The following is the log of the chat that Wanda Curran participated in on June 16 at 3 PM, Pacific time. Wanda Curran is under the alias WandaC.

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<Wanda> Hi Jeff

<zlynx> Hi people

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<zlynx> I have your book out from the library and have had for a while.   I was pleased to hear that you would be here.

<Jeff[CG]> Hi, sorry, I've been away

<Guest10574> Jeff I seem to ge having a bit of trouble with this thing,

<zlynx> Do you have any plans to put out a revised book?

<Guest10574> I'm Wanda

<zlynx> Josephine from our board mentioned that she knew you when she was a kid.

<Guest10574> For the life of me I can't remember the password

<zlynx> We can see your words if you can see ours.

<Guest10574> That is very true

<zlynx> Do you have any plans to put out a revised book?

<Jeff[CG]> Do you see the new window that should have popped up?

<Guest10574> Let me see if I can log on with my name, sorry about this problem

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<zlynx> Jeff, can Wanda read our words?

<newname> Yes I can read your words

<Jeff[CG]> yes, she is just having trouble identifying herself to the chat room

<zlynx> Do you have any plans to write a revised book?

<Jeff[CG]> please wait until wanda gets straitend out before asking questions.

<newname> I'm not certain, my contract says it is up to the publisher to approach me.  However, I have been told that I may now suggest it.

<Jeff[CG]> Wanda, how can I help you?

<zlynx> Compared with many of the books out there on guinea pigs, I feel yours offers quite a bit that many of the other books do not.  I think many people appreciate that you deal with medical issues.

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<WandaC> I will need to do a bit more research before I can submit a revision

<zlynx> We spend alot of time on the board debating various issues, like what to use for parasites, how quickly medical advice should be sought.  Is there medical advice you have given that you would change?

<WandaC> Not so much with parasites, but with things like diahrrea and respiratory problems.

<WandaC> I would advise getting to the vet a bit sooner.

<zlynx> I am also curious about ear mites -- I understand they are rabbit ear mites and wondered if selnic mites ever infested ears also

<WandaC> Selnic mites infect the skin and the ear mites do the same.  I have never seen anything that says they are the same mite.

<zlynx> Do you feel selnic mites are adequately treated with a pyrethrin dip (I think that is what you first suggested, then suggested ivermectin).

<zlynx> How many guinea pigs do you have now?

<WandaC> Generally the concept is go from the easiest treatment to the more difficult.  If the infestation is a mild one, the pyrethrin dip does the job very nicely.

<zlynx> Jeff never explained how he had the good fortune to have you come to his site..  It is wonderful to have you here.

<zlynx> You apparently have had guinea pigs for a long time.  Do you find them affectionate (I'm afraid mine aren't at all, but we are getting to know each other).

<WandaC> The ivermectin works great for a number of parasites.  It is very easy to give orally.  Cost may be prohibitive.  I usually can find a 4-H member that I can purchase a little from.

<zlynx> I have read about using ivermectin topically and it reportedly will take care of all the different types of mite (fur) and lice.

<WandaC> I have 7 cavies at this time.  Due to circumstances I really had to decrease my herd.  I am currently breeding agin.

<Jeff[CG]> Wanda actualy e-mailed me and suggested that I have a reccomended book section, then I suggested that she participate in a chat, and we got lucky enough to have her come.

<zlynx> Have you ever encountered bordetella?  It seems a deadly disease in guinea pigs.

<WandaC> I have found that most of my animal are friendly.  I have had 3 that could be considered viscious.

<zlynx> My! Vicious!  While I wouldn't call mine that, I do have the good fortune that they have gotten over bitting me and peeing on me.  The are just not happy to be held.

<WandaC> I have not experience bortedella yet, but I have had to take some extreme precautions.

<zlynx> I have heard of some guinea p igs that will give "kisses".  I'm sure that's the last thing on the mind of my two guinea pigs.

<zlynx> What kind of precautions have you taken?  I hear there is a vacine that can be administered to guinea pigs.

<WandaC> Sometimes it just takes a little long with different pigs.  I have 4-H members that complain their pigs won't go on their back.  I tell them mine go on their backs from the first time I pick them up.

