Change in behavior

[Gizmo Gremlin]

We are looking for some advice on our new guinea pig. We were told he is a young guinea pig and we have had him for about 7 weeks and we only adopted one at that time. We are new guinea pig owners and have kids, aged 11 & 7. He seemed to be doing great. We would see him popcorn from time to time. He liked to snuggle and hang out with us on the couch. We made a play area for him to spend time outside of his cage. I make sure he has fresh food and water and clean his cage twice daily. He always seemed to love his hideaway in his cage and this was where we usually would find him snuggled up unless he was out eating in his cage. Our concern is the last couple days we have not seen him in his hideaway but he is usually in one of the corners unless he is eating. He is facing out in the corner. He also struggles when we invite him to come out with us. What might we be doing wrong? Is this a sign he needs a cagemate?

 

[Siikibam]

I think you should make plans to get him a cage mate. They’re social animals so do best with company of their own kind. If you have a rescue nearby, take him boar dating so he can choose his own friend.

 

[Lady Kelly]

Do you weigh him regularly? I weigh mine once a week after their veg as weight loss is often the first sign that something isn't right.

When he sits in the corner is he hunched up? Or hair fluffed up? Is he eating less?

Guinea pigs are social animals so would greatly benefit from a cage mate but I would not expect a sudden change in behaviour just from this. If you are concerned at all I would get a check up at the vets to make sure all is ok

 

[Merab]

I always take mine to the vet with any health concerns.
It’s better to be reassured that nothing is wrong than leave a sick piggy too late.

Welcome to the forum and please let us know how things go

 

[Theodor51]

I always take mine to the vet with any health concerns.
It’s better to be reassured that nothing is wrong than leave a sick piggy too late.

Welcome to the forum and please let us know how things go

My piggy got back teeth and front tidyed up. Now he doesn't eat much at all. Sits in corner a lot. I try syringe food. He eats grass outