyway if Brownie gets sick for not eating.
Hope this helps, and best of luck

 

[JenniferG]

I'm sorry you've been through this, it is heart breaking. I think the fact that it is illegal to keep a single Government in another country is a compelling argument to show how much guinea pigs need a companion. Surely they want your guinea pig to be happy and no longer sad?

When I took in a rescue last year, she had been living in a group, and she was terrified when I had her home. I had to introduce her to my others sooner than I would normally do just to calm her down. Thankfully they accepted her immediately and she was much happier. They are prey animals and alone they feel vulnerable. They even have a special call when they feel scared and can't find the others.

What do your parents have against getting another guinea pig?