<zlynx> I think it possible that some of the members might be intimidated by talking to an author.  It is a pity they are not braver.

<Jeff[CG]> I'm surprised and a bit sad that the turnout is so low, hopefully they are waiting for the next chat session (7 PM).

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<zlynx> The only time one of mine bit me was when I turned her on her back.  I decided I would leave her alone and hope she has no problems that I might have discovered.

<Jeff[CG]> I've had one of my cavies for 2 1/2 years now and he just laid on his back (on his own) today.  It was pretty neat.

<WandaC> Mainly extreme isolation precautions.  Like absolutely changing clothing and bathing before handking the cavies as well as isolation with proper air movement.

<Jeff[CG]> Hi Pooh!

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<zlynx> Was this in a case when you knew you had been exposed and might be a carrier?

<WandaC> Hello Pooh

<Guest43530> Hi

<WandaC> Yes there were some rabbits involved.

<zlynx> Hi pooh, how many guinea pigs do you have?

<Guest43530> I have one.

<Guest43530> I am very new to being an owner.

<zlynx> Wanda, what was your favorite guinea pig l ike and how long did it live?

<WandaC> That is the fun time.

<Guest43530> But I am learning a lot from the internet.  People have helped me a lot to know what is right and wrong.

<WandaC> One of my favorites was and american non-showable roan.  Barthalomew was very large, nearly 4 pounds and very sweet

<Jeff[CG]> How long did he live, one of my cavies is quite heavy and I'm a bit concerned about hi health.

<WandaC> He lived about 5 years

<Guest43530> Wanda do you still own guinea pigs?

<zlynx> How wonderful

<Jeff[CG]> That's great!  I keep on reading about these 2-3 pound wonders and it had me owrried.

<Jeff[CG]> err, worried

<WandaC> I am in the process of making a permanent excersize pen for my pigs to keep them from getting too heavy.

<zlynx> How much does your pig weigh, Jeff?

<zlynx> Wanda, have you ever free-ranged your piggies or do you have friends that successfully do?

<WandaC> Jeff how can I keep the color green?  It keeps reverting back to black.

<Jeff[CG]> 4.3 lbs

<Jeff[CG]> You have to click the green box every time you post, or it automaticly reverts back to black.

<zlynx> I think you probably have to hit it each time, but I don't really know.

<WandaC> I have friend that have free ranged their animal and they did very, very well.

<zlynx> I like the dark colors better, easier to read.

<WandaC> The colors help me keep track of the questions a little better.

<zlynx> Right now my piggies are in a very large room, with free access most of the time.

<WandaC> So you are colony breeding?

<Jeff[CG]> I'm currently keeping my 2 cavies in a large, clear plastic storage bin.  I wish I had room to put them in a small plastic wading pool.

<zlynx> I have only two spinsters.  Unless there is some kind of divine intervention, I figure there will not be any babies.

<WandaC> My husband talked me into using bins.  They are nice, but not a stackable as wire cages.

<zlynx> I truly hope you will do a revised edition.  I would love to see a book with  easy referenced, excellent medical advice that any good exotics vet would support.  Most of the books out give very little info.

<WandaC> I have one little old lady that keeps going and going.

<zlynx> One of my guinea pigs favorite places in their large room is an area I line with towels and cover with plastic stools and boxes so they have a cave like hang out.  Also a bathroom, pine shavings covered with meadow grass hay.

<WandaC> I will give the revision some serious thought.

<zlynx> Do your guinea pigs have favorite vegetables that you feed daily or on a regular basis?

<WandaC> Have also been approached about doing some videos.  I just started looking into what that will emtail.

<Jeff[CG]> What type of videos?  I've never seen a cavy how to video, could be interesting.

<Guest43530> I think doing a video would be a wonderful idea.

<zlynx> Videos would be interesting.  For many people, they have never handled a guinea pig and it's a little like having a new baby.

<WandaC> My pigs get parsley, celantro, carrots, broccoli, yoguart raisins on a rotating basis.

<Guest43530> I know my husband hates to read but he does watch educational videos or has me read and then tell him.  Videos would reach people like him.

<zlynx> How you pick up a guinea pig  would be good to illustrate.  I don't know how typical it is, but mine kind of run up my arm, sit in my hand and I steady them with my other hand.

<Guest43530> It is hard sometimes to visualize what people are talking about.  PIctures they say are worth a thousand words.

<WandaC> Right now there is a lot of interest in handling/showmanship video.

<zlynx> How about a video just for the pet owner?  Is that under consideration?

<WandaC> I was trying to learn Tae Chi via books and it was too hard.  I need video.

<zlynx> Hi Pooh.  Is that your name at Cavies Galore?

<Guest43530> Yes it is.

<Guest43530> Sorry for all the millions of questions lately.  I feel so inadequate as a guinea pig owner.

<WandaC> I think the handling/showmanship would work for the average pet owner too

<Guest43530> I was told so many things wrong from the petstore. That is why all the questions.

<zlynx> Do readers of your book often write the author (you)?

<zlynx> Have you considered going to the guinea pig extravaganza in Washington DC where Peter Guerny is also going to be?

<WandaC> I believe every cavy owner should know showmanship and use it on a daily basis .

<Guest43530> Could you please explain to me about showmanship?

<WandaC> Showmanship covers most important aspects of cavy ownership in one activity.

<Jeff[CG]> By knowing and using showmanship, what exactly are you entailing?

<zlynx> Do you mean the handling and examination for good health of a cavy?

<WandaC> I use showmanship to learn as mucjh as possible about each of my cavies, both from a show quality aspect and from a health aspect.

<zlynx> I have no doubt this would be a good excuse for at least one of my cavies to bite me (with no regrets).

<Jeff[CG]> I've always considered showmanship to be the working knowlege of what breed your cavy is, how to present them to judges at shows, and being able to find their strengths and weaknesses in their coat.

<WandaC> A pet owner may not need to worry about the show aspects, but it is still nice to look at your animals and if breeding select animals that will improve your heard.

<WandaC> Ouch, that spelling hurt.

<zlynx> Is there any one book you would recommend for someone who wanted to know more about the genetics of breeding?

<Guest43530> Is there a show for guineas that isn't as strict.  Like in dogs there is a show for burebreds but then there is a show for pet owners who just love their pets.

<WandaC> I have about 3 different things on genetics, but I haven't looked at them for a while and can't remember the names. I'm not at home at the present time, or I could get them off my bookshelf.

<Guest43530> They don't judge on how pure of a breed that animal is.  They judge on the care and grooming, etc.

<WandaC> Some fairs have a pet class.  Even some cavy clubs offer a pet class from time to time.

<Guest43530> I know with rabbit showing there is a lot of concern of diseases being spread.  Is that the same with guinea pig showings at fairs, etc.?

<WandaC> Usually there are health checks ar fairs.  Animals with parasites or signs of illnes are sent home.

<zlynx> One of the things I have run across in many posts is new pet owners getting pigs that get ill and die soon after they bring them home.  This happened to me (pneumnonia).  Is there a specific disease or problem that new guinea pigs are especially prone to when they are first brought home?

<WandaC> If I had to name one, it would be pneumonia.

<Guest43530> I also have read that guinea pigs are good in masking their illnesses.  As a new guinea pig owner how do I determine if that is her norm, scared or she is sick?

<Guest43530> I mean laying around, sitting in a corner.

<zlynx> Do you think it is inevitable in some pigs and why would not all get it?

<WandaC> I have not found it true at all about pigs masking illness.  They show signs of illness readily.

<zlynx> Rephrase: when a new guinea pig comes down with pneumonia, is it likely that the other pigs it is with might get it?And likely that it was carrying it?  Is it anything the owner does?

<WandaC> The most important thing a pig owner can do when bringing home a new animal is t o isolate that animal for 3-4 weeks.

<zlynx> How long does pneumonia take to develop?

<WandaC> If at all possible, keep the new animal in a different room.  Do all the cleaning and feeding for that animal after all the others are done.

