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Post by PigPog on Apr 10, 2008 1:39:04 GMT
I'm beginning to notice a pattern in my guinea pigs. The highest mortality rate seems to be in the year between ages two and three. Every one of my guinea pigs that I have lost to date has been over two years old but under three years old. Why is this? Is anyone else noticing this? I relax a bit when they turn three!  If anyone has anything to contribute please do - we might be onto something here.  I'll sticky this thread. |
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Post by Sarah on Apr 10, 2008 18:47:12 GMT
One of my original piggies died suddenly at just two years old  and I have no idea why? I still have his litter brother who is now 4.5 years and is fine! |
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Post by Tanya's Tribbles on Apr 19, 2008 11:34:13 GMT
I find that if a piggies is going to pass away young then it will be somwhere between two and three years old and that it seems to be for know apparent reason.
they also can just go at 6 months and it is usually their heart.
Tanya
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Post by Hugs-Cavies (Doris) on Apr 19, 2008 12:20:59 GMT
It might be worth me mentioning that "piggie" years are appoximately times ours by 14, so a 3 year old pig is 42, or there abouts.
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Post by eppingstrider on Apr 19, 2008 18:44:22 GMT
Mmm, dangerous age, that. Is there any trend towards boars or sows? I had a brother and two (male) friends who died suddenly age 46...
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Post by hunnybeez on Apr 26, 2008 21:03:11 GMT
Yes ive noted that mine seem to either pass away around the 3 year mark my oldest one now is coming to that age and she is a darling but a real dope !!
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Post by PigPog on Apr 27, 2008 13:35:04 GMT
I'm so glad it's not just me. I was worried you'd all say it was something I was doing wrong but apparently not. Phew!  In the last two years we've lost eight pigs, all under three years old, to the following (in order): 1. Uterine cancer (sow) 2. Possible heart defect (boar) 3. Unexplained (boar) 4. Unexplained (sow) 5. Congestive heart failure (boar) 6. Drastic weight loss (boar) 7. Congestive heart failure (boar) 8. Unexplained (boar) ES - I've put the gender of the pig after each one for you in response to your question. I'm not sure if it means anything but I have about an equal number of sows and boars and most of my boars are in hutches, while the sows live free range in herds. Reason for Editing: Added a bit for ES - PigPog |
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Post by dragonheartstring on May 23, 2008 20:35:30 GMT
I've only ever had one male that didn't die before 3 years old, but the females live to five or six.
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Post by eppingstrider on May 23, 2008 20:52:48 GMT
I am going to try not to worry this time next year..... |
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Post by PigPog on Jun 2, 2008 13:53:10 GMT
I've only ever had one male that didn't die before 3 years old, but the females live to five or six. That's interesting. Are your sows free range or in hutches? |
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Post by PigPog on Jun 2, 2008 14:00:50 GMT
I am going to try not to worry this time next year..... I'm having most of my boars turn three this year, and some of them have already made it now we're six months in, so that should make you feel a bit better I hope.  In fact so far I have had Vlad, Ted and Dougal turn three this year (well, Vlad turned three in December). I have the following to wait for: - Higgs, turns 3 on June 15th - Pogo, turns 3 on July 30th - Sooty, turns 3 on August 12th - Mr Smallweed, turns 3 on November 8th - Houdini, turns 3 on December 7th |
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Post by eppingstrider on Jun 3, 2008 21:13:15 GMT
Fingers crossed !. My boys are ten days from their first birthday! I'm planning a cake.....
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Post by PigPog on Jun 3, 2008 21:37:31 GMT
Fingers crossed !. My boys are ten days from their first birthday! I'm planning a cake.....  If it's carrot cake, Bob and Doris make a mean one! |
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