Can't decide, don't know what to do!

[bubblenginger]

As you may know, Bubble and Ginger had four babies between them earlier this month. They're going to live with Suzy from the forum when they're weaned etc, but i'm so torn between letting them all go, and keeping one (as i can't keep them all).

But, do i keep Baby Ginger, who was the only baby from her mum or one of Bubble's babies. The choice would have to be between the girls obviously as the third one would be housed with Bubble and Ginger. However, if I keep Baby Ginger, will Bubble be sad because i sent her babies away, and will she dislike the baby. Will it cause a rift between her and mummy Ginger?

I don't know what to do. Part of me says, let them all go, and just keep my original piggies, the other says, keep a baby! They're all so cute, i'll find it hard to let any of them go! My husband says i think of animals too much as humans, and that all they need is food and a bed and they're happy!

 

[Suzygpr]

As there are a pair of boys and a pair of girls in the babies so it will mean they will grow up together - if the little girl comes in on her own I'll have to pair her up with someone new - not at all a problem to me as I'm sure there'll be someone here that's right for her, but something to consider.

I find that after they are weaned some mum's treat their babies as one of the herd and others are bonded for life - you really can't tell who it's going to happen with.

I know I'm not being much help in your decision but whatever you do I'm sure they'll all be happy.

I won't comment on your OH's views. Keeping well out of the one!

Suzy x

 

[Wiebke]

I am sorry for your dilemma!

I ended up giving both my surprise girls into rescue when they were born just after my mother-in-law had had a stroke and we were always rushing up to Wales, often at the drop of a hat. Sadly, I couldn't find a home with any of our friends, but needed to make sure that they were going only to a good home.

I could have kept one in a pinch, but I would always have felt so guilty about the other. That way, they were rehomed together as a pair. But I admit that I was crying all the way home from the rescue.

It is not an easy decision whichever way you go in the end. It is also a decision only you can make - you have to find the solution that feels right for you.

Like Susie says - once they are weaned, piggy mums treat their children as part of the group although many retain a bit more of a bond. But the same applies to sisters or litter mates. In my tribe, I have two mother-daughter pairs (one of which is clearly closer than the other) and one sister pair. In fact, the other youngster has attached herself to my more motherly piggy rather than to her own mum! And the sisters are still often hanging out together.

I won't comment on your OH's views!

 

[bubblenginger]

Well, i still can't decide, but after reading your replies, i think i should let all 4 go, as the girls will be together then and will go together if they get rehomed etc. So hard! Dreading the day I've got to put them in a box and drive them away, never to return. I know they'll be squeaking and so will the mummies.

 

[wales1000]

I remember when we had 4 gps, but was very new to them and got a boy which ended being a female and having 4 babies - i was supposed to rehome them, but i just couldn't let them go! unfortunately 1 has passed away now, but i just couldnt give them away, it was too hard.

 

[bubblenginger]

Yes, on one hand, i'll be sad to see them go, but on the other, order will be restored to the hutch! There's way too much pee and poo going on in there at the moment! I try and put them out in the run for most of the day so I can save on cleaning time!