<zlynx> Wanda, I think we could keep you here for hours.  Perhaps you would like us to give you a break and see you later?

<WandaC> Pneumonia may only take a few days to develop.

<WandaC> I'm having a very nice time chatting with all of you.  I'll let you know if I need a few minute break.

<zlynx> Thanks.

<Guest43530> thanks

<Jeff[CG]> Sounds great.

<WandaC> Are there any specific thing you would like to see in a revised book?

<zlynx> I don't know if you would be interested, but if you have access to the internet, it might be fun to have a short term forum where we could ask you questions and you would have time to answer them.

<Guest43530> Would you think that if you have had your cavy for 3 weeks and it isn't showing any signs of illness then the cavy is probably okay as far as illnesses go?  I don't have to worry about other cavies because she is the only one.

<WandaC> Because illnes in cavies develops rather quickly, the animals is probably illness free after 3 weeks.

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<zlynx> For me, it would be the soundest medical advice possible, clear guides for when a vets attention is needed and perhaps more info on some of the other illnesses that a vet might have to deal with.  You have covered may things pretty well in your book, I just think a few things could be expanded on and perhaps changed, as you mentioned.

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<WandaC> That is to say that most life threatening problems are probably not present.

<zlynx> One of the best things you could do to find out what people would want to know is spend time at internet sites to get ideas.

<Dazy> Hi everyone

<WandaC> Hi buttons and Dazy

<zlynx> Hi Dazy and Buttons.

<buttons> hi

<Dazy> howdy

<Dazy> So do all of you love piggies?

<zlynx> Sometimes.

<zlynx> ;0)

<Dazy> What do you mean sometimes? How culd you not love them all the time?

<buttons> I have a question can anybody answer it

<Jeff[CG]> I'll say, I'm even holding mine right now.

<Dazy> I can

<zlynx> I try my best.

<Guest43530> I hate to leave good company but I need to get to the store before it gets any later here.   Wanda thank you for taking the time and answering our questions

<buttons> ok why do guinea pigs bump up there nose when your petting them

<Dazy> bye

<Jeff[CG]> Thanks for stopping by.

<WandaC> You're quite welcome.

<Guest43530> I will try to stop by at the forum later tonight.  bye

<Dazy> It means that they're very happy

<buttons> oh okay I thought it makes them mad

<buttons> thanks

<WandaC> They are comfortable.

<Jeff[CG]> I've always thought if the bump up their nose they were trying to tell you to not pet them there.

<zlynx> Ditto

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<Dazy> are you sure?

<WandaC> Sorry, your are right Jeff and zlynx, I misread the question.

<Jeff[CG]> Yeah, when my cavies are happy they stretch way out and are soooo flat.

<Dazy> because all my guinea pigs seem so happy when they do that!

<zlynx> Have you ever had a chance to check out CaviesGalore, Wanda?

<Dazy> my guiners lie sooooo flat  too!

<WandaC> Yes, Jeff, Mine do that too.  Sometimes it makes it hard to wrap my long hairs.

<Dazy> All right everyone name your piggers

<zlynx> Can guinea pigs that don't have parasites and don't live on scratchy bedding still spend a bit of time scratching themselves?

<Jeff[CG]> I have two, Spike and Pluto, both male mixed short hair breeds.

<Dazy> mine are Allie Hasta Juniper and Cloe

<zlynx> Nina and Snowflake

<zlynx> the spinsters

<buttons> mine is buttons

<Dazy> cute names everyone

<Dazy> I used to have Dazy, but she was sick for a long time, and had a heart attack

<buttons> I just got two from an animal shelter and I'm pretty sure they have been together most of there lives why would they start fighting now?

<zlynx> Give them as large a space to live in as you can.  They will be happier.

<WandaC> CF Ruairi, CF Tallisette, CF Ivonniva, CF Earthlink, Kim's Sam, DJSLC's Ruphian, and my special pig Twinkletoes.

<zlynx> I love those names!

<Jeff[CG]> One time my two cavies fought so I seperated them for three days and they've yet to fight again, it was a bit weird.

<Dazy> me too!

<zlynx> jEspecially earthlink and twinkletoes.

