squeakypigs
Forum Founder
Gemma said:
Yeah I did add more - sorry! - I guessed you hadn't see the stuff I had added!
What's everyone up to this weekend?
- Thread starter Billies Mum
- Start date
- Status
Yeah I did add more - sorry! - I guessed you hadn't see the stuff I had added!
J
Jillybean
I already do rescue, if I had more time I'd willingly help out at another one. I'm just trying to build up my experience of everything to do with guineas, and if going to one show did that, to get another perspective on guinea ownership, then I'd find it valuable.squeakypigs said:
alisont
Adult Guinea Pig
Ive been out to the farmers market and craft market in town this am massive bunches of parsley, kale, pac choi, for the guineas and leo all 50p a bunch 
Then went to meet friend for lunch at veggie/vegan cafe in Birmingham and a little shopping!
Sat keeping an eye on Jed staffie tonight - blimmin fireworks >
going off in all directions!
Alison
Then went to meet friend for lunch at veggie/vegan cafe in Birmingham and a little shopping!
Sat keeping an eye on Jed staffie tonight - blimmin fireworks >
going off in all directions!Alison
squeakypigs
Forum Founder
Jillybean said:
Thats great that you help out at a rescue. If people want to see a show just to see lots of guinea pigs then they should consider helping out a rescue - It wasn't aimed just at you.
I don't think owners that take their guinea pigs to show are bad owners - I just personally wouldn't do it and wouldn't do it to gain the experience as there is other ways to do this I also don't think it is necessary to take a guinea pig away from their home for them to be judged on how pretty they are on the outside.
squeakypigs
Forum Founder
Mary said:
Exactly, the only time I will move my pigs is for when they go the vets. They would HATE going to a show and taken away from their environment. When I take them to the vets and have them in car I wonder what the piggies are thinking... for all we know, they might think we are taking them to live somewhere else!
I work at the vets so at least I am there if they have to stay for a bit. The nurses always end up giving them their own lunch to them (salad bowl). How many times do you find that you need to treat them for mites when you get rescues in. Thats proberly due to a change in their lives!
cashmincal
Senior Guinea Pig
Bar a couple of rude longcoated exhibitors I've never seen any untoward practises at shows :-\ I know that this forum is anti-showing and anti-breeding (although has a breeding forum) so I'd be careful what I say. But than this is my opinion and I know I'm entitled to it, but I won't disrespect the forum as generally respect from society is sadly lacking these days.
squeakypigs
Forum Founder
cashmincal said:
Yes we have a pregnancy board - NOT a breeding board. So many people are finding themselves with accidental pregnancies so why should the guinea pigs suffer because of the mistakes of a petshop e.t.c. That board is purely for that reason, no other at all.
cashmincal
Senior Guinea Pig
Sorry; I didn't mean that offensively, it came out incorrectly.
Sorry again.
Sorry again.
H
hils78
Gemma said:
Blinkin ek Gemma ease up!
The sort of practices I was thinking of was using bleaches & peroxides to make white Guinea Pigs whiter than white etc etc. The way pigs are handled -I like seeing experienced people handle animals efficiently makes the animals more at ease -I'm sure I could pick up a few tips. I am interested to see if it is true that long haired Guinea Pigs are showed in wire bottomed cages so urine doesn't stain their coat. Plucking of guard hairs is another practise I have heard of - although I doubt that you would see someone doing this at the show.
I have more respect to animals than to cause a scene at a location with many animals. Raised voices would be detrimental to their well being.
Before you suggested that i should get along to a show I had already made up my mind that I was going to go to one if there is one local to me.
This is a lovely forum please lets keep it that way Gemma
Peace & Love
Hilary
cashmincal
Senior Guinea Pig
No; longcoated cavies are not shown on wire they tend to be shown on towel or likewise, and I've been to quite a few cavy shows and I've never seen the practise of what you have just said. Unless you have actually been to a show (not talking them up) you can't really say what they are like and make assumptions unless you have actually seen them.
Again my opinion and yell at me if you like :-\
Again my opinion and yell at me if you like :-\
squeakypigs
Forum Founder
cashmincal said:
Its ok lol - I didn't know if other people got confused by that board too! lol
H
hils78
I'm not the yelling type - oh other than when it comes to fireworks!cashmincal said:
I am interested thats all. I can't remember where I read about long haired pigs being showed on wire...alot of literature is so out of date.
I really do want to go to a show - I enjoy seeing pigs and would like to see 'for real' some breeds that I have never seen in the flesh. Skinny pigs springs to mind with that comment!
I am really interested in things such as genetics. There are lots of questions I would like to ask breeders. As I will never actively breed a pig I will never find out. I have a lilac sow who possibly has a bit of fox in her - I would like to ask what her parents could have been. Whether
her genetics would be dominant of recessive etc etc Just want to broaden my knowledge. This subject is hard to grasp from books & there's not alot of literature out there on it.
H78x
H
hils78
Although saying the above - knowing me I would take one look at them think of Battery Hens and walk out!
When I speak I like to do so from experience. I would then feel qualified to comment (not advise) on the matter.
