Guinea pig issue....

[bitzy12]

Wasn't sure where to post this really as a strange one but just wanting to know if I'm being a cruel mother/step mother.

I'm really wanting to re home our 2 Guinea pugs.

We have 4 children - 2 are mine and 2 are DH. We are expecting our first child together. I'm finding my pregnancy really tough, constantly sick and worn out.

It's got to the point where I am the one that looks after the guinea pigs. Sometimes dsd will clean them out - she's 12 - the eldest. None of the other kids are bothered about them in the slightest.

We mentioned to dsd before about re homing them but she started crying and said we couldn't. She cleaned them out that weekend but she hasn't done it since. We even pay her to do it when she does. We ask her to do it but she will just go upstairs or leave it right until the last minute before she goes back to her mums. None of the kids ever get them out to cuddle or play with.

Now I am a massive animal lover and I hate to see them not getting any sort of attention. I'm feeling so sickly and I'll I'm struggling to even feed them never mind clean them out. DH has been doing it but he works long hours so it's not exactly what he needs either.

Now I know if we re home them dsd will cry her eyes out - even though she never bothers with them. She will act like it's the end of the world. I'm planning on telling the other 3 dcs that they have gone on guinea pig holiday.... once they find out there's a new baby I'm sure that will take over everything.

AIBU in rehoming them? I know they could have a much better home and I cannot stand the smell from the cage in my hallway any longer

We have 4 house Guinea pigs which were the kids but I've taken full care off, the kids do help and when asked will do whatever they need, they just don't seem to think independently of the G.pigs needs. If you don't have the time and your daughter isn't caring for them as planned I would rehome, they do take a lot of time to care for properly and it's not fair on them (or you) if they don't have the care they need. Your daughter has been warned and I feel is old enough to know the consequences for not caring for them.
If you have a friend lined up to take them then could your daughter visit the pigs occasionally? She may be.more willing to let go if she could still see them? Hope everything works out for you

"I think at 12 she is old enough to understand that if she doesn't look after her pets properly, then she doesn't get to have them."

I agree with this. Maybe explain to her that if she wants them to stay she will need to help you whilst you are pregnant/recovering from birth.

If she's not committed tell her it'd be kinder to rehome them and let her know you're serious about it.

Easier said than done as I actually wouldn't be able to rehome them. If you think it'd be better for them then you could play this card.

Maybe say the same to your partner, let him know you need his help until you're on your feet again.

I have 8 piggies and had major sickness all the way through pregnancy but was lucky as my partner cleaned them out for the whole 9 months!

Hope it works out for you!