<Dazy> yup

<WandaC> Twinkletoes is polydactyle.

<zlynx> Extra toes?

<Dazy> Jeff[CG] My guiner Hasta rolls sometimes instead of lieing flat

<buttons> my pig has a black toe nail

<Dazy> so do mine

<WandaC> Most of the time it is hard to determine when pigs that have lived together all their lives will fight.  Sometines the separation will work.

<buttons> ok thanks

<buttons> i think I might try that

<WandaC> Yes, he has 1 extra toe on each hind foot.

<Dazy> how many years of experience do all of you have with pigs?

<zlynx> Less than a year.

<buttons> like one week

<Jeff[CG]> Wow, a bit off topic, but there are over 2200 cavy names on the Cavy Names page! http://www.caviesgalore.com/names

<Dazy> I have 3 and 1/2

<Jeff[CG]> I almost have 3

<Dazy> really buttons new pigger huh

<zlynx> Some of the names are a bit strange.  I think my favorite is Plump Juicy Harold.

<buttons> yep I enjoy them just like my cats

<WandaC> I try to find unusual name or unusual spellings for my cavies.

<zlynx> Both of mine came with names -- we only changed one.

<Dazy> WandaC how many years of experience do you have with piggers?

<zlynx> be back in a bit -- have to bring in the laundry...

<WandaC> I don't worry about name changing if there is not pedigree involved.

<Jeff[CG]> Bye, and thanks for stopping by.

<WandaC> I'm into my 13th year now.

<Dazy> Wow!!!!!!!

<Jeff[CG]> congrats

<Dazy> All right Zlynx do you have two males?

<WandaC> For a while I had Americans, Abbysinians, Teddies, Silkies and Peruvians.  Now I only have Peruvians, except Twinkletoes.  He is an American.

<Dazy> WandaC peruvians! They're beautiful

<Jeff[CG]> zlynx is doing laundry I believe

<Dazy> I have two half peruvians

<zlynx> Mine are girls.

<WandaC> Actually it is Curran's Fur Fang & Feather Farm  :)

<zlynx> So those guinea pigs really are vicious!

<Dazy> ok because I was going to say male guinea pigs don't get along very well.

<zlynx> It depends on the individual pigs, from all I have read.

<Dazy> oh

<Jeff[CG]> That's not always true, I have two males that have only had one small scuffle and live in the same cage.

<Dazy> that's strange

<Jeff[CG]> Then again, I've only had two males. :-)

<buttons> I have two males in the same cage and one is always picking on the other

<Dazy> I've always read and heard that it's always better to have two females, but I could be wrong!

<WandaC> I have had 3 that were terrible biters no matter what I did.  I learned to get around them very quickly, but could never get them to quit biting.  All the rest which comes to well over 200 were very laid back animals.

<zlynx> I understand some guinea pigs are downright affectionate to each other --groom each other, etc,  I always thought mine acted like they were in the slammer together and were trying to make the best of a bad situation.

<zlynx> They do a little better now that they have been here for a while, but don't actually seem to like each other (but don't fight).

<Dazy> All right people you're confusing me!

<WandaC> That may be the case, they are getting along as they have to get along.

<Jeff[CG]> Mine will actualy nibble on each other's ears.  I freaked out when I saw this at first, until I learned that it was a sign of affection.

<zlynx> Did a little of the ear disappear?

<buttons> my sister bought one baby and then she had to go back the next day to buy another one because it was lonely

<Jeff[CG]> Nope

<Dazy> If you think nibbling ears is wierd my cloe eats Allie's hair!

<zlynx> jWanda, how do you hold biters?

<Jeff[CG]> bleah

<WandaC> They really are social animals, livng in colonies in the wild.  They adapt well to being alone if handled and given attention.

<Dazy> I was just wondering If anyone her is a kid?

<buttons> how are guinea pigs supposed to get excercise?

<zlynx> Sometimes I think I should get a third guinea pig so that if something happened to one, the other would still have company.

