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Rose

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julie cooper

julie cooper

Junior Guinea Pig
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kidderminster, worcestershire
hi guys we bought our daughter some guinea pigs for her 6th birthday end of may and today we found one of them has died, as you can imagine we are absolutely devastated, my daughter has been very good filling up the water every time its empty esp this last week they've drank loads because of how hot it is and making sure dry food is topped up and giving them veggies, i just cant think why she would have died :( they were only 8 weeks when we had them so she was only about 14 weeks old. now I'm scared aurora might die and that we may have done something wrong. any advice would be greatfuly received thankyou
 
:DHello and :wel: to the forum! Sorry for your loss. Can I ask; where did you get your piggies from? Was it Pets@ Home, by any chance? If you read through some of the threads on here, you will find that Pets@Home pigs getting sick or dying is an all too common occurrence. I would get the surviving piggie checked by your vet ASAP.( I am assuming you're in the UK.)

If you are intending to get a new piggie as companion for the second one, look through the Rescue Locator on the top bar.
 
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7squeakers. said:
:DHello and :wel: to the forum! Sorry for your loss. Can I ask; where did you get your piggies from? Was it Pets@ Home, by any chance? If you read through some of the threads on here, you will find that Pets@Home pigs getting sick or dying is an all too common occurrence. I would get the surviving piggie checked by your vet ASAP.

If you are intending to get a new piggie as companion for the second one, look through the Rescue Locator on the top bar.
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no pets at homes only had boys and she wanted girls so we went to just for pets instead, shes currently sat on my daughters lap munching cabbage and carrot my daughter doesnt want to put her away and keep asking if she is going to die :(
 
I'm so sorry to hear this. I agree it would be a good idea to get your remaining guinea pig checked by a vet.

We have members from all over the world so, it would be very useful to know whether you live in the UK/US or elsewhere.

In the UK we are taking great care to make sure our guinea pigs don't overheat as they can have problems in temperatures above 25 degrees celcius.

I hope your remaining guinea pig is OK - and :wel: to the forum
 
PiggyOwner said:
I'm so sorry to hear this. I agree it would be a good idea to get your remaining guinea pig checked by a vet.

We have members from all over the world so, it would be very useful to know whether you live in the UK/US or elsewhere.

In the UK we are taking great care to make sure our guinea pigs don't overheat as they can have problems in temperatures above 25 degrees celcius.

I hope your remaining guinea pig is OK - and :wel: to the forum
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we are in the uk yes, i was worried it might have been because of the heat it was so hot the day before yesterday, our remaining one has become very vocal but shes very active and eating loads as always, rose was always the one in the food first ect going around the pen she didnt show any signs of being poorly just seems to be so sudden
 
:D Aaawww, I hope the second little girl is okay still. Sadly, the case is often the same, whatever pet shop you get your pigs from.
 
Sadly, these things can just happen. Unexplainable and simply down to genetics. I have experienced similar losses in both pet shop and rescue pigs. It would be an idea to get your remaining piggy vet checked for her own benefit and for your own peace of mind.

You could look at getting a friend for Aurora. Have a look at the rescue locator at the top of the forum, to find one near you.

To existing forum members: Could we please stop with the current attack on pet shops, one chain in particular. Not only are you leaving yourself wide open to legal issues, but the bandwagon is tantamount to a witch-hunt and is quite frankly bordering on scaremongering.
 
I am so sorry :( If they are kept outside in a hutch, unfortunately heatstroke is more likely to be the reason than anything else as it is impossible to control the temperature :( Is it possible to bring your lone one indoors & keep her in a well ventilated room or with a fan on, make sure it isn't close to her house/cage though, so she isn't in a draught but just to get the air cooled a bit. You can get special ice pods for small animals, pop it in the freezer then wrap in a towel & put in her hutch or cage whilst the weather is so hot, or half fill a plastic drinks bottle & freeze that then wrap in a towel instead. Hope your little girl is ok.
 
I'm so sorry, what a shock for you all.

Sadly heatstroke is a possibility, was she an indoor or outdoor pig?
 
Sometimes pigs just die it's unfortunate and I'm very sorry for your guys loss especially your daughter, you should try and find a rescue and try some pig dating to find your pig a new friend cause pigs do better in pairs.
 
Hi and welcome!

