Cage Mate/s For Bereaved 1 & A Half Year Sow

[O&L]

Hi all,

I've used this forum a lot in the past for research, but this is my first time posting, unsurprisingly in an event where I feel I need help.

Yesterday we lost one of our two young sows, both were sisters and got on well, not hugs and kisses well, but they never really fought. Completely out of the blue the more adventurous and outgoing of the two passed away. Absolutely devastated and not ashamed to admit there were a lot of tears. I've read the dealing with bereavement thread which was really useful, but I wanted to post my specific question here.

What would be the best set up for my bereaved sow? We have a very large cage, 6x2 C&C so could comfortably fit another two pigs if that is best. I've read different things so would really like some advice on what is most likely to work. Two pup sows? An individual sow if they meet beforehand?

Fortunately, our bereaved sow seems to be getting on with life, she has been drinking and eating, still wheeked for her veg last night and hopefully is not going to be too heavily impacted, but I know she'll be missing her sister and the companionship she will no longer have. We really want to do what is best for her so any advice will be very much appreciated.

Sorry for my first thread to post is asking a question that I know is in a similar vein to those asked already (I did have a search), but I didn't find anything for this particular circumstance.

Thanks in advance O&L

 

[Tiamolly123]

I am so sorry for your loss, was she ill before hand.
I would put one sow in there, then after a little while introduce another if you want.
Your sow seems OK now but she may start pining soon.
Your cage size is just perfect, if you want to add a loft that's more room, but that's up to you. When you get a new piggy just rearrange the toys & introduce on neutral ground. Any problems,I know some of the rescues do bond sows as well as boars. On possible do a cage clean.
Good luck & to the forum.

 

[O&L]

I am so sorry for your loss, was she ill before hand.
I would put one sow in there, then after a little while introduce another if you want.
Your sow seems OK now but she may start pining soon.
Your cage size is just perfect, if you want to add a loft that's more room, but that's up to you. When you get a new piggy just rearrange the toys & introduce on neutral ground. Any problems,I know some of the rescues do bond sows as well as boars. On possible do a cage clean.
Good luck & to the forum.

Thanks for the message. No she wasn't ill before, Friday she was fine, wheeking for veg as usual, standing up on the edge of the hay box waiting for some hand feeding. Saturday night (11:30pm) she had completely changed, wasn't very interested in veg, seemed lethargic and disoriented, I hand fed her and she ate a little, was purring in my lap as I stroked her, but I think that was more down to her being happy with the company and knowing that she didn’t have long left. I had a feeling she may not make it through the night to be honest, but the worse thing was that she gave me a bit of false hope when she started rummaging around in the hay box (the size of 2x2 C&C). She looked like she was perking up when I left her and I thought she might pull through. I spent two hours with her, from 11:30 to 01:30am and like I said, seemed to pick up but it wasn’t meant to be. Was and still am absolutely heartbroken.

We will be keeping a close eye on Silky and make sure she continues to eat and drink/behave normally. We will have her out even more than usual for hugs as well. Just want to get her a new friend or two sooner than later so that she doesn’t feel lonely for too long.

I’ll be reading the guides again when it comes to introducing a new pig, ideally we could do a bonding session first.

What are people’s thoughts on getting two pup sows? She’s still young herself, but obviously a full adult, would she be likely to accept two pup sows and she could be the leader? Otherwise I’ll look to find a sow that’s a similar age to her, there are a few rescues listed on the site that are within an hour’s drive from us so I’ll be contacting them today to ask if they have anything suitable. Really didn’t think this would be happening so soon into their lives

 

[Lorcan]

I have to admit I have zero experience with sows, but I wanted to add that I don't think age will matter too much. Either they will bond, or they won't - age will make little difference as far as I know.

And I'm really sorry you lost your little one so young, sometimes these things happen out of nowhere but it sure doesn't make it any easier to deal with.

 

[O&L]

I have to admit I have zero experience with sows, but I wanted to add that I don't think age will matter too much. Either they will bond, or they won't - age will make little difference as far as I know.

And I'm really sorry you lost your little one so young, sometimes these things happen out of nowhere but it sure doesn't make it any easier to deal with.

Thank you Lorcan. Work is not easy today!

