Q&A for How to Convince Your Parents to Buy You a Guinea Pig

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  • Question
    What's your advice for asking something if your parents are always saying no?
    Moshe Ratson, MFT, PCC
    Marriage & Family Therapist
    Moshe Ratson is the Executive Director of spiral2grow Marriage & Family Therapy, a coaching and therapy clinic in New York City. Moshe is an International Coach Federation accredited Professional Certified Coach (PCC). He received his MS in Marriage and Family Therapy from Iona College. Moshe is a clinical member of the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT), and a member of the International Coach Federation (ICF).
    Marriage & Family Therapist
    Expert Answer
    Try to understand why they said no, you’ll get an honest answer. If you can understand where they're coming from, you can address that point and tell them that you understand them. In due time, they will start to trust you more.
  • Question
    I want to get a second pig, but I know my parents are against the idea. What can I do to convince my parents to let me have 2 (there is lots of room for 2 girls)?
    Amy Harrison
    Top Answerer
    Try stating logical facts to convince your parents. Tell them that two guinea pigs is healthier than one, since they are social animals. And a cage for one guinea pig is often suitable for 2 (7 square meters). Offer to pay for the guinea pig yourself and give them time to wait out the decision.
  • Question
    Do guinea pigs smell bad?
    Community Answer
    Guinea pigs can smell bad if you don't take care of them. You should brush your guinea pigs' fur once a day to prevent matting and give them a bath every six months. You should also scoop poop out of the cage every day and replace damp bedding. Scrub the cage down from top to bottom once a week.
  • Question
    Where can I get a guinea pig from?
    Community Answer
    You should get a guinea pig at a shelter. Guinea pigs from shelters are much healthier than guinea pigs from pet stores. The people that work at the shelter will have plenty of knowledge about guinea pigs to help you out.
  • Question
    Do all guinea pigs have sicknesses?
    Community Answer
    All guinea pigs can get sick, especially if they're not well taken care of. That's why its important to buy guinea pigs from a shelter rather than from a pet store. At a shelter, guinea pigs are taken care of by trained professionals.
  • Question
    What do I do if my parents say no initially?
    Community Answer
    Keep trying to convince your parents, through your actions, that you can handle guinea pigs. Respect their decision but stay motivated to show them that you're responsible and mature.
  • Question
    Are guinea pigs easier than hamsters to take care of?
    Community Answer
    Guinea pigs actually require more attention than hamsters. They are larger and require more cleaning and they need to be let out of their cage every so often to run in open space.
  • Question
    We live in Australia and it can get hot. My parents don't want them inside because they might smell. What do I do?
    Amy Harrison
    Top Answerer
    There are plenty of people who keep their guinea pigs outdoors in Australia. You will have to take extra precautions, particularly in the hot months, for your guinea pigs. If you know how to take care of guinea pigs in the heat, then you should be good to go.
  • Question
    My dad says "I don't want a rodent in the house." Nothing will convince him otherwise. What should I do?
    Community Answer
    If you live somewhere with a fairly even climate, you can keep your guinea pigs outside. Make sure they have plenty of shade and that the temperature is between sixty-five to seventy-degrees in their cage.
  • Question
    Can guinea pigs live outside?
    Amy Harrison
    Top Answerer
    Yes, as long as the hutch is secure and weather-proof. Guinea pigs can easily adapt to a outdoors environment, despite discouragement from a minority of guinea pig owners.
  • Question
    What do I do if my parents don't want me to get a guinea pig?
    Community Answer
    Unfortunately, you have to respect your parents decisions. Just keep trying to show them how passionate you are about guinea pigs.
  • Question
    I tried to convince my parents; they said no because we have 3 cats. How do I change their minds?
    Amy Harrison
    Top Answerer
    If your cats are indoor cats, then you can always station your guinea pigs outdoors. A good secure cage will keep the guinea pigs out of harm's way from your cats.
  • Question
    My dad keeps saying that they smell too much, but I told him that they only smell when they aren't being taken care of. What should I do?
    Amy Harrison
    Top Answerer
    Persuade your dad by letting him know that'll you'll spot clean their cage every day, and clean their cage by yourself on a weekly basis. Let him know that you can purchase odour-controlling bedding, and that guinea pigs aren't smelly animals.
  • Question
    I want to get 2 guinea pigs but there isnt much space at home. What should I do?
    Amy Harrison
    Top Answerer
    Two guinea pigs need at least 7.5 square feet of floor space. If you cannot provide them with the minimum requirements, opt for an animal that requires less space.
  • Question
    Can guinea pigs stay home alone when on long trips?
    Amy Harrison
    Top Answerer
    No, they have a strict diet that requires them to be fed every day. They need one cup of fresh vegetables and 1/8 cup of pellets a day. They also need to have their cage spot-cleaned daily and properly cleaned on a weekly basis. You will need to hire a pet-sitter to look after your guinea pigs if you are going away for more than one day.
  • Question
    Do hamsters and guinea pigs get along?
    Amy Harrison
    Top Answerer
    No, both animals are quite territorial and shouldn't not be housed with each other. Guinea pigs cannot be housed with other species, as they have strict daily care requirements that do not suit other rodents, like hamsters.
  • Question
    Do I need to get 2 Guinea pigs? Can I just get one?
    Amy Harrison
    Top Answerer
    Yes you will need to get two. Guinea pigs are social animals that naturally live in large groups in the wild. It's actually illegal to not have guinea pigs in social pairs in some countries, like Switzerland.
  • Question
    We don't have much room in the house for a guinea pig, and a cat lives next door, and foxes sometimes come to visit. What can I do?
    Amy Harrison
    Top Answerer
    Guinea pigs can live outdoors providing the temperature isn't too extreme and they have a secure dwelling that shelters them from weather conditions and protects them from predators.
  • Question
    My birthday is coming up and I am turning 13. I am thinking my parents don’t think I have enough space in my room. Does a guinea pigs’s cage require a lot of space? Also, do guinea pigs need toys?
    Amy Harrison
    Top Answerer
    A pair of guinea pigs require at least 7.5 square feet of space at minimum. However, 10.5 square feet is preferred. Generally, guinea pigs do well when they are provided with sufficient space to roam around. Toys for enrichment are always beneficial.
  • Question
    My parents say i could have guinea pigs if we didn’t have a dog, they say that the dog would eat them because it’s a Border Jack. How do I convince them otherwise?
    Amy Harrison
    Top Answerer
    Guinea pigs can co-exist in households with other pets, providing that they are given a secure cage that is separated from other animals. Border Jacks are terriers, which are breeds of dogs that tend to be dangerous towards rodents or small animals. Therefore, it's important to keep your dog and guinea pigs separated and to purchase a secure cage with a lid on top, preferably placed above-ground.
  • Question
    Since we travel a lot, my parents can't really get me a pet, especially not a guinea pig. I have tried to ask them, but they say no. How can I convince them?
    Amy Harrison
    Top Answerer
    It's best to understand what's best for the pet in this circumstance. If you are aware that you are away from home quite frequently, then a pet, such as a guinea pig, is unrealistic to ask for since guinea pigs require constant attention throughout the day.
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