Caregiver Burnout

[KatieM]

I am in a sticky situation with my pigs

As background I do have Generalized anxiety disorder, OCD and in the middle of being diagnosed ADHD/Autism. So my mental health isn’t super fabulous nor is my physical with having Type 1 diabetes and long covid which is recent. I do attend therapy and one of the corner stone topics these days is the stress of caring for my pigs. I am 22 and still live at home in the USA

In Sept. 2023 I got my first two pigs (ever) two girls, in Oct 2024 my friend reached out to me asking if I would care for her two male pigs now that she’s moving to college, in Dec 2024 one of the male pigs died. Jan 2024 I got the single pig a new male, except he was actually a she so I bonded her to my females and successful bonded him to another male.

So if you lost count I went from 2 pigs to 5 in a matter of a couple of month! And for awhile it worked but now I’m just drowning in it. Their day to day care isn’t bad but I struggle to clean their cages as it takes me an hour and then to clean up the floor of my bedroom afterwards. Naturally they get poop outside of their cage as well as hay so my room is always a bit of a disaster. I share laundry facilities with my parents so getting their fleece liners cleaned in time to change weekly is a challenge, even with multiples…but I feel horribly guilty if I let them go two weeks on the same liner! The girls cage gets absolutely wretched with 3 of them! A lot of my OCD tendencies surround the pigs and making sure their care is perfect but my health prevents me from having the energy to do it just as perfect as I want it.
I tried paper bedding but they toss it out of their cage and then the dog eats it.

But all the same I love them, especially my original two and the boy my friend gave me (I’ve struggled to bond with the two newest additions). They have been to the vet, they are all super healthy! Two of them had hay poke back to back and I spent 1,000s to get them taken care of and checked on. They are just innocent little being relying on me and the pressure to take care of them as well as my other pets sometimes just gets to be so much! I work two part time jobs and am increasing work time to try and save for moving out soon. Something I don’t foresee happening until I can find a place without a landlord as no apartment allows the pigs!

I’ve toyed with rehoming them but shelters and rescues are already overflowing with pigs who are much more desperate in need of homes. I know this quick addition of all the pigs is all my fault but I still want to give them the very best care and keep mine and their environment clean.

Is there easier bedding to use? Anything you guys do to make cleaning easier? I have two 2x4 cages stacked on top of one another, I’d love to give them and upgrade but there isn’t any room. At the end of the day the pigs are happy, I try to give myself grace but I just never imagined having 5 pigs! I was great with 2 but I can’t ever say no to a pig in need they are family

Sorry for the long post, thanks for reading.

 

[Truffolo]

Sending supportive vibes. You could reach out to a rescue just to see if there are people looking for two bonded girls while you care for them. It's best done through a rescue so that prospective adopters are vetted. Whatever you decide to do, stay in touch as we are here to offer support

 

[Ramia]

Two is definitely my limit so I hear you. They're a lot of work.

I second what truffolo said, maybe a rescue for your two least favorite?

 

[KatieM]

Two is definitely my limit so I hear you. They're a lot of work.

I second what truffolo said, maybe a rescue for your two least favorite?

Unfortunately the two least favorites…are not a bonded pair

 

[KatieM]

Sending supportive vibes. You could reach out to a rescue just to see if there are people looking for two bonded girls while you care for them. It's best done through a rescue so that prospective adopters are vetted. Whatever you decide to do, stay in touch as we are here to offer support

Thank you I couldn’t get rid of my two of bonded girls, that’s probably who I would keep above all the others! The newest girl and the boy are who I would consider but obviously they aren’t bonded but yes I do know of a Guinea rescue

 

[Truffolo]

Thank you I couldn’t get rid of my two of bonded girls, that’s probably who I would keep above all the others! The newest girl and the boy are who I would consider but obviously they aren’t bonded but yes I do know of a Guinea rescue

I am sorry, I got the wrong end of the stick Don't rush into anything. Things might improve. Your friend might take her piggies back for a while, perhaps at vacations.

 

[KatieM]

I am sorry, I got the wrong end of the stick Don't rush into anything. Things might improve. Your friend might take her piggies back for a while, perhaps at vacations.

Thank you, it’s a complicated situation! My friend is studying at a college in a different state and currently doing a study abroad program so she won’t be able to take him back at least for the next year and I’m not sure she would! But I could ask.

