I`m giving Thelmer away.

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Originally posted by tikeyas_mom
what do you mean how?
Do some research on guiena pigs and you'll see how much work they can be. I have a friend who owns one, they are so sweet and cute, but they have to be cleaned ALOT!! and they need to have a cage mate. Also they have to have vitamin suppliments and alot of vitamin C in their diet because they cannot produce it them selves.

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forget it. im sorry i even said how.

Im sure the last thing rottie needs right now is big argument going:(

again rottie, im very sorry about thelmer :( You are a wonderful mom and are doing the right thing.:(

I have to agree with Heather...when you take on a pet ii should be for the life of that pet, not as an impulse or just because he's an amusement or an inconvenience to be later discarded. Yes, there are going to be circumstances that come up that changes things. I just hope Thelmer gets a good home. THelmer is so adorable..... If Rottie really wanted to keep him she'd find a way. Bunnies are very social, probably all he needs is a bunny companion to keep him company. I guess I'm disappointed in the casual attitude.

I am sorry you have to give Thelmer away.
I don't agree that guinea pigs are more work.
Pets should be for a lifetime true, but I don't think that Rottielover has much choice in the matter b/c she is just a teenager. I don't agree with the choice, but if her parents are dead set against keeping her it isn't like she can move out.
:( IMO

If I didnt live half way across the country I would gladly take thelmer!

I am so sorry you have to give up your first pet, Thelma but you can make sure she gets a new loving forever home. It can be difficult if your family won't support your pet.

Are your parents willing to support a G-Pig, even if you get problems in the future. You don't want to be put in this unpleasant situation of having to give up a beloved pet again !!

PS Adding to the debate on Rabbits v G-Pig. As Karen points out these are completely different animals with different needs. I had an outside bunny called Bonnie when I was a child and my sister was given a G-Pig called Lucky as a friend for my Bonnie. (These were years ago, when it was normal to house these animals together) I ended looking after both pets (I was the older sister) and I think they both need a similar time & energy to look after, but in different ways.

I am sure Rottieluver45 will be more than capable of looking after a G-Pig, as well as she looked after Thelma. My only concern is that her parents may end up, refusing to help with the new pet and could end up putting her back into the same situation

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but what makes you think you'll have any more time for a guinea pig then you had for Thelmer?

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I wish you`d buzz off!! Why do you have to make this into an argument? Rabbits need alot more attention that guinea pigs do.My sister has a guinea pig named Herbie,he is soooo much eaiser to take care of.I know I will be able to take care of a guinea pig!!

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they are more skiddish and scared of ppl, they pee aLOT!! they have to have their cage cleaned every 2 day. they have very week backs that can be very easily injured. they have a very specific diet plan. They dont like to be picked up. A rabbit is much more easy for a person to take care of, in my opinion. I love Guinea pigs so much non the less but I just dont understand why Thelmer has to leave?? Thelmer is such a good rabbit she naver did anything to anyone. A guinea pig need alot of attention and is very time consuming. they are HIGHLY social. They need to have a cage mate, or an owner that will always have time to be their for it NO MATTER WHAT!. Are you allowed to have 2 guinea pigs?

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Guinea pigs do like to be picked up! And I have never had any problems with the cleaning up after my animal! And what makes you think you`re in the postion to say Thelmer has never done anything to anyone??!!

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Do not criticize her for a decision (re-homing Thelmer) that is not entirely up to her, and do not make presumptions about her family's needs or situation. In the new house, things may be different, and you should give her the benefit of doubt before criticizing her tentative future choice of pet.

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Thanks Karen!!

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Awwwww. That is SO sad! Thelmer has always been my favorite PT bunny. I'm sure you will send her to the best of homes and be sure that she recieves proper care and attention. Its really sad that you are giving her away. I can't imagine how poor Thelmer will feel. Good luck Thelmer!

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Thanks popcorn! Hopefully you`ll still be able to see her b/c I`m looking into giving her to Aspen And Misty.We don`t know yet, both our parents haven`t said yes ,yet, and we need transportation.

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Hey, do you think you can hang on to Thelmer until you move/?

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unfortunatly no.

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also think that before having an animal that the committment should be there, we can't just change animal to animal when we feel like it, A PET IS FOR LIFE! And before we buy one or rescue one we should take into consideration all aspect like cost and how much time we have for it.

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I know. It`s awful,but I love her soooo much I thought I would have all the attention she needed and time,I guess not.

I`ll talk to you guys later. :-.(

I'm very sorry you had to make the very difficult decision to surrender Thelmer. I'm sure it is very hard for you and hope she finds a loving home very soon.

I have never had a bunny, and so cannot make any comparison re: their care, but I do/have had guinea pigs. As with any pet, they require time, attention, love and commitment. They are HIGHLY social. friendly, gentle creatures that require their person to show them considerable one on one attention. If you cannot provide that, you must provide them with a piggie pal, but naturally not two of opposite sexes, unless one is spayed/neutered. Just walking by their cages and saying "Hi!" isn't enough. Unlike bunnies, guinea pigs can NEVER be left alone, out of their cages, to roam the house unsupervised. They require a minimum of one hour of "free floor time," real exercise, DAILY, in a safe, enclosed area, where they can be watched. (Not just "lap" time)

Unlike hamsters and other rodents, guinea pigs should never be allowed to "play" in a roller ball as their backs can be injured. They do have very weak spines, and a fall from even a small step can injure them severely.

