Is it HEALTHY to own a guinea pig?

Question

I love guinea pigs but my parents will not get me. I take care of my pets now, get good grades in school, listen to my parents, do extra things around the house ect. I have tried EVERY for my parents to get me one. Finally they told me why they said no. They said guinea pig defecates in the house and it is unhealthy to have them in your home. My parents said you can get diseases from it sitting in the cage. I know that I will clean the cage often but they still stay no.

What should I do? Thanks in advance!

Answer 1

Guinea pigs are not unhealthy. The only reason the would be unhealthy is that they are being neglected. As long as you clean up after them they are great pets. And you can actually potty train them. My guinea pig use to bump me with her nose when she had to go, and I'd put her back in the cage. Guinea pigs are relatively easy to care for. They need fresh food/water, veggies (carrots and cabbage are best), hay, and vitamin c. Without vitamin c they can get pneumonia and die. You can research guinea pigs and explain to your parents what you've found. I've personally had three guinea pigs and I worked at a pet store for six months. I know a great deal about them and I believe they make wonderful pets. Just show your parents that you will be responsible and show them you really want this. Research and study their care and behavior.

Answer 2

Wow. I'm pretty sure that they're just using that as an excuse because they want to seem caring and not mean in your eyes. Chances are they don't want guinea pigs because they find them dirty. I would tell them that guinea pigs p**p PELLETS, and they choose one corner to do their business in. That corner needs to be spot cleaned every day, and the whole cage needs to be cleaned every week, or every 10 days. As for getting diseases from their p**p...the only way I could see you getting SICK, notice I said sick, not diseased, is if you swallowed some. The only problem I've had with guinea pigs is upper respiratory infections, which ARE NOT contagious to humans, only to other guinea pigs. Honestly guinea pigs are easy to care for and wonderful companions that seek attention and are unlikely to bite or scratch like hamsters.

Answer 3

It is very rewarding to own a pet, but piggies are fairly high-maintainance pets. The only time any animal will be unhealthy for you and itself to have around is if it is not looked after properly and is neglected. Like people said before me, do as much research as you pssibly can before attempting to get a guinea pig. Another thing, PLEASE, PLEASE get TWO piggies! They are highly social creatures and really thrive on eachother's company. Get two females or carefully chosen males so that there are no babies.There are far too many accidental litters already! Piggies can't give humans any diseases and are GREAT pets to have around! Lots and lots of work though!

Tell your parents the pros and cons of getting guinea pigs and be involved as a whole family. I got piggies when I was a teen and my parents were reluctant to get them because 'I would loose interest in them' - well, I still have them 6 years later, and added new ones to my 'herd'. But please don't loose interest in them! They can live for up to 10 years and need constant love and care!

Answer 4

You will not get diseases from your guinea pigs! Please do some research before getting them though:

http://www.petinfopackets.com/guineapigs...

http://www.guinealynx.info/

http://www.cavyspirit.com/

http://www.guineapigcages.com/

Remember, they are herd animals and do best in same s*x pairs.