Definitely been pondering it for a good month now, each cleaning day it all comes back up again. It’s a rough place to be! Since the pigs are good thank you!

 

[Wiebke]

I am in a sticky situation with my pigs

As background I do have Generalized anxiety disorder, OCD and in the middle of being diagnosed ADHD/Autism. So my mental health isn’t super fabulous nor is my physical with having Type 1 diabetes and long covid which is recent. I do attend therapy and one of the corner stone topics these days is the stress of caring for my pigs. I am 22 and still live at home in the USA

In Sept. 2023 I got my first two pigs (ever) two girls, in Oct 2024 my friend reached out to me asking if I would care for her two male pigs now that she’s moving to college, in Dec 2024 one of the male pigs died. Jan 2024 I got the single pig a new male, except he was actually a she so I bonded her to my females and successful bonded him to another male.

So if you lost count I went from 2 pigs to 5 in a matter of a couple of month! And for awhile it worked but now I’m just drowning in it. Their day to day care isn’t bad but I struggle to clean their cages as it takes me an hour and then to clean up the floor of my bedroom afterwards. Naturally they get poop outside of their cage as well as hay so my room is always a bit of a disaster. I share laundry facilities with my parents so getting their fleece liners cleaned in time to change weekly is a challenge, even with multiples…but I feel horribly guilty if I let them go two weeks on the same liner! The girls cage gets absolutely wretched with 3 of them! A lot of my OCD tendencies surround the pigs and making sure their care is perfect but my health prevents me from having the energy to do it just as perfect as I want it.
I tried paper bedding but they toss it out of their cage and then the dog eats it.

But all the same I love them, especially my original two and the boy my friend gave me (I’ve struggled to bond with the two newest additions). They have been to the vet, they are all super healthy! Two of them had hay poke back to back and I spent 1,000s to get them taken care of and checked on. They are just innocent little being relying on me and the pressure to take care of them as well as my other pets sometimes just gets to be so much! I work two part time jobs and am increasing work time to try and save for moving out soon. Something I don’t foresee happening until I can find a place without a landlord as no apartment allows the pigs!

I’ve toyed with rehoming them but shelters and rescues are already overflowing with pigs who are much more desperate in need of homes. I know this quick addition of all the pigs is all my fault but I still want to give them the very best care and keep mine and their environment clean.

Is there easier bedding to use? Anything you guys do to make cleaning easier? I have two 2x4 cages stacked on top of one another, I’d love to give them and upgrade but there isn’t any room. At the end of the day the pigs are happy, I try to give myself grace but I just never imagined having 5 pigs! I was great with 2 but I can’t ever say no to a pig in need they are family

Sorry for the long post, thanks for reading.

BIG HUGS

If you are a member of a congregation or community, would it be worth contacting them to ask whether a member would be willing to help you out with the cage clean and grooming care to help take the immediate pressure off you so you can clear your head a little before make any more long term/permanent decisions?

Towards the end of the last year, I ended up with a broken hip in hospital when a leg suddenly gave under me. Even nearly half a year later, I am still not able to crouch or kneel for any length of time (or better, to get back up again without hurting my still healing hip and with needing something solid to pull myself back up on and to hold on until my dizziness clears) in order to clean my floor cages. A local forum member (who is kindly still looking after two of mine) was also able to find somebody through the local grapevine who was - and still is - willing to come once a week for the cage clean.

Perhaps you may also be able to find a good new home for any piggies you feel you cannot keep via the local gripevine?

PS: Please be aware that you will go through a minor but genuine version of the grieving process with any piggies of yours that go to another home; it happens to anybody who loves and cares deeply - which you quite clearly do.

 

[KatieM]

BIG HUGS

If you are a member of a congregation or community, would it be worth contacting them to ask whether a member would be willing to help you out with the cage clean and grooming care to help take the immediate pressure off you so you can clear your head a little before make any more long term/permanent decisions?

Towards the end of the last year, I ended up with a broken hip in hospital when a leg suddenly gave under me. Even nearly half a year later, I am still not able to crouch or kneel for any length of time (or better, to get back up again without hurting my still healing hip and with needing something solid to pull myself back up on and to hold on until my dizziness clears) in order to clean my floor cages. A local forum member (who is kindly still looking after two of mine) was also able to find somebody through the local grapevine who was - and still is - willing to come once a week for the cage clean.

