When I was a kid in the 70's we had guinea pigs. Back then we thought a 20 gallon aquarium was an appropriate cage. We didn't know all the things I know now. There were a bunch of things we did back then that would be frowned upon today. We got our shavings for free from the lumber yard too. But like I said it was the 70's-80's, we didn't have all this information. We did the best we could.
I got guinea pigs 3 months ago after not having pets for two decades. They are so spoiled, but it made me think of our 3 bunnies and 20 rats, who didn't had nearly as much. I'm glad we have all this information now.
When I was a kid - around the tome you were :) - our piggies got seeds to eat and fresh alfalfa from our garden that was grown especially for them. Now all we know how bad those were for them. They lived in a tiny box, but they had free floor time evey afternoon. Actually all afternoon in the whole room.
I think we should make a bunch of cute Guinea pig videos but with big runs and Guinea pig enclosures in the background but close enough for people to see and also feed them the right food on camera and talk about the good kind of Guinea pig care I have seven piggies myself and also want people to be more aware about this big problem 😊
Our son flew his piggies to us when he had to go overseas. We were already in 4H for chickens and joined the cavy club to learn about how to care for them. 4H also has you compete to show how much you know and are caring for your piggies. You can win awards and meet fellow piggie enthusiasts.
I LOVED 4-H! I had rabbits (and a horse) at the time and remember seeing Cavies at the county fair. I thought What? No way, rabbits are so much better. 50 years later... 😂
I am sorry that I got it wrong. I had no idea how to properly care for my piggies when my piggies got ill. Yes, we went to vets, but there is so much more they needed. I didn't even learn about critical care food until it was too late. I have been watching your videos to heal. Gus reminds me of my little guy. I would suggest going to pet stores or vets and having biz cards to promote cute piggie videos - and your care guide - to draw people in. Thank you for all you do.
The first guinea pig I knew was at a friend's house, and we were about 9 years old (a little over 50 years ago). The poor little guy lived in a very tiny cage, with no hay, and a metal grid under his feet that must have made him suffer every time he moved. Even without any information, you have to be particularly stupid and cruel to impose such living conditions on an animal. I really hope that this kind of cage no longer exists nowadays! Thank you very much dear Scotty 🙏❤️✨
Thanks Scotty,I am loathe to farm my cavies offspring out for the reasons you mentioned Consequently I have 19 piggies.to care for.It is a full on commitment but much better than worrying about their quality of life.Their cage muck out material is great for our compost heaps🌽🥕🌼🌱😊
One time I went to Petsmart to ask if they had an abyssinian guinea pig. The guy goes to the back to check and they had them in cramped tight shelf’s and there was an overwhelming urine smell in the room, made my mouth drop
I can see the problem. I was recently at PetSmart, looking for a companion for my girl, we recently lost her sister and I suggested to the manager of the area that maybe they changed the skill level of care from beginner to at least intermediate. She just shrugged me off. And before I get the adopt dont shop crowd, I have found another problem, the lack of rescues willing to work with me. Im in PA and I have for the last month looked at every conceivable pet site looking for a single girl piggie. I have been on Craigslist, PetFinder, Home to Home, GP finder, etc. The Humane society had one they wont adopt out bc shes vicious. I suggested it might be bc she's in a shelter and asked if I could bring my girl in WITH a health cert from my vet, No. I found a rescue 4 hrs away and also no on a meet and greet. Another rescue won't adopt out of their metro area. I've called vets left my name, nothing. I will be plunking down $60 on a young piggie in hopes that my shy little Poppy will find her spark again. Would i prefer to rescue yup, that's how i got my herd, but I'm not waiting any longer, I don't want to risk my little Poppy.
Great video, click bait is the way to go. People don't read information leaflets anymore, they need to be told through visuals. You do a fabulous job Scotty. Keep going strong 💪 ❤😊
My daughter did a large animal learning event for her green clover pin but would have liked to put on the small animal event: bunnies, piggies and chickens/turkeys/ducks. In the club. we made animal friendly gardens, animal biology crafting and read fun books about the animal.
When I had my first guinea pigs I bought a pet shop cage with bars across the roof. It had great reviews but shortly after at home I felt it was kind of boring both for them and for me. So I bought stuff and built my own home for them four or five times as big. Now that was fun! I guess that could be one way. Inspire to create and build your own. I did the same with my birds. All animals now take up more than half of my apartment but we share it together so why not? Younger ppl might not have that opportunity but perhaps inspire to build something with many floors.
I blame the pet shops, I live in England and the pets shops sell mostly stuff and cages that are unsuitable for guinea pigs and probably other animals. Big well known companies should be made to provide leaflets with all the proper care info and size of enclosure required. Thank God for you and another UA-cam person I watch in uk You two have really helped me a lot to care for my piggies and give them the best life. Thank Scotty
Im in uk yes pah sell ridiculous things for gps ..I avoid shop at local pet shop ..have big c and c cages ..fleece bases hay litter trays . Learnt so much from scottie and squeak dreams
Great idea, Scotty! So many people watch those short, funny animal videos, and you're great at making entertaining videos. Sometimes people just seeing a funny video, which showcases piggies in their proper environment, can be really educational.
I’ve adopted several guinea pigs from Grandma’s animal rescue and I just love Linda Jones she has so much knowledge. I’ve learned so much from her I just can’t thank her enough. I love that I can ask her anything. Please adopt don’t shop.
