Peruvian Piggies

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randomname

Junior Guinea Pig
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On my internet travels I recently read that Peruvians may have a slightly shorter life span than some other breeds. It said the upper age tends to be 6-7 rather than 7-8. I cannot for the life of me remember where I read it though.
I know some variants like skinny pigs have shorter life spans, but was surprised to read that about Peruvians.
Can any one confirm or disprove this? Also, tell me nice stories about Peruvians who are older than 7 please? I could use the reassurance! (I have a 6yr old whose sister just died)

Thanks lovely people.
 
It would be impossible to give you an accurate age an individual piggie will live for.the average age is between 5 and 7 years.ive got 3 peruvian piggies all from rescues,but i am more concerned about personality and they get on,rather than on looks.try and enjoy piggies for who they are and not looks.there is no reason why a peruvian should not live beyond 7 years,all you can do is provide the best diet,bedding and vet care,and love ,that is more likely to give the best outcome for longevity ! I'm sorry about your loss,it is a worrying time.:)
 
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I am so sorry to hear you have lost your piggy. Sending hugs to you and her sister.
I've not heard that Peruvians have a shorter life span. Life spans can be down to so much, breeding, diet, lifestyle, luck (sure I've missed some!). Having lost a 10 month old boar in October I try to cherish every moment now and not worry about what is to come.
 
randomname said:
On my internet travels I recently read that Peruvians may have a slightly shorter life span than some other breeds. It said the upper age tends to be 6-7 rather than 7-8. I cannot for the life of me remember where I read it though.
I know some variants like skinny pigs have shorter life spans, but was surprised to read that about Peruvians.
Can any one confirm or disprove this? Also, tell me nice stories about Peruvians who are older than 7 please? I could use the reassurance! (I have a 6yr old whose sister just died)

Thanks lovely people.
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Sorry to hear that you’ve just lost one of your piggies. Don’t have any info about particular breeds but 6 and 7 are good ages for most piggies.
Post on our Rainbow Bridge thread about the piggy that has just died. Do it any time you feel able. Xx
 
I'm sorry you lost your girl. My Fuzzy was part Peruvian and was about 6 when she died but she had long term heart issues and we actually thought we would lose her not long after she came to us when she was 1. her heart meds worked wonders. We actually lost her to Lymphoma in the end.
 
I should clarify that I'm not looking for specific information about my piggies, just the Peruvian breed overall. I thought maybe someone else had come across similar information & would be able to clarify or remind me where I'd seen it.
I couldn't care less about breeds unless it's pertinent to their care or longevity. I'd go so far as to say the human obsession with breeds is one of the worst things for the welfare of the animals in question, I hate it.
Having said that, I've never had Peruvians so I am interested to learn more about them overall, especially the bits that differ to regular piggies (eg hair care)

Looks like it's just something some website said, not actual fact (which is what I wanted to know) which sets my mind at rest a little.

I have OCD/GAD/PTSD so I'm afraid there's probably no way I won't obsess over poor old Bea in her dotage, just like I am with 10yr old Zak rabbit. I check on them every couple of hours or I have a panic attack! Actually Bea is fine about losing Floss, so is the boar. It's the youngest one who misses her most I think,she looks for her & has become more cuddly than ever with me. They spent the last week totally silent (very creepy) but were eating,drinking, pooping & behaving fine. They seem to be getting back to normal this last couple of days though.

I'm not a huge fan of the whole Rainbow Bridge thing, not really my style. I guess I'm too British : stiff upper lip while a little piece of your heart dies too. Running a sanctuary means I have more than my fair share of loss to deal with over the years, I'm afraid if I talk about one, I'll open the floodgates & never be able to stop crying.
 
randomname said:
I'm not a huge fan of the whole Rainbow Bridge thing, not really my style. I guess I'm too British : stiff upper lip while a little piece of your heart dies too. Running a sanctuary means I have more than my fair share of loss to deal with over the years, I'm afraid if I talk about one, I'll open the floodgates & never be able to stop crying.
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I understand this completely, I have lost over 30 animals over the years and have had to become numb to it for my own survival. If I open up too much am afraid the floodgates will open. I am ok writing tributes but not always.
 
I’d not heard the suggestion that Peruvians had shorter lifespans than other piggies. I’ve lost piggies at all ages from very young to rather elderly (well over 8). I think some piggies, like some humans, are more susceptible to some illnesses/conditions than others but I think it’s piggy specific rather than breed specific. Please try not to worry too much about Bea (easier said than done I know but you can end up driving yourself mad with worry if you aren’t careful).
 
VickiA said:
I’d not heard the suggestion that Peruvians had shorter lifespans than other piggies. I’ve lost piggies at all ages from very young to rather elderly (well over 8). I think some piggies, like some humans, are more susceptible to some illnesses/conditions than others but I think it’s piggy specific rather than breed specific. Please try not to worry too much about Bea (easier said than done I know but you can end up driving yourself mad with worry if you aren’t careful).
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That's reassuring, beginning to think I dreamed that I read it!

Oooops, too late for the warning - already certified crazy I'm afraid :crazy:
 
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