Perhaps you may also be able to find a good new home for any piggies you feel you cannot keep via the local gripevine?

PS: Please be aware that you will go through a minor but genuine version of the grieving process with any piggies of yours that go to another home; it happens to anybody who loves and cares deeply - which you quite clearly do.

Thank you for this!
My mom helps me feed them and do their laundry which is so helpful! But their numbers are outweighing both of us! I teach preschool at a church so I can ask, I also have a neighbor with a bunny who might be willing. They are just in my bedroom so it means also leaving my “safe space” somehow so they can clean!

There are a few guinea pig dedicated rescues I could look at for the two I’m not bonded with, I would still be heartbroken but I think I can recognize I made a mistake getting in over my head

For now the pigs are happy and okay (it’s only me struggling!) so I know there is no rush. I can definitely spend time asking around for someone local who may be willing to give them a pair as well. Since the two I’m least bonded to are not bonded to eachother (boy/girl)

Thank you, it’s been so hard! But I know it’s temporary

 

[Wiebke]

Thank you for this!
My mom helps me feed them and do their laundry which is so helpful! But their numbers are outweighing both of us! I teach preschool at a church so I can ask, I also have a neighbor with a bunny who might be willing. They are just in my bedroom so it means also leaving my “safe space” somehow so they can clean!

There are a few guinea pig dedicated rescues I could look at for the two I’m not bonded with, I would still be heartbroken but I think I can recognize I made a mistake getting in over my head

For now the pigs are happy and okay (it’s only me struggling!) so I know there is no rush. I can definitely spend time asking around for someone local who may be willing to give them a pair as well. Since the two I’m least bonded to are not bonded to eachother (boy/girl)

Thank you, it’s been so hard! But I know it’s temporary

Just take the time to explore all possibilities and avenues. Don't rush into something you may regret later.

 

[Mrs Tiggy Winkle]

I'm sending hugs and lots of good vibes.

I understand a bit too, since I have quite the list of diagnoses myself including anxiety most if not all of which made it difficult to care for my guineas adequately all the time. When the times came that I couldn't keep up with it all, I tended to blame and harangue myself, which of course did not help at all. I was often quite slow too and mostly exhausted e.g. after all the cage-cleaning. It all took me a lot longer to do guinea care than it would for people w/o my bunch of diagnoses. I have discovered since being on this forum that I'm not alone with these types of diagnoses and nor are you. This knowledge helped me, I hope it helps you.

I did get in over my head a few times, taking on other people's guineas and that kind of thing. We're humans, not infallible. There's no shame in making these kinds of misjudgements and it's quite OK to ask for help, tho it was quite the learning experience for to realise that.

One thing that helped me out a good few times was temporary help. There were people around me who were willing to take on care of a pair of piggies for a while, or maybe just come and clean out piggies. I even had people willing to take on ailing guineas for a week or two or more when I was unable to give adequate daily care (foot baths, daily medication, syringe feeding). Some people really like to help and don't want compensation in any way! The woman at my local rescue knows she can ask me to take on 2-3 piggies who need a temporary home so long as they don't need additional medical help. For me, that's being allowed to "borrow" some one else's guineas for a while since I can no longer care for my own consistently, although I do care and have the knowledge and experience. So, yes, I'm crossing my fingers for some temporary help to reach you from out of the woodwork, also help that's not overwhelming for you. Maybe some stranger coming into your space to care for the guineas would overwhelm you? It can be too much for me tho I don't have OCD per se, just some symptoms that look that way. If you can handle it, maybe even some animal-friendly teens who'd be willing to cage-clean for a little pocket money?

I really hope you find some solution that fits your individual needs! Please know that the forum supports you, even if there may be no one close enough geographically who is able to offer practical hands-on support the way Wiebke is still being supported.

 

[KatieM]

I'm sending hugs and lots of good vibes.

I understand a bit too, since I have quite the list of diagnoses myself including anxiety most if not all of which made it difficult to care for my guineas adequately all the time. When the times came that I couldn't keep up with it all, I tended to blame and harangue myself, which of course did not help at all. I was often quite slow too and mostly exhausted e.g. after all the cage-cleaning. It all took me a lot longer to do guinea care than it would for people w/o my bunch of diagnoses. I have discovered since being on this forum that I'm not alone with these types of diagnoses and nor are you. This knowledge helped me, I hope it helps you.