I couldn't agree more! Do you know she used to live in Los Angeles and volunteer with the Los Angeles guinea pig rescue? We have known her for quite a long time and we love her very much. She is also purchased numerous items from my Scotty's Animals Etsy shop!
I like your extremely well done music videos like Red Eyes Rock,the Guinea Boars, etc. Maybe make more and more shorts of those. My engineer friend always says that you don't know what you don't know. Thanks for your continuous work for the education of ppl regarding piggie care.
I used to love collecting books on the care of Guinea Pigs and I still have them all. Books by Peter Gurney were my favourite. People really do need to learn about cage paralysis for example because of lack of exercise and all sorts of other consequences because they're doing it their way to suit them, not doing it to ensure the wellbeing of their animals. It's often difficult to educate these kind of people. Thanks for the great video Scotty 🐹🐹🐹🐹
I make sure with my short and longer videos everyone sees their huge living spaces and enclosures! And massive hay piles everywhere. Also clarity on girls and boys SEPARATE rooms!❤ Share the knowledge of living large with space and hay for our little loves ❤
I think the best thing we can do as individuals who have guinea pigs is just talk to people. I have had more than person mention when they know that I have guinea pigs that they want to get "one". I always say you need more than one and do your research. One day our mail lady saw me snuggling one of ours outside while she was delivering the mail. She said she had them as a kid in SoCal and they lived outside. She asked if they can live outside in S. Oregon where we live and I said, no, guinea pigs shouldn't live outside anywhere. She was surprised. It's true you don't know what you don't know. And we didn't know either until we started following you Scotty. Thank you for all you do to get the word out on proper care!
Anytime Nini and I are on public transit going to and from the Vet if someone catches my eye and asks do you have a cat in there? I set them straight and am happy to talk about Guinea Pigs as long as they are interested. You probably DON'T want to get on public transportation with us! I discourage people from touching Nini because she is wierd about my touching her. But I will open the carrier to give a peek if it is safe and explain why I don't want them to touch her. I was fairly well educated from the beginning by hand written notes from my sister's 2nd generation GP breeder roommate.
Maybe also showing them cool enclosures where it looks exciting but with good facts, I find that with any Animal with however much experience people have there is always ways to improve
Believe me, I understand your frustration, Scotty. I spent 40-plus years working as a clerk in various pet supply stores -- never stores that sold animals. I researched all the animals usually kept as pets, every one of the animals for which we had supplies in the store, worked with rescues that held adoption events in the store, mainly dogs, cats, and rabbits. I wanted to be sure if someone asked me a question about a companion animal, I could give them *accurate* information. I never assumed I knew everything about any animal, even ones I had kept as pets myself over the years. Information changes.
I've seen so many pet shops with poor care for the animals, and that standard is then seen as acceptable to many. I definately think that the earlier people learn about good care and see animals as family, that's where things can change. I was taught to see the world from the point of the animal we cared for, and to treat them the way I'd feel best treated. I saw the world differently after that, and it's very positive. A good idea I have seen is a simple course on caring for your pet, for free, only it is not well advertised. It would be dependant on people available to help and resources. Also, giving out free care guides at pets shops would be a great start, or giving more info on channels like yourself, to really reach out to people. Your videos not only offer advice, but are relatable, open, creative and can be serious or funny. You offer everything, including your website holding so much info. Seeing life from the point of the animal would possibly help change the way of seeing a pet on a very personal level. Thankyou for this well thought out and important video, you have many ❤.
I can honestly say that when we got Guinea Pigs it was thanks to content from you, Saskia, Abby that guided us. In fact it was the hutch that Little Adventures made that inspired me to get one built with slight tweaks. So Thank You all for imparting your knowledge and wisdom upon us. Our Piggies are having much better lives for it ❤️
I agree. People are not educated enough. Your videos are brilliant. It wouldn't do any harm for the pet shops to work in collaboration with UA-cam in some way. After all. They like you to shop some of their pet food on line. 🤷♀️
I always think that if pets shops can work alongside their local shelters, advertise those in need of adoption, give care guides and recommend the best info sources, like Scottysanimals, the animals would stand a better chance. Education is key ❤
Nailed it! When I got Harriet, I was so overwhelmed by everything Petco was saying and what some of my friends who had guinea pigs had. I then googled, but that really wasn't help. I had to keep at it and I found you Scotty. Honestly, I did it all wrong and you know it was hard as getting Harriet first and then knowing she needed another, but she was all alone in her tank. She was bonded and that friend was sold and Harriet was isolated before I got her. Maybe more informative bonding with strong personalities,dominance with those who have been alone. I credit you,Saskia and Valerie and seeking the information with trying to find Harriet a friend, but it was hard. Getting her alone from a pet store made it a challenge. Scotty, you said things I might not wanted to hear, but I know I had to leave my feelings behind, not be selfish, and do what's best for Harriet. I found Clementine at a rescue and Harriet and Clementine have a close bond. So thankful!
Hey Scotty!. I love how you are so kind to these guinea pigs! It is really sad that people have been mis-treating guinea pigs. I will support your channel and support these guinea pigs. I think that the idea to make cute and funny videos to get people to watch and support and treat guinea pigs better. I also think that you should make a video that's really long and just tell people everything they need to do and what types of food to get and how to take care of them. I have two guinea pigs so I understand how you feel and how you want to help them.
