My mom says that having one guinea pig is fine...

[eve1234s]

Hi,

I recently lost my guinea pig Prim a few weeks ago. It was heartbreaking, especially to see my other pig Rosie be by herself for the first time in her life. Now she never really comes out of her igloo,except to eat, even though she has a spacious c&c cage big enough for two pigs. I know that guinea pigs need to be together because they are herd animals, but my mom is stubborn and says that since my first guinea pig lived alone for nearly half of her life until we got Rosie, and she was the best pig ever, that she is fine (even though she and my aunt even point out that Rosie just sits in her igloo all day). I’ve told her that they need friends but she says it’s stupid. I live in the US so there’s no laws and our small pet care is very behind. She also says that since I’m older (I’m almost 18) i will eventually outgrow guinea pigs, especially since I am going to college soon (i am not moving out to college so that is no a problem). Anyone have any tips to convince her? Idk what else to do. Thanks!

Also: She has no real reason to not let me get another pig. I have a job and i take full care of the vet bills, supplies, and all of the care. When I ask her why she says things to the affect of “because I said so”.

 

[Wiebke]

Hi,

I recently lost my guinea pig Prim a few weeks ago. It was heartbreaking, especially to see my other pig Rosie be by herself for the first time in her life. Now she never really comes out of her igloo,except to eat, even though she has a spacious c&c cage big enough for two pigs. I know that guinea pigs need to be together because they are herd animals, but my mom is stubborn and says that since my first guinea pig lived alone for nearly half of her life until we got Rosie, and she was the best pig ever, that she is fine (even though she and my aunt even point out that Rosie just sits in her igloo all day). I’ve told her that they need friends but she says it’s stupid. I live in the US so there’s no laws and our small pet care is very behind. She also says that since I’m older (I’m almost 18) i will eventually outgrow guinea pigs, especially since I am going to college soon (i am not moving out to college so that is no a problem). Anyone have any tips to convince her? Idk what else to do. Thanks!

Also: She has no real reason to not let me get another pig. I have a job and i take full care of the vet bills, supplies, and all of the care. When I ask her why she says things to the affect of “because I said so”.

Hi!

Can you ask your mum to please read these links below and also make her aware that in Switzerland it is already legally forbidden to sell and keep any group animals as singles, which expressly includes guinea pigs. Animal welfare has made a big shift in recent years as it is more and more becoming obvious just how central companionship is to guinea pigs, and that is reflected in their recommendations.
Looking After A Bereaved Guinea Pig
Moody guinea pigs: Depression, Bullying, Aggression, Stress, Fear and Antisocial Behaviour
Single Guinea Pigs - Challenges and Responsibilities

Do you have a good rescue within your reach where you could look for another adult piggy, either sow or neutered boar?
Guinea Lynx :: US Guinea Pig Rescue and Shelter Organizations

 

[VickiA]

I’m so sorry that you have to try to persuade your mum but the links Wiebke has given are very good reading material. Your piggy does sound depressed. Can your mum give any good reasons why she won’t allow another piggy?

 

[eve1234s]

I’m so sorry that you have to try to persuade your mum but the links Wiebke has given are very good reading material. Your piggy does sound depressed. Can your mum give any good reasons why she won’t allow another piggy?

Nope. And I will try showing her the links but she thinks that they aren’t true. I’ve told her about the laws in Switzerland and the UK and she’s told me it’s too bad because we don’t live there.
I pay for everything and take care of them. I’m taking them when I eventually move out in a few years. She has no reason.

 

[eve1234s]

Hi!

Can you ask your mum to please read these links below and also make her aware that in Switzerland it is already legally forbidden to sell and keep any group animals as singles, which expressly includes guinea pigs. Animal welfare has made a big shift in recent years as it is more and more becoming obvious just how central companionship is to guinea pigs, and that is reflected in their recommendations.
Looking After A Bereaved Guinea Pig
Moody guinea pigs: Depression, Bullying, Aggression, Stress, Fear and Antisocial Behaviour
Single Guinea Pigs - Challenges and Responsibilities

Do you have a good rescue within your reach where you could look for another adult piggy, either sow or neutered boar?
Guinea Lynx :: US Guinea Pig Rescue and Shelter Organizations

Thank you! I will try to show her the links but I doubt she’ll believe them.

 

[Wiebke]

Thank you! I will try to show her the links but I doubt she’ll believe them.

I have had my first childhood piggy nearly 50 years ago, so I know where your mom is coming from - but I have also had plenty of first-hand experience, including with acutely bereaved depressing and pining piggies to know what a difference a companion makes.

Sadly you can't make people deliberately squeezing their eyes shut see...
But you can ask her whether she would be OK if you were looking for a similarly aged companion because that is likely her concern - that she is left holding the bucket with yet another single piggy down the line. And that is a concern you need to take seriously but by inviting her to help you find a constructive solution with you that takes care of your piggy's wellbeing as well as your mother's fears.

And, when you are at an age jobbing, bringing home and are old enough to be a mother bringing up your own children yourself, then you do not take a 'Just because I say so' anymore!

PS: Remind your mother that she has done her best to raise her child to become a responsible, caring and well adjusted adult, and that she has obviously done a good job - but could the two if you then tackle this situation in an adult way working out a responsible and caring compromise that takes consideration of either side's concerns as much as possible?