Old Shy Piggy

[ClaireBee]

I used to have 3 guinea pigs and sadly two of the girls have passed away from old age, the last of the two just a few weeks ago. My remaining pig (Molly) was bought in (they’re usually indoors but had been out for the summer) and now stays in her indoor cage in my office where I work all day. I’ve given her lots of fresh veggies, hay, pellets and water and she seems to be doing well and eating lots, but she’s absolutely terrified of me! She’s always been a nervous pig despite our best efforts, but I feel like she should be used to being handled and hand fed by now as we’ve had her just over 6 years.
She’s been settled in my office for a couple of weeks now, so I thought I’d give her some supervised free roam time around the room but when I placed her down she just wouldn’t move and sat there for 30 minutes before I put her back in her enclosure where she proceeded to munch on some hay.
I can’t even get near the cage without her darting back in her house.
As I said, she’s always been a nervous pig, but I was hoping she’d become a little more friendly as I’m spending 8hrs + a day with her now. Because of her age we weren’t going to get her a companion so were hoping she’d be okay without, but if she hates humans I’m not sure that’s going to work!

What do you think?

 

[Piggies&buns]

I’m sorry for your losses.
If she is a nervous piggy then being alone likely won’t be helping at all. She has lost her companion, has no one to talk to and now moved into a new environment - she is likely even more nervous than normal. it doesn’t matter how much time you spend with her, you can’t talk her language so she is alone even though you are there.
I of course completely understand why you wouldnt want another piggy and if you wish to end the piggy cycle, but she could have a few years left in her yet so finding a friend for her would be highly beneficial to her. Some rescue centres will be accommodating and will loan out piggies for your piggy to be bonded with. When your piggy passes, you then hand the rescue piggy back who will then be rebonded and thus ending your piggy cycle.

Single Guinea Pigs - Challenges and Responsibilities

 

[ClaireBee]

I’m sorry for your losses.
If she is a nervous piggy then being alone likely won’t be helping at all. She has lost her companion, has no one to talk to and now moved into a new environment - she is likely even more nervous than normal. it doesn’t matter how much time you spend with her, you can’t talk her language so she is alone even though you are there.
I of course completely understand why you wouldnt want another piggy and if you wish to end the piggy cycle, but she could have a few years left in her yet so finding a friend for her would be highly beneficial to her. Some rescue centres will be accommodating and will loan out piggies for your piggy to be bonded with. When your piggy passes, you then hand the rescue piggy back who will then be rebonded and thus ending your piggy cycle.

Single Guinea Pigs - Challenges and Responsibilities

Thank you for your reply. Oh I feel awful now! I thought bringing her in would be the best thing for her instead of her being on her own outside. She does seem to be doing well inside (as long as I keep my distance, she does tolerate me sitting next to the cage working though!) and is happily pottering about her cage eating and drinking, but you’re right, maybe I should consider finding her a new friend. I didn’t realise there were rescue centres that did that, so I’ll definitely look into this. Thanks again for the advice.

 

[Piggies&buns]

Thank you for your reply. Oh I feel awful now! I thought bringing her in would be the best thing for her instead of her being on her own outside. She does seem to be doing well inside (as long as I keep my distance, she does tolerate me sitting next to the cage working though!) and is happily pottering about her cage eating and drinking, but you’re right, maybe I should consider finding her a new friend. I didn’t realise there were rescue centres that did that, so I’ll definitely look into this. Thanks again for the advice.

Bringing her in absolutely was the right thing to do for her, don’t worry - she shouldn’t be outside on her own and with her being older, it would be very hard on her - I'm just seeing it from her point of view in that she is in a new environment which can be overwhelming for them at the best of times!

Yes, some do. Its worth calling around and seeing If you can find a rescue who can help you.

 

[ClaireBee]

Bringing her in absolutely was the right thing to do for her, don’t worry - she shouldn’t be outside on her own and with her being older, it would be very hard on her - I'm just seeing it from her point of view in that she is in a new environment which can be overwhelming for them at the best of times!

Yes, some do. Its worth calling around and seeing If you can find a rescue who can help you.

Oh okay, that’s alright then. Glad I did the right thing there. I’ll start having a look into finding her a buddy then and maybe that’ll make her feel more confident. She did always like following round Lola, the eldest of my three piggies.

 

[Siikibam]

I’m sorry for your losses. Have a look at the rescue locator and see which ones are within reach. Don’t be put off by those that are a little further away.

Good luck, and we’d love to see your girl and the ones that passed. We have a section for rainbow pets where you’re welcome to tell us about them, and you can post photos of your girl in the guinea pig chat.

 

[Wiebke]

I am very sorry for your losses!

You can look at both neutered boars and sows of any age - key is mutual liking and character compatibility, so if they can meet before you commit, then you run much less of a risk of ending up with two piggies that don't get on. Although if your girl is very unhappy on her own, then she will be hopefully more accepting of a new companion.