When I speak I like to do so from experience. I would then feel qualified to comment (not advise) on the matter.
G
Gemma
Sorry, I didn't mean for my post to come across as aggressive, I perhaps didn't choose my words too well :-[! It was just a genuine query, I wondered what you were thinking goes on that you would feel upset about, but I think I see from your later post about wire floors etc, and it was genuine encouragement for you to go along and find out!
Sorry again
Gemma x
Sorry again
Gemma x
J
Jillybean
I wouldn't ever take a guinea to a show. Just not interested in who thinks they're the right length, colouring etc - really couldn't care less what anything else thought! They're all gorgeous aren't they. But I agree you can learn things by talking to other people. When I got my dog I had a lot of problems with her as a puppy and I wondered about her background. I went to Crufts with her pedigree form to speak to other owners - and I got a lot of answers. I didn't like what I saw though - a lot of miserable dogs. The highlight for me was when one of the dogs did a massive poo on the green carpeted showring. The woman was mortified - and attempted to clear it up with a tiny tissue until someone took pity on her and gave her a poop scoop.
C
cavykind
cashmincal said:
When I started up specialising in guinea rescue I did in fact go along to a couple of guinea pig shows, merely out of curiosity and to see what actually went on there.
It was so sad, all the guineas in tiny wire cages, right up against each other, the risk of cross-infection from respiratory and parasitic infection has to be obvious? As most of us know, guineas can harbour disease but remain asymptomatic.
Many guineas didn't seem worried by the stewards removing them from the pen and being lined up in the little judging stalls. But some did struggle and squeal, one little Red Dutch nearly jumped off the table.
Kids were running around one of the halls shouting excitedly (as kids do if allowed) and shoving their faces against the guinea cages. Of course this begs the question...Where were the parents? Not all children behave like this.
To me the most heart breaking thing about it all was the sales pens were mums, babies and adults were for sale to anyone who put their hand in their purse
I'd say to anyone curious to see what goes on at show, do go along and view it with an open but compassionate mind. Look into the eyes of the guinea pigs there and ask yourself if they are having a good time?
There are better ways to spend the weekend if you ask me or my piggies
Edited to add: This is not personally directed at you cashminkal
cashmincal
Senior Guinea Pig
I didn't think it was Barbara.
How did you find it Gemma?
How did you find it Gemma?
I went with Gemma and I'm sorry for sparking a debate of showing as I now know it's not allowed on the forum - sorry :-\
However, I don't think it's wrong to have a debate, so if everyone anti-shows doesn't mind I'll give my honest opinion.
Overall it was ok, people were enthusiastic and caring for their pigs, the pigs themselves were quite relaxed, either munching away or sleeping or nosing around at other pigs - none of which they would do if they were stressed or upset, I was quite surprised at how chilled they were, Gemma entered one in a pet class and he honestly looked as if he enjoyed his day.
However there was room for improvements. Many pigs didn't have water bottles, which I think should be a RULE even if they don't drink much, mine drinks a lot and there's no way I'd leave him all day without a drink. Mites can and do spread easily from pig to pig - apparently in Europe every pig is health checked before allowed in, this doesn't happen over here. Lastly the day was really long for me so must have been long for the pigs, the judging went on forever, so maybe more judges should be used to shorten the day for the pigs.
However, I don't think it's wrong to have a debate, so if everyone anti-shows doesn't mind I'll give my honest opinion.
Overall it was ok, people were enthusiastic and caring for their pigs, the pigs themselves were quite relaxed, either munching away or sleeping or nosing around at other pigs - none of which they would do if they were stressed or upset, I was quite surprised at how chilled they were, Gemma entered one in a pet class and he honestly looked as if he enjoyed his day.
However there was room for improvements. Many pigs didn't have water bottles, which I think should be a RULE even if they don't drink much, mine drinks a lot and there's no way I'd leave him all day without a drink. Mites can and do spread easily from pig to pig - apparently in Europe every pig is health checked before allowed in, this doesn't happen over here. Lastly the day was really long for me so must have been long for the pigs, the judging went on forever, so maybe more judges should be used to shorten the day for the pigs.
cashmincal
Senior Guinea Pig
I must admit I don't understand why there it isn't a rule to provide water yet at cavy shows; it is a rule for Rabbit Shows.
