Ramps

[MrsHappyH]

Hi couldn't find another thread on this.
So, I've had g pigs for 2 years they have been absolutely fine. One is recently bereaved due to a bad congenital dental issue. I'm looking to adopt another boar. One rescue centre says that they can't adopt to me because I have a ramp without sides? I have a very wide gripped double ramp going from six foot run into 4 ft cage for outdoor set up. It's wide enough for 2 boars to pass easily and extremely grippy . Never have they fallen off and I spend a lot of time with them as I'm at home. Their other concern is that although I use liners in my indoor run , I use wood shavings in an indoor cage (not their primary indoor residence ) - I do this as it's extremely comfortable and it's where I pile it with fresh hay for burrow time and enables closer monitoring.

My question is - is this normal? None of the other shelters have these as requirements? I obv want to do the best by mine ... I've given them alot of our house and they are healthy ! It's such a shame that our Luigi wasn't able to resolve his teeth issues as his jaw was just too far misaligned. It would be an absolute shame to not adopt another boar as Mario is incredibly relaxed and friendly. Thanks

 

[Piggies&buns]

The rescues will make their own requirements so yes it is normal in that sense.

 

[Claire W]

I am very sorry Every rescue has their own requirements. A rescue once wouldn’t rehome to me as I used wood shavings as substrate / bedding and not fleece but I just couldn’t get on with fleece x

 

[MrsHappyH]

Thanks for replying. I just wanted to check on recommendations. I understand there is a chance of allergy but so far so good for mine. Some people can't get on with fleece I know ... Ok well good news is I had a call from a rescue centre who has a boar and is willing to let me try the bonding. I will give Mario a few more days to recover then will do a side by side . I'm keen to floor space bond initially as instinctually less threatening.. apparently thats the old fashioned way ? So any advice appreciated. Thanks xx

 

[Claire W]

That’s great news that a rescue is willing for you to try Mario with a boar of theirs You may find our bonding guides helpful that can be found in the behaviour and bonding section of the forum Behaviour, Bonding and Bereavement x

 

[MrsHappyH]

That’s great news that a rescue is willing for you to try Mario with a boar of theirs You may find our bonding guides helpful that can be found in the behaviour and bonding section of the forum Behaviour, Bonding and Bereavement x

Can I take the opportunity to say how great and thorough the guides on here are. I knew alot about bereavement in my guinea pig by being with him lots following the death of Luigi (and being used to studying behaviour). But it was so nice to hear a thought spared for us as guardians . It's incredibly difficult to behave normally around Mario ATM - in the sense of my usual voice and tone (and bursting into tears). But it's what he needs to keep going. We had a moment on the first night ,both in the run, where I'm sure we were both reminiscing , just supporting eachother by being there. It's reassuring to hear that it will be normal for us as guardians to feel sad , whilst simultaneously welcoming a new piggy into the home (and feeling tremendously happy). It's hard all the effort we have to go through with caring for the bereaved and activating the bonding process - when all I want to do is hide in a big cosy myself sometimes ! Thanks so much xx

 

[Claire W]

Can I take the opportunity to say how great and thorough the guides on here are. I knew alot about bereavement in my guinea pig by being with him lots following the death of Luigi (and being used to studying behaviour). But it was so nice to hear a thought spared for us as guardians . It's incredibly difficult to behave normally around Mario ATM - in the sense of my usual voice and tone (and bursting into tears). But it's what he needs to keep going. We had a moment on the first night ,both in the run, where I'm sure we were both reminiscing , just supporting eachother by being there. It's reassuring to hear that it will be normal for us as guardians to feel sad , whilst simultaneously welcoming a new piggy into the home (and feeling tremendously happy). It's hard all the effort we have to go through with caring for the bereaved and activating the bonding process - when all I want to do is hide in a big cosy myself sometimes ! Thanks so much xx

I am so pleased that the guides have helped you. I am sure @Wiebke who is the lady who has written the majority of the guides on the forum will be pleased to hear they have helped you too

