Lost Piggie :-( Could Do With Some Thoughts And Advice?

[T-Rex]

Hi everyone,

Don't post much but always lurking. Could do with some thoughts and advice though.

So I had two male piggies, Flash and Gordon. Sadly, this morning I found my beautiful Gordon dead, curled up like he was sleeping. I'm completely devastated and in shock.

So this leaves Flash on his own. The timing is awful, we are due to go on holiday on Friday for a week. I have other animals at home and so I have a pet sitter come twice a day to look after everyone but I'm really concerned about leaving him alone so soon after Gordon passing. We have said we may cut the holiday short, and be be honest I get home sick at the best of times so this won't help.

So my next thoughts as finding him a friend. I've always wanted a female herd, and it was my plan after my pair had passed to do this. (Just thought it would be many many many years away yet :-( )
I'm worried about another boar as concerned about the bonding process and that I wil be in the same position years down the line with a single male and never get my herd of girls.

Obviously first priority is Flash and making sure he's not alone, but realistically I can't get him bonded in 4 days. And even if I could I wouldn't want to leave a newly bonded pair for a week.
I know the chances of me finding a spayed female are low as its a more invasive surgery. I'm considering if I should look for a neutered boar? Then at least if anything ever happens to flash I have options. I'm not sure that I can consider having flash neutered. I don't think I could live with myself if anything happened to him during surgery.

Ugh. I'm so confused and upset and really don't want to go on holiday now. A very good friend has offered to have him at her house, but I think that would unsettle him more and she has three intact sows so think the smell of them would be too frustrating for him too.

I'm so so sad. Any thoughts, ideas I haven't thought of or recommendations for Rescues? I'm in derbyshire, I've contacted Honeybuns and waiting to hear back. All I know is I don't want to wait too long to get him a friend. Also we are away for a week at Christmas so need to try and get things settled by then.

Thanks. Xx

 

[Poppy'sMum]

Oh I am so sorry about your poor boy Honeybunnies is brilliant, they neuter most of their males I think, so it's a great idea if you wanted to rehome one in view of adding some lady friends at a later date. I am sure if you explain this to them, then they could accommodate you. Did you contact them via their Facebook page?

 

[T-Rex]

Oh I am so sorry about your poor boy Honeybunnies is brilliant, they neuter most of their males I think, so it's a great idea if you wanted to rehome one in view of adding some lady friends at a later date. I am sure if you explain this to them, then they could accommodate you. Did you contact them via their Facebook page?

Yes I have. That's what I thought might be the best option short term and then offer more options long term too. I don't think my boys had the best start in life as they were from the adoption section in pets at home (couldn't leave them, they had been there 3 months apparently :-( ) I'm not expecting Flash to live to a grand old age to be honest. I hope I'm very wrong.

 

[Poppy'sMum]

I am sure they will get back to you soon

 

[MJG]

I'm so sorry for your loss , it's so upsetting to find them like that and a shock to the system have you considered the idea of boar dates ? Just to see how he gets on ? Even if you separate them by placing a grate between them so they can't physically touch but sniff if you catch my drift? I'm in a similar predicament about the neutering thing too , I've two intact boars which get along well but I've heard this can change quickly so I'm also unsure what to do! I think see about getting a neutered boar , try set them up on an boar date and see how they both take to eachother ? Then you can make a better judgment about what to do after that flash is so so so handsome !

 

[T-Rex]

I'm so sorry for your loss , it's so upsetting to find them like that and a shock to the system have you considered the idea of boar dates ? Just to see how he gets on ? Even if you separate them by placing a grate between them so they can't physically touch but sniff if you catch my drift? I'm in a similar predicament about the neutering thing too , I've two intact boars which get along well but I've heard this can change quickly so I'm also unsure what to do! I think see about getting a neutered boar , try set them up on an boar date and see how they both take to eachother ? Then you can make a better judgment about what to do after that flash is so so so handsome !

Thanks. Yes I'm considering that. Think it's my best option.
Those photos are my gorgeous Gordon :-( xx (flash is equally as handsome though!)

 

[Eriathwen]

Sorry for your sudden loss, its always hard to lose them, but it seems worse when theres no warning
Depending on his personality he could well be content living next to your herd of girls if you decide to go ahead with that option, my Leonard is doing just that at the moment after separating him from his 'brother' that turned out to be his sister.. I dont think I could risk castrating him, but most of the time they all ignore eachother! Occasionally, usually when one of the 3 are in season, they have a sniff through the bars, Leonard will have a purr and bum wiggle, popcorn for a bit, but soon goes back to eating his hay and forgets all about them.

 

[Guinea Slave]

I am so sorry for you, what a shock. It's a horrible situation. Flash is gorgeous!

I had this happen this year when my poor boy lost his lovely wife pig. He was devastated but I was just going away for 5 days on work. He stayed at my parents and had a lot of attention and cuddles (my parents are retired so had the time) but he was very sad and pined terribly and lost a lot of weight. When I returned i took him straight to a rescue the next day and he found three wives, he was so so happy, it was palpable.

