Drinking Lots

[JayneG]

Hi all. Can someone give me some advice pls?

My 3 year old boar lost his pal last week. Lived in a cage next to him.

He seems ok, eating normally, looks sad and a bit listless and is drinking loads tonight. Am worrying that he's stressed or something else is wrong.

Any ideas? He looks ok. I'm concerned about the drinking tho...

 

[JayneG]

Bump - anyone?

 

[sport_billy]

Sorry to hear you lost your piggie last week.

A piggie can drink more for many reasons. Have you recently put the heating on so they may be a lot warmer? Also if they are having less wet veg they may increase there water uptake.

How much water are they drinking a day would you say from the bottle?

There are medical reasons why they may be drinking more such as diabetes It may be worth a visit to the vets for a check up if you are concerned... They can test the urine for Glucose levels so it would be worth taking a urine sample with you.

 

[JayneG]

Thanks Billy.

Hmm now you mention it, because he is on his own, when we are home at night, we take him into the front room which is a lot warmer, so that could be the answer. I have reduced his wet veg ever so slightly as he is a teeny bit overweight, but will keep a close eye on him this week and turn the heat down in the front room and see how he goes.

Thank you :-)

 

[Claire W]

I am sorry that you have lost a piggy

I wouldn't worry too much about the drinking.

Like us humans, piggies need time to grieve for their loss. Just make sure you are there for your remaining pig and give him time to grieve. At a later date, would you considering getting him a new friend? xx

 

[Wiebke]

Firstly, I am very sorry for your loss!

Full on heating can make piggies drink noticeably more, as can a change in diet. If you wnat to reduce his weight, reduce the amount of pellets rather than veg. You may find this link helpful which deals with overweight: http://www.theguineapigforum.co.uk/showthread.php?t=38805

 

[JayneG]

Thanks all. Yes I would like to get him a new pal and am going to look at rescues near where I live to see if I can give another piggie a good home :-)

 

[piggyfan]

Hi how do you know he is over weight? Often vets say that but it is not true! How much does he weigh?

 

[cheeky-charlie]

do not worry my charlie drinks