<Jeff[CG]> I'm a teen, 15

<Dazy> They run

<buttons> so am I

<Dazy> I'm almost a teen

<Dazy> 12

<WandaC> Generally I start from over the top and grip between the chin and front legs.  I make sure the rump is well supported and the grip is firm before I lift the animal.

<zlynx> Oh, gee, and I forgot to wish you a happy birthday.  So happy birthday, Jeff!

<Dazy> do you two know each other?

<zlynx> This is where a video would be priceless.

<Jeff[CG]> Thanks!  We only know each other through the e-mail and Cavy Forums

<Dazy> oh!

<WandaC> Excersize keeps a pig from getting fat, and firms up muscle just like in humans.

<zlynx> And I found out he has birthdays justlike all the rest of us.

<buttons> but how can they get excercise Wanda

<Jeff[CG]> Yeah, it's really amazing, ;)

<Dazy> THEY RUN

<zlynx> I read about someone who chased their pregnant sows with a stick (a little) to help prevent pregnancy toximia.

<Dazy> I take mine in my mom and dads bedroom because it's the only room with carpet, and they run and run and run!r

<zlynx> You can have a big big cage, put in a few obstacles and put food in different locations.

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<Jeff[CG]> Hi again

<WandaC> I am currently building an exercise pen.  I am using tubs glued together to make a long run 6-8 feet.  The food will go at one end and the water bottle at the other.  The animals will get plenty of exercize going back and forth between the water and food.

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<Jeff[CG]> Hi SidNelsonn

<buttons> oh that sounds pretty neat

<buttons> oh that sounds pretty neat

<Dazy> Wanda, my guinea pig Hasta is rather chubby, but gets plenty of exercise

<SidNelsonn^^> hi

<zlynx> For my piggies that have the run of the room, the food is in a different location that their hangout.  They have to go half way across the room to eat.

<buttons> I have to go know BYE

<zlynx> By

<WandaC> I think running between food and water is a better idea, less stressful.

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<Jeff[CG]> By

<SidNelsonn^^> i'm from brazil

<zlynx> Mine drink very little.

<Dazy> really, Brazil

<zlynx> Oye, como va.

<SidNelsonn^^> my nname is Paulo André

<Dazy> Mine drink lots!

<SidNelsonn^^> bien

<SidNelsonn^^> do uou speak portuguese?

<Dazy> Not me!!!!!!!

<WandaC> Your cavies are larger than our cavies, probably.

<zlynx> Solamente espanol.

<SidNelsonn^^> zlynx do you speak portuguese?

<SidNelsonn^^> oh

<zlynx> no only spanish

<SidNelsonn^^> yo habla español

<Dazy> Wanda were you talking to me?

<Dazy> about larger piggies?

<WandaC> I'm sorry, but I don't speak Spanish.

<Jeff[CG]> This is great, but I have to go.  See you all at 7!

<zlynx> Bye Jeff

<Dazy> bye

<WandaC> Bye Jeff.

<Jeff[CG]> I'll stay in the chat so I can log it, but I wont be here.

<WandaC> I was talking to SidNelsonn about the larger pigs.

<Dazy> OH!

<SidNelsonn^^> What time is it in USA?

<WandaC> :56PST

<zlynx> It is almost 8 PM in Virginia.

<Dazy> Did you see my question?

<SidNelsonn^^> USA is verry verry big

<Dazy> WANDA

<zlynx> You are in California Wanda?

<WandaC>  time zones in continental USA total of 6 time zones

<Dazy> oh Wanda

<WandaC> Yes, Im in California.

<zlynx> I don't know why I didn't realize there were that many.  I thought there were only 4.  Guess I better be more informed.

<SidNelsonn^^> you know some thing of brazil?

<WandaC> You forgot Alaska and Hawaii

<Dazy> SidNelsonn do you love guinea pigs?

<zlynx> Ah, but you said "continental us"

<WandaC> I ysed to have a penpal from Brazil and he even came and stayed with my family for a while.

<SidNelsonn^^> no

<zlynx> Yes!

<Dazy> WHAT!!!!!!!!!!!!

<SidNelsonn^^> what is guinea pigs?

<zlynx> I find converstions in chat rooms to be very disorienting.  But sometimes that makes it interesting.