The feelings you currently have are all perfectly normal and the majority of forum members can relate. It will be a bittersweet moment welcoming a new piggy in to your home but you will be doing it for Mario’s sake and there will be nothing wrong for feeling excitement too as it’s what Luigi would have wanted x

 

[Wiebke]

Can I take the opportunity to say how great and thorough the guides on here are. I knew alot about bereavement in my guinea pig by being with him lots following the death of Luigi (and being used to studying behaviour). But it was so nice to hear a thought spared for us as guardians . It's incredibly difficult to behave normally around Mario ATM - in the sense of my usual voice and tone (and bursting into tears). But it's what he needs to keep going. We had a moment on the first night ,both in the run, where I'm sure we were both reminiscing , just supporting eachother by being there. It's reassuring to hear that it will be normal for us as guardians to feel sad , whilst simultaneously welcoming a new piggy into the home (and feeling tremendously happy). It's hard all the effort we have to go through with caring for the bereaved and activating the bonding process - when all I want to do is hide in a big cosy myself sometimes ! Thanks so much xx

Hi!

I am ever so sorry about your loss. We have got a Rainbow Bridge section for those members who feel that posting a tribute to a beloved one at any point during or after the grieving process would help them but there is no obligation to.

The rescue with the ramp safety issues has highly likely had to deal with the death of one of their adoptees by falling from the ramp. These rescue-specific quirks are nearly always the result of an unnecessary loss and the testament to a lesson learned the hard way. It is always gutting when all the care of rescuing a piggy and getting them to good health is then wasted. I hope that this makes more sense to you now?

Thank you for the thanks. Our feelings and our piggies' needs never clash more than after the death of a companion. As owners we are often feeling crushed and overwhelmed by the situation when it doesn't need to be quite as difficult. Give yourself time to do your own grieving and only bond to any newbie when you are ready for it; do not feel guilty if can't immediately. It will all happen in its own time.

We also have a human grieving guide which you may find helpful. A lot of the intense emotions and mood swings can take you by surprise because they are not necessarily what you expect. Just getting confirmation that what you are going through is normal can give you a bit of reassurance and a lift whenever you really need one.
Human Bereavement: Grieving, Processing and Support Links for Guinea Pig Owners and Their Children

Our forum is as much about moral support for owners as it is about care for guinea pigs - the piggies profit from their owners being helped through a bad spot after all. We are a friendly community on here.

 

[MrsHappyH]

Hi!

I am ever so sorry about your loss. We have got a Rainbow Bridge section for those members who feel that posting a tribute to a beloved one at any point during or after the grieving process would help them but there is no obligation to.

The rescue with the ramp safety issues has highly likely had to deal with the death of one of their adoptees by falling from the ramp. These rescue-specific quirks are nearly always the result of an unnecessary loss and the testament to a lesson learned the hard way. It is always gutting when all the care of rescuing a piggy and getting them to good health is then wasted. I hope that this makes more sense to you now?

Thank you for the thanks. Our feelings and our piggies' needs never clash more than after the death of a companion. As owners we are often feeling crushed and overwhelmed by the situation when it doesn't need to be quite as difficult. Give yourself time to do your own grieving and only bond to any newbie when you are ready for it; do not feel guilty if can't immediately. It will all happen in its own time.

We also have a human grieving guide which you may find helpful. A lot of the intense emotions and mood swings can take you by surprise because they are not necessarily what you expect. Just getting confirmation that what you are going through is normal can give you a bit of reassurance and a lift whenever you really need one.
Human Bereavement: Grieving, Processing and Support Links for Guinea Pig Owners and Their Children

Our forum is as much about moral support for owners as it is about care for guinea pigs - the piggies profit from their owners being helped through a bad spot after all. We are a friendly community on here.

Hi thanks for your kind words.
Going back to ramps, I think you were trying to say that they aren't safe. I do want to learn from others obviously. However, my ramp is incredibly long , wide and grippy. My boys have not fallen, they had it since 3 months ..also it's over soft grass ..also they are / were huge boys. I really don't think they would be hurt if they did fall? So my question is, has anyone had a bad ramp accident? And if so , can you give the benefit of your experience? Thank you!