There was nothing I could do while I was away but he had company in that time, he would have been in a terrible state if not for my parents so leaving him probably won't work.

Could Honeybunnies take him while you are away and use that time to bond him with another male perhaps?

Where are you located?

 

[T-Rex]

Sorry for your sudden loss, its always hard to lose them, but it seems worse when theres no warning
Depending on his personality he could well be content living next to your herd of girls if you decide to go ahead with that option, my Leonard is doing just that at the moment after separating him from his 'brother' that turned out to be his sister.. I dont think I could risk castrating him, but most of the time they all ignore eachother! Occasionally, usually when one of the 3 are in season, they have a sniff through the bars, Leonard will have a purr and bum wiggle, popcorn for a bit, but soon goes back to eating his hay and forgets all about them.

Thanks. Sorry I think I've worded my post badly. I don't have a herd of girls, but I would like one, one day. My friend has three girls who offered to have him whilst we are away on holiday but I don't feel it's ideal.
And I don't want multiple cages either. I have a very large custom built cage that I don't want to split.

 

[T-Rex]

I am so sorry for you, what a shock. It's a horrible situation. Flash is gorgeous!

I had this happen this year when my poor boy lost his lovely wife pig. He was devastated but I was just going away for 5 days on work. He stayed at my parents and had a lot of attention and cuddles (my parents are retired so had the time) but he was very sad and pined terribly and lost a lot of weight. When I returned i took him straight to a rescue the next day and he found three wives, he was so so happy, it was palpable.

There was nothing I could do while I was away but he had company in that time, he would have been in a terrible state if not for my parents so leaving him probably won't work.

Could Honeybunnies take him while you are away and use that time to bond him with another male perhaps?

Where are you located?

I'm in derbyshire. At the moment Flash is doing ok, he's eating and drinking. When we left Gordon in the cage for Flash to look at he started popcorning all round the cage. We weren't sure if this was because he was upset or what.after that he went and settled in the corner of the cage.
If there is anyway that he becomes unwell, stops eating or behaving differently then he will either go to my friend or we won't go on holiday. Simple as that, my animals come first with me.

 

[pig in the city]

I wouldn't make any sudden decisions, if Flash is ok then you can take your time finding the right friend for him. I was wondering how old he is? You could consider getting him neutered and adopting a sow or two. We have several due to arrive and the bonding tends to be a lot easier. We are based in Sheffield (Barnsley animal rescue charity)
Sorry about Gordon x

 

[Guinea Slave]

It's so tough to know what to do. A few of my Guineas would be fine, in fact probably happy as lone pigs! Seb was very close to his lady pig, they had a very strong bond which made it much worse. She was blind so he was her support.when he saw her body he ignored it, it was very odd. You can just never tell can you?

So maybe Flash will be ok? Only you will know but you sound like a lovely Guinea carer so he is in great hands whatever you do.

 

[T-Rex]

I wouldn't make any sudden decisions, if Flash is ok then you can take your time finding the right friend for him. I was wondering how old he is? You could consider getting him neutered and adopting a sow or two. We have several due to arrive and the bonding tends to be a lot easier. We are based in Sheffield (Barnsley animal rescue charity)
Sorry about Gordon x

I don't know how old he is, he was in the adoption bit in pets at home. We got them 7 months ago, pets at home told me they were a year old. But I've never believed that. I think they were younger, likely unsold stock.
My worry with getting flash neutered is his health, he's always been a sneezer, has had treatment and it never made a difference and they vets said they couldn't find anything wrong. Gordon was the more healthy one! (Or so I thought) I will be taking flash to the vets again now to get checked out so shall see what they say. Handy to know you are close by @pig in the city. We are just off junction 29a so not too far at all.

 

[T-Rex]

It's so tough to know what to do. A few of my Guineas would be fine, in fact probably happy as lone pigs! Seb was very close to his lady pig, they had a very strong bond which made it much worse. She was blind so he was her support.when he saw her body he ignored it, it was very odd. You can just never tell can you?

So maybe Flash will be ok? Only you will know but you sound like a lovely Guinea carer so he is in great hands whatever you do.

I think he would want a friend and I couldn't bare to see my massive cage with just him in it. Hopefully he's got a long while to go yet and he and Gordon did enjoy each other's company.

 

[Guinea Slave]

I think he would want a friend and I couldn't bare to see my massive cage with just him in it. Hopefully he's got a long while to go yet and he and Gordon did enjoy each other's company.

Oh I do agree, no piggy should be alone, but you may not need to rush as much and give yourself and him some time? Sadly Seb was so distraught it became apparent very quickly that we had to do something quickly. They are all so individual aren't they?