<Dazy> You don't know what guinea pigs are

<zlynx> Conejo de india

<SidNelsonn^^> no

<WandaC> Yes

<zlynx> I think they have other names in Spanish.  They make a tasty dish, I am told, though pet owners don't like to think of them that way.

<Dazy> they're very furry cut rodents

<zlynx> cute, cute

<Dazy> cute cute cute cute

<Dazy> cute cute cute cute cute cute cute

<WandaC> A friend of mine does eat cavy.  She says the taste like the dark meat of the chicken rather than the white meat.

<zlynx> Do you have a problem knowing someone who eats cavy?  It seems so strange here in the US

<Dazy> How did you find this chat room if you don't know what guinea pigs are?

* SidNelsonn^^ £§tå µ§åndø -=HøÑÐÅ=- v2.1 ßÿ _JuDo_BoY -×( The power is here... )×-

<WandaC> I don't se myself eating cavy any time soon, but it doen't bother that others do.

<zlynx> I am a meat eater, but undecided about how I feel.

<Dazy> be quiet I'm a vegetarian

<Dazy> I hate the thought of killing animals

<Dazy> It's disturbing

<zlynx> My daughter was a vegitarian for a year, my son for less time.  They got tired of what was available in my home with no meat.

<WandaC> I don't like killing animal for no reason, and I know people who just put down animal for convience.

<zlynx> You need to be true to yourself.  It may be hard to accept what other people do, but in our culture meat is ever present.

<Dazy> Wanda never eat a guinea pig!

<Dazy> please pretty please

<WandaC> I have no interest in eating guinea pigs.

<Dazy> GOOD!

<zlynx> We recently had a discussion at Cavies Galore about breeding roancross roan (or dalmation cross dalmation) and I was very happy to see you strongly advised against this practice.

<Dazy> who

<SidNelsonn^^> <Dazy> SidNelsonn do you love guinea pigs?

<zlynx> (resulting in lethals)

<SidNelsonn^^> yes

<Dazy> what

<SidNelsonn^^> i don't know what was guinea pigs

<SidNelsonn^^> because i speak "no"

<Dazy> SidNelsonn is English your second language

<Dazy> ?

<SidNelsonn^^> no

<zlynx> When it was brought up, it seemed irresponsible to consider risking breeding a deformed animal just to improve your chance of getting a particular variety.

<SidNelsonn^^> i'm verry bad in english

<WandaC> I think people should be aware of the risk.  A few people I know have been lucky enough never to get a fatal in a RoanXRoan.  Others quit the practice after having a whole litter of fatals.

<zlynx> What languages do you speak, Sid?

<Dazy> It's your first, how many languages do you speek?

<SidNelsonn^^> portuguese

<zlynx> Is it controversial amoung breeders?  Is there any movement to ban the practice?

<Dazy> Wanda, Zlynx what are you talking about, I'd love to be part of your conversation

<WandaC> None that I am aware of at this time.

<zlynx> We are talking about breeding for a particular variety (I think) when it is known there is a high risk of getting a severely deformed guinea pig as a result.

<Dazy> please explain it to me like I'm 12 because I am!

<zlynx> Some wonder whether morally it should be considered, just to get a cosmetic result.

<Dazy> I understand deformed, and that's terrible

<Dazy> are humans responsible?

<zlynx> Eyes undeveloped, maybe wanda could explain what a fatal is better.

<WandaC> I used to know the genes involved, but I'm afraid I can't thiink of them just now.

<SidNelsonn^^> i have to go

<Dazy> bye

<SidNelsonn^^> bye

<WandaC> Bye Sid

<zlynx> Humans are directly responsible.  That is the controversy.

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<Dazy> WHAT thats terrible

<Dazy> awful

<Dazy> bad!

<zlynx> Many pet owners feel the same way.  Breeders seem to have a different view.

<WandaC> The same risk is involved when breeding true dwarf rabbits.

<Dazy> What do breeders do to cause this?

<zlynx> And some dogs have hereditary problems too as the result of inbreeding.

<zlynx> They are trying to get a particular color.  IT is for this they take the risks.