 

[Wiebke]

Hi thanks for your kind words.
Going back to ramps, I think you were trying to say that they aren't safe. I do want to learn from others obviously. However, my ramp is incredibly long , wide and grippy. My boys have not fallen, they had it since 3 months ..also it's over soft grass ..also they are / were huge boys. I really don't think they would be hurt if they did fall? So my question is, has anyone had a bad ramp accident? And if so , can you give the benefit of your experience? Thank you!

Hi

Sadly, we have had posts about ramp falls and even the odd death post on here over the years, so it can really happen when piggies popcorn or race around.

I have had blind piggies in my one time cataract group going up and down my own ramp following the scent mark on the carpet padding and never having an accident but for the rescue it is a matter of principle. If you come home with a young boy, then he may be at a higher risk compared to a settled adult. All it takes one mad jump and a bad landing on the ramp to then fall over the rim awkwardly.

However, if a rescue has got a specific stipulation, then it is better to comply than raising a big argument or otherwise to look elsewhere if you feel you cannot concede. The rescue has a valid point they are coming from, whether that agrees with you or not. It shouldn't be too difficult to design sides.

For the rescue it is not about that you haven't had an accident; it is about the existing accident risk that has cost the lives of rescue piggies.

 

[Banksy]

I can only agree with the general consensus here - if it is a requirement then simply meet it rather than be upset about being unable to.

For me, it is a sign that the rescue/adoption centre are very good that they have such requirements, often rescue centres that have next to no requirements or home checks are very often just trying to throw animals from one bad situation to another, it shows that the rescue centre in question have high standards for their rescues and it only makes me respect them more and would motivate me to reach their standard of care. I would never adopt from anywhere that is willing to give out animals with 0 welfare checks, I would strive to meet a strict set of requirements every day over an easy adoption.

 

[MrsHappyH]

Hi

Sadly, we have had posts about ramp falls and even the odd death post on here over the years, so it can really happen when piggies popcorn or race around.

I have had blind piggies in my one time cataract group going up and down my own ramp following the scent mark on the carpet padding and never having an accident but for the rescue it is a matter of principle. If you come home with a young boy, then he may be at a higher risk compared to a settled adult. All it takes one mad jump and a bad landing on the ramp to then fall over the rim awkwardly.

However, if a rescue has got a specific stipulation, then it is better to comply than raising a big argument or otherwise to look elsewhere if you feel you cannot concede. The rescue has a valid point they are coming from, whether that agrees with you or not. It shouldn't be too difficult to design sides.

For the rescue it is not about that you haven't had an accident; it is about the existing accident risk that has cost the lives of rescue piggies.

Hi thanks for your reply. I understand the rescues position. It was more the frequency of, to me, a very unlikely event but your explanation makes sense. Obviously I won't be taking any chances if it's happened as frequently as that .. my rescue piggy will be 18months old and is not from the same rescue centre because they won't allow wood shavings .. but I will ask my husband to put sides on nonetheless. Thanks

 

[MrsHappyH]

I can only agree with the general consensus here - if it is a requirement then simply meet it rather than be upset about being unable to.

For me, it is a sign that the rescue/adoption centre are very good that they have such requirements, often rescue centres that have next to no requirements or home checks are very often just trying to throw animals from one bad situation to another, it shows that the rescue centre in question have high standards for their rescues and it only makes me respect them more and would motivate me to reach their standard of care. I would never adopt from anywhere that is willing to give out animals with 0 welfare checks, I would strive to meet a strict set of requirements every day over an easy adoption.

