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Loss of one of a bonded pair

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grindrod

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Hi everyone. 3 weeks ago we lost Bubbles, she was well bonded with Nibbles (both girls) since coming home together in June 2005.

The hutch and run are indoors in our computer/utility room next to the kitchen so the pigs were in good contact with us. The hutch is a 4ft two storey and there is a permanent 4ft by 2ft play area in front of the hutch, one of the doors is kept open, there is a play tube and 'Snack-Shack.

Nibbles seems perfectly fine so at the moment we haven't found her a new chum, what behaviour should I look for if she starts to get depressed or lonely?

At the moment she still rushes up to meet me in the morning, she sits on her back legs and chirps at me until I fetch her some grass, she purrs when stroked and spends some time on a lap each evening. She rushes around and seems as playful as she used to be.

The only noticable change in her behaviour is that she goes to bed a bit earlier in the evening.

Opinions please!
 
I don't really haver an opinion but I can tell you about my experience.

When Rene died, his friend Bertie did not really look for him or whimp or anything, He was just really withdrawn and spent all his time in his house sleeping. Bertie had been such a rock for Rene in the last days, cuddling him and not being his usual demolition man self...

My husband said it was normal, that he was always a quiet chappy and that he was eating fine and not losing weight, but I was really worried that he was going to let himself go. Rene and Bertie had been together since aged 8 and 6 weeks old. Bertie has always been a quiet and shy character but not to the extent that he would NOT come out.

In the end, because we both work long hours we decided he should have a new friend and fair enough, he does come out more and, when on the play mat, he even runs! this has not been seen for some time, so there's definitely a positive change here.

Hope this helps with your enquiry.
 
I would think if she was depressed she would probably be off her food and may sit hunched up in a corner, not showing interest in anything. Maybe you could have her out more and spend some floor time with her, hand feed her, etc, so she doesn't feel lonely.
 
Hello

Sorry to hear that you lost Bubbles. Even though Nibbles may seem to be taking it quite well, there is no substitute for company of their own species and given that you've got the space and are obviously devoted to your pigs, I would definitely try her with a friend. There are lots of rescues bursting at the seams with pigs, maybe you could offer one of these a home?

Welcome to the forum

Sophie
x
 
Thanks everyone, Nibbles is quieter than she used to be, I have been in touch with our local Blue Cross Rescue centre and have hopefully found her a chum (subject to an OK from the Vet). I will keep you all updated, watch this space!

Regards, Martin
 
Hi

You need to register yourself a new account on Photobucket (it's free, and easy) then upload your pics. Don't use the forum's account as this no longer works. You then upload your pic and paste the bottom link into your post.

But your Picassa album worked for me - lovely lovely pigs! The one on the right on the second pic looks just like my Trudy pig who was rehomed recently

Sophie
x
 
Thanks Sophie, will do!

Bubbles was the piggy with the white collar, Nibbles is the darker piggy (she has a very ginger tummy!)
 
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