Rescue Pig is home!

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I posted about two days ago about a guinea pig my friend owned that she was .. lets say 'doing the complete opposite of a terrific job taking care of him'.

Well he's at my house now! Looking over him now, his eyes seem a good bit clearer [maybe because she's fed him regularly the past two days?] but he still seems skinnier than I'd like. I'm currently feeding him just a small amount of pellets, and unlimited Timothy hay with alfalfa hay mixed in to hopefully fatten him up.

He's not lethargic, he's making no strange noises, and he's got a healthy, or desperate, appetite. He's also drinking well.

I'm a first time surprise owner, but like I've said, I've got his care downpacked! :)

BUT, if I could ask a favour of you all.. Would any of you happen to have pictures of an underweight piggy? Or perhaps a pig of proper weight from above?

If not, what should he feel like? I know many pigs aren't fond of you prodding at thair hind ends, but I think it's the best way to get a grasp on his weight by simply feeling him.
His hips seem to prominant to me, and he's not nearly as round and pear shaped as the healthy pigs I see. More angular.


He's got a pigloo for once in his life with nice warm, fluffy [nothing he can get his claws [which need a trim as soon as he settles in] stuck in] fabric of fun, shapes which he could care less about, stuffed in it. He sure seems to love it, but doesn't mind venturing out for food and water. I think he appreciates it as much as a guinea pig can. ;)


Anyway, I'm hoping for the best, and I'm going to be watching him like a hawk for a long time! :3 Thanks for your support, and there should be some 'pigtures' up soon!
 
Aww glad to hear you have him and he's safe and warm. If you have a set of kitchen scales these are adequate, might be a good idea to weigh him and monitor it weekly to check he's gaining or losing. Guinea pigs are experts at hiding illness so it's good to get in the habit of weighing them as weight loss or extreme gains are the first sigh of illness :)
 
Yayy! At least he's safe and will get his needs met now! Sounds like he's enjoying his new found home comorts xx>>>

I don't have any photos of a pig that's underweight, because all mine are the wrong side of plump :x

I think it's quite obvious when they're underweight though. You can feel their ribs and spine and their hip bones are very prominant. It sounds like you're doing exactly the right thing food wise and not overloading him with new foods and fresh vegetables and stuff. Once he's established on the pellets and hay, you can then start introducing new veg slowly, a small amount at a time.

We also really like photos on here you know :p :))

Welcome to the forum, and welcome to piggy slavedom! :))
 
Where are you? You cd ask a local rescue to check him over, help with cutting those claws and weigh him. They may also be able to find a friend for him. If worried abt a specific health problem, pls go to a cavy savvy vet - again if we know where you are, one of us ought to be able to make a recommendation.

Good luck, enjoy and well done!
 
Glad he's home with you. Can you weigh him? That would give us a better idea if he's over or underweight. It can be quite desceptive just looking at them, I've got one that looks like she's the smallest but she's actually not the lightest, she's a really good weight if you know what I mean ;)
 
Hi and welcome!

I would recommend to weigh her at least weekly; it also helps to monitor your piggy's health.

Good that you are taking a slow approach to introducing veg; just introduce only one new one at a time.

If possible, have your piggy checked by a good vet.
 
Katie Krafter said:
Where are you? You cd ask a local rescue to check him over, help with cutting those claws and weigh him. They may also be able to find a friend for him. If worried abt a specific health problem, pls go to a cavy savvy vet - again if we know where you are, one of us ought to be able to make a recommendation.

Good luck, enjoy and well done!
Click to expand...

I'm in Toronto Ontario and I do have an amazing vet. :) Dr. Munn, who works in the Greenwood park animal hospital is the most compassionate, truly caring, and experienced vet I've ever met and I'd never go to anyone else to treat my furry friends.

:( I don't think there are any rescues/shelters around me that would give him a check-up. But I'll look around.

I don't think I'll have much trouble trimming his nails and I'll have help if need be but if I do I'd take him in to a vet who can. They're not curving under, but I think he'd benefit from a little clipping.

I'm not worried about any health issues in particular. I know as prey animals they won't easily show that they're unwell, but he has no signs at all. His eyes have cleared up a good bit and are shiny, his fur isn't fluffed though he has a fauxhawk, and he's active and curious.

I'll give him a once over, perhaps a twice over, tomorrow. I figure I'll give him another day to settle in. If his condition changes for the worse be assured he'll be rushed off to the vet asap!
He's already been let down twice in his life by two 'owners', and I refuse to be the third! pow-pow
 
One of my rescue girlies was a bit thin - she was a big built pig but you could feel her spine - she has now chubbed up nicely :(|)
 
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