Single piggy behaviour change

[Mizzpigz]

As you guys know twiglet is now on his own for the time being as we lost beautiful little Coco I still feel quite sad inside as we just didn't have much time together, he was such a lovely natured little boy.

Anyway since losing him twiglets behaviour has changed and I just wondered if this is because he needs human company to fill the space that losing his cage mate has left.

Twiggy was n ever one that liked being initially picked up and would wriggle and squeal to get away but now he just lets me pick him up and seems to really love our daily cuddles. I've felt so close to that little piggy as when I pick him up he happily sits on my chest and leans his head on my shoulder kind of rumbling very gently when I stroke him which is a new sound that I have never heard from him. Have you heard this sound? It's like every stroke gets a gentle moaning sound?

I have a beautiful 16 year old cat and the sweetest thing happened yesterday in that they just touched noses twice when they were both on the sofa, twiglet was on my lap, again do your cats do this.

I'm still waiting for a lady from a rescue to come back to me Re a cage mat for twiggy and I'm hoping this will be in the next month so they can both go out into the hutch together into neutral territory, she will be bonding them for me

 

[MargaretB]

Aww, so sad that you lost Coco, but it sounds like Twiglet is enjoying and appreciating your company. My cat occasionally sniffs if one of the pigs or chins are put near to him, but he's not really bothered. Hope your search for a new friend goes well.

 

[KaitRoo]

Aw that's such a sad story! I have experienced a behaviour change from a piggy after a companion loss, when Cherry lost her sister Jesse she really came out of her shell. Jesse was always the confident one whereas Cherry would sit back and hide or be quite reserved. Cherry did depend on me more and seemed friendlier and more willing to be approached after Jesse died. I think they do really need some form of companionship, be it human or piggy related! I too think I know what you are hearing with this sound, almost like a relaxed purr?

I hope the cage mate bonding goes well when you find one xx

 

[Wiebke]

I am very sorry for your loss! Piggies don't grieve any less than us humans and they can become quite withdrawn and depressed.

The best thing you can do is to find a rescue within your reach that offers "boar dating", i.e. bonding your boar under expert supervision at the rescue. The key to a successful boar bond is character compatibility.
If you can go as far as residential (full) boar bonding, that is the best way, as boars of all ages can be bonded in this fashion over the course of several days. The result is usually as stable as a sow bond. Alternatively, a young boar is usually what Twiglet will meet at a rescue that offers "speed dating" (one afternoon) - the age difference helps to keep dominance issues minimal, but problems can appear when the youngster hits the big hormones.
Here is a map of recommended (and vetted) good standard and practice rescues in Britain, most of whom offer boar dating.
https://maps.google.co.uk/maps/ms?msid=209994852075231951564.0004b8fd9391b4257d8eb&msa=0


I have several times dated bereaved sows of mine, always with great success. Watching a sad piggy coming alive again and getting its sparkle back is one of the most gratifying experiences!

PS: Here is Suzy's boar dating blog; you may find it very interesting!
http://www.theguineapigforum.co.uk/showthread.php?59233-Boar-Dating-Service-Wales

 

[klee]

Not that I realised at the time, Rosie had become very quiet after Georgie died. She was on her own for about 2 years and then we heard about guinea pig rescues offering dating services.
We took her along and came back with Ruby, and a few days later Esme and Tia and she really came out of her shell. She is now the first to wheek in the morning (be it a little hoarsely), and is a changed pig. The others are a a little boisterous and like to climb all over her, and she protests a little but you can tell she is so much happier.
Good luck with your dating, and I hope a friend comes along soon.