Bereaved Sow

[cob-web]

I very sadly lost one of my bonded pair of three year old sows at the weekend; Salt died of bloat very suddenly :'( I have been keeping a close watch on her companion, Pepper, who seems to be dealing with her loss very well - she is eating and even wheek'ed at me for her greens this afternoon. :smitten:

My question is, should I get her a companion as soon as possible, seeing as she seems to be doing OK? I have put some feelers out for an older rescue sow, but so far have only found suitable pigs at "rescues" that seem to breed pigs and sell babies as well as offer rescues..... ? I could be waiting a little while for a suitable singleton to come into the local reputable rescue centres.....and I really don't want to buy a baby, or support a breeder who purports to be a rescue.

 

[Andersons]

Very sorry to read about your loss.

I understand your concern about `so called` rescues from unscrupulous breeders. My advice for what its worth, is to look further afield - perhaps look on the internet for real rescue centres or the RSPCA (if you live in the UK).

 

[starla]

Something will turn up If you want to continue having pigs I think you're right to look for another, they love company It's odd how some pigs mourn and some don't seem to...I'm sure she is missing Salt though, RIP Salt :smitten:

Do you mean breeders giving away older pigs that are too old for breeding from etc? If you can't find anything else this could be a last option, I agree that supporting breeders etc is wrong but these older unwanted pigs often also need a nice home to live out their last few years :smitten:

 

[sarsmccabe]

so sorry for your loss. I hope she gets some company soon. But just give her lots of love and attention and she will be just fine. xx

 

[Vikki]

So sorry to hear about Salt. I hope you can find pepper a friend soon. O0
Can I just point out that some reponsible breeders also do rescue work and make a clear definition between guineas they have bred and rescue guineas when re-homing/selling them. Without the help of a friend (who breeds very responsibly) who had a huge number (36 and lots of them pregnant!) of guineas on her doorstep i could not have hoped to house them all.
True many 'Rescues' are not as they seem but if people are honest and care for their piggys well that is what matters to me
As Starla says the right guinea pig will come along and a retired sow is as much in need of a home to live out their remaining years if no suitable guineas are available at rescues.
Good luck in your search for a friend for Pepper ;D