I did get in over my head a few times, taking on other people's guineas and that kind of thing. We're humans, not infallible. There's no shame in making these kinds of misjudgements and it's quite OK to ask for help, tho it was quite the learning experience for to realise that.

One thing that helped me out a good few times was temporary help. There were people around me who were willing to take on care of a pair of piggies for a while, or maybe just come and clean out piggies. I even had people willing to take on ailing guineas for a week or two or more when I was unable to give adequate daily care (foot baths, daily medication, syringe feeding). Some people really like to help and don't want compensation in any way! The woman at my local rescue knows she can ask me to take on 2-3 piggies who need a temporary home so long as they don't need additional medical help. For me, that's being allowed to "borrow" some one else's guineas for a while since I can no longer care for my own consistently, although I do care and have the knowledge and experience. So, yes, I'm crossing my fingers for some temporary help to reach you from out of the woodwork, also help that's not overwhelming for you. Maybe some stranger coming into your space to care for the guineas would overwhelm you? It can be too much for me tho I don't have OCD per se, just some symptoms that look that way. If you can handle it, maybe even some animal-friendly teens who'd be willing to cage-clean for a little pocket money?

I really hope you find some solution that fits your individual needs! Please know that the forum supports you, even if there may be no one close enough geographically who is able to offer practical hands-on support the way Wiebke is still being supported.

Thank you! It is hard and very isolating because they are little animals, you wouldn’t think they’d be so much work but they do outrival my cats and dogs in terms of cleaning!

It’s about to be summer vacation here so I’ve considered asking around maybe a teenager would want some extra money to watch them for awhile or come clean! It’s definitely hard to admit the overwhelm and equally as hard to ask for help!

This is all comforting to know that I’m not the first to end up in this sort of situation!

 

[Mrs Tiggy Winkle]

It’s about to be summer vacation here so I’ve considered asking around maybe a teenager would want some extra money to watch them for awhile or come clean! It’s definitely hard to admit the overwhelm and equally as hard to ask for help!

Good idea with the teenager!

I know it was really hard for me to admit to overwhelm and to ask for help. I have tears in my eyes as I read this part of your post, I'm not sure why. Probably remembering how hard it was, how much I had to struggle to ask for and accept help and that other adults were happy to help with no expectations that I help them sometime in return.

I know that proper guinea care is a lot and time-consuming. People without guinea knowledge mostly just don't realise. I don't have any guineas anymore because I just can't manage reliably and I'm forever saying to people "You'd be surprised but caring for guineas properly is a ton of work and not just me 'spoiling' them".

Guineas are lovely little animals and I so hope you can manage to keep your original bonded pair at least and can find a good long-term solution for the others.

 

[KatieM]

Good idea with the teenager!

I know it was really hard for me to admit to overwhelm and to ask for help. I have tears in my eyes as I read this part of your post, I'm not sure why. Probably remembering how hard it was, how much I had to struggle to ask for and accept help and that other adults were happy to help with no expectations that I help them sometime in return.

I know that proper guinea care is a lot and time-consuming. People without guinea knowledge mostly just don't realise. I don't have any guineas anymore because I just can't manage reliably and I'm forever saying to people "You'd be surprised but caring for guineas properly is a ton of work and not just me 'spoiling' them".

Guineas are lovely little animals and I so hope you can manage to keep your original bonded pair at least and can find a good long-term solution for the others.

It is so hard to admit “defeat” and ask for help! And I’m just 22 so it’s a big lesson to learn.

It is such a big undertaking, they are such wonderful special creatures but they are not simple! So many considerations!

Yes, the girls are just about to be 2 in July. Only house they know but I’m still deeply pondering for the others! We have many guinea pig dedicated rescues nearby!

 

[pepperpots]

I’d definitely consider rehoming the two, then connecting the cages together for the remaining three to enjoy. The bigger the area the easier it is to keep clean, especially if you put hay trays in, where they tend to wee, which can be quickly changed daily. Good luck (from someone who also has chronic health conditions)

 

[JaseChase]

I’m so pleased you’re reaching out for help here and there truly is no shame in struggling. I have ME (similar to long covid) and autism along with some other diagnoses and I’ve been chronically ill since I was 19 - there really are quite a few of us!