squeakypigs
Forum Founder
I would love to enter Badger who has a noddy head when he walks and one eye smaller than the other - Could be possibly blind. Would also love to enter Murphy as he has an inside out eye-lid. - There is not a chance in hell that those 2 would win and want to know why? - Cos they are not perfect on the outside. I think these two pigs are perfect so why would I want to get them "judged" for me to win a couple of rosettes. Hmmmm :
squeakypigs said:I would love to enter Badger who has a noddy head when he walks and one eye smaller than the other - Could be possibly blind. Would also love to enter Murphy as he has an inside out eye-lid. - There is not a chance in hell that those 2 would win and want to know why? - Cos they are not perfect on the outside. I think these two pigs are perfect so why would I want to get them "judged" for me to win a couple of rosettes. Hmmmm :
;D ;D they sound gorgeous to me
I guess unfortunately everything/everyone gets judged by their looks first. My sister adopted a little boy and so many 'ugly' kids get passed over for the prettier ones >
My mum chose the prettiest kitten in the litter and she's the most antisocial unfriendly cat you could imagine, whereas I went to the RSPCA and got a gorgous cuddle monster who I still miss. On the subject of the weekend, my OH today went on a Beaver trip, his first as a helper, and he's got the 'rabbit caught in headlights' look on his face, it's so funny to see, he's in absolute shock at being responsible for 16 boys aged 6-8. He looks totally exhausted and keeps thanking me for not wanting more than one child ;D
C
chinakit
squeakypigs said:
At the end of the day, it it owners who benefit from keeping pets at all (whether or not they show them). Wouldn't all animals really have been better off if we had not domesicated and kept them for our own use? After all, if you asked a guinea if it would prefer to live a wild, undomesicated life, or spend its days sitting on a lap, I really do know what most would say (supposing they could speak!).
Showing does not harm the piggies any more than keeping them as pets! I was at that show. It was great chatting to Gemma, Kayjay and others. People who dismiss such events without even knowing what they are like are just showing a 'received' bias. Try it for yourself, you may well enjoy yourself!
C
chinakit
Jillybean said:
What sort of stimulation do you mean exactly? I've kept guineas for 35 years and never ever known them to play with the strange 'toys' available from pet shops. The only playing my piggers actually enjoy is when they get a big pile of fresh hay and they popcorn in and around it .... and having been a 'breeder' in the past, I know that I never excluded this sort of play. Most breeders don't use the tiny cages you mention - a few do, that I can't deny, but most certainly don't.
C
chinakit
Mary said:
Having shown guineas for many years, I can say that mine never exhibited signs of stress at shows, in fact one of my Abys, Hamish, really enjoyed his show days. He would lick the faces of kids and the hands of the judge
You do occasionally get a piggy who doesn't like going out to shows, and with those you don't take them again - after all, a stressed out / wild guinea won't win any prizes anyway!
C
chinakit
hils78 said:
Longhairs have never, ever been shown on wire, so that information isn't out of date, it's totally incorrect and always has been.
Sadly you won't see a skinny pig at a show anytime soon, as the British cavy fancy won't accept them ...
And incidentally, I am with you 100% on the fireworks issue, my 2 dogs were shivering wrecks this weekend.
What sort of stimulation do you mean exactly? I've kept guineas for 35 years and never ever known them to play with the strange 'toys' available from pet shops. The only playing my piggers actually enjoy is when they get a big pile of fresh hay and they popcorn in and around it .... and having been a 'breeder' in the past, I know that I never excluded this sort of play. Most breeders don't use the tiny cages you mention - a few do, that I can't deny, but most certainly don't.
[/quote]
My guinea pigs do play with toys, they love rolling the little balls around and flicking toilet rolls in the air. In my garden you can always hear the gingle gangle from their toys.
Mary
[/quote]
My guinea pigs do play with toys, they love rolling the little balls around and flicking toilet rolls in the air. In my garden you can always hear the gingle gangle from their toys.
Mary
C
chinakit
That's amazing, Mary, as I have never known guineas to play with toys like that. When I had pet rats they were very playful, but my guineas will only play with food-related stuff.
This weekend on Friday I went to Frankie and Bennies with 2 of my boys and my middle boys friend whose birthday it was last week (birthday treat) and then to the pictures, me and the youngest saw Open Season and the other 2 saw Borat.
On Saturday it was footie training in the morning with the youngest (he's 8 ) then in the afternoon I went out to get my middle boy his new laptop. He has a paper round and has been saving up and finally had £400, and I saw on the Woolworths website one that was on offer £799.99 down to £399.99 so after calling the local store and saying "hold that laptop" off we went and quickly bought it!
Saturday evening we went to the local park and saw the firework display and went into the funfair where I had to go on the rides my sons friend wouldn't accompany him on (smart lad LOL)
Sunday morning was off to a footie match with the youngest and we won 5-1 woohoo!
Sunday afternoon and evening was spent vegetating on the sofa and trying to convince my big brute looking staffy boy that world war 3 hadn't started and that he was quite safe, I even had to drag him to the garden and stay with him while he did his business :-\
On Saturday it was footie training in the morning with the youngest (he's 8 ) then in the afternoon I went out to get my middle boy his new laptop. He has a paper round and has been saving up and finally had £400, and I saw on the Woolworths website one that was on offer £799.99 down to £399.99 so after calling the local store and saying "hold that laptop" off we went and quickly bought it!
Saturday evening we went to the local park and saw the firework display and went into the funfair where I had to go on the rides my sons friend wouldn't accompany him on (smart lad LOL)
Sunday morning was off to a footie match with the youngest and we won 5-1 woohoo!
Sunday afternoon and evening was spent vegetating on the sofa and trying to convince my big brute looking staffy boy that world war 3 hadn't started and that he was quite safe, I even had to drag him to the garden and stay with him while he did his business :-\
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