Made a mistake

[joffreyandhumperdinkle]

Hello! First time posting here. I was on reddit looking into a different pig related issue when I came upon a post letting the masses know not to lay their guinea pigs on their back. I felt sick immediately because I do this all of the time! I literally did it earlier tonight. I never knew it was bad for them and I have seen lots of pictures online of people holding their guinea pigs on their backs, holding them like babies. This is not why I do it and I’ve never done it for that reason. I do it during boar cleanings(once a month) and at least once a week to check for hay inside my boar’s penis. Its a reoccurring problem so thats why I check so often.

I’m not going to do it anymore I did more research on boar cleaning and already figured out the preferred method/positioning for him. But how do I know if he’s hurt or damaged from this, are there any signs to look out for? Is this something that requires me to take him to a vet for a check up? Its not really something I can afford right now as I like to save money for emergencies for my pets (I have a senior dog as well). But of course if it is necessary I’ll make it work somehow. I’d like to add he’s eating, drinking, pooping, peeing normally.

 

[Siikibam]

The majority of us have made mistakes when we began our piggy slave journey. You have found out what’s right and stopped, which is the important thing. He is hopefully fine.

With regards boar cleaning, they shouldn’t need it once a month unless they struggle to clean themselves for whatever reason.

The other thing is you have to be careful not to save for emergencies. You must have a kitty for vet trips. Guinea pigs are expensive and not many are experienced vets (more so in US). The other thing is that guinea pigs can go downhill very quickly, and have a knack for hiding their illnesses so you can’t wait until it becomes an emergency.

I hope that all made sense. And lastly,

 

[Lady Kelly]

Like @Siikibam says we all make mistakes and we all have to learn somehow. I'm sure your boy will be fine and will have let you know if he was unhappy by squirming etc so maybe your boy was more tolerant than other piggies.

As long as he is doing normal piggy things, eating, pooping, weeing well and his weight is stable you should be fine.

 

[Bill & Ted]

Don’t feel bad, we’ve all made mistakes. Some websites have bad advice. We have great guides on here just up in the green bar x

 

[weepweeps]

Hello and welcome to the forum. Don’t worry I’m sure they are fine. My daughter used to do this years ago with one of our first piggies. They would lay like it for ages propped on her knees. I always thought he looked quite happy to lay there as he could of moved if he had wanted too.

 

[Wiebke]

Hi and welcome

When putting your piggies on the back for the sake of boar cleaning, please rather prop the upper body up against your own body or with a cushion to avoid any strain on the heart for any length of time because it has to work harder in that position.

It is one of these things that you take on board whenever you come across them; it is part of our all ownership journey. We all start out knowing nothing. Some things we can read up on when starting out; some things we find out the hard way (especially when they come with a death). Welfare and good ownership is not a definite perfect state; they are moving goal posts we are working towards.
The important bit is not to never put a foot wrong but about how constructively (or not) you deal with any mistakes. Beating yourself up won't get you anywhere. Ultimately, we learn more from our mistakes than just from following any rules and recommendations because our mistakes make us think and find connections that underpin the rules and give us a deeper understanding - and make ultimately a better owner.

It's half a century this Christmas since the first guinea pig has come into my life. So much has changed - and changed to the better. We know so much more. But what has always been the same is my love and my desire to look after the piggies in my life to a high standard; whatever that means at any time. As long as you care for your piggies and give them your best as you know at the time, you are doing absolutely right. If you come across something you could do better, then you take it on board. That is all there is to it.

If you are interested in learning more about guinea pigs (some of it probably somewhat surprising, like a little course on guinea pig whispering), why not have a browse through our extensive information resource? Getting Started - New Owners' Most Helpful Guides

 

[Merab]

All of us have made mistakes - what matters is learning from them.
You sound like a very caring owner.