I’ll share some things that have helped me, though I am not sure all of them will be applicable to you. Take what might work and ignore what isn’t helpful - and if you decide that rehoming some of the pigs is the best thing then it will be a decision you’re making out of love for them, which is all they need. Sending big hugs

Some things that help me:

- I keep them on fleece as I find it the lowest maintenance, but I do own a LOT of fleece. It allows me to change out pee pads every few days but only do the full cage liners every 4-6 weeks (I only have two piggies). I also have spare liners so I don’t have to do the laundry immediately after changing them

- I am lucky enough to have a carer/PA who comes in to help me sweep the floors and manage household tasks. She is happy to clean out the piggies when I can’t. I did have to adjust to someone in my space which isn’t easy, but the benefit made the mental work worth it for me

- Community support temporarily when things are hard - as others suggested above, when I’m in a bad patch sometimes I need friends or my partner to pitch in more than they normally would. Short term it can be very effective while I get back on my feet

- Minimal care without neglecting them in a bad patch. Fed, clean, watered. I love getting them out or spending lots of time with them but sometimes it just isn’t realistic, and I know they are quite happy with each other as long as their basic needs are covered

 

[Merab]

Holding you in my heart

 

[KatieM]

I’d definitely consider rehoming the two, then connecting the cages together for the remaining three to enjoy. The bigger the area the easier it is to keep clean, especially if you put hay trays in, where they tend to wee, which can be quickly changed daily. Good luck (from someone who also has chronic health conditions)

Unfortunately the remaining 3 would be two girls and a boy…
I did have a haytray but the bag would not soak up the pee and it was just a tray of pee! It’s a good idea though if I can maybe get a better set up!
Thank you!

 

[KatieM]

I’m so pleased you’re reaching out for help here and there truly is no shame in struggling. I have ME (similar to long covid) and autism along with some other diagnoses and I’ve been chronically ill since I was 19 - there really are quite a few of us!

I’ll share some things that have helped me, though I am not sure all of them will be applicable to you. Take what might work and ignore what isn’t helpful - and if you decide that rehoming some of the pigs is the best thing then it will be a decision you’re making out of love for them, which is all they need. Sending big hugs

Some things that help me:

- I keep them on fleece as I find it the lowest maintenance, but I do own a LOT of fleece. It allows me to change out pee pads every few days but only do the full cage liners every 4-6 weeks (I only have two piggies). I also have spare liners so I don’t have to do the laundry immediately after changing them

- I am lucky enough to have a carer/PA who comes in to help me sweep the floors and manage household tasks. She is happy to clean out the piggies when I can’t. I did have to adjust to someone in my space which isn’t easy, but the benefit made the mental work worth it for me

- Community support temporarily when things are hard - as others suggested above, when I’m in a bad patch sometimes I need friends or my partner to pitch in more than they normally would. Short term it can be very effective while I get back on my feet

- Minimal care without neglecting them in a bad patch. Fed, clean, watered. I love getting them out or spending lots of time with them but sometimes it just isn’t realistic, and I know they are quite happy with each other as long as their basic needs are covered

Thank you for this! It does feel isolating but I can see here I am not alone

I have 7 sets of fleece but between two cages it goes quickly! Every few weeks is another big wash day!

I can definitely try asking for help cleaning, and maybe just leaving the house while they. However, I live with my parents so I’d have to get permission from them as well.

I managed well with two but 5 is difficult. They do all have their basic needs met and I know they are happy even if I don’t get them out all the time!

 

[Piggies&buns]

Unfortunately the remaining 3 would be two girls and a boy…
I did have a haytray but the bag would not soak up the pee and it was just a tray of pee! It’s a good idea though if I can maybe get a better set up!
Thank you!

I’m sorry to hear of your struggles. You sound to be doing a great job and I wanted to send you support.

I assume the boy isn’t neutered and that is the issue here? If the boy is neutered then you could try to bond him in with the two girls.

A hay tray with something absorbent underneath - either a puppy pad or disposable bedding - is quick and easy to clean - literally just tip it out into a bin, clean the tray and refill.

