I need some reassurance

[hayleyh]

From reading many of the threads on this forum I have learned about so many piggies who have died unexpectedly at such a young age and this has made me really worried that I will lose my piggies before their time. I need some reassurance that some piggies do live a long and happy life.

 

[Amanda1801]

Many piggies live until ripe old ages, unfortunately some aren't so lucky though.

The best thing you can do, is be prepared.

I have a kit containing various things that I might need in the event of a sick pig - things like syringes, critical care, vit C tablets, probiotic etc.

The other thing you can do, is be aware of changes in your pigs. As their owner, you're the best person to spot things. Get them out and handle them daily, have a feel for any lumps or bumps. Be aware of how they eat, and any changes, if they're less enthusiastic about eating etc. Also, their poos, wonderful as it sounds!

 

[Poppy'sMum]

I have had 4 piggies over 11 years, two lived until they were 4 years old,one was almost 5 & I just lost my last piggie recently aged 7

So yes they can live very long & happy lives.

Top tips I would say be careful what you feed them (nothing with artificial colourants in, even permitted EU ones) no sugary treats, plenty of fresh water, good quality hay, lots of space to play & lots of love

 

[BellasMummy]

Sometimes animals die young and there is nothing that can be done, its just the way it is. One of my rabbits died very suddenly when she was 3, all of a sudden she got ill and died almost straight away.
Try not to worry as you don't have much control over it really(apart from the obvious feeding properly etc.), just be the best piggie owner you can be and hopefully yours will live a long life

 

[William&Keith]

Piggies can live for ages

Our first pair lived until they were 6, another pair until one was 5 and the other almost 7. The two most recent unfortunately died young, at 3, as we feel their genetics may not have been great, looking back they were always smaller than our other piggies and more sickly.

The two we have now we hope will live longer.

But piggies can go the distance and will, if lots of snuggles and veggies are to hand

 

[Freela]

You've got to bear in mind that the pigs who get the most posts are the pigs with some sort of issue! They're not representative of all pigs. I haven't owned pigs for that long- my oldest is about three, but I know several pigs who have lived to be six or seven years old. Unfortunately, they aren't all that lucky, but some are. I've found the best peace of mind comes from weighing the pigs regularly to catch any weight loss early and making sure that they have a great quality of life so that whatever time they have is going to be happy!