How Many? Transitioning a Solo Pig

[megamazing]

Hi folks. 3 of my gps have died in the past year, we just had to have my Hermione put to sleep tonight. We have one left, my skinny pig Ginny. We are not getting anymore guinea pigs, it’s been a good 6 years, and I’m not going to create and endless cycle of pigs. How do you transition a pig to being solo? I’m going to move her cage into my office so she’s around me all day and make sure to spend more time with her. She’s 4, so she’s got at lea at 1-2 years left. Just wondering how you’ve all dealt with this. Thank you.

 

[megamazing]

Wow, the typos. An endless cycle of guinea pigs*, at least 1-2 years left**

 

[Kelsie]

I'm so sorry to hear about your losses and an extra hug for your loss of Hermione. I understand your situation regarding not wanting to get anymore piggies. I've seen that same scenario many times. I think you are doing the right thing by moving Ginny into a room where she is more surrounded by sights and sounds. I've not experienced having a solo pig for any length of time as all of my pigs have been around the same age and have passed within just a short time of each other.

But with Ginny only being 4 years of age she does have more time left and you want that time to be happy. Just give her lots of time and extra love and monitor her carefully for signs of depression. I feel that she will probably do fine by herself as long as she given attention and is surrounded by your love.

I know that you said you no longer want to have guinea pigs after Ginny passes but don't rule out adopting an older pig or fostering an older pig. I don't know your situation and I wouldn't want to impose my ideas on you just know that I am thinking of your Ginny and wishing both of you the very best.

 

[megamazing]

I'm so sorry to hear about your losses and an extra hug for your loss of Hermione. I understand your situation regarding not wanting to get anymore piggies. I've seen that same scenario many times. I think you are doing the right thing by moving Ginny into a room where she is more surrounded by sights and sounds. I've not experienced having a solo pig for any length of time as all of my pigs have been around the same age and have passed within just a short time of each other.

But with Ginny only being 4 years of age she does have more time left and you want that time to be happy. Just give her lots of time and extra love and monitor her carefully for signs of depression. I feel that she will probably do fine by herself as long as she given attention and is surrounded by your love.

I know that you said you no longer want to have guinea pigs after Ginny passes but don't rule out adopting an older pig or fostering an older pig. I don't know your situation and I wouldn't want to impose my ideas on you just know that I am thinking of your Ginny and wishing both of you the very best.

Thank you, Hermione was my first pet, followed the next day by her sister Luna, then Ginny a year later and Molly a year after that. We now also have 2 dogs, 2 cats and 3 gold fish. Safe to say we love animals, lol. Guinea pigs are by far the most work of all the animals, especially if you take care of them properly, and I’m the one doing it all (my husband likes the dogs and cats more, lol.) It’s just not something I can do any more, I would never give Ginny up, but she’ll be my last for sure.

what are signs I should look out for? I just put her to bed for the night (lol,) she’s happily eating hay and I put some toys in her cage to stimulate her mind.

 

[Kelsie]

I'm happy to hear that she seems to be adjusting. The signs to look out for would be loss of appetite and general listlessness. I would say that hiding out and not wanting to interact with you along with seemingly just loss of interest in life. She may grieve for a short time but that period should pass quickly without any drastic changes to her disposition. I think if she is going to have any negative side effects from losing her friend you will notice them very quickly. I think one of the best qualities of our animal friends is that they accept what is given to them and continue on with their lives. Each day is a new beginning to them and they don't dwell on the past.

I really appreciate you saying that Ginny will remain in your home until she joins her sisters. Many people would just put her up for adoption and I think that is heartbreaking. It's so obvious that you really love her and she is so lucky to share her life with you and your family.

 

[ItsaZoo]

I have a solo pig, and my last one was solo as well. You're right about the work - they really need a lot of time. Monitor her weight and watch her to see if she is moving around, eating, and seems interested in what's going on around her.

I try to give mine as much mental stimulation and exercise as I can. I move her hideys and hay pile each day so she has to figure out the new layout. I put pellets in a cat treat ball that she rolls around, and I also have a treat ball for pieces of veggies. I made a snuffle mat to hide veggies in so she has to dig and forage for them. I talk to her throughout the day, call her by name, and offer treats. My last one knew "circle" and would do a pirouette for treats. A few times a week I set up a large fence made from grids and add multiple hideys so she gets floor time. And each night we have lap time. She gets some corn husk, then she snuggles in her little fleece blanket and naps on my lap while I read.