I see this on reddit all the time The worst is when 10 or 50 people all tell the owner, please get a bigger cage and the person argues reasons to not do it....
Though that's true, I always recommend watching Scotty, LAGPR, and quite afew other channels. Sometimes, as Scotty, Saskia and many other rescuers have mentioned, if someone feels under attack, they are more likely to get defensive and not listen. But there are those who simply don't want to learn. Maybe a course for every family or person wanting an animal would help, though resources would probably be very stretched.
The top response I get when I’m sharing the information is “my pig is happy and healthy the way they are” or “ this is too extra, they are just Guinea pigs”.
You're totally right, Scotty! I can't believe the lack of information these people have. I think you're right about trying to reach these people with eye-catching videos. They'll see that our piggies have large cages, plenty of hay, etc. When I first got my guinea pigs, I was fortunate enough to have a knowledgeable Petsmart employee help us pick out the cage (the only one that they sold that was the minimum 8 sq feet for 2 piggies). Looking back, I cringe at the fact that I went to Petsmart instead of a rescue, but newbie mistake, I suppose. I began learning more right away about guinea pigs with the help of your videos, and Saskia's, Julia with Little Adventures, Sarah with Squeak Dreams. A lot of what keeps people engaged is keeping the content interesting. Throw an Easter Egg hunt in here, and a Christmas party in there. Let's make it fun. 😀 Also, when learning about piggies, people don't like to feel like they're being lectured or scolded. I know you and the others I mentioned don't do that, but there are online groups and forums, especially on Facebook, that are really bad as far as this goes.
I'm thankful that my very first piggie I did not get from a pet shop so I had to do my own homework beforehand to learn as much as I could about how the cage needs to be set up and everything else. People who think something is easy by watching an expert like Scotty are purely ignorant when piggies are one of the animals usually seen wrong when the care is ultimately simple once you get the routine down but the learning curve is the biggest downfall to that.
I think being brave and advocating for these babies is important (they don't have a voice but we do!) so if you have a friend that's got them or you go to the pet store and see them not with the best of care, say something! of course be nice! because no one will ever be receptive to us if were pointing fingers but a "hey that poor piggie is alone! or they need some more hay! can work wonders! same thing in the comments of UA-cam and other social medias! i think after enough people do that people will be more open to fixing their bad care. another thing i think is important is we all help share more resources to optimize our care/knowledge. can we drop our favorite cavy-tubers in the comments of this so that way more people can find the great care their piggies deserve! my favorites are Scotty's Animals, Los Angeles Guinea Pig Rescue, The Pig Room, Autumn Grace, The guinea pig jungle, squeaks dreams, the tiny herd
Sadly, some of those people do seek out help at one time, but people attack and shame them so they end up asking for advice again. It’s all about educating and not shaming.
Yeah, tell me about it. That's the struggle we go through on an almost daily basis. Try telling someone they're wrong about a subject that you know they obviously don't have a lot of info on and they will not listen.
People need to know you care about them and their pigs before they care what you know about piggies. So care and establish relationships then you can have the opportunity to speak into how they care for their pets.
I truly do not know how to get the message across to people. I just keep talking, especially while in the pet stores. And I do visit the pet stores quite frequently. I have 4 of them in my vicinity. I think also publicizing on social media that pet stores are there to sell and do not know the in and outs of animal care. HOWEVER, I would recommend not stating any names of pet stores. I feel like pinning signs to my back "Check out Scotty's Animals on UA-cam? As well as LAGPR and so guinea rescue. ❤❤
Tshirts with this on already would be great at advertising those with knowledge!! Or asking the workers at a pet shop if they want free care guides of Scotty, if such a thing was available. You're really doing your best! I'm on reddit, Instagram and here, and any guineapig or animal lovers or carers, I always recommend Scotty and LAGPR. There's so many wanting to know more and it's very positive ❤
My pig pen has two levels, built by my husband. Piggies love hiding below and we might they jump up on their platforms to watch telly with us! How about a platform we can share our pig pen designs.
Corporations that manufacture and sell inappropriate products have to be the main target followed by spreading information on social media Also a lot of people don’t consider small animals as equal to dogs and cats do they don’t bother to seek more information Sadly many people don’t bother to give an appropriate care for dogs and cats as well In a last a few years all animals became disposable 😞
The main goal of my channel is to promote proper guinea pig care. I really try to make fun, cute, entertaining videos that feature their large enclosure which is about 9’x12’. I know that size isn’t practical for most people but I want viewers to see what is possible when you really approach their care as you would a family member. I hope to make more informational videos in the future but I’ve gotten so many comments like “I didn’t know guinea pigs could run like that!” or “I had no idea they were so smart!” that I’m happy that I’ve at least changed some people’s misconceptions about them. 🙂
Well, if each of us would share the videos you're speaking of on our fb and other social media pages, they could reach a lot of people. Just one thought...
It’s a huge problem Scotty I try to teach people but everyone has an ego problem in this community they would rather block me then learn it’s very sad indeed most people think that they’re doing a great job it’s important for everyone to take constructive criticism once in a while
A massive part of the problem is the pet stores selling guinea pigs and other small animals. They don't properly vet who gets the animals and they portray a level of care that is totally inappropriate. I really, really wish pet stores would stop selling animals.