<Dazy> how do they do that

<WandaC> Yes, because the best Roans come from RoanXRoan.

<zlynx> Unfortunately, I know very little.  You might find out more if you investigated on your own.

<WandaC> The color they want is white hair intermingled evenly with another color.

<zlynx> How do you spend your days?  Are you involved with your animals, or writing or something else?

<Dazy> Allie and Cloe are like that

<Dazy> do you think that their breeders did that to them?

<Dazy> I spend my days with my animals and soccer

<zlynx> Someone who knew breeds might be able to tell you, or the people you got them from.

<Dazy> I got them from the pet store

<WandaC> Right now my animal really don't take a lot of my time as such.  I am learning web design, putting a little book together for the family, and doing various cavy related things on the computer.

<Dazy> wow Wanda

<zlynx> Are you learning HTML?

<Dazy> back to exercising people

<WandaC> I also need to study to pass my MCSE exams sometime.

<zlynx> I have used a couple packages and find they are very limiting.  It is actually easier to use HTML than one of them.

<zlynx> What is MCSE?A

<Dazy> My Hasta is a little chubby, but gets plenty of exercise

<zlynx> How much time does she get to exercise?

<WandaC> Is Hasta flabby or firm?

<Dazy> What in the world are you talking about? mdjf, fjdfiu, fhfh

<Dazy> no not flabby and not firm!

<Dazy> she's very healthy

<zlynx> One of my guinea pigs looks like she is wearing a little tutu and wiggles a bit when she walks.

<Dazy> very very healthy

<WandaC> It may have to do with her bone structure giving the appearance of chubby.

<Dazy> nope she doesn't wiggle

<zlynx> The other one is leaner but looks to have some hanging skin under the chin.

<WandaC> The hanging skin sounds flabby to me, but it is really hard to say.

<zlynx> Wanda, do you ever fall for a guinea pig just on the basis of sweetness?  Or are looks integral?

<zlynx> They  are both under 3 pounds, the leaner one is longer and maybe 4 ounces under 3 pounds (the one with the slightly hanging skin).

<WandaC> It is hard to say just what makes me like a pig.  I'd guess it would have to be that they are just plasant to have around.

<zlynx> I'm glad you like them.

<WandaC> I like the noises they make and the really are not hard to care for if organized well.  I did have 60 cavies for a while.

<zlynx> I must say, I didn't know what I was getting into when I got mine (for my daughter) and it was hard to get used to the behavior of a different sort of animal.

<zlynx> Yes, I love the noises.  Mine make ever so gentle and suggestive testing out sort of squeeks to see if they can persuade me to bring them a treat.

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<zlynx> Well, have you finally worn down your fingers?

<WandaC> Not yet, but I'm wondering about dinner.

<zlynx> I don't know if you would be interested, but it would be fun to have you post at CaviesGalore some time and have a conversation down there.  It is more relaxed and you can take your time to answer.  It is a message board rather than a chat, and more people would be able to read your answers.

<WandaC> I'll look into it.  I don't see that it would be a  problem.

<zlynx> My daughter was asking me about dinner too, perhaps it is time to go.  Thank you for coming.  It was very nice to meet you.

<WandaC> Thank you for being here, zlynx.

<zlynx> Perhaps you can bring it up with Jeff and he could put up a short term board.

<zlynx> For a couple days, or whatever would be convenient to you.   Then you could answer at your leasure.

<WandaC> Oh I could just post to the various boards.  If anyone has a question, I could just check the boards every day and go from there.

<zlynx> Whatever you think would work well.  It would be a treat to have you.  But I must say, you might get some spicy questions.

<zlynx> I have spent some time trying to organize medical information that has showed up on the board so people don't ask the same thing over and over again.  Much of the advice seems very sound.  I still have alot of holes to fill and don't have a medical background.  I guess that's why I was asking this type of question.

<WandaC> I think it would work for people to just post in the board that covers the subject.  They can just address it to me if they want me to resond.

<zlynx> Hope to see you on the board.  Take care and have a good dinner.

<zlynx> Bye.

<WandaC> You too. Bye

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