If you are in the UK, especially in the South, then it is very likely that little Rose sadly died from heat stroke, whether it was indoors or outside. Young guinea pigs are less well able to cope with the extremes of weather, as their immune system is still under construction and they also don't have the body mass yet. Sadly, many guinea pigs have died over the last few days because in extreme heat like this, just lots of water is often not enough. The very young, old, ill/frail or the overweight are at an increased risk. Guinea pigs don't deal well with sudden major jumps of temperature in either direction. :(
Here are our hot weather tips: https://www.theguineapigforum.co.uk/threads/hot-weather-management-and-heat-strokes.105317/

I hope that her companion is still OK? Here are our tips on what you can do for a bereaved guinea pig. Please make sure that she has got either a cuddly toy or a soft rag to snuggle up with as she is only a baby still. If necessary, please have her checked by a vet and weigh her regularly as a control.
https://www.theguineapigforum.co.uk/threads/looking-after-a-bereaved-piggy.110463/

As we have got members from all over the world, we find it very helpful if you please added your country, state or (for the UK) your county so we can always adapt any advice to what is available and possible where you are.
 
Poppy'sMum said:
I am so sorry :( If they are kept outside in a hutch, unfortunately heatstroke is more likely to be the reason than anything else as it is impossible to control the temperature :( Is it possible to bring your lone one indoors & keep her in a well ventilated room or with a fan on, make sure it isn't close to her house/cage though, so she isn't in a draught but just to get the air cooled a bit. You can get special ice pods for small animals, pop it in the freezer then wrap in a towel & put in her hutch or cage whilst the weather is so hot, or half fill a plastic drinks bottle & freeze that then wrap in a towel instead. Hope your little girl is ok.
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hi they are indoor in the living room with us x
 
i am very sorry for your loss. even in this heat, i wouldn't expect a piggy to be drinking a full bottle of water each day. so either she was extremely hot, or she had some illness that meant she wanted to drink this much :( sometimes underlying health conditions won't show any signs until it's too late.

are they indoors or out? some piggies seem alot more affected by the heat so need even extra help keeping cool with shade and cooling items like ice pods/cooling tiles/etc.

i would agree with taking your remaining little girl for a health check even just to put your mind at rest. there is a vet locator at the top of the page to help you find your nearest exotics/cavy-savvy vet.

again, i am sorry for your loss :(
 
Wiebke said:
Hi and welcome!

If you are in the UK, especially in the South, then it is very likely that little Rose sadly died from heat stroke, whether it was indoors or outside. Young guinea pigs are less well able to cope with the extremes of weather, as their immune system is still under construction and they also don't have the body mass yet. Sadly, many guinea pigs have died over the last few days because in extreme heat like this, just lots of water is often not enough. The very young, old, ill/frail or the overweight are at an increased risk. Guinea pigs don't deal well with sudden major jumps of temperature in either direction. :(
Here are our hot weather tips: https://www.theguineapigforum.co.uk/threads/hot-weather-management-and-heat-strokes.105317/

I hope that her companion is still OK? Here are our tips on what you can do for a bereaved guinea pig. Please make sure that she has got either a cuddly toy or a soft rag to snuggle up with as she is only a baby still. If necessary, please have her checked by a vet and weigh her regularly as a control.
https://www.theguineapigforum.co.uk/threads/looking-after-a-bereaved-piggy.110463/

As we have got members from all over the world, we find it very helpful if you please added your country, state or (for the UK) your county so we can always adapt any advice to what is available and possible where you are.
Click to expand...
aurora seems to be ok ty my daughter has been cuddling her and shes had some fresh veggies too, been wandering around in her pen, i think we may look into getting her a friend x
 
biscandmatt said:
i am very sorry for your loss. even in this heat, i wouldn't expect a piggy to be drinking a full bottle of water each day. so either she was extremely hot, or she had some illness that meant she wanted to drink this much :( sometimes underlying health conditions won't show any signs until it's too late.

are they indoors or out? some piggies seem alot more affected by the heat so need even extra help keeping cool with shade and cooling items like ice pods/cooling tiles/etc.

i would agree with taking your remaining little girl for a health check even just to put your mind at rest. there is a vet locator at the top of the page to help you find your nearest exotics/cavy-savvy vet.

again, i am sorry for your loss :(
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its only a little bottle probably meant for a hamster id guess prob why we were filling it a couple times a day x
 
ignore my question about whether they're indoors or out! i see you already answered it :)
 
Wiebke said:
Hi and welcome!