And yes, their cages do require daily care. At a minimum, every day their "wet spots" and poops need to be scooped and replaced with fresh shavings....NEVER CEDAR! Every 2-3 days a complete change of shavings is required and once weekly, a thorough cleansing and disinfecting of their cages with a mild vinegar solution.

They are HIGHLY sensitive to direct sunlight, extremes of heat or cold and drafts as well. The diet of a guinea pig is not at all like that of a bunny and I hope you will visit one of the many excellent guinea pig forums for advice in all areas of guinea pig care before bringing one home.

They cannot produce vitamin C themselves and it must be supplemented in their diet. They are HUGE drinkers and require a fresh, full bottle of water daily and should be allowed to free feed on timothy hay (not alfalfa, unless they are babies, pregnant or ill) and a high quality, vit. C supplemented pellet... Ox Bow is an excellent brand. Their nails grow VERY quickly, and if you are unable to clip them yourself, you must take him/her to a vet to have them done every few weeks. And unlike bunnies, it may take some hunting, and driving, to find a vet experienced in piggie care.

I'd be happy to share some tips/advice should you decide to welcome a piggie into your home. And PLEASE do not buy a piggie from a pet shop. Every shelter I have ever visited has several needy piggies, at any given time, surrendered for lack of time/attention, waiting for a caring home. Good luck!

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Originally posted by Rottieluver45

Thanks popcorn! Hopefully you`ll still be able to see her b/c I`m looking into giving her to Aspen And Misty.We don`t know yet, both our parents haven`t said yes ,yet, and we need transportation.

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Yea, Alright I'm a sucker :rolleyes: . We've been thinking about getting Julian a freidn for about 2 or so months now. I'm not home for about 8 hours during the week days becasue I am at school. Now I always spend at least 4 hours with him every night so he does get the attention he needs but I feel bad leaving him in there all by himself for so long, so whats better then a Bunny friend?? And as many of you know Julian is Thelmers Boy friend and since he is, it is his Duty to keep her safe. :D :p My dad has not completly said yes yet, but he sounds like he wants to, and is goign to. I'm not to sure about here mom. We will need Help gettting Thelmer from Texas to Pennsylvania (sp). So if this all does end up happening and she comes to live with us we may need some pet talk drivers :D

Ash

That would be a great solution. Figures crossed that you guys can sort this out.

What a good idea! I'm glad there is a chance that you will find a very loving home with someone you know, like Ash! I wish we lived in-between TX, and PA, that way we could help bring Thelmer up to you. Good luck asking your parents, Ash!
Thanks for the update, Rottie. Take care.:)


As for the Guinea Pig vs. Rabbit thing, I think it depends on the individual animals. Some Guinea Pigs may require more care than some rabbits, or some Rabbits may require more care than some Guinea Pigs, like pets who have special needs or illnesses.

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Originally posted by FloppsyLadySally89



As for the Guinea Pig vs. Rabbit thing, I think it depends on the individual animals. Some Guinea Pigs may require more care than some rabbits, or some Rabbits may require more care than some Guinea Pigs, like pets who have special needs or illnesses.

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Well Said!!

I agree that a rabbit that has a bad illness will require be more care then a healthy guinea pig, of corse. But a HEALTHY guinea pig that is not potty trained will require more care then a house trained rabbit.

I don't think guinea pigs require more care than rabbits. Every type of animal has specific needs. For example, angora rabbits needs daily brushing, house rabbits need daily litter box cleaning, skinny pigs need to be kept warm, silkies need to be combed etc. I have had both gp's and rabbits and I found them the same to care for. If you spot clean the gp's cage you will only need to do a thorough disinfection every week. Spot cleaning their cages would require the same amount of time that dumping out a little box would, or scooping it.


And guinea pigs CAN be litter trained, mine were and they were very good at going in the right place. Yes they have a specific diet, but so does every animal. Cats need taurine, piggies need Vitamin C. My piggies were also very cuddly and would hang out and watch tv with me all the time. They had their own "pet" room which was safe for unsupervised playtime, another words things were coated and the only thing they could chew was the carpet. ;) Of course I was with them most of their free time, but if I had to leave the room I knew they would not get in trouble.


I really think it is unfair for someone to say that one needs more upkeep than the other, as it has been my experience they are pretty much the same. Both need love, attention, good food and fresh water and out time.

Thanks to all of you who are supporting my daughter's decision to give Thelmer to someone who can take better care of her. It was not an easy decision for her, and I am very proud of her for being grown up enough to make a decision that most adults have a hard time making. :)

I've already told Rottie I'd help with the transport if it happens, but if Ash can't take Thelmer, I can maybe come pick her up and take her back to rescue here? Just another option you guys can keep in the back of your head if you need it :)