 

[Tiamolly123]

Thanks for the message. No she wasn't ill before, Friday she was fine, wheeking for veg as usual, standing up on the edge of the hay box waiting for some hand feeding. Saturday night (11:30pm) she had completely changed, wasn't very interested in veg, seemed lethargic and disoriented, I hand fed her and she ate a little, was purring in my lap as I stroked her, but I think that was more down to her being happy with the company and knowing that she didn’t have long left. I had a feeling she may not make it through the night to be honest, but the worse thing was that she gave me a bit of false hope when she started rummaging around in the hay box (the size of 2x2 C&C). She looked like she was perking up when I left her and I thought she might pull through. I spent two hours with her, from 11:30 to 01:30am and like I said, seemed to pick up but it wasn’t meant to be. Was and still am absolutely heartbroken.

We will be keeping a close eye on Silky and make sure she continues to eat and drink/behave normally. We will have her out even more than usual for hugs as well. Just want to get her a new friend or two sooner than later so that she doesn’t feel lonely for too long.

I’ll be reading the guides again when it comes to introducing a new pig, ideally we could do a bonding session first.

What are people’s thoughts on getting two pup sows? She’s still young herself, but obviously a full adult, would she be likely to accept two pup sows and she could be the leader? Otherwise I’ll look to find a sow that’s a similar age to her, there are a few rescues listed on the site that are within an hour’s drive from us so I’ll be contacting them today to ask if they have anything suitable. Really didn’t think this would be happening so soon into their lives

We had to have one of mine put down at 10 months, they operated on her but turned out she was riddled with cancer, it was attached to all her major organs so we had no choice. Pup sows great, I've found they bonded really well all depends if she patient. I would go for it, she will probably go back to being young & you will probably find them all popcorning round the cage. The reason I asked about illness is it frightens when they go so quickly for no apparent reason

 

[O&L]

We had to have one of mine put down at 10 months, they operated on her but turned out she was riddled with cancer, it was attached to all her major organs so we had no choice. Pup sows great, I've found they bonded really well all depends if she patient. I would go for it, she will probably go back to being young & you will probably find them all popcorning round the cage

Sorry to hear that, they really tug at your hearts strings, amazing how attached you get. Thanks for the advice

 

[Wiebke]

Hi all,

I've used this forum a lot in the past for research, but this is my first time posting, unsurprisingly in an event where I feel I need help.

Yesterday we lost one of our two young sows, both were sisters and got on well, not hugs and kisses well, but they never really fought. Completely out of the blue the more adventurous and outgoing of the two passed away. Absolutely devastated and not ashamed to admit there were a lot of tears. I've read the dealing with bereavement thread which was really useful, but I wanted to post my specific question here.

What would be the best set up for my bereaved sow? We have a very large cage, 6x2 C&C so could comfortably fit another two pigs if that is best. I've read different things so would really like some advice on what is most likely to work. Two pup sows? An individual sow if they meet beforehand?

Fortunately, our bereaved sow seems to be getting on with life, she has been drinking and eating, still wheeked for her veg last night and hopefully is not going to be too heavily impacted, but I know she'll be missing her sister and the companionship she will no longer have. We really want to do what is best for her so any advice will be very much appreciated.

Sorry for my first thread to post is asking a question that I know is in a similar vein to those asked already (I did have a search), but I didn't find anything for this particular circumstance.

Thanks in advance O&L

Hi! I am very sorry for your unexpected loss. Heart attacks or strokes can happen out of the blue at any time of the life. You are welcome to post a tribute your girl in our Rainbow Bridge section if or whenever it feels right for you.

Here are our tips for what you can do for a bereaved guinea pig: Looking After A Bereaved Guinea Pig

Ideally you take your bereaved girl to a good rescue that will introduce and bond her with a guinea pig of her choice, so you can rest easy that they get on and that the new guinea pig is guaranteed healthy, properly sexed, not pregnant and that acceptance and the worst of the hierarchy sort out has happened at the rescue under expert supervision. It is really worth travelling that bit further for total peace of mind - you get so much for it!
Your closest rescue is East Peckham Guinea Pig Rescue, which offers residential bonding; your guinea pig is going there to stay for a few days during which she will be carefully introduced to rescue guinea pigs and during which her bond will be carefully tested, so when she comes home with her new companion, they are well and stably bonded. I have done this several times myself with bereaved piggies of mine, and always come out of it with a very loving new relationship.
East Peckham Guinea Pig Rescue | Facebook

PS: You can look at sows of any age or one neutered boar - the important thing is that they like each other and get on!