If you are in the UK, especially in the South, then it is very likely that little Rose sadly died from heat stroke, whether it was indoors or outside. Young guinea pigs are less well able to cope with the extremes of weather, as their immune system is still under construction and they also don't have the body mass yet. Sadly, many guinea pigs have died over the last few days because in extreme heat like this, just lots of water is often not enough. The very young, old, ill/frail or the overweight are at an increased risk. Guinea pigs don't deal well with sudden major jumps of temperature in either direction. :(
Here are our hot weather tips: https://www.theguineapigforum.co.uk/threads/hot-weather-management-and-heat-strokes.105317/

I hope that her companion is still OK? Here are our tips on what you can do for a bereaved guinea pig. Please make sure that she has got either a cuddly toy or a soft rag to snuggle up with as she is only a baby still. If necessary, please have her checked by a vet and weigh her regularly as a control.
https://www.theguineapigforum.co.uk/threads/looking-after-a-bereaved-piggy.110463/

As we have got members from all over the world, we find it very helpful if you please added your country, state or (for the UK) your county so we can always adapt any advice to what is available and possible where you are.
Click to expand...
i live in worcestershire in the west midlands x
 
julie cooper said:
aurora seems to be ok ty my daughter has been cuddling her and shes had some fresh veggies too, been wandering around in her pen, i think we may look into getting her a friend x
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It will be better for her to have a companion - but , please think about yourself and your daughter too - you have been through a lot recently. When you are ready - I strongly recommend you contact your local rescue(s) as they will help you find a compatible companion.
 
julie cooper said:
i live in worcestershire in the west midlands x
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Thanks! it has sadly been very hot here in the West Midlands! I have been struggling to get especially my older and frail piggies through the day.

Finding a piggy dead or dying always comes as a nasty shock to everybody, especially a youngster and even more so when you have children. :(

You are welcome to post a tribute to poor rose if and anytime it feels right for you in our Rainbow Bridge section.

If you are within reach, maybe Windhwistle Warren rescue near Cheltenham may be able to help you find a suitable new friend for Rose's companion? They are the best piggy savvy good standard rescue in your wider area and offer dating (bonding) at the rescue, so your bereaved little girl can choose who she wants to be happy with.
https://www.theguineapigforum.co.uk/pages/guinea-pig-rescue-locator/

Could you please click on your username on the top bar, then go to personal details and scroll down to location. In the same section you can also upload your avatar; that is the picture that always appears with every post you make.
 
iv
Wiebke said:
Thanks! it has sadly been very hot here in the West Midlands! I have been struggling to get especially my older and frail piggies through the day.

Finding a piggy dead or dying always comes as a nasty shock to everybody, especially a youngster and even more so when you have children. :(

You are welcome to post a tribute to poor rose if and anytime it feels right for you in our Rainbow Bridge section.

If you are within reach, maybe Windhwistle Warren rescue near Cheltenham may be able to help you find a suitable new friend for Rose's companion? They are the best piggy savvy good standard rescue in your wider area and offer dating (bonding) at the rescue, so your bereaved little girl can choose who she wants to be happy with.
https://www.theguineapigforum.co.uk/pages/guinea-pig-rescue-locator/

Could you please click on your username on the top bar, then go to personal details and scroll down to location. In the same section you can also upload your avatar; that is the picture that always appears with every post you make.[/Q
ive done that know i think thankyou x
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julie cooper said:
my daughter is only 6 but very small for her age she is only 26lb so its a little easier for her to manage when filling it up herself x
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perhaps have a larger one for you to change and a smaller one for her to change. just to make sure the piggies are never without water for any amount of time which could potentially be unsafe, especially in this current heat :)
 
biscandmatt said:
perhaps have a larger one for you to change and a smaller one for her to change. just to make sure the piggies are never without water for any amount of time which could potentially be unsafe, especially in this current heat :)
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dont worry I'm hot on the animals having water, the bunnies have huge bottles i check twice a day and the dog and cats have 2 large water bowls, aurora is literally right next to the sofa where i sit so she will never go without, plus she will let you know we only have to open the fridge door or crinkle something and she starts calling out
 
julie cooper said:
dont worry I'm hot on the animals having water, the bunnies have huge bottles i check twice a day and the dog and cats have 2 large water bowls, aurora is literally right next to the sofa where i sit so she will never go without, plus she will let you know we only have to open the fridge door or crinkle something and she starts calling out
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i'm the same with water... rabbits have a huge dog bowl, piggies have two larger bottles aswell just incase one stops dripping properly or they knock one off (mollie can do this so easily even though it's secured on... no idea how she manages it! :blink:) ..... :))
 
Welcome to the forum, sorry that it's not for more positive reasons, but everyone on here is extremely helpful and friendly. They really don't mind even the paranoid piggy-mum questions :xd:

Aurora sounds like she's full of character :love: we'd love to see some pictures, but no pressure obviously :)

I'd definitely recommend getting Aurora a friend, though. It would be something positive for you and your daughter, too :) Just remember that it was no one's fault, it's easy to feel guilty but when it's so sudden like this there most likely wasn't anything you could have noticed or done more than you did.

It sounds like you're a very good owner, so keep it up, and feel totally free to ask any other questions in other threads. It can be daunting when you've first got your piggies and sometimes the shock of losing one can make you feel quite uncertain. Everyone is so so supportive though.

Annie, Poldark and Sage x
 
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