Stressed Boy

[Piggly]

My 4.5 year old boar Eddie lost his much-loved cagemate last Monday, and in the week since has been very stressed. He is always hiding away when I come into the kitchen in the morning and doesn't always come out, like he used to. He is also drinking a lot and itching himself to bits (he has slightly dry skin as he always has throughout his life, but has never itched like he is constantly now. He doesn't have any other skin problems or mites). Sometimes he is consoled slightly by sitting on me for a bit. When Reggie was around he was always desperate to get back to him if you took him away! However now he doesn't seem to know what to do with himself.

He is going boar-dating on saturday but that is a few days away. Does anyone have any extra advice I can help him out with until then? He gets floor time every day at the moment, sits on my lap for a bit, has a toy dog in the cage with him and space to hide. Not sure what else to do!

 

[Wiebke]

Are you taking Eddie to Glynneath GP Rescue?

I am very sory for your loss; you are doing all you can already. Just spend time to talk to him whenever you pass his cage and if possible move it to where he's got most company/interaction for the time being.

It might be advisable to do a course of spot-on mites treatment; they can make an unwelcome appearance when a piggy's immune system is lowered, like through the stress of losing a friend. Xeno 450 is a good quality ivermectin product; you can order it online.

 

[Piggly]

Yes, he is going to Glynneath GPR. His cage is currently in the kitchen where he usually has company, and people walking to and from the kitchen, so he is getting as much interaction as possible. At the moment hes out for floor time in my room with me, and has found comfort in a balled-up piece of notepad paper! He played with that for a while and now has laid down and stopped scratching for the time being. I will order some spot-on mite treatment as a precaution - you never know I suppose. Thanks!