 

[O&L]

Hi! I am very sorry for your unexpected loss. Heart attacks or strokes can happen out of the blue at any time of the life. You are welcome to post a tribute your girl in our Rainbow Bridge section if or whenever it feels right for you.

Here are our tips for what you can do for a bereaved guinea pig: Looking After A Bereaved Guinea Pig

Ideally you take your bereaved girl to a good rescue that will introduce and bond her with a guinea pig of her choice, so you can rest easy that they get on and that the new guinea pig is guaranteed healthy, properly sexed, not pregnant and that acceptance and the worst of the hierarchy sort out has happened at the rescue under expert supervision. It is really worth travelling that bit further for total peace of mind.
Your closest rescue is East Peckham Guinea Pig Rescue, which offers residential bonding; your guinea pig is going there to stay for a few days during which she will be carefully introduced to rescue guinea pigs and during which her bond will be carefully tested, so when she comes home with her new companion, they are well and stably bonded. I have done this several times myself with bereaved piggies of mine, and always come out of it with a very loving new relationship.
East Peckham Guinea Pig Rescue | Facebook

PS: You can look at sows of any age or one neutered boar - the important thing is that they like each other and get on!

Thank you very much for your response. Incredibly useful and East Peckham were on my list to contact. To hear someone with a good experience is really reassuring so I'll be contacting them now as first point of call! We've got no problems at all travelling. It's a relationship for a long time, we want to get it right. Thank you again!

 

[VickiA]

I am so sorry for your sudden and unexpected loss.

With Wiebke - it is best to see if you can date your girl at a rescue so she can choose her own companion(s) whether that be a neutered boar, another sow or a pair of sows etc.
Age isn't important - it's just how they get along that matters.
Please be aware that it is not true that a baby sow is the best option. Not all sows will accept a baby sow that is chosen for them. I am have recently seen where a baby sow was surrendered into rescue after the older sow that she had been bought as a companion for decided that she would not share her home with her. That baby was surrendered to rescue and bonded with another sow who would accept her. That is why it is best to take your girl along to a rescue if you can and allow her to meet other piggies and to choose her own companion.

 

[Wiebke]

Thank you very much for your response. Incredibly useful and East Peckham were on my list to contact. To hear someone with a good experience is really reassuring so I'll be contacting them now as first point of call! We've got no problems at all travelling. It's a relationship for a long time, we want to get it right. Thank you again!

Sandra at East Peckham is one of the few rescues that offers full/residential bonding, which is the safest, but most time consuming way of bonding, so not many rescues have the capacity to do this. This means that there is often a waiting list as she can only do so many bondings. Unless your remaining girl is acutely pining, it is however well worth the extra wait and effort.

 

[O&L]

I am so sorry for your sudden and unexpected loss.

With Wiebke - it is best to see if you can date your girl at a rescue so she can choose her own companion(s) whether that be a neutered boar, another sow or a pair of sows etc.
Age isn't important - it's just how they get along that matters.
Please be aware that it is not true that a baby sow is the best option. Not all sows will accept a baby sow that is chosen for them. I am have recently seen where a baby sow was surrendered into rescue after the older sow that she had been bought as a companion for decided that she would not share her home with her. That baby was surrendered to rescue and bonded with another sow who would accept her. That is why it is best to take your girl along to a rescue if you can and allow her to meet other piggies and to choose her own companion.

Sandra at East Peckham is one of the few rescues that offers full/residential bonding, which is the safest, but most time consuming way of bonding, so not many rescues have the capacity to do this. This means that there is often a waiting list as she can only do so many bondings. Unless your remaining girl is acutely pining, it is however well worth the extra wait and effort.

Amazing advice as well, thank you. I knew posting on here would help out. Really don't mind waiting for bonding as long as they feel Silky is OK. We'll be monitoring her to make sure she doesn't start to get depressed. If she looks at her dad (me) that's when she'll start getting down, so brave faces all around!

