Having a wobble about George

[Sonnet]

...Yeah. Thing is, I know that he and Sprout aren’t going to get on - their characters just aren’t compatible. And while I do love him, the fact of the matter is that I don’t think our bond is as strong as the one between Sprout and me. Plus, George is so wriggly, I’m scared that he’ll attempt to leap off the table when nail trimming and hurt himself.

Being realistic, I can’t afford more than two guinea pigs right now, so getting more isn’t an option. But, it’s not fair to have both of them be lonely. So, maybe it’d be best to rehome George. I’m only thinking about this as a possibility, but I want to do what’s best for the boys.

 

[Lady Kelly]

Bless you, it's a hard decision to make. Perhaps you could discuss options with a local rescue and hopefully they could take George and make sure he is bonded before he is rehomed and also find a friend for sprout. That way, even though you are rehoming George, you will be assured he won't be on his own

 

[Sonnet]

Bless you, it's a hard decision to make. Perhaps you could discuss options with a local rescue and hopefully they could take George and make sure he is bonded before he is rehomed and also find a friend for sprout. That way, even though you are rehoming George, you will be assured he won't be on his own

That’s a good idea. Will look into local-ish rescues.

 

[Lady Kelly]

That’s a good idea. Will look into local-ish rescues.

It is hard as we get attached to every piggy we meet. I took one in from Neville's nest and had to hand her back as she wouldn't bond with any of my group. We'd only had her two weeks but that handover was one of the most difficult I have ever had to do. You just have to remind yourself that you are doing it for the piggies to live their best lives

 

[Sonnet]

It is hard as we get attached to every piggy we meet. I took one in from Neville's nest and had to hand her back as she wouldn't bond with any of my group. We'd only had her two weeks but that handover was one of the most difficult I have ever had to do. You just have to remind yourself that you are doing it for the piggies to live their best lives

Yep. I don’t want either of them to be unhappy.

 

[Bill & Ted]

Aw, so sorry to hear this, George is such a little character but if it’s not working out for them, it does leave you with a dilemma. Trouble is with Cornwall having such a small population your nearest recommended rescue Norman Gormans between Saltash and Liskard, around 50 miles away. We had this problem when looking for Bill and Ted, who were advertised in local paper (small hobby breeder) would have preferred to have gone to a rescue. Rang RSPCA but no luck.

The RSPCA in Quintal Downs doesn’t seem to have piggies at all
Maria’s Annimal in Probus is not on the recommended list but does neuter all single males that they can’t pair up boar to boar
There is a shelter called Moorland Piggies somewhere around Bodmin which I think is aligned to P@H but says family run but not on the recommended list, don’t know how that works?

You could do with finding a boar dating rescue for Sprout, then you won’t end up with another incompatible male, have you thought of neutering him?

Best of luck, I often wonder what we would do if we lost one of our boys, it’s so difficult x let us all know how you get on whatever decision you make

You may know of some more?

 

[Sonnet]

Aw, so sorry to hear this, George is such a little character but if it’s not working out for them, it does leave you with a dilemma. Trouble is with Cornwall having such a small population your nearest recommended rescue Norman Gormans between Saltash and Liskard, around 50 miles away. We had this problem when looking for Bill and Ted, who were advertised in local paper (small hobby breeder) would have preferred to have gone to a rescue. Rang RSPCA but no luck.

The RSPCA in Quintal Downs doesn’t seem to have piggies at all
Maria’s Annimal in Probus is not on the recommended list but does neuter all single males that they can’t pair up boar to boar
There is a shelter called Moorland Piggies somewhere around Bodmin which I think is aligned to P@H but says family run but not on the recommended list, don’t know how that works?

You could do with finding a boar dating rescue for Sprout, then you won’t end up with another incompatible male, have you thought of neutering him?

Best of luck, I often wonder what we would do if we lost one of our boys, it’s so difficult x let us all know how you get on whatever decision you make

You may know of some more?

I’m not sure that Norman Gorman’s actually rehome piggies very much now. Seem to remember seeing something somewhere saying they didn’t. Plus it’s a little bit out the way, unfortunately.

Nearest would be Maria’s, but then, as you mentioned, they tend to neuter all their single males.

I have thought about maybe getting Sprout neutered, but I don’t really trust the vets near me. One is a Pets at Home, who probably wouldn’t do it anyway, and the other one is a bit inconsistent with piggy experienced vets.

As of right now, it’s only a possibility that I’ll rehome him, but I just want what’s best for both of them really.

 

[DMS260820]

Cant you try the bond once more?

 

[Bill & Ted]

It’s so difficult down here really, I think people just don’t realise just how far you have to travel to get a decent vet? I have been generally very disappointed in the lack of knowledge with vets down here. I have to take Ted all the way to Northampton for his teeth (well one strange peg like tooth on his pre-molar), which I don’t begrudge, but it would be lovely to travel somewhere a bit nearer lol

Wondered if they do boar dating at Maria’s, that way it would help both of them. If you know of any good piggie savy vets then it’d be very welcome! Wonder which vet Maria’s uses for neutering, they must do a lot!