Whilst I agree with most of what you are saying. I also feel that for example, not allowing wood shavings ... Or insisting on 3 cosies - must include 1 wooden house . (From their requirement list) is not helping the piggies find their forever homes - when there is a crisis out there. Now I think that there must be quite a few potential adopters that fall short of either the shavings ... Or perhaps an outdoor area (also a stipulation I think) who 's piggies could have much better lives if they were to be adopted by this hypothetical loving family who didn't meet these unusual requirements. I'm not saying the centre doesn't have good intentions but I think there is a reason that others don't follow suit ....just my thoughts

 

[Banksy]

Whilst I agree with most of what you are saying. I also feel that for example, not allowing wood shavings ... Or insisting on 3 cosies - must include 1 wooden house . (From their requirement list) is not helping the piggies find their forever homes - when there is a crisis out there. Now I think that there must be quite a few potential adopters that fall short of either the shavings ... Or perhaps an outdoor area (also a stipulation I think) who 's piggies could have much better lives if they were to be adopted by this hypothetical loving family who didn't meet these unusual requirements. I'm not saying the centre doesn't have good intentions but I think there is a reason that others don't follow suit ....just my thoughts

The problem is, most adoption centres run on very good intentions but animals are so very very specifically peculiar that they cannot always operate on the "best" standard possible.

Many are over run, specifically at this time of year (when children get sick of their christmas pets) and very often drop the ball on standards, thus meaning they care less on standards and will happily send out pets to "forever homes" with minimal requirements.

More specialist centres very often operate to much stricter requirements that normally do lead some people to scratch there heads.

At the end of the day, this particular centre has a stringent set of requirements that you must meet, while you think they are unusual, they may be based on very specific professional opinion and you can only respect that.

Ramps, as have been discussed heavily often lead to injury so to me that is not an unusual requirement - i've not done enough research on wood shavings to know the harms of such as i automatically opted for fleece bedding.

I get that you feel it deters people from adopting, but this may be intentional, a forever home is exactly that, a forever home. It needs to be perfect for the animal, any shortfalls will lead to issues and the centre is trying to minimise these where possible

 

[Banksy]

May i also add,


It is very disheartening to hear of your loss, I hope when you do manage to adopt a new boar that the bonding goes well, it must be an incredibly difficult time for you and your piggy, especially when you are trying your hardest to try and find him a new companion, I have no doubt that you are a great owner and will do best by him no matter the cost

 

[MrsHappyH]

The problem is, most adoption centres run on very good intentions but animals are so very very specifically peculiar that they cannot always operate on the "best" standard possible.

Many are over run, specifically at this time of year (when children get sick of their christmas pets) and very often drop the ball on standards, thus meaning they care less on standards and will happily send out pets to "forever homes" with minimal requirements.

More specialist centres very often operate to much stricter requirements that normally do lead some people to scratch there heads.

At the end of the day, this particular centre has a stringent set of requirements that you must meet, while you think they are unusual, they may be based on very specific professional opinion and you can only respect that.

Ramps, as have been discussed heavily often lead to injury so to me that is not an unusual requirement - i've not done enough research on wood shavings to know the harms of such as i automatically opted for fleece bedding.

I get that you feel it deters people from adopting, but this may be intentional, a forever home is exactly that, a forever home. It needs to be perfect for the animal, any shortfalls will lead to issues and the centre is trying to minimise these where possible

Hmm it's a tough call. I wouldn't want to operate a rescue centre having to make such decisions. Having 2 cosies instead of three meaning that a pair of piggies has to live in a non family environment potentially in some circumstances small set ups ... Versus going home and having a life with 2 cosies ... Is non sensical to me. Of course we want g pigs to have multiple cosies - mine do .. but common sense has to come into play here. To me this isn't a minimum standard - it's a prohibitive standard.

@Banksy mentioned above I'm not actually getting my boar from this centre . Apart from the fact that they turned me down for shavings and ramp- a surprise I'll admit for sure as I put a great deal of effort into it (lots and lots of toys and puzzles etc that I rotate - nothing dangerous) ample space, three set ups etc.. shavings are only in the hay burrowing set up .I feel a real sense of loss when I think of all those piggies without homes. I've got a boar from another centre coming next week who by all accounts could be a great match in temperament.

 

[MrsHappyH]

May i also add,


It is very disheartening to hear of your loss, I hope when you do manage to adopt a new boar that the bonding goes well, it must be an incredibly difficult time for you and your piggy, especially when you are trying your hardest to try and find him a new companion, I have no doubt that you are a great owner and will do best by him no matter the cost

Thanks