 

[VickiA]

You don't have to be brave here on the forum - we know and understand what it's like to lose a treasured piggy. They are little furry family members. It's amazing how pragmatic piggies are - Silky is probably just getting on with the business of being a piggy. And that's fine in the short term. But longer term piggies definitely do better in pairs.

 

[O&L]

Hi! I am very sorry for your unexpected loss. Heart attacks or strokes can happen out of the blue at any time of the life. You are welcome to post a tribute your girl in our Rainbow Bridge section if or whenever it feels right for you.

Here are our tips for what you can do for a bereaved guinea pig: Looking After A Bereaved Guinea Pig

Ideally you take your bereaved girl to a good rescue that will introduce and bond her with a guinea pig of her choice, so you can rest easy that they get on and that the new guinea pig is guaranteed healthy, properly sexed, not pregnant and that acceptance and the worst of the hierarchy sort out has happened at the rescue under expert supervision. It is really worth travelling that bit further for total peace of mind - you get so much for it!
Your closest rescue is East Peckham Guinea Pig Rescue, which offers residential bonding; your guinea pig is going there to stay for a few days during which she will be carefully introduced to rescue guinea pigs and during which her bond will be carefully tested, so when she comes home with her new companion, they are well and stably bonded. I have done this several times myself with bereaved piggies of mine, and always come out of it with a very loving new relationship.
East Peckham Guinea Pig Rescue | Facebook

PS: You can look at sows of any age or one neutered boar - the important thing is that they like each other and get on!

I am so sorry for your sudden and unexpected loss.

With Wiebke - it is best to see if you can date your girl at a rescue so she can choose her own companion(s) whether that be a neutered boar, another sow or a pair of sows etc.
Age isn't important - it's just how they get along that matters.
Please be aware that it is not true that a baby sow is the best option. Not all sows will accept a baby sow that is chosen for them. I am have recently seen where a baby sow was surrendered into rescue after the older sow that she had been bought as a companion for decided that she would not share her home with her. That baby was surrendered to rescue and bonded with another sow who would accept her. That is why it is best to take your girl along to a rescue if you can and allow her to meet other piggies and to choose her own companion.

Sandra at East Peckham is one of the few rescues that offers full/residential bonding, which is the safest, but most time consuming way of bonding, so not many rescues have the capacity to do this. This means that there is often a waiting list as she can only do so many bondings. Unless your remaining girl is acutely pining, it is however well worth the extra wait and effort.

Hi guys,

Well it's with a lot of relief that I can now say Silky has found a new friend!

We've been in touch with three rescues over the last two weeks, but the main contact has been Sandra at East Peckham. She's brilliant, no other word for it. She's been an absolute pleasure and so understanding and helpful.

Silky surprised us and Sandra, supposedly she is the sow who has humped the most she has ever seen she was firstly tried with a pair of beautiful ginger and white short hairs who put up with her domineering attitude for a little while but got fed up in the end. Secondly with a very cute (but feisty) Abby, they didn't get as far as removing the cage divide as they were swearing at each other between the bars. Finally another Abby who seemingly has an incredibly sweet temperament and has managed to put up with all of Silkys dominant ways and humping. They've been together for nearly three days now and Sandra is pretty confident they are going to be ok.... I'm going to pick them up tonight. Can't wait. Some pictures below!

Thank you to the forum for the recommendation and obviously to Sandra for all of her hard work... We are going to be introducing a neutered boar into the mix at some point as we and Sandra all think this will be a good idea and help group dynamics. Fortunately that can be in our own time!

 

[Lorcan]

Great news! And they're both gorgeous, how are you managing to wait until tonight?!

 

[O&L]

Great news! And they're both gorgeous, how are you managing to wait until tonight?!

I work unfortunately!

 

[Wiebke]

Hi guys,

Well it's with a lot of relief that I can now say Silky has found a new friend!

We've been in touch with three rescues over the last two weeks, but the main contact has been Sandra at East Peckham. She's brilliant, no other word for it. She's been an absolute pleasure and so understanding and helpful.

