Can Guinea Pigs Delay Their Grieving Process?

[leahp1803]

i lost one my my piggies about 3 weeks ago now and he left behind his little friend who has been with him since he was 4 weeks old. when my other piggie first past he seemed OK, he was eating playing, popcorning, and he basically did nothing that I was expecting as him grieving goes! but now here we are 3 weeks later and he's just changed! he's in perfect health, but he just seems sad, could this be he's missing his dad or he's lonely and he's now ready for a new friend?

 

[Wiebke]

i lost one my my piggies about 3 weeks ago now and he left behind his little friend who has been with him since he was 4 weeks old. when my other piggie first past he seemed OK, he was eating playing, popcorning, and he basically did nothing that I was expecting as him grieving goes! but now here we are 3 weeks later and he's just changed! he's in perfect health, but he just seems sad, could this be he's missing his dad or he's lonely and he's now ready for a new friend?

It is possibly depression from being lonely if there is no developing medical issue, which is the other problem that can happen in the wake of a loss.

 

[VickiA]

I'd agree that if he is not unwell he is probably just lonely.

 

[Freela]

Loneliness can lead to behavior changes and pigs may be less active and interested in the world around them without a friend to encourage them. I'm thinking that if you're seeing behavior changes in the wake of the loss of a companion, your piggie is probably bored/lonely.