A major problem here in Springfield IL is the scarcity of vets schooled in exotics. We have 12 veterinarian clinics, but only 2 have such doctors. One of those will only take these pets if you also have a dog or cat with them. The after-hours emergency clinic sees only cats & dogs. My GP's doc is wonderful! I have only 1 pig due to extenuating circumstances which the vet agreed with. But I spend ~2 hrs with her every night & stimulate her mentally by teaching her tricks, talking to her, and singing to her. I keep a light and radio on at all times so she's not in dark silence at night. But finding a dr can be very hard. And if you want to spay or neuter them to allow co-ed living, it costs ~$250. There are no low-cost options here. With people seeing pet rodents as throwaway or not worth the money, it is probably creating the same overpopulation we see in cats and dogs. I also don't think we have any rescues in this area, so pet stores are the only place to get them.
I’m glad I’m not the only one who used to sing to my Guinea pig. He has sadly passed on, but I used to sing the Addams Family theme song to him but changed the lyrics to include his name. 😅
I think the care sheets at the pet stores need to have more up to date husbandry instructions and suggest you and Saskia as reliable sources of information. This is only second to banning the sale of animals at pet stores. They only sell the animals to sell the stuff anyway. A relationship with rescue and shelters to source the animals would be more appropriate. Also companies that make the right cages should be getting room on the shelves. This is just my opinion. Big gold star to the NYC council who have so far banned the sale of Ferrets, bunnies, and most recently Guinea Pigs!
A lot of the guinea pig FB groups kinda hate me now because I do not come to play when it comes to piggie care. I got into a pretty heated debate on a post, long story short they kept their single piggie in the smallest cage I had ever seen (tbh I think it was a hamster cage" and they would not realize anything was wrong because "they get lots of cuddles" like no. I basically said that the small cage was like asking a human to live in a porta-potty and only being allowed out when a giant who does not speak the same language decides it's okay. I know I need to be nicer but I am so sick of seeing people take on these lovely little animals and not bother to do any research whatsoever, I know everyone is different but I researched piggies for over a year before I got my first pair.
There are other alternatives but I recommend Child Life liquid vitamin c, it's much better quality vitamin C and you get so many more doses and it's cheaper. Check the diet section of my care guide
The biggest problem, I think, is unrealistic expectations of guinea pig behavior (as well as the housing and nutrition requirements, which you have documented well.) People who are unfamiliar with rodent behavior, the behavior of prey animals, or have only had other types of pets (such as dogs) often expect greater interaction and immediate bonding with their guinea pigs. People in these days seem to have no patience, or expect an animal to conform to behaviors beyond their natures and capabilities. I would caution against making “cute” or “funny” videos, showing guinea pigs doing tricks, obeying voice commands, etc., which can only be achieved by exceptional individual animals, with enormous amounts of their humans’ time devoted to training. Most people or their guinea pigs are not going to be successful with that. People need to be informed/taught to accept their individual piggies as they are, to conform their human behavior and expectations to their pets’ needs, and be content with that.
I just wish the pets stores would stop selling all animals. There are way too many that need good, clean proper homes. So many animal rescues that have such overcrowding it’s despicable. Not to mention the uneducated salespeople who don’t know what pen, bedding, toys are appropriate for the individual animals. They sell sick, or dying animals with nutritional malnourishment. People go and buy to smallest cage they can afford. 🤬
Keep up the great work , we all have to do our part in the education of guinea pig care🖤🧡🤍 I rescued my first piggy 7years ago from a situation where he was neglected and I had no idea as a teenager who has never had any rodents what I was getting myself into when taking him in, but I knew that he needed a better life. I think pushing the fact that they are exotic pets that require special vets and care is required also annoying the poo out of pet stores with evidence of neglect ( all pet stores in my city are not allowed to sell any pets because of the great people who gathered and put justice to the horrific living conditions of pet store animals). That piggies are not pets for kids and are not a starter animal because those don't exist. People need a reality check , me included I was ready to take him and learn everything I needed, but as a 16 year old living alone I could never have expected how much care and expenses they would need. I wouldn't change anything for the world because they are my babies, for now I got 3 babies rescued and I hope in time I'll get to rescue or rehome more, but the learning curve was definitely there. Hope to one day have my own proper rescue like you because my country doesn't have a piggy rescue ( sorry English isn't my mother tongue)
When I was a kid in the 70's we had guinea pigs. Back then we thought a 20 gallon aquarium was an appropriate cage. We didn't know all the things I know now. There were a bunch of things we did back then that would be frowned upon today. We got our shavings for free from the lumber yard too. But like I said it was the 70's-80's, we didn't have all this information. We did the best we could.
I kept mine in a cardboard box :( circa 2005
I got guinea pigs 3 months ago after not having pets for two decades. They are so spoiled, but it made me think of our 3 bunnies and 20 rats, who didn't had nearly as much. I'm glad we have all this information now.
When I was a kid - around the tome you were :) - our piggies got seeds to eat and fresh alfalfa from our garden that was grown especially for them. Now all we know how bad those were for them.
They lived in a tiny box, but they had free floor time evey afternoon. Actually all afternoon in the whole room.
You are not alone in this I assure you.
