Grieving pig not drinking

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kjones

kjones

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Hi everyone - We have recently lost one of our two male pigs, we are looking to find a new friend for our remaining pig but just want to make sure he is OK while we find him a new companion.

My main concern is that he doesn't seem to be drinking - we've tried to draw his attention to the water bottles, given him a bowl in case he preferred that (he just stood in it, so we took it out!). We have a small flat and can hear the noise made when he's drinking wherever we are, so know he's not doing it when I'm not looking and water level isn't going down.

Has anyone experienced this with a sad piggy? Any suggestions for how we can encourage him? We're giving him lots of cucumber and veg with water in to keep him hydrated.

He is eating and responding to people coming near the cage, and has been running around as usual. He's a lot quieter than before but I suppose he doesn't have anyone to talk to now, sadly.
 
I was going to mention about cucumber but you've already done that so good :) to help keep him hydrated.
How much cucumber is he having? Maybe he doesn't feel thirsty because the veg is keeping him hydrated enough?
If he isn't touching the bottle, possibly stop the cucumber just to see whether he then feels the need to catch his thirst and have a drink. Obviously if no change within half a day or so then feed him back on veg so he doesnt dehydrate.

When would you be looking to get another cage friend if he is really feeling lonely?
 
Thanks - I'll see what happens if we give him less wet veg for a bit, but keep a close eye on him.

We'd like to get him a new cage mate as soon as we can - just trying to find a rescue place nearby that has a suitable friend for him.

We're in London, if anyone knows anyone with a pig needing a home (but unfortunately no car so restricted to places we can get to by public transport).
 
I am sorry for your loss. It is normal for a piggy to grieve and go off food for a few days. Thankfully, most come round again within 3-4 days and start getting on with life. As long as he is still eating veg, I would not worry too much. Weigh him daily until he has got a new friend.

It is great that you are thinking rescue! The best thing you can do for your boy is finding a rescue that allows you take your boy for some "boar dating", so you can be sure that you find the best mate for him!

Here is a list of guinea pig rescues in London:
http://www.guineapigrehome.org.uk/gp/centres.asp#London

Otherwise, I can recommend these two specialist rescues just outside London. Both are top notch and very dedicated:
http://crawleyguineapigrescue.org (Crawley)
http://www.guineapigwelfare.org.uk/ (Reading)
 
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i was also going to suggest feeding him cucumber, this will keep him hydrated.
Or you could handfeed him some water, either by gently putting small amounts into his mouth or use a bowl and try to encourage him to drink from it.

I hope he feels better soon x
 
ahhh the poor little thing-does he have a certain place he likes to sit?maybe move the water bottle nearer to him.washing the veg should give him enough water-one of my pigs doesnt drink much but i wash her veg
 
Some pigs don't drink much, maybe it was difficult to tell who was drinking if they had the same bottle?
 
I have a guinea basil and he has a chest type infection, he would only eat spring greens, and would no touch water or pellets, i used to soak his spring greens in water i also found, that he maybe forgot how to drink :/ I showed him the bottle once actually placed it in his mouth and since then he started drinking! x
 
Thanks for the advice everyone, will try washing the veg to give him a bit more liquid and hope he remembers to use the bottle soon.

I have contacted a few rescue places and hope to find him a new friend soon, I think 'boar dating' would be a great idea for him!
 
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