How do I respectfully decline?

[Edgar_Furrybutt]

My roommate wants one of my hamster babies! This is the same roommate whose guinea pigs are currently standing in a cage that hasn't been cleaned for AT LEAST a month and who are so skinny you can see their bones. This is also the same roommate with the cat who killed my other hammie. How do I say no without creating a feud?

[Lucinda]

Say theyve already been reserved. Or say that you feel theres too many animals in the flat.

[vanilla-yazoo]

say you allready have homes set for them through the people on here.
and see if you can sneakily feed those guinea pigs
they dont sound responsible and their current pets are allready suffering

[Lynternette]

Vanilla-yazoo I couldn't have put it better. How can someone like that be given the responsibility for a little life.

[StarlightSerenity]

I'd tell them that they are already reserved and that you can't let them down.

I suggest contacing the ASPCA regarding the guinea pigs. She's obviously not looking after them properly and the two problems you've mentioned are on the ASPCA list of signs that an animal is being abused - ASPCA | How to Recognize Cruelty

I don't have any idea who you would go to in Kentucky, but I'd start with the ASPCA - they can at least tell you who to contact.

By the sounds of it the piggies are in very, very poor condition - please don't let them continue to suffer because of the risk of upsetting your roommate or causing a fued. They need help and don't deserve to suffer.

[SnickersTheFirst]

I agree about saying they are reserved or something.

As for the piggies could you volunteer to feed them for her? Or help her clean out the cage? Any subtle hints would be helpful.

[vanilla-yazoo]

sometimes my sister can get distracted, i find going in and making a fuss of their pet infront of them, or when mine get babyfood i give her the last bit in the jar for hers, she isnt bad with aurora, she gets handled every other-3rd day, cleaned out once a month (carefresh and is always clean, if it wasnt she would clean her, she is in the front room so we all see her) she has always got clean water in her bowl and food, but sometimes my sister gets absorbed into the pc.. maybe we should set it up by auroras tank

i agree you should do something for the guineas, maybe get them a bag of food and some treats for them, say they where on offer when you where getting hamster bits and thought of them, maybe a bag of carefresh, that will help with the smell too

[Angelhamster]

I'd be more honest as they don't seem to be responsible pet owners. You may save your baby hamsters from their 'care' but unless someone points out their inabilities to look after their guinea pigs, for example, they'll just keep getting pets and treating them inappropriately. Who'll secretly feed the guinea pigs when you move out? Good luck with whatever you decide

[fluffymunchkins]

Who you rehome your hamster babies is always your choice and anyone should respect that.
I set strict expectations for those wanting the Squisheroos and I was lucky to find owners who put up with me being picky

I would explain to her the needs they require to be rehomed and explain that you will not rehome until she meets similar standards with her current guinea pigs. That or you could just say they are already reserved x

[Sammybingo]

I'm rather more blunt and less polite than the other, preposterously lovely, HC members. I'd tell her the truth. Humans can stick up for themselves, animals can't. Obviously, I'd try to do it in a diplomatic manner, but ultimately, I would be unimpressed with myself if I thought someone was being rubbish with their animals and I didn't say something. *blushes* I know. I'm rather forthright