I think we should make a bunch of cute Guinea pig videos but with big runs and Guinea pig enclosures in the background but close enough for people to see and also feed them the right food on camera and talk about the good kind of Guinea pig care I have seven piggies myself and also want people to be more aware about this big problem 😊
This is why I will send super thanks whenever I can to algorithm boost your quality content so it reaches more people. 🙏
That is very thoughtful of you, thank you so much ❤️
Our son flew his piggies to us when he had to go overseas. We were already in 4H for chickens and joined the cavy club to learn about how to care for them. 4H also has you compete to show how much you know and are caring for your piggies. You can win awards and meet fellow piggie enthusiasts.
I LOVED 4-H! I had rabbits (and a horse) at the time and remember seeing Cavies at the county fair. I thought What? No way, rabbits are so much better. 50 years later... 😂
I am sorry that I got it wrong. I had no idea how to properly care for my piggies when my piggies got ill. Yes, we went to vets, but there is so much more they needed. I didn't even learn about critical care food until it was too late. I have been watching your videos to heal. Gus reminds me of my little guy. I would suggest going to pet stores or vets and having biz cards to promote cute piggie videos - and your care guide - to draw people in. Thank you for all you do.
With the holidays coming up, it'd be cool to have a bunch of Halloween theme, etc.
Yes I do believe timely and trending topics will help boost engagement
I have some on my Instagram! And my TikTok!
The first guinea pig I knew was at a friend's house, and we were about 9 years old (a little over 50 years ago). The poor little guy lived in a very tiny cage, with no hay, and a metal grid under his feet that must have made him suffer every time he moved. Even without any information, you have to be particularly stupid and cruel to impose such living conditions on an animal. I really hope that this kind of cage no longer exists nowadays! Thank you very much dear Scotty 🙏❤️✨
Thanks Scotty,I am loathe to farm
my cavies offspring out for the reasons you mentioned
Consequently I have 19 piggies.to care for.It is a full on commitment but much better than worrying about their quality of life.Their cage muck out material is great for our compost heaps🌽🥕🌼🌱😊
One time I went to Petsmart to ask if they had an abyssinian guinea pig. The guy goes to the back to check and they had them in cramped tight shelf’s and there was an overwhelming urine smell in the room, made my mouth drop
I can see the problem. I was recently at PetSmart, looking for a companion for my girl, we recently lost her sister and I suggested to the manager of the area that maybe they changed the skill level of care from beginner to at least intermediate. She just shrugged me off.
And before I get the adopt dont shop crowd, I have found another problem, the lack of rescues willing to work with me. Im in PA and I have for the last month looked at every conceivable pet site looking for a single girl piggie. I have been on Craigslist, PetFinder, Home to Home, GP finder, etc. The Humane society had one they wont adopt out bc shes vicious. I suggested it might be bc she's in a shelter and asked if I could bring my girl in WITH a health cert from my vet, No. I found a rescue 4 hrs away and also no on a meet and greet. Another rescue won't adopt out of their metro area. I've called vets left my name, nothing. I will be plunking down $60 on a young piggie in hopes that my shy little Poppy will find her spark again. Would i prefer to rescue yup, that's how i got my herd, but I'm not waiting any longer, I don't want to risk my little Poppy.
Great video, click bait is the way to go. People don't read information leaflets anymore, they need to be told through visuals. You do a fabulous job Scotty. Keep going strong 💪 ❤😊
My daughter did a large animal learning event for her green clover pin but would have liked to put on the small animal event: bunnies, piggies and chickens/turkeys/ducks. In the club. we made animal friendly gardens, animal biology crafting and read fun books about the animal.
When I had my first guinea pigs I bought a pet shop cage with bars across the roof. It had great reviews but shortly after at home I felt it was kind of boring both for them and for me. So I bought stuff and built my own home for them four or five times as big. Now that was fun!
I guess that could be one way. Inspire to create and build your own. I did the same with my birds. All animals now take up more than half of my apartment but we share it together so why not?
Younger ppl might not have that opportunity but perhaps inspire to build something with many floors.
I blame the pet shops, I live in England and the pets shops sell mostly stuff and cages that are unsuitable for guinea pigs and probably other animals. Big well known companies should be made to provide leaflets with all the proper care info and size of enclosure required.
Thank God for you and another UA-cam person I watch in uk
You two have really helped me a lot to care for my piggies and give them the best life. Thank Scotty
Im in uk yes pah sell ridiculous things for gps ..I avoid shop at local pet shop ..have big c and c cages ..fleece bases hay litter trays .
Learnt so much from scottie and squeak dreams
Share your videos on social media!
A very important video❤️
Great idea, Scotty! So many people watch those short, funny animal videos, and you're great at making entertaining videos. Sometimes people just seeing a funny video, which showcases piggies in their proper environment, can be really educational.
I’ve adopted several guinea pigs from Grandma’s animal rescue and I just love Linda Jones she has so much knowledge. I’ve learned so much from her I just can’t thank her enough. I love that I can ask her anything. Please adopt don’t shop.
I couldn't agree more! Do you know she used to live in Los Angeles and volunteer with the Los Angeles guinea pig rescue? We have known her for quite a long time and we love her very much. She is also purchased numerous items from my Scotty's Animals Etsy shop!
I like your extremely well done music videos like Red Eyes Rock,the Guinea Boars, etc. Maybe make more and more shorts of those. My engineer friend always says that you don't know what you don't know. Thanks for your continuous work for the education of ppl regarding piggie care.
