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Lost cavy

  • Thread starter Thread starter bleakholtman
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bleakholtman

Hi I'm new to this forum and have came on for advise as i woke up to find one of my guineas dead,i have just put them out about 4 weeks ago in a self built insulated hutch,they have fresh water daily food a bit of orange for vit c and cant understand what happened as there only about 8 month old,will i need to get a pal for the boar which is left behind?please help
 
hi sorry to hear about ** piggie. i can offer you no advice but I'm sure someone will be along that offer you some help.

i notice your name is bleakholt man is that anything to do with bleakholt animal sanctuary?
 
Hi Really sorry for the loss of your piggy. When you say you put them out, do you mean outside? It's still quite frosty here at nights here (sorry not sure where Bleakholt) is. If they are outside, whilst a hutch hugger/insulation may help and keep out draughts and rain, it won't raise the temperature, and it really is too cold for them to be out yet, overnight. Maybe consider bringing you lone piggy in, at least overnight now, especially as he has no pal to cuddle up to. It's difficult to say what caused the death of your guinea pig, but very sad for you.
I know you didn't mention it, but I'm sure there will be hay in there. Guineas shouldn't need extra vitamin C if they have dry food, hay and a variety of veggies each day. If you feel they are not eating too well, maybe check out the food section, for ideas of vitamin c rich veggies to help.
Hope you can soon find a pal for your guinea pig. xx
 
They have vegies daily with dried food and stacks of hay,i have stacks of knowlage on buns but a novice with piggies,would the one left behind need a buddy?I will bring him in overnight till its a bit warmer if its still too cold
 
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Yes, guineas are much happier with a friend. With your lad being 8 months old, he will be right in the thick of it with hormones. Not the easiest age to bond another pig with, but by no means impossible. Probably best with a very young boar, (5 - 7 weeks) who wouldn't challenge him to be top pig, or a much older laid back pig, who would hopefully just take it in his stride. With the baby combination, there is always a chance of arguments when his hormones kick in, but usually the pecking order is sorted by then, so ok. xx
 
hi sorry for your loss I'm not sure why this would of happened but i think it is still a bit cold for them to go outside, and yes get company for your other piggie and maybe bring him in at night too x
 
nutmeg said:
Yes, guineas are much happier with a friend. With your lad being 8 months old, he will be right in the thick of it with hormones. Not the easiest age to bond another pig with, but by no means impossible. Probably best with a very young boar, (5 - 7 weeks) who wouldn't challenge him to be top pig, or a much older laid back pig, who would hopefully just take it in his stride. With the baby combination, there is always a chance of arguments when his hormones kick in, but usually the pecking order is sorted by then, so ok. xx
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Thanks very much nutmeg,will it be best between mesh for 2 weeks then put them 2gether on new ground with food too soften the blow?
 
No, not at all. Neutral ground eg a run, lots of distractions - veggies, hay. Then pop them in together and watch. There will be lots of chasing, bum sniffing, head raising, but you will know if they are not going to get on, as it will very quickly move up to a different level. There is no mistaking two pigs who don't get on. It's worthwhile having a tea towel handy to throw over one if they do fight. They could look at each other through bars for weeks, and appear to be friendly, it's only when you put them together that you will know. Nothing to be gained by prolonging it. It is usually temperament and age gaps that is the secret. No guarantees, but I think this is where there is best success. x
 
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