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Ruby has stopped eating

  • Thread starter Thread starter margret
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margret

As you know Ruby lost her sister 4 weeks ago, and I was unsure as to how we could help her cope with the loss. Another piggie friend wasn't really an option, my head was all a muddle, didn't know what to do. She seemed to perk up again, but noticed yesterday she is not drinking much, and today she has eaten very little. I have put her into my indoor cage and brought her into the house...again was unsure, because of the cat. Have put her in the spare bedroom, will make sure door is tightly shut to keep cat out...I don't think he would intentionally hurt her, but Ruby may be scared.
Is there anything else that I can do....I know she is nearly 7, but I don't want her suffering. Thanks
 
it sounds like she is lonely,when they lose there friend they can go into quite deep depression and the results can be worse depending on how sad she is,the only thing i have ever heard that will fix it is a friend,other than that i dont think there is anything else,goodluck i hope she perks up soon xx
 
I know it isn't what you want to hear, and I hope it isn't the case, but she may be fading herself given her age. A few pigs have been known to "give up" once a close friend has passed over, especially if the remaining pig is kept alone. Such pigs often seem to just stop eating and lose interest in their surroundings. In a younger pig, an illness might be to blame. In an older pig, recently bereaved, it could still be an illness or dental trouble, but the effect of the pigs recent loss must also be considered.
 
Fill up her water bottle so you can measure how much has been drunk and look at the size of her poos - are they smaller than usual? It may be an illness, but it may be that she is pining for her friend. However, I would have thought she would have stopped eating immediately after her friend had died, rather than waiting a month and then suddenly stopping taking anything. Can you get her to a vet to have her checked out? I do think a friend would be the best thing for her, but if not, keep her inside and give her plenty of attention. I wonder if there is anyone on the forum who could take her and see how she does with another sow or a neutered boy.
 
Ruby never ate as much as Angel, although she did enjoy her veg. Since Angel died, we have noticed that she isn't eating all her veg, but then maybe she never ate as much as we thought. I think I always give too much.
Since bringing her in this afternoon, she has been munching carrot tops as if they were going out of fashion, eating hay and will lick water off my finger.
OH reckons she is playing games with me.
Have checked her toilet and poos seem the same as always.
Will keep a check on her and if she is no better will get her off to the vet.
 
just an idea though i dont know if its possible,you`d have to ask someone who knows about it but could it be possible for you to foster another pig?then ruby would have company and when ruby goes to a better place the rescue place you foster from would take the other pig back,thats if you didnt want it anymore
 
Tried her to take some water. She will only take it if I hold the bottle inside her cage, but if it is attached won't?? She wouldn't take a piece of melon, but has eaten a little of her food, but is chomping away gaily on her hay.
Maybe I am worrying unnecesaary, will see what she is like later.
This is worse than when my daughter was a baby
 
I think a lot of your conderns have been answered on the other thread, especially regarding another pig for company.
 
Yes, I know ideally Ruby should have another piggie for company, but this is not an option. At the moment I am having treatment for Breast Cancer, also am having to go into hospital in 2 weeks time for heart surgery. I only asked on the forum if there was anything that would help to make her time left...could be days, weeks, months....maybe even years that bit more comfortable.
In the 5 years we have had them...they were almost 2 when we rescued them, they have never been at a vet....never been ill, and that is why I don't know how to deal with it now.
I am grateful for all the suggestions that have already been given and don't want to seem as if I am not listening. Thanks everyone
 
Is there anyone who could take her in on a temporary basis? It would help both of you and it would be a little less for you to worry about. Someone on the thread must be within a convenient distance.
 
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