 

[SpiritoftheForest]

Unfortunately the remaining 3 would be two girls and a boy…
I did have a haytray but the bag would not soak up the pee and it was just a tray of pee! It’s a good idea though if I can maybe get a better set up!
Thank you!

Firstly sorry to hear about your situation.

Re the hay tray, how about getting Aubiose (or another hemp based bedding) just for the tray? If the depth of Aubiose is right it's very good at soaking up urine, also very good at reducing odour.

 

[Qualcast&Flymo]

Sorry to hear that you are struggling, especially with the unexpected increase in your piggy numbers.

My suggestion would be to use disposable puppy pads as cage liners for at least some of your cages. It means a bit more ongoing costs, and additional waste which i personally would normally avoid, but it saves on the washing - you can just pick up the used pad with all the waste hay and poops on it all together, and chuck it straight in the bin.
You could also try using small fleece pads around the cages especially in the areas they like peeing in, if you change a few each day they can be put in with other washing more easily than big liners.

 

[KatieM]

I’m sorry to hear of your struggles. You sound to be doing a great job and I wanted to send you support.

I assume the boy isn’t neutered and that is the issue here? If the boy is neutered then you could try to bond him in with the two girls.

A hay tray with something absorbent underneath - either a puppy pad or disposable bedding - is quick and easy to clean - literally just tip it out into a bin, clean the tray and refill.

He’s not neutered! But I know our vet is open to it, maybe I’ll bring him in for a consult!

Thank you, I don’t think I had a big enough tray last time, that’s a good idea!

 

[KatieM]

Firstly sorry to hear about your situation.

Re the hay tray, how about getting Aubiose (or another hemp based bedding) just for the tray? If the depth of Aubiose is right it's very good at soaking up urine, also very good at reducing odour.

That’s an excellent idea, thank you!

 

[KatieM]

Sorry to hear that you are struggling, especially with the unexpected increase in your piggy numbers.

My suggestion would be to use disposable puppy pads as cage liners for at least some of your cages. It means a bit more ongoing costs, and additional waste which i personally would normally avoid, but it saves on the washing - you can just pick up the used pad with all the waste hay and poops on it all together, and chuck it straight in the bin.
You could also try using small fleece pads around the cages especially in the areas they like peeing in, if you change a few each day they can be put in with other washing more easily than big liners.

I use puppy pads underneath the big fleece liners and then dump the big liners onto the pads to clean up…but it still creates quite the mess trying to dump I didn’t think about just letting them be on the pee pads. I have one who might eat them but I could do at least one cage with that, that would help a lot! Thank you!

I’ve got lots of fleece pieces I can cut up and put in high traffic areas too…small items are much easier to wash!

 

[fluffysal]

Bath mats and pee pads in the right places make a big difference. I also use a patchwork of small fleece liners, rather than a large one, for my boy who pees everywhere. Then I can just strip out one or two.

 

[KatieM]

Bath mats and pee pads in the right places make a big difference. I also use a patchwork of small fleece liners, rather than a large one, for my boy who pees everywhere. Then I can just strip out one or two.

I really like the idea of doing this for at least one cage, my boys for sure have “potty areas”! And the smaller pieces of fleece would be way easier to clean in the washing machine in bulk batches and be changed more often.
I’ve seen some people use those shaggy bath mats? Is that what you mean or do you use true bath mats? I have some smaller fleece liners but I didn’t love their absorbency which is why I switched to these big ones I have which are a mix between fleece and industrial lining.

 

[fluffysal]

Yes the bobble mats. You need to make sure they don't have the rubber backing though. Mine are full sized but I know that @weepweeps cuts hers down. The hay just shakes off them too.
Dignified Sir George models....

 

[Wiebke]

I can also confirm that debris tends to stick noticeably less to bobbly bath mats compared to fleece blankets. You can shake a lot of it out before putting it into the washing machine; more so than with a fleece blanket. You will still need an absorbent underlayer.

They do however soak up quite a bit of water during the wash so you have to be careful to not overload the machine.

 

[Posyrose]

I'm disabled too and struggle to do a full cage clean but I get help with that from my cleaner ( I'm lucky she thinks nothing of picking up poo with her bare hands! ) In between I use bath mats (full and cut in half) and pee pads. I also have a hay tray which is easy to change.