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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To think MN shouldn't be promoting old fashioned and cruel methods of pet ownership

139 replies

Newfluff · 05/12/2022 22:29

OK, my teens will say 'it's not that deep' but AIBU to be saddened that the best toy of 2022 is based on cruelty?

Guinea pigs are social creatures that need to live in pairs, but ideally groups. They need space to thrive not a tiny handbag cage.

I'm sure the majority will say I'm batshit and that it doesn't matter as they aren't real, but this perpetuates the idea of it being acceptable to house pigs alone in dark cages, and this shouldn't be promoted in 2022

To think MN shouldn't be promoting old fashioned and cruel methods of pet ownership
OP posts:
RosalindsAFuckingNightmare · 05/12/2022 22:30

I agree OP, you are not batshit at all. Teaching our children about animal welfare should be a priority, not promoting outdated ideas of what used to be acceptable.

Kanaloa · 05/12/2022 22:31

They’re toys. My DS has a range of sea animals, but he understands that in real life orcas must not/should not be kept in captivity (certainly not in a terraced house) because it is cruel.

DD’s lol dolls on the other hand… promoting entirely ridiculous head to body proportions. Nobody could walk round with a head that huge.

blubberball · 05/12/2022 22:32

I see what you are saying. I'd just be happy the kids would be getting a toy instead of a real animal.

VioletLemon · 05/12/2022 22:32

You're right, it's horrible to perpetuate this idea.

Allmyarseandpeggymartin · 05/12/2022 22:32

You do know that it’s not real op?

luxxlisbon · 05/12/2022 22:32

It’s a toy. My DD’s toy bear lives in a cardboard box, is that animal cruelty too?

Testina · 05/12/2022 22:32

I’m more distracted trying to work out why a “best pick” would be some plastic tat for £66 bloody quid?!!

Kanaloa · 05/12/2022 22:33

And the fact is toys exist to sell themselves - most parents wouldn’t want a massive Guinea pig cage taking over the bedroom, filled with several Guinea pig toys that are rarely played with.The small size of it appeals as it’s easy to tidy away and the child can take it around places with them.

Plus most of the parents who buy this will be buying it because they won’t get their kid a real pet. They get the toy one instead!

If it helps though, there is also a lizard little live pet that comes with no appropriate vivarium or lighting equipment.

Afterfire · 05/12/2022 22:33

I completely agree with you. (Owner of 4 pampered indoor Guinea pigs who live in a huge c and c cage that literally takes up half our 20ft kitchen diner).

Guinea pigs are one of the most misunderstood pets. They need company but not rabbits (!), LOTS of space and they cost a LOT in vets bills if they’re unwell (one of ours had an eye removed due to a hay poke - cost £650). I wish people would research more.

luxxlisbon · 05/12/2022 22:35

RosalindsAFuckingNightmare · 05/12/2022 22:30

I agree OP, you are not batshit at all. Teaching our children about animal welfare should be a priority, not promoting outdated ideas of what used to be acceptable.

Should children have to take toy dogs on walks twice a day too otherwise it’s not acceptable pet ownership?

I mean seriously, a companion and a bigger hitch for a stuffed Guinea pig!

XenoBitch · 05/12/2022 22:36

It is a toy... and any responsible parent would also teach their kid that there is a big difference between some plastic and a real animal.

BMW6 · 05/12/2022 22:36

Afterfire but these are stuffed toy guinea pigs, not real ones? 😳 surely?

SeenAndNot · 05/12/2022 22:36

Aren’t you missing the fact that said toy has 3 babies and as such is not alone? Get a grip.

fruktsoda · 05/12/2022 22:36

It's about the size of the toy. Most parents who buy this toy and most children who receive this toy will never go on to own an actual guinea pig. If they do, they will need to do a little research and should then learn what is acceptable and what is not. This toy won't teach you how to care for a live animal. That's not its purpose.

CaptainThe95thRifles · 05/12/2022 22:36

I agree, OP, I think that's appalling. I don't think sea life figures are comparable to a lone toy guinea pig that comes with a tiny hutch. It's the accessories / "care" aspect of the toy that is deeply concerning, and it's appalling that the other options (e.g. the lizard mentioned above) aren't any better. Compared to something like Crafty Ponies (to whom I'm not affiliated!) who make toy ponies with rugs, accurate miniature tack, farriery sets and all sorts of educational kits, for a similar (large set) price as this, I can't possibly imagine why this would be the best of the best.

SeenAndNot · 05/12/2022 22:38

Testina · 05/12/2022 22:32

I’m more distracted trying to work out why a “best pick” would be some plastic tat for £66 bloody quid?!!

Much better question

luxxlisbon · 05/12/2022 22:38

SeenAndNot · 05/12/2022 22:36

Aren’t you missing the fact that said toy has 3 babies and as such is not alone? Get a grip.

I hope she’s getting child support after being left alone with 3 babies!

Original poster
Newfluff · 05/12/2022 22:38

blubberball · 05/12/2022 22:32

I see what you are saying. I'd just be happy the kids would be getting a toy instead of a real animal.

I thought this when I first saw it, but it cements the idea that pigs should live in cages alone, so if they progress to owning live pigs they are more likely to replicate the housing.

Rabbit hutches were used in the war to house rabbits that were destined for the pot, they were never designed as lifetime prisons where socially complex animals live out their lives in solitude.

OP posts:
CaptainThe95thRifles · 05/12/2022 22:38

fruktsoda · 05/12/2022 22:36

It's about the size of the toy. Most parents who buy this toy and most children who receive this toy will never go on to own an actual guinea pig. If they do, they will need to do a little research and should then learn what is acceptable and what is not. This toy won't teach you how to care for a live animal. That's not its purpose.

If you think that some parents don't buy their kids unsuitable pets with no research (and therefore extremely poor management and care), on the basis of films, trends and toys, you're sadly mistaken. I wish it weren't the case, but some parents do just that.

SliceOfCakeCupOfTea · 05/12/2022 22:39

Testina · 05/12/2022 22:32

I’m more distracted trying to work out why a “best pick” would be some plastic tat for £66 bloody quid?!!

Isn't it the toy that "gives birth"?
Canny bit of tech involved in that if it is.

Teafor1please · 05/12/2022 22:39

Was also coming to say the mama guinea pig has 3 babies... So they all live socially together in the tiny hutch

SeenAndNot · 05/12/2022 22:39

luxxlisbon · 05/12/2022 22:38

I hope she’s getting child support after being left alone with 3 babies!

Show quote history

Bigger issue, if one of the babies is a boy and they aren’t separated after 6 weeks, more babies will be on the way. She would be claiming child support from her own son. There’s a Jerem Kyle show…

SeenAndNot · 05/12/2022 22:40

SliceOfCakeCupOfTea · 05/12/2022 22:39

Isn't it the toy that "gives birth"?
Canny bit of tech involved in that if it is.

Show quote history

They fall out from the roof. Childbirth made easy.

BMW6 · 05/12/2022 22:41

I am confused. Are people suggesting children having Not Real Toy animals will lead to children ill treating real animals?

Will they try and put a duffle coat, hat and wellies on a bear? And feed it only on marmalade sandwiches?

CaptainThe95thRifles · 05/12/2022 22:43

BMW6 · 05/12/2022 22:41

I am confused. Are people suggesting children having Not Real Toy animals will lead to children ill treating real animals?

Will they try and put a duffle coat, hat and wellies on a bear? And feed it only on marmalade sandwiches?

I don't think it would be the bear that was ill-treated if they tried that!