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WHY do ppl say that it is bad for ther backs2007-11-24 22:19:48

why does every one say that leads and balls are bad for guniea pigs backs? i have had guniea pigs for over 7 years now and it has never dun any of mine any harm?? if it was bad for them then why are they sold in pet shops??

Answers:

Yes, aconaffleas answer does rock. Just because something is sold at a certain place (in this case a pet store), doesn't mean that they are safe.

Harnesses:

A guinea pigs spine is not flexible, when they are on a harness they can become scared (which is normal), if they suddenly run forward and there is not enough slack on the lead then they get jerked or something to a similar effect, bending the spine in a way that it is not made to go. This sudden movement can easily brake the spine, snapping it in 2 or other serious damage.

Wheels/balls:

Again guinea pigs are not flexible, wheels are made so that the spine of the animal bends in a "u" type shape, a guinea pigs spine is not made to bend this way and therefore the spine can again easily be broken.

Pet stores and their manufacturers are greedy, making and selling things for money and not for the health of the guinea pig thus why products made from recognised guinea pig manufacturers are often better for your piggy than pet products.

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They sell them in pet shops because the pet industry doesn't know any better. They also haven't changed a lot of the outdated products. Guinea pigs do not have the flexible spine that mice, hamsters and rats have. Leads are not harmful as long as you use one that is made for a guinea pig.

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I would say that the ball would be hard because they would be bending their spine a lot and don't normally do that. The leads and harnesses would be fine if the fit and are made for the guniea pigs.

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The pet stores sell the balls and leads because they are trying get money, and, because they think it will attract guinea pig lovers. I know, it's really weird, but, it's true. A guinea pig's spine isn't flexible like a hamster, for example. So, that makes "guinea pig" balls and harnesses and leads out of the picture.

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the people who make them dont care at all about ur animals even if they say the do. those people are so cheap they'll do anything to get ur money. please stop using them. they may have been fine in the past but u never know what will happen in the future. also the injuries may have been minore. i thing guinea pigs are pretty dificult when it comes to finding out if theres somthing wrong.

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"If it was bad for them why are they sold in pet shops?" McDonalds sells french fries, which are bad for you, yet McDonalds continues to sell them anyway. Cigarette companies continue to manufacture cigarettes...the list could seriously go on. It's about making money - people will provide in excess what makes them money. The difference here is that as a consumer you have a choice in the matter of what you put into your body. As a pet owner, it's your responsibility to provide the highest quality of life for your animals - thus, you do research into the best foods, the best toys, the best kennels, cages, etc. Guinea pigs anatomy isn't ideal for big running balls or wheels. While it may not be evident that it's "hurting" them, it's still up to you, as their owner, to figure out if it's in their best interest, which, to be frank, it's not.

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because guinea pigs' bodies were not built for running around in a wheel or a ball.

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Acanoffleas answers rocks!