How Urgent Is It To Find A Friend-pig?

[Ditherpig]

Timothy-William lost his guinea friend Minipig on Friday night. They lived next to eachother, rather than in the same house. Now Timothy is all alone in his 6' X 8' shed, and he has become rather withdrawn and sad. He is still eating and drinking fine, and chats to me when he comes in for snuggles. He's only just 2.
I'd like to take Timothy to boar dating at Wheek and Squeek, but they can't accommodate him for a few weeks (I think due to illness). I thought he would be OK, but he does seem lonely.

In your opinion, is it better to:
a) wait until we can do proper boar dating, even if that means he's moping on his own for 4-5 weeks. I don't know if being on his own for this time will do him any harm?

b) find a rescue that will allow me to bring Timothy to find a friend sooner, and use the information available on here to ascertain if they like eachother. At least he wouldn't be alone too long, but the risk that they fall out or fight is much greater.

I keep making a decision and then worrying that I've got it wrong...... I'd really appreciate your thoughts.

Thank-you!

 

[madguinealady]

have you tried putting a soft toy in with him for company? As long as he is still eating and drinking he should be okay to wait,just keep an eye on his weight. I think it would be worth waiting for proper boar dating but if he starts going downhill you will have to rethink. Good luck with him

 

[Briony_S]

Unfortunately it is not always possible to get these things sorted sooner. Even if you considered neutering you would have to wait 6 weeks post op before you can take him to look for girls. I would check any rescues on our search which you can feasibly get to but other than that there are a couple of things you can do in the meantime.

Soft snuggly things like a fleecy blanket, hidey or safe cuddly toy. Ideally one without an eyes etc.. which could be chewed off and swallowed. I have a few newborn toys which I got from mothercare which are fab. Be sure to cut off any labels or anything loose first though! Try to spend more time with him too human company is not a replacement to piggy company but will help. X

Wishing you and him all the best x

 

[Wiebke]

Hi and welcome!

I am very sorry for your loss; you are welcome to post a tribute to Minipig in our Rainbow Bridge section if you wish to!

Personally, as long as Timothy-William is holding on well, I would wait to have him dated at a good rescue like Wheek&Squeak; it is worth it! He will probably be somewhat quieter and without his sparkle during his wait, but that will come back as soon as he has got a new mate. I am sure that you will take extra good care of him during that time and interact as much as possible.

It would be a different matter if he was acutely pining; in that case, quick company would be paramount to save his life.