Grieving Piggy Hiding In Bag...

[CPHill]

A week ago I sadly lost 2 piggies, leaving one 4 year old sow. She wasn't very active but since being on her own she has taken to hiding in a dark paper bag (with hay in) and only comes out for food or when I pick her out for cuddles. She is seriously in thee all the time! When I have changed it she comes out and stares at the wall. I have had her out every evening for cuddles and given her as much interaction as I can. She lives indoors in the middle of a busy house so always has people saying hello to her but she isn't interested at all.

I realise the best thing to do would be to get another piggy but we kind of agreed we wouldn't get any more piggies so I want to do the best I can her her on her own,

Do you think I should take the bag away so she has no option but to come out, or let her hide as she is? I've introduced some new toys to try to interest and distract her but to no avail. :-(

Any advice please? Thanks

 

[Chief Guinea Pig]

I'm sorry to hear about this situation, sadly it is hard to give her the attention she needs, unlike her two other friends would've done. It would be her interests at heart, to find a sow friend for her from a rescue. You could see if they'll bond then.

I'm sorry for your losses.

 

[7squeakers.]

Oh, how very sad that your sow is grieving for her lost friends. Really, the best thing you can do for her is to get her a new companion. A new young friend will give her a new lease of life. But if that really is out of the question, then you are doing right in giving her lots of love, cuddles and attention. Don't take the hay bag away, that is her security blanket. She will probably get over her loss in a couple of weeks. You could perhaps try her with some new food that she's not had before. Hope this helps.

 

[Wiebke]

I am very sorry for your losses; losing both companions will be very hard on your girl!
You are always welcome to post a tribute in our Rainbow Bridge section.

The best thing you can do to bring your bereaved girl out of herself and give her back her sparkle is to let her choose a new companion of her liking. This can be either a neutered boar or another sow (or two, but in that case, ideally ones that are sub- young adults and will accept her authority). Age and gender matter less than mutual liking for a happy new relationship. The best place to that is one of our recommended piggy savvy rescues that offer dating at the rescue under expert supervision. That way, you only come home with a guaranteed healthy and not pregnant piggy when there has been success.

You will find that the "recovery" is pretty instant as soon as there is company; it is one of the most gratifying experiences. I have done this several times with bereaved piggies of mine and always got a very happy new friendship out of it.
Here is our recommended good standard rescues locator: http://www.theguineapigforum.co.uk/pages/guinea-pig-rescue-locator/