Could use some more advice for my other 4

[supermum]

Since losing Dobby I have been continuing to daily weigh my remaining 4, they did have a little weight loss noted since being home (I didnt weigh before stupidly) so George was taken for a check up (as he had most loss and was one of the trio) to make sure there was nothing going on with them all, he got a clean bill of health and we were told he and the rest should gain and everything was put down to stress at my sisters farm

Since then they have been gaining well, they are eating well and at last all 4 are wheeking well (they had a few quiet days ) however someone has adviced I use oxbow hay, the one for post surgery and lactating piggies, I think its the alfafia one they mean (though could be wrong) would that be worth using whilst they are being refattened up?

Also their behaviour has changed since being back, like I say they were quiet for a few days but slowly started wheeking again for food, but they are all able to have lap time now, whats changed though is Kreature and George hated being held and would resist all laptime to the point we didnt stress them out with it, the only handling they had was to be put into the playpen and back, but now they dont resist at all, they can still be hard to catch but nowhere near like before but once caught they dont seem to care. In light of everything should I be worried about such a change or just happy that they finally decided lap time is good? It just seems wierd that they were soo terrified of us before, George does still seem scared as he does squeal when lifted but the jump that usually followed isnt there. They are eating and drinking fine and gaining weight fine but I'm not sure if there is something I'm not picking up iyswim?

I hope all makes sense and I dont sound a total zap

 

[Posiesparkles]

When we lost Rogue, Misty was exactly the same - wanting to be cuddled and fussed whereas before she would shy away. She and Storm spent time snoozing near each other etc which was unusal for them too - although they liked each other they were not cuddly piggies together. This lasted about a week or two and then she went back to her usual self (sadly, her mummy missed the cuddles!). Hope you are ok since losing Dobby. We lost Storm a few days ago and I know how it feels

x

 

[AndreaJane]

I should imagine they're pretty depressed so that's obvioulsy going to have an effect on their behaviour, Wallace was easy to pick up when we lost Mr M ( and never was before ) and I gave him lots of cuddles. He ate hardly anything and was losing weight so if your's are eating then that's a definite bonus. Just keep an eye on them, they're grieving too and like you will need some time.
(((((hugs)))))

 

[guineagurl]

They are probaly depressed. That is what happened when I lost Zoey. Good Luck though

 

[supermum]

Thank you guys, they do seem a little depressed especially Kreature, Dobby was his cuddle buddy and body guard, he really was the cool one of the bunch, he kept the calm and was very much the glue holding the trio together, I miss him like crazy and will always feel terribly guilty at letting them go to my sisters, the hardest part to swollow is knowing he would still be here if I didnt send them there

I will keep giving them cuddles for as long as they allow me, all of them have lost a few grams this morning bizarrely, though as long as they keep eating and drinking we are going to go to once weekly weigh ins, obv if any seem to stop eating I will go right back to daily. I do hope they dont get to a point they refuse cuddles again though, I much prefer them coming to us makes life alot easier.

 

[first_time_piggie_mum]

Aww bless, sending you a big (((hug)))

I think they are depressed (as already mentioned) but they are probably also picking up on your feelings. Odd as it sounds Rodders was always more snuggly with me when I was feeling sad or upset about something.

They showing you that they love you Piggie love

 

[Wiebke]

I wouldn't use alfalfa hay for too long - it is very rich in calcium and can cause bladder stones if fed long term. Alfalfa/lucerne is actually a legume and not a grass.

It is great that your boys are doing better and gaining weight. I would be happy with the development; they have now decided that you are a "safe" person to be with and trust you more.

 

[supermum]

I havent bought any yet, at the mo they are on meadow hay as we bought a bale of it, after the other was mentioned it left me wondering if I'm using the right hay for getting them to fatten up.

I do think George is where he should be as he is over 1kg but the other 3 are less, Fudge is the smallest at just under 800 grams and Patch and Kreature are both in the 800 gram range, I'm thinking its fine for patch and fudge as they are only 5mths but Kreature is 12mthish and he is also an aby (I think) so I'm thinking he especially needs to gain more.

I do hope they have decided I'm a safe person after all and they finally trust me, it would be lovely to think I was finally loved by them, I know it sounds cheesy and silly but I think in the end Dobby finally realised we loved him too, he did seem to respond positively to us (though it might of been the syringe of food)

 

[supermum]

I havent bought any yet, at the mo they are on meadow hay as we bought a bale of it, after the other was mentioned it left me wondering if I'm using the right hay for getting them to fatten up.

I do think George is where he should be as he is over 1kg but the other 3 are less, Fudge is the smallest at just under 800 grams and Patch and Kreature are both in the 800 gram range, I'm thinking its fine for patch and fudge as they are only 5mths but Kreature is 12mthish and he is also an aby (I think) so I'm thinking he especially needs to gain more.

I do hope they have decided I'm a safe person after all and they finally trust me, it would be lovely to think I was finally loved by them, I know it sounds cheesy and silly but I think in the end Dobby finally realised we loved him too, he did seem to respond positively to us (though it might of been the syringe of food)