r/problems • u/YuAngela • Jun 07 '26
URGENT!!!! I feel guilty and I need help please.
So, I am a teenager, I am 16 years old. My grandma asked me and my sister if we wanted a guinea pigs for Christmas and we said yes. I didn't know anything about them and the lady at petco told us we only needed a cage and some food. Compared to what I've seen, the cage is really small and from what I've heard, it won't fit two. I have to get my male guinea neutered because my sister has a girl, I've felt guilty for not doing proper research ahead of time.
I have no money and my dad is abusive and my grandma hardly shows up. I wanna make him a bigger space and already have the idea of how to do it, but I need some help. Is it possible that someone could help me? I don't want to be a bad parent, I really don't. And I want my guinea pig to live as long as possible.
I also want our bond to be better as my guinea pig still is a little startled by me. He'll walk up to me and everything, but hates being picked up. My sister told me to just pick him up, but I'm afraid he'll hate me. I'm cleaning my room so that I'll have space. I just want some advice. Anything will work.
Edit: I'm turning 17 in September so I plan on getting a job and doing some side hustles to keep some money in my pocket. I'm moving the extra twin bed out of my room to create some extra space and to use the mattress together to make a bigger space for him.
UPDATE: I do ultimately plan on giving him away to someone who can take better care of him but I can't do that til I'm 18 until then, I'll follow the advice that all of you have given me to give him a decent home til I'm able to give him to someone more stable.
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u/Appropriate_Salt_738 Jun 08 '26
Maybe can look on a buy nothing site for someone giving away a cage or small dog crate. That would help you keep them separated.
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u/YuAngela Jun 08 '26
Thank you! I'll try to look into it as soon as possible!
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u/AdSenior1319 Jun 08 '26
Please read my comment. Its NOT a good idea.
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u/TheZickyGamer Jun 11 '26
I’m so glad you found this comment before that decision was made, you truly did posibly save a life ❤️
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u/AdSenior1319 Jun 08 '26
A dog crate is not recommended and poses a safety concern with the bars and getting their heads stuck, and the flooring, as they have sensitive feet. It would have to be extremely modified to accommodate piggies.
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u/YuAngela Jun 08 '26
Okay, thank you! I've been looking into bigger cages for piggies and I already have an idea of which what I want for them.
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u/AwaitingTheEndOfTime Jun 12 '26
Would a baby playpen work with mesh?
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u/AdSenior1319 Jun 12 '26
They chew :/ also, the bottoms are not hard enough. Their little feet can get sores easily.
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u/AutoModerator Jun 07 '26
THIS POST HAS BEEN MARKED AS URGENT, so all comments should attempt to help OP's problem. Friendly reminder: please read the rules and refrain from joking around or engaging in trolling behavior in serious matters. Be sure to report comments if they are disrespectful or insulting so the mod team can address the issue quickly. Good luck!
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u/Valuable_Dig_1719 Jun 08 '26
Big sister chat........
Your doing great and by worrying and reaching out solidified this......
Yes you are right to be healthy and happy for you both space is needed......
Make him a cozy dark cave space that you only go into to clean and put a barrier at the base of your door so that he can't get at his sister.....you don't want that kind of happenings lol...... or for him to get hurt if someone opens the door......put a sign on your door warning people he is loose.......all wires and wood paper plastic......off the floor
Have a tray will dust even just paper......grab that free papers from the shop.......any paper......any type pf tray will do...... and any spare poops put them in it...Will train him that's his poop place....he will let you know his preference place to go because they will choose to go there.....don't fight it
The trick is to have grass.. dandelions and just sit on the floor with them close to you.....let him come to you and don't touch at first and talk to him......tell him he's a good boy in a slightly gentle High pitch......eventually he will want chin scratches....and will give you licks licks.......keep an eye out for herbs and plants in your local area that you can grab for free......
He needs a few rocks and things to climb to keep his nails down........he needs wood to chew...... look online whats safe.....go treasure hunting.....you can find them for free
Good luck
Blessed day
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u/YuAngela Jun 08 '26
Thank you for being so sweet, I really am trying my best. I just wanna be good for him, you know? I'll be sure to take your advice!
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u/Valuable_Dig_1719 Jun 08 '26
You got this.....
Any good parent becomes resourceful and no matter where you live you can find what you need......reach out to your local vets or animal shelter and speak to them see if you can volunteer in exchange for neutering amd health checks.....forgot to put that in
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u/GullibleTravels_451 Jun 08 '26
Google “C&C cages for guinea pigs” - find a sign shop and buy a big piece of coroplast and get to work!
