How do I persuade my parents to let me keep my guinea pigs inside?

Question

I have two young female guinea pigs called hazel and chestnut and I really want to keep them inside as you can see more of them and tame them. I have found some C&C (two sets of six cubes; probs more than I need) but the deal is my mum says maybe but doesnt like the mess (im probs gonna have clorophast and fabric) and my dad says deffinately NO with the smell and all. Im gonna clean them every other day instead of every week with my hutch, they are currently messy with being young so i am trying to potty train them by using a plastic tub for their hay they usually p**p in their hay anyway so this will be a lot easier they are starting to get the hang of it. I do have a perfect space in a carpeted playroom (no tvs for load noises) I do spend a lot of time in the playroom.

thank you

charlie

P.S. i will give all good answers thumbs up when i get 2 level 2)

Answer 1

Say they will die outside with the cold. And if u have them inside put them in a small warm room. Birds and other creatures would nip at them outside.

Thanks!

Answer 2

I would write an essay, and let them read it to demonstrate how smart you are.

The essay should deal with guinea pigs.

It's premise should be that people who have guinea pigs lead happier lives, live longer, have stronger bones and are healthier than people who don't have guinea pigs.

Quote some sources from science journals in your essay (they don't need to necessarily be entirely verifiable).

You will win.

Answer 3

Make sure you do your research first (though it sounds like you're off to a good start with the C&C cage). Look over http://www.guinealynx.info/index.html and http://www.cavyspirit.com/ . Both those pages will give you anything you could possibly wish to know about guinea pigs, and plenty of information to sway your parents.

Present the information you find to your parents like you would a report at school. Give them the information without whining or arguing. Show them the websites to prove anything they have concerns about and to answer any other questions they have. Be responsible and follow through with any promises you make, like cleaning the cage every other day. Be mature and act like an adult and they will probably treat you as one :)

If you keep them clean and pay attention, there shouldn't be any issues with mess or smell. It's great that you can get them to be potty trained, most pigs don't do that well. Maybe you could start cleaning their outside cage every other day (even if it doesn't really need it, just go outside and put forth the effort) to show them that you would clean their cage that often when they are inside too.

If you need more advice, guinealynx has a forum where you can ask other guinea pig owners questions, and they should have lots of reasons you can give you parents as to why the pigs should live indoors.

Good luck with your outdoor to indoor pigs!

Answer 4

Tell your parents the reasons you want to keep them inside. Persuade them that you'll clean the cage often, and they do not give off odors. Show them they are not messy, and prove that you are going to take care of it, and they have nothing to worry about, just to let you keep them inside.

Answer 5

i dont know!i know exactly what you mean - for some reason my parents make me keep my 2 guinea pigs in the summer house

Answer 6

Before I can convince my family about relocating my guinea pigs inside, I'll do a little research of a good site, with all pros and cons of the scenario. Tell them(your family) that you care about your pets, that inside your house they'll be protected from other dangers, like being a target from predators(like cats, ugly rats, maybe dogs in the worst case scenarios). Besides what you already are offering to do for them(your pets), see if you can enlist their help(your family's) also, that will  be a plus, in case you're not around, tell your family  to give your guinea pigs  time, and tenderness, good balanced meals, and a little environment with water(a special bottle for them,  again guinea pigs  to sip). As you can see, there's plenty of work to do, but in return, they(your guinea pigs will reward everyone with tenderness). Good luck!, and keep me posted. Tip: if your finances permit you, consult a vet about tips, and more important shuts and vaccinations if needed.  

Answer 7

Tell your mom that you will put a BIG mat underneath the cage to catch all the hay and the p**p, that is what i did, and now i can just scoop it up and throw it away.

Also tell her that if you dont bring them inside, they could be attacked/ stressed by other animals, or the weather changes could send them into shock, both ways killing the piggies, and say they have wasted everything they have bought with at least their money.

Answer 8

my mom lets me keep mine in my room ask her if u can keep them in ur room. mine doesnt stink at all

Answer 9

tell your mom it's too hot out side then she'i understand.