 

[Tiamolly123]

Hi sonnet my heart goes out to you. In the last 2 or 3 months I have had a lad who was neutered unfortunately I already had a neutered boy & we were worry they would fight. The other was his wife as they were a pair, both went. The guilt etc is not easy, to bear. You must do what you must. Could you take sprout out of the area to be neutered, someone must be able to recommend one. Then after a while he would have a soul mate.
We are right with you no matter, what you decide. xx

 

[Sonnet]

Cant you try the bond once more?

I’m willing to, of course I am. But if it doesn’t work, then I’m back to square one.

It’s so difficult down here really, I think people just don’t realise just how far you have to travel to get a decent vet? I have been generally very disappointed in the lack of knowledge with vets down here. I have to take Ted all the way to Northampton for his teeth (well one strange peg like tooth on his pre-molar), which I don’t begrudge, but it would be lovely to travel somewhere a bit nearer lol

Wondered if they do boar dating at Maria’s, that way it would help both of them. If you know of any good piggie savy vets then it’d be very welcome! Wonder which vet Maria’s uses for neutering, they must do a lot!

They might possibly do boar dating at Maria’s! I’d have to ask. Yeah, the lack of knowledge is a bit disappointing. Don’t know of any piggie savvy vets near me, unfortunately.

Hi sonnet my heart goes out to you. In the last 2 or 3 months I have had a lad who was neutered unfortunately I already had a neutered boy & we were worry they would fight. The other was his wife as they were a pair, both went. The guilt etc is not easy, to bear. You must do what you must. Could you take sprout out of the area to be neutered, someone must be able to recommend one. Then after a while he would have a soul mate.
We are right with you no matter, what you decide. xx

I would be willing to take Sprout out of the area to be neutered, though would have to go by train (can’t drive/no car.)

 

[Sophie B]

That’s a shame, but if you do think it’s in his best interests I suppose it would be a good idea. It must be a terrible choice to make. If you do decide to rehome him just make sure you take him to a good rescue.
I’m sorry this is a choice you have to make.

 

[PigglePuggle]

Oh dear that's really a tough decision, but if George and Sprout don't get on, and Sprout is your original piggy friend who loves you, and George is causing trouble and nobody is happy... whatever you do will be with their best interests at heart I'm sure. If you could rehome George and find Sprout a new friend that might be best, personally I'd go for neutering and a wife for Sprout but if you dont have a good vet that's tricky too... is there anyone on the forum who might foster George until he gets into a good rescue, or who might let Sprout stay with them for a week or two to go be neutered at a recommended vet?

 

[Merab]

@Sonnet I am so sorry you are faced with such a tough decision.
Both boys are so lovely and it is great that you have their well-being at heart.
Whatever you decide to do will be be a decision made out of love for them both.
Holding you in my thoughts and offering support

 

[Bill & Ted]

The problem here is there doesn’t seem to be any exotic piggie savvy vets in Cornwall, unless someone out there knows of one? I suppose vets probably don’t get the experience of volume to become experienced, if you understand what I mean. It’s bad enough if you can drive, but if not then you really have very limited choices.

 

[Sonnet]

That’s a shame, but if you do think it’s in his best interests I suppose it would be a good idea. It must be a terrible choice to make. If you do decide to rehome him just make sure you take him to a good rescue.
I’m sorry this is a choice you have to make.

It’s not totally decided yet...still thinking on what I want to do. I will choose a good rescue if I do, though.

Oh dear that's really a tough decision, but if George and Sprout don't get on, and Sprout is your original piggy friend who loves you, and George is causing trouble and nobody is happy... whatever you do will be with their best interests at heart I'm sure. If you could rehome George and find Sprout a new friend that might be best, personally I'd go for neutering and a wife for Sprout but if you dont have a good vet that's tricky too... is there anyone on the forum who might foster George until he gets into a good rescue, or who might let Sprout stay with them for a week or two to go be neutered at a recommended vet?

I don’t think there’s anyone on the forum near enough for me to easily get there. I don’t/can’t drive, so would have to travel by train. Just a bit awkward, really! I’m not averse to the idea of having Sprout neutered though.

@Sonnet I am so sorry you are faced with such a tough decision.
Both boys are so lovely and it is great that you have their well-being at heart.
Whatever you decide to do will be be a decision made out of love for them both.
Holding you in my thoughts and offering support

Thank you.

 

[Flutterby]

 

[Sonnet]

Update: Trying to bond George and Sprout again. It’s really not been too bad. Yes, George does chase and hump Sprout a lot, but there’s been no squaring up to each other or yawning. They’ve each got their own hay pile/food bowl/water bottles, so I’m actually more hopeful now than I was when I started this thread.

Thank you for all the support.

 

[Helen82]

Update: Trying to bond George and Sprout again. It’s really not been too bad. Yes, George does chase and hump Sprout a lot, but there’s been no squaring up to each other or yawning. They’ve each got their own hay pile/food bowl/water bottles, so I’m actually more hopeful now than I was when I started this thread.

Thank you for all the support.

Two such lovely boys - fingers crossed that it works out this time.