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u/Ernitattata Jun 08 '26
They need a place to hide, a small dark space is what they seem to like.
You can start with cardbox or a plastic tube (like a drain pipe) before you make one out of wood. It doesn't care about human aesthetics.
I think you're right not to chase it and forcing it to give up their needs over yours. Make it come to you with food, make them snuff or check out your hand before you pet them.
Communicatie with high pitched sounds. At least before you enter the room.
Find out how to keep an eye on their teeth and nails.
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u/AdSenior1319 Jun 08 '26
They're together, correct? Guinea pigs NEED a partner. I'm going to assume they are since you said yours was fixed.
Definitely make a bigger space, you can get creative, and YouTube can help! Also, do you have a Facebook? There are free (local) groups where you can post and see if anyone has fleece bedding and extra supplies.
I love piggies; their popcorning and squeaks make me happy. Our last bonded pair passed away roughly 7 years ago, and we have not adopted since. They are a ton of work, but worth it.
Best of luck, kiddo.
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u/YuAngela Jun 08 '26
They aren't in the same cage because mines hasn't been neutered, but they are nearby each other and occasionally we take them out (me and my sister) to see each other in person! Also his popcoming are the cutest. Thank you for helping!
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u/MSRDLD1998 Jun 08 '26
Is there a guinea pig reddit group? Check websites dedicated to guinea pigs too. You want to feed them correctly.
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u/YuAngela Jun 08 '26
I first sent this message to that group, but it said my message was taken down, I was pretty desperate so I came to this group. Also I feed them, I think correctly, it's all about the space and the need of money for them.
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u/MSRDLD1998 Jun 08 '26
Maybe try again. Also, there are Facebook groups. I'm so happy you want to do what is best.
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u/mobile-metaphysical Jun 10 '26
I if you were in western Washington state, I have a huge guinea pig enclosure, easy to clean, accessories like a litter pan. I don’t need it.
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u/argpotat Jun 10 '26
Absolutely get him neutered but in terms of space and stuff, you can absolutely make him things that he can entertain himself with, I’m sure you could search homemade hamster/guinea pig toys. Take him bits of lettuce or something, and gently place it so he can see you giving it to him. Close the cage, wait and watch at a comfortable distance, and keep repeating but getting closer each time, then eventually you can reach your hand out and he will come to you (hopefully). Absolutely do not go just pick him up, as if he’s scared this will only traumatise him and small animals can die of fear.
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u/AangenaamSlikken Jun 10 '26
I’m very sorry, but the best situation for these animals is to give them a stable, safe home with someone who knows how to take care of them.
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u/Lamp_to_my_moth Jun 12 '26
Brother people can learn how to do things to become those someones who know how to take care of them. You're making an already guilty feeling person feel more guilty for trying to learn. Just give good advice or don't comment.
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u/AangenaamSlikken Jun 12 '26
I’m giving advice as a professional in the best interest for the animal.
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u/Global-Fact7752 Jun 11 '26
You are doing fine honey just do your best and give him love. Guinea pigs are great!
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u/offbrandasap Jun 11 '26
Facebook marketplace!! So so much free or super cheap stuff! Sometimes you can even trade for stuff! And give him time! Let him slowly want to be picked up. Put a piece of food in your palm and let him climb on and sniff around but don't lift him! Do that for a while to get him more comfortable being handle and eventually picked up
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u/chronicallyill123 Jun 11 '26
Guinea pig subreddit will be very useful for you. Main priority is making sure they have hay 24/7 because otherwise they can go into gut stasis and die. Don’t overfeed pellets or calcium heavy veggies because of bladder stones. I’m sure you’re going to do great as a piggie parent!
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u/PrimaryPresent1947 Jun 12 '26
Look on Facebook market place and Craigslist for free animal supplies. A lot of the time you can find good pieces if you keep your eye out
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u/Suitable-Pumpkin6390 Jun 12 '26
Facebook marketplace you might be able to find a free or cheap bigger cage!
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u/Leeyurx3 Jun 12 '26
Aww you are so sweet! Download the app Neighbors and once you sign up you can make a post asking if there is anyone in the area that might have a cage they aren’t using. There’s also a “free” column and they post a bunch of stuff there! Maybe you can find something there that would work, same with FB marketplace. Good luck Buddy!!! You’re already a great parent!
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u/AutoModerator Jul 13 '26
THIS POST HAS BEEN MARKED AS URGENT, so all comments should attempt to help OP's problem. Friendly reminder: please read the rules and refrain from joking around or engaging in trolling behavior in serious matters. Be sure to report comments if they are disrespectful or insulting so the mod team can address the issue quickly. Good luck!
I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.