 

[pig in the city]

I don't know how old he is, he was in the adoption bit in pets at home. We got them 7 months ago, pets at home told me they were a year old. But I've never believed that. I think they were younger, likely unsold stock.
My worry with getting flash neutered is his health, he's always been a sneezer, has had treatment and it never made a difference and they vets said they couldn't find anything wrong. Gordon was the more healthy one! (Or so I thought) I will be taking flash to the vets again now to get checked out so shall see what they say. Handy to know you are close by @pig in the city. We are just off junction 29a so not too far at all.

Have you got a good vet? We use Alfreton park veterinary hospital in Alfreton, Ellie Whitehead does all the neutering for the rescue, she is amazing, the piggies come home as if there nothing has happened! She would check Flash carefully to ensure he was fit enough. Whatever you feel happiest with. We don't have any suitable single boars at the moment (just sat boar dating now with our only one for @lauraboara !) but am sure some will turn up

 

[T-Rex]

Have you got a good vet? We use Alfreton park veterinary hospital in Alfreton, Ellie Whitehead does all the neutering for the rescue, she is amazing, the piggies come home as if there nothing has happened! She would check Flash carefully to ensure he was fit enough. Whatever you feel happiest with. We don't have any suitable single boars at the moment (just sat boar dating now with our only one for @lauraboara !) but am sure some will turn up

Thanks. I'm not convinced my vets are particularly piggie savvy so thanks for that. Will make an appointment to see the vet you recommend to get Flash checked out and look into neutering. I think if he's healthy and fit enough then that would be making the best out of a bad situation and I could have my bigger herd I've always wanted.
Flash seems ok so far. Seen him asleep in ever one of the beds in his cage today! I've given him a new carrot cottage that I was saving for when we went on holiday too.

 

[pig in the city]

Thanks. I'm not convinced my vets are particularly piggie savvy so thanks for that. Will make an appointment to see the vet you recommend to get Flash checked out and look into neutering. I think if he's healthy and fit enough then that would be making the best out of a bad situation and I could have my bigger herd I've always wanted.
Flash seems ok so far. Seen him asleep in ever one of the beds in his cage today! I've given him a new carrot cottage that I was saving for when we went on holiday too.

Elly works part time as she has a young son but is usually there 2 or 3 days a week. I am seeing her on Tuesday next week. Hope it goes well for Flash x

 

[Glynis]

Hi I'm really sorry about dear Gordon
You've been given great advice from everyone. And it's obvious you care very very much for Flash
Wishing you a lovely holiday and all the best for Flash

 

[sport_billy]

I am so sorry you have lost Gordon, cant add to what has been said above but just wanted to offer my Condolences. x

Please feel free to write a memorial to him in our Rainbow Bridge section of the forum

 

[T-Rex]

I must admit I feel so crappy today. Really miss Gordon and really sad for Flash. He's been ok though. Follows me around the cage when I'm in the room and he's eating and drinking just fine.
Saw him happily snoozing in all the available beds. He's remarkably clean too. All his poos in the litter tray except the odd one elsewhere.
I feel like I don't want to leave him but I need a break. I don't get many holidays and my Labrador loves her holidays :-) I trust my pet sitter and my best friend does my evening visits to do the veggies so I know she will keep me updates and even take him home with her if she's worried about him.
I keep looking for Gordon and expecting to hear him wheak. It's strange not to hear flash rumble strutting too, they were always grumbling at one another!

Thanks all. You are a fantastic bunch x

 

[T-Rex]

@pig in the city just booked to see Ellie on the 5th December. Earliest I could do with her and my schedule. So will see what she says about neutering flash and hopefully he will be happy to be alone for a while. Fingers crossed. Keep me posted on any girlies for if he does go ahead with the op. Would be looking at getting 2 possibly 3.
I have a large homemade cage the equivalent of a 2.5 by 8 c&c cage. Video of it here-

 

[pig in the city]

@pig in the city just booked to see Ellie on the 5th December. Earliest I could do with her and my schedule. So will see what she says about neutering flash and hopefully he will be happy to be alone for a while. Fingers crossed. Keep me posted on any girlies for if he does go ahead with the op. Would be looking at getting 2 possibly 3.
I have a large homemade cage the equivalent of a 2.5 by 8 c&c cage. Video of it here-

What a fantastic home, you must feel a bit sad seeing Flash all alone in it. He is very handsome, never seen a piggy with skunk markings before! I am expecting another 6 sows in so they will need pregnancy watch, so the timing will be about right for introducing them if Flash gets neutered. Let me know what Ellie says x

 

[VickiA]

I missed your thread before. I just wanted to say how sorry I was to read that you lost Gordon suddenly. You are clearly a devoted slave to Flash. I hope that he finds a new companion soon x

 

[Lady Kelly]

Sorry to hear about Gordon. You have some fantastic advice on here and glad you are booked in with a savvy vet for a once over. If you wanted further rescue recommendations then RSPCA Walsall are very good and tend to have piggies in often