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Older Guinea Pigs

  • Thread starter Thread starter margret
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margret

I adopted two Guinea Pigs when they were 18 months old, have had them for 5 years. Sadly, Angel passed away 3 weeks ago, but Ruby is still with us. She seemed to be doing ok, but in the last couple weeks we have noticed that she is not eating as much veg as she did, also not too keen on drinking lots of water, although she is still drinking. What I would like to ask is it best that we just let her be until her time comes, or would it be kinder to have her PTS....something I don't want to do. She doesn't seem to be in any pain, eating her food, toilet ok, also what age do they normally live to.
Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks
 
I would leave her and shower her with love.

It sounds like she's grieving for Angel to me. Poor baby I hope she picks up.

They can live as long as 10 or so although her age is more typical.
 
Hi Margret

5 is a good old age for a piggy - I think 6 is the oldest I've had. It doesn't sound like there is anything too wrong with Ruby, but it never hurts to get her checked out at the vet.

She is very possibly mourning the loss of her best friend. Mine all mourn when a hutch mate dies, but lots of TLC and favourite foods normally help them through the process.

There is nothing you have said that suggests she needs putting to sleep, but for your own piece of mind maybe get her checked over and give her a whole lot of love.

Nicky
x
 
I agree with the other posters Margret, I suspect Ruby is missing her friend, but a vet check sounds like a good idea just for your own peace of mind.:)
 
Is she alone now or with another pig?
What are her living conditions, ie indoors or outdoors?
You would expect a slowing down at her age together with a reduced appetite, it is at this time and stage that pigs do appreciate and respond to extra care and attention.
 
Thanks everyone for advice.
Yes, she is on her own. She is kept in a large hutch in a shed, but during the day has access to grass in her run, but only stays out for a short time, then back into her little house. My OH spends hours with her, as he always has done, he is as upset as I am to see her like this. We will continue to lavish her with love and affection, but if we think she is getting worse we will be off to the vet...no way will we allow her to suffer.
 
Have you considered getting her a pal or two? She could perk up with company and with 2 new friends, you wouldn't have the same issue when her time comes (which could be ages yet).

As this forum is pro rescue, you could try to contact a local rescue. It is acceptable practice to take your piggy along so they can choose a new cage mate. It may be that Ruby shows no interest in making new friends or that all of a sudden she's all full of life again.

Just a thought.
 
Remember a guinea pig is not a human being and a human being is not a guinea pig. It does not matter how much time we spend with our pigs, just imagine how they must feel when they are alone. She both wants and needs a companion. I have no doubt that somewhere out there is a rescue pig who is also looking for company, all you have to do now is to find her, keep us informed about your search!!
There is still plenty of life left in your pig.
 
MrsM said:
Have you considered getting her a pal or two? She could perk up with company and with 2 new friends, you wouldn't have the same issue when her time comes (which could be ages yet).

As this forum is pro rescue, you could try to contact a local rescue. It is acceptable practice to take your piggy along so they can choose a new cage mate. It may be that Ruby shows no interest in making new friends or that all of a sudden she's all full of life again.

Just a thought.
Click to expand...

alcesterpigs said:
Remember a guinea pig is not a human being and a human being is not a guinea pig. It does not matter how much time we spend with our pigs, just imagine how they must feel when they are alone. She both wants and needs a companion. I have no doubt that somewhere out there is a rescue pig who is also looking for company, all you have to do now is to find her, keep us informed about your search!!
There is still plenty of life left in your pig.
Click to expand...

i completely agree,no matter how much attention and love you give it wont compare to a friend of there own kind,
Being happy with a friend or two may actually extend her life as opposed to living her on her own.
i have heard of piggies living to 9 and 10,its not terribly common but your girl may just live that long too.
x
 
It doesn't sound like you should be considering having her PTS at all to me. I would place money on that she is grieving for her friend. If they have been together a very long time, she will be missing her terribly. Do you want to continue owning guineas in the future? If you do, why not find two baby sows and try to bond them with your girl? I have found that it's better to keep them in trios anyway, as if one becomes ill or passes away, you never have another left on her own. Many of my girls are in trios and they get along wonderfully. :)
 
I know that Guinea Pigs are always better in pairs or more, but OH and I have agreed to no more Guinea Pigs....we have only just adopted another unwanted rabbit...and no Nala is too boisterous to share with Ruby. I have had numerous unwanted rabbits over the years, but again said no more after our last one died 18 months ago, but there was no way I could not rescue Nala, so it begins again. We are not exactly in our prime...wellOH isn't haha, and we do have our own health issues, so that is another reason no more Guinea Pigs. We have no intentions of PTS unless it was a must, but was unsure as to how old Guinea Pigs live as a general rule...the oldest we have had was 6. She seems to be a bit brighter today, thank goodness.
 
Would you consider letting her go to a home with other guineas? Where abouts are you?
 
Its not something I had even thought about, but I guess if I was sure that she would be well cared for and she was happy, I would consider, don't know about OH as he just dotes on her. We live in Stirlingshire Scotland
 
This is what I understand

As long as Ruby has seen the body of her former cage mate and knows that she is no longer there then she will have moved on and will be getting on with her life.
If she did not see the body then she maybe dosnt realise what has happened and that is confusing for her.

Its a difficult situation and there is no right or wrong answer so I guess you just have to consider what is best for her.

​
 
A rescue would almost certainly pair her with another piggy, but it would be a hard decision for you to part with her after so long. Best of luck xx
 
Could you borrow a pig from a rescue centre to be returned when your own pig dies?
 
But then you get attached to rescue piggy, too. Even if she has seen the body, she may still grieve. I have found a pig has died and their cagemate was making an awful, howling sound and wouldn't eat until we got her a new friend. What a hard situation! If it were me I wouldn't be able to part with her. Pairing her with a rabbit isn't an option really, it's too risky and dangerous. I'm not sure if there's anyone in Scotland on here who might be willing to take her on though. Best of luck whatever you decide x
 
You could contact http:www.sokelguineapigrescue.com. They are based in Gretna, but take in and rehome further afield and could help you with any way you decide to go.

I wish the best of luck for you and your lonely girl, which ever way you decide to go.
 
Thanks to everyone. Tonight, I feel as if I am between a rock and a hard place. I know deep down she really should have a friend, but I also know I would again become attached to another Guinea, so there the cycle continues. I also would feel so guilty if we gave her up. I would always worry that she would be neglected, yet, I feel as if we are neglecting her to an extent. I guess it is something we will have to think long and hard about.
I think I could get rid of OH easier. :))
 
Sorry, but that isn't an option either, we have one very spoiled cat, who doesn't like any other animal in the house. I don't want to stress Ruby out by having her scared by the cat.
I just don't know what to do for the best, but its only me who can decide.
 
Try again, is there anyone local to you that could take her in for a while to see how she gets on with other pigs?
 
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