I used to love collecting books on the care of Guinea Pigs and I still have them all. Books by Peter Gurney were my favourite. People really do need to learn about cage paralysis for example because of lack of exercise and all sorts of other consequences because they're doing it their way to suit them, not doing it to ensure the wellbeing of their animals. It's often difficult to educate these kind of people. Thanks for the great video Scotty 🐹🐹🐹🐹
I still have all my books 👍
@@amandaliverpool3374 that's good Amanda 👍. It's good to keep them.
I make sure with my short and longer videos everyone sees their huge living spaces and enclosures! And massive hay piles everywhere. Also clarity on girls and boys SEPARATE rooms!❤ Share the knowledge of living large with space and hay for our little loves ❤
I think the best thing we can do as individuals who have guinea pigs is just talk to people. I have had more than person mention when they know that I have guinea pigs that they want to get "one". I always say you need more than one and do your research. One day our mail lady saw me snuggling one of ours outside while she was delivering the mail. She said she had them as a kid in SoCal and they lived outside. She asked if they can live outside in S. Oregon where we live and I said, no, guinea pigs shouldn't live outside anywhere. She was surprised. It's true you don't know what you don't know. And we didn't know either until we started following you Scotty. Thank you for all you do to get the word out on proper care!
Anytime Nini and I are on public transit going to and from the Vet if someone catches my eye and asks do you have a cat in there? I set them straight and am happy to talk about Guinea Pigs as long as they are interested. You probably DON'T want to get on public transportation with us! I discourage people from touching Nini because she is wierd about my touching her. But I will open the carrier to give a peek if it is safe and explain why I don't want them to touch her. I was fairly well educated from the beginning by hand written notes from my sister's 2nd generation GP breeder roommate.
Just shared this on my main fb page. Go Scotty!! 👍
I love the little bits of editing you added into this video! I noticed them for sure :D
Maybe also showing them cool enclosures where it looks exciting but with good facts, I find that with any Animal with however much experience people have there is always ways to improve
Love the Mary Poppins reference...too cute.
Believe me, I understand your frustration, Scotty. I spent 40-plus years working as a clerk in various pet supply stores -- never stores that sold animals. I researched all the animals usually kept as pets, every one of the animals for which we had supplies in the store, worked with rescues that held adoption events in the store, mainly dogs, cats, and rabbits. I wanted to be sure if someone asked me a question about a companion animal, I could give them *accurate* information. I never assumed I knew everything about any animal, even ones I had kept as pets myself over the years. Information changes.
I've seen so many pet shops with poor care for the animals, and that standard is then seen as acceptable to many. I definately think that the earlier people learn about good care and see animals as family, that's where things can change. I was taught to see the world from the point of the animal we cared for, and to treat them the way I'd feel best treated. I saw the world differently after that, and it's very positive.
A good idea I have seen is a simple course on caring for your pet, for free, only it is not well advertised. It would be dependant on people available to help and resources. Also, giving out free care guides at pets shops would be a great start, or giving more info on channels like yourself, to really reach out to people.
Your videos not only offer advice, but are relatable, open, creative and can be serious or funny. You offer everything, including your website holding so much info. Seeing life from the point of the animal would possibly help change the way of seeing a pet on a very personal level.
Thankyou for this well thought out and important video, you have many ❤.
I can honestly say that when we got Guinea Pigs it was thanks to content from you, Saskia, Abby that guided us. In fact it was the hutch that Little Adventures made that inspired me to get one built with slight tweaks.
So Thank You all for imparting your knowledge and wisdom upon us. Our Piggies are having much better lives for it ❤️
I need to post more photos of my C and C cages. I’ll start introducing them while they are in the cage. That’s probably a great idea.
I agree. People are not educated enough. Your videos are brilliant.
It wouldn't do any harm for the pet shops to work in collaboration with UA-cam in some way. After all. They like you to shop some of their pet food on line. 🤷♀️
I always think that if pets shops can work alongside their local shelters, advertise those in need of adoption, give care guides and recommend the best info sources, like Scottysanimals, the animals would stand a better chance. Education is key ❤
@@heatherburrellYes!
Nailed it! When I got Harriet, I was so overwhelmed by everything Petco was saying and what some of my friends who had guinea pigs had. I then googled, but that really wasn't help. I had to keep at it and I found you Scotty. Honestly, I did it all wrong and you know it was hard as getting Harriet first and then knowing she needed another, but she was all alone in her tank. She was bonded and that friend was sold and Harriet was isolated before I got her. Maybe more informative bonding with strong personalities,dominance with those who have been alone. I credit you,Saskia and Valerie and seeking the information with trying to find Harriet a friend, but it was hard. Getting her alone from a pet store made it a challenge. Scotty, you said things I might not wanted to hear, but I know I had to leave my feelings behind, not be selfish, and do what's best for Harriet. I found Clementine at a rescue and Harriet and Clementine have a close bond. So thankful!
Hey Scotty!. I love how you are so kind to these guinea pigs! It is really sad that people have been mis-treating guinea pigs. I will support your channel and support these guinea pigs. I think that the idea to make cute and funny videos to get people to watch and support and treat guinea pigs better. I also think that you should make a video that's really long and just tell people everything they need to do and what types of food to get and how to take care of them. I have two guinea pigs so I understand how you feel and how you want to help them.