Silky surprised us and Sandra, supposedly she is the sow who has humped the most she has ever seen she was firstly tried with a pair of beautiful ginger and white short hairs who put up with her domineering attitude for a little while but got fed up in the end. Secondly with a very cute (but feisty) Abby, they didn't get as far as removing the cage divide as they were swearing at each other between the bars. Finally another Abby who seemingly has an incredibly sweet temperament and has managed to put up with all of Silkys dominant ways and humping. They've been together for nearly three days now and Sandra is pretty confident they are going to be ok.... I'm going to pick them up tonight. Can't wait. Some pictures below!

Thank you to the forum for the recommendation and obviously to Sandra for all of her hard work... We are going to be introducing a neutered boar into the mix at some point as we and Sandra all think this will be a good idea and help group dynamics. Fortunately that can be in our own time!

View attachment 59173 View attachment 59174 View attachment 59175

Great news! Residential dating can really make all the difference, especially with tricky customers.

Sandra at East Peckham GPR is really doing an amazing job with her rescue. That is a very pretty new friend, so you must be very chuffed!

 

[VickiA]

Thank you so much for coming back here with your update @O&L. It's great to hear of such a successful outcome and it's lovely to hear such praise for Sandra. I do so love a happy ending.

Please come back and show us pics once they have settled in at home.

 

[O&L]

Great news! Residential dating can really make all the difference, especially with tricky customers.

Sandra at East Peckham GPR is really doing an amazing job with her rescue. That is a very pretty new friend, so you must be very chuffed!

We are delighted. Now fingers crossed for no issues when we get them home!

Dating was definitely a godsend and very relieved we went down that route as by all accounts Silky is a bit of a mare!

 

[O&L]

Thank you so much for coming back here with your update @O&L. It's great to hear of such a successful outcome and it's lovely to hear such praise for Sandra. I do so love a happy ending.

Please come back and show us pics once they have settled in at home.

I had to update on here because I may not have even gone down the rescue route if it weren't for your advice!

Will continue to lurk and throw in the odd post here or there... When they get home and settled I'll take a pic of the set up so you can see their palace!

 

[Critter]

I've only just seen this thread. I was really sorry to read of the unexpected passing of Silky's sister. I have had a couple who have died out of the blue and it's a horrible shock and very sad. You are not alone in being upset at all
But it's great news that Silky has found a new companion, I hope all goes well from now-on and I look forward to hearing about how they settle in back home together

 

[O&L]

I've only just seen this thread. I was really sorry to read of the unexpected passing of Silky's sister. I have had a couple who have died out of the blue and it's a horrible shock and very sad. You are not alone in being upset at all
But it's great news that Silky has found a new companion, I hope all goes well from now-on and I look forward to hearing about how they settle in back home together

Thanks Squeak is still sorely missed but I think the task of trying to find Silky a companion made things a bit easier. Fingers crossed Lily (name subject to change) likes her new home and Silky doesn't kick up a fuss at having to share. All new furnishings (from fleece to cardboard) for the first few days so that Silky doesn't get too comfortable in her pad!

 

[Critter]

Thanks Squeak is still sorely missed but I think the task of trying to find Silky a companion made things a bit easier. Fingers crossed Lily (name subject to change) likes her new home and Silky doesn't kick up a fuss at having to share. All new furnishings (from fleece to cardboard) for the first few days so that Silky doesn't get too comfortable in her pad!

Well they may rumble and hump all over again for a little while, but being as they settled once they should be just fine
I bet you're counting down the hours!

As for liking her new home, what's not to like? A really large enclosure and a doting human I'm sure she'll be very happy.

 

[O&L]

Well they may rumble and hump all over again for a little while, but being as they settled once they should be just fine
I bet you're counting down the hours!

As for liking her new home, what's not to like? A really large enclosure and a doting human I'm sure she'll be very happy.

I (selfishly) quite want to see that in fairness as it's behaviour we haven't seen before from her ... Obviously would prefer that not to be the case though and just have them settle straight away!

thank you, we hope they are going to be happy piggies! Will keep you guys updated

 

[Wiebke]

We are delighted. Now fingers crossed for no issues when we get them home!

Dating was definitely a godsend and very relieved we went down that route as by all accounts Silky is a bit of a mare!

I would recommend to do a short session on neutral space in your home, neutralise your cage and remove any hideys with just one exit for the time being. I find children's stools very useful for rumbunctious customers, as they offer plenty of escape until things have quietened down.