Buzz and Nigel update

[helen105281]

Some of you may remember that Nigel came to live with us in the hope that he would be bonded with Buzz after we lost Woody. They have been living side by side for the last couple of months but over that time we have realised that Nigel's health is very poor.

He came to us with a chronic respiratory infection and after having an x-ray we have found that he has a lot of lung damage. He is also currrently going through the process of being diagnosed with a heart condition. I would just like to add here that this is nothing to do with the care he received from his previous owner, she did a wonderful job of taking care of him after being thrown in at the deep end.

Anyway, we have been working closely with a cavy savy vet and rodentologist and have made the decision not to bond Buzz and Nigel. Basically, the stress of the bonding would have an impact on Nigel's health at a time when we are trying to get on top of his medication and also trying to get him to gain weight (he is about 715g). If in the future he is well enough to be bonded we will of course look for a friend for him.

In the meantime, it is not fair to make Buzz wait any longer as he is getting more and more lonely every day. So tomorrow he will choose his new friend.

I will update tomorrow on how the bonding goes. Nigel is also having a further x-ray so will update on that too.

 

[salapples]

Poor Nigel - sounds like he's getting lots of love and care from you. Hope the Cornish boy gets better soon.
As for Buzz - hope his date goes well tomorrow x

 

[Wiebke]

I am so sorry about Nigel's bad health, but sending my best wishes to Buzz for some successful boar dating!

 

[helen105281]

Thank you, he is such a cutie I have completely fallen in love with him since he's been with us.

Nigel will continue to live alongside them and shall be able to interract with Buzz and baby and if the time is right at any time for him to have a friend we will adjust the set up so they 2 pairs are side by side. Forgot to put that before.

 

[Hanwombat]

Nigel is lovely! I really wanted him as hes adorable. I hope hes okay

Lucky Buzz getting a new friend to play with tomorrow

 

[helen105281]

Thanks, he really is gorgeous and the most friendly little pig ever. I sit on the floor with him and he climbs on my lap for a cuddle.

 

[Glynis]

Thanks, he really is gorgeous and the most friendly little pig ever. I sit on the floor with him and he climbs on my lap for a cuddle.

awwwwwwwwww sweet little man xoxoxoxoxoxo

all the very very very best for Nigel whee all have paws crossed that he'll get better soon so he can have a friend xx>>>
and good luck Buzz on your boar friend choosing date xx>>>

 

[Jules7]

Oh poor little sausage! He sounds a very happy little chappy despite his ill health

Hope the piggy dating goes well tomorrow x

 

[salapples]

Thanks, he really is gorgeous and the most friendly little pig ever. I sit on the floor with him and he climbs on my lap for a cuddle.

howww cute!

 

[flips]

Sending kisses for both your boys. xx>>>xx>>>

Hope Nigel responds as well to the meds as he has already done to the love you're giving him.

Best wishes for Buzz finding a new friend.

 

[helen105281]

Thank you, I feel so mean for Nigel but we need to get him in a stable condition before we can even think about bonding him. Am hoping he will interract with the little one at the bars as him and Buzz tend to ignore each other.

 

[helen105281]

Update: First of all meet Beanbag

Buzz was introduced to 3 potential friends this morning and decided that he liked all 3, so we were forced to choose. We chose Beanbag as he was the most shy and we feel that Buzz needs a laidback friend. He had also been barbered by his potential cagemates which made us feel sorry for him. He is settling in ok but very nervy and is sleeping behind the fluffy bed at the moment.

We picked Nigel up from the vets at lunchtime. They had managed to x-ray him without using the restraint bag as he is so docile. It showed no real improvements since the diuretics but he has only been on them a week. We agreed he would continue on them for now and come off the Doxy (antibiotics). I am lucky that I have the support of my rodentologist too who we are seeing at the weekend and also, the vet she works with and a very lovely forum member from here. So hopefully we should get to the bottom of all this eventually. Just wish he could keep the weight on (689g today even though he eats a lot and has syringed critical care as a supplement).

 

[Jules7]

Oh Helen, Beanbag is a little darling! x)

Sounds like you have an amazing piggy support network. Everything crossed for dear Nigel

 

[Salt n Peppers mum]

Ah Helen I have just noticed this thread.

Thank you for keeping us updated.

Little Beanbag looks gorgeous and I like the name a lot ! Buzz will be there to show Beanbag the ropes and I hope they remain great friends.

Sorry to hear about Nigel, but he is in the best place with you to take care of him. And I know you are doing whatever it takes to make him more comfortable. I'm sure living side by side is the best for him, although you say they ignore each other at the moment I know it makes a massive difference in their wellbeing to have another piggie next door.

Keep us all updated wont you.

Paula

 

[helen105281]

Thanks Paula, I will do. He is happily munching on his veggies at the mo and am hoping that as Beanbag gets braver they will chat through the bars.

Yes am hoping Buzz will show him the ropes. At the mo I think he has forgotten he is even there lol as he is alseep in his hayloft while Beanbag is downstairs.

Thanks, wish I could take credit for the name but the lady who we rehomed from suggested it.

 

[AudioHeart]

Ooooh! Ive just noticed this thread, thank you for keeping us all updated on your piggies! I'm so sorry to hear about Nigel, hope hes okay which I'm sure he will be and i know he’ll be getting lots of attention and haggles!

And goodness that is the most adorable name i have ever come across, Beanbag! Awwwwww hes such a sweetie, keeping my fingers,toes and paws crossed that they stay best buddies!

 

[amentalcat]

Hello Helen, Buzz, Beanbag and all!

Glad that he has settled in ok - the other two 'candidates' are happily back with their piggiefriends munching away on their greens (although i think they liked your scrummy hay better!).

Just wanted to say what a lovely set-up you have! Lucky piggies! - especially the ones in the lounge, getting to watch telly and everthing!

I will keep fingers and toes crossed for Nigel's recovery - i think that you are very sensible holding off finding him a friend, the most important thing is to make him as well as he can be - hopefully little Beanbag will pluck up the courage to have a chat with him soon.

Anyway, lovely to meet you all today - if you have any concerns, please feel free to give me a 'Buzz'.

Ali

 

[helen105281]

So sorry, I missed your post.

It was absolutely lovely to meet you too. Buzz and Beanbag seemed to have settled a bit more this morning, Buzz was still rumbling but not chasing and he let Beanbag sleep with him in the hayloft.

Thank you, it's good to know that other people approve of our set-up.

Thanks for Nigel's well-wishes too. He came back from his x-ray and was really excited to have a new neighbour.

Ha ha yes I'll give you a buzz if we need anything, but not literally , though the mood he has been in the last day it is very tempting

 

[Hanwombat]

oh my that picture of beanbag is adorable drool