You're doing a fantastic job. Thankyou ! 👍
Knowledge is a wonderful thing! Thank you!!
I see this on reddit all the time
The worst is when 10 or 50 people all tell the owner, please get a bigger cage and the person argues reasons to not do it....
Though that's true, I always recommend watching Scotty, LAGPR, and quite afew other channels. Sometimes, as Scotty, Saskia and many other rescuers have mentioned, if someone feels under attack, they are more likely to get defensive and not listen. But there are those who simply don't want to learn. Maybe a course for every family or person wanting an animal would help, though resources would probably be very stretched.
I wear my Scotty’s Animals shirt every time I go in a pet store and tell people to watch your videos that teach proper care.
I am taking this video as a sign I need to post more shorts of my guinea pigs being cute
Big fan
The top response I get when I’m sharing the information is “my pig is happy and healthy the way they are” or “ this is too extra, they are just Guinea pigs”.
You're totally right, Scotty! I can't believe the lack of information these people have. I think you're right about trying to reach these people with eye-catching videos. They'll see that our piggies have large cages, plenty of hay, etc. When I first got my guinea pigs, I was fortunate enough to have a knowledgeable Petsmart employee help us pick out the cage (the only one that they sold that was the minimum 8 sq feet for 2 piggies). Looking back, I cringe at the fact that I went to Petsmart instead of a rescue, but newbie mistake, I suppose. I began learning more right away about guinea pigs with the help of your videos, and Saskia's, Julia with Little Adventures, Sarah with Squeak Dreams. A lot of what keeps people engaged is keeping the content interesting. Throw an Easter Egg hunt in here, and a Christmas party in there. Let's make it fun. 😀 Also, when learning about piggies, people don't like to feel like they're being lectured or scolded. I know you and the others I mentioned don't do that, but there are online groups and forums, especially on Facebook, that are really bad as far as this goes.
Thank you
I'm thankful that my very first piggie I did not get from a pet shop so I had to do my own homework beforehand to learn as much as I could about how the cage needs to be set up and everything else. People who think something is easy by watching an expert like Scotty are purely ignorant when piggies are one of the animals usually seen wrong when the care is ultimately simple once you get the routine down but the learning curve is the biggest downfall to that.
I think being brave and advocating for these babies is important (they don't have a voice but we do!) so if you have a friend that's got them or you go to the pet store and see them not with the best of care, say something! of course be nice! because no one will ever be receptive to us if were pointing fingers but a "hey that poor piggie is alone! or they need some more hay! can work wonders! same thing in the comments of UA-cam and other social medias! i think after enough people do that people will be more open to fixing their bad care. another thing i think is important is we all help share more resources to optimize our care/knowledge. can we drop our favorite cavy-tubers in the comments of this so that way more people can find the great care their piggies deserve! my favorites are
Scotty's Animals, Los Angeles Guinea Pig Rescue, The Pig Room, Autumn Grace, The guinea pig jungle, squeaks dreams, the tiny herd
Sadly, some of those people do seek out help at one time, but people attack and shame them so they end up asking for advice again. It’s all about educating and not shaming.
Yeah, tell me about it. That's the struggle we go through on an almost daily basis. Try telling someone they're wrong about a subject that you know they obviously don't have a lot of info on and they will not listen.
People need to know you care about them and their pigs before they care what you know about piggies. So care and establish relationships then you can have the opportunity to speak into how they care for their pets.
I truly do not know how to get the message across to people. I just keep talking, especially while in the pet stores. And I do visit the pet stores quite frequently. I have 4 of them in my vicinity. I think also publicizing on social media that pet stores are there to sell and do not know the in and outs of animal care. HOWEVER, I would recommend not stating any names of pet stores. I feel like pinning signs to my back "Check out Scotty's Animals on UA-cam? As well as LAGPR and so guinea rescue. ❤❤
Tshirts with this on already would be great at advertising those with knowledge!! Or asking the workers at a pet shop if they want free care guides of Scotty, if such a thing was available. You're really doing your best! I'm on reddit, Instagram and here, and any guineapig or animal lovers or carers, I always recommend Scotty and LAGPR. There's so many wanting to know more and it's very positive ❤
My pig pen has two levels, built by my husband. Piggies love hiding below and we might they jump up on their platforms to watch telly with us! How about a platform we can share our pig pen designs.
At night they jump up!!
With top winners!!
Corporations that manufacture and sell inappropriate products have to be the main target followed by spreading information on social media
Also a lot of people don’t consider small animals as equal to dogs and cats do they don’t bother to seek more information
Sadly many people don’t bother to give an appropriate care for dogs and cats as well
In a last a few years all animals became disposable 😞
The main goal of my channel is to promote proper guinea pig care. I really try to make fun, cute, entertaining videos that feature their large enclosure which is about 9’x12’. I know that size isn’t practical for most people but I want viewers to see what is possible when you really approach their care as you would a family member. I hope to make more informational videos in the future but I’ve gotten so many comments like “I didn’t know guinea pigs could run like that!” or “I had no idea they were so smart!” that I’m happy that I’ve at least changed some people’s misconceptions about them. 🙂
Well, if each of us would share the videos you're speaking of on our fb and other social media pages, they could reach a lot of people. Just one thought...
It’s a huge problem Scotty I try to teach people but everyone has an ego problem in this community they would rather block me then learn it’s very sad indeed most people think that they’re doing a great job it’s important for everyone to take constructive criticism once in a while
A massive part of the problem is the pet stores selling guinea pigs and other small animals. They don't properly vet who gets the animals and they portray a level of care that is totally inappropriate. I really, really wish pet stores would stop selling animals.
My Scarlet is not in a cage and I certainly will not put her in one either its unfair to be neglected and deserve love and care ❤
A major problem here in Springfield IL is the scarcity of vets schooled in exotics. We have 12 veterinarian clinics, but only 2 have such doctors. One of those will only take these pets if you also have a dog or cat with them. The after-hours emergency clinic sees only cats & dogs. My GP's doc is wonderful! I have only 1 pig due to extenuating circumstances which the vet agreed with. But I spend ~2 hrs with her every night & stimulate her mentally by teaching her tricks, talking to her, and singing to her. I keep a light and radio on at all times so she's not in dark silence at night. But finding a dr can be very hard. And if you want to spay or neuter them to allow co-ed living, it costs ~$250. There are no low-cost options here. With people seeing pet rodents as throwaway or not worth the money, it is probably creating the same overpopulation we see in cats and dogs. I also don't think we have any rescues in this area, so pet stores are the only place to get them.
I’m glad I’m not the only one who used to sing to my Guinea pig. He has sadly passed on, but I used to sing the Addams Family theme song to him but changed the lyrics to include his name. 😅
I think the care sheets at the pet stores need to have more up to date husbandry instructions and suggest you and Saskia as reliable sources of information. This is only second to banning the sale of animals at pet stores. They only sell the animals to sell the stuff anyway. A relationship with rescue and shelters to source the animals would be more appropriate. Also companies that make the right cages should be getting room on the shelves. This is just my opinion. Big gold star to the NYC council who have so far banned the sale of Ferrets, bunnies, and most recently Guinea Pigs!
Hey Scotty I think doing Tiktoks with viral music or tends would be helpful bc most younger generation is on tiktok.
Who started drinking at 4:20? Reminded me of Nate
I had the same thought ❤️ we have a lot of thunkers in the room
Oof what happened 😢
You got to watch the video, Kaye! Lol
I wonder if a skit showing guinea pigs caring for humans would work?
A lot of the guinea pig FB groups kinda hate me now because I do not come to play when it comes to piggie care. I got into a pretty heated debate on a post, long story short they kept their single piggie in the smallest cage I had ever seen (tbh I think it was a hamster cage" and they would not realize anything was wrong because "they get lots of cuddles" like no. I basically said that the small cage was like asking a human to live in a porta-potty and only being allowed out when a giant who does not speak the same language decides it's okay. I know I need to be nicer but I am so sick of seeing people take on these lovely little animals and not bother to do any research whatsoever, I know everyone is different but I researched piggies for over a year before I got my first pair.
Scotty, does anyone know where I can purchase Oxbox vitamin C tabs? We are out everywhere!
There are other alternatives but I recommend Child Life liquid vitamin c, it's much better quality vitamin C and you get so many more doses and it's cheaper. Check the diet section of my care guide
The biggest problem, I think, is unrealistic expectations of guinea pig behavior (as well as the housing and nutrition requirements, which you have documented well.) People who are unfamiliar with rodent behavior, the behavior of prey animals, or have only had other types of pets (such as dogs) often expect greater interaction and immediate bonding with their guinea pigs. People in these days seem to have no patience, or expect an animal to conform to behaviors beyond their natures and capabilities. I would caution against making “cute” or “funny” videos, showing guinea pigs doing tricks, obeying voice commands, etc., which can only be achieved by exceptional individual animals, with enormous amounts of their humans’ time devoted to training. Most people or their guinea pigs are not going to be successful with that. People need to be informed/taught to accept their individual piggies as they are, to conform their human behavior and expectations to their pets’ needs, and be content with that.
I just made a video saying no buying Guinea pig or hamster from pet stores
Can I ship 2 Guinea Pigs to you?
I just wish the pets stores would stop selling all animals. There are way too many that need good, clean proper homes. So many animal rescues that have such overcrowding it’s despicable. Not to mention the uneducated salespeople who don’t know what pen, bedding, toys are appropriate for the individual animals. They sell sick, or dying animals with nutritional malnourishment. People go and buy to smallest cage they can afford. 🤬
Yes it is awful and we will never stop speaking up about it
Keep up the great work , we all have to do our part in the education of guinea pig care🖤🧡🤍 I rescued my first piggy 7years ago from a situation where he was neglected and I had no idea as a teenager who has never had any rodents what I was getting myself into when taking him in, but I knew that he needed a better life. I think pushing the fact that they are exotic pets that require special vets and care is required also annoying the poo out of pet stores with evidence of neglect ( all pet stores in my city are not allowed to sell any pets because of the great people who gathered and put justice to the horrific living conditions of pet store animals). That piggies are not pets for kids and are not a starter animal because those don't exist. People need a reality check , me included I was ready to take him and learn everything I needed, but as a 16 year old living alone I could never have expected how much care and expenses they would need. I wouldn't change anything for the world because they are my babies, for now I got 3 babies rescued and I hope in time I'll get to rescue or rehome more, but the learning curve was definitely there. Hope to one day have my own proper rescue like you because my country doesn't have a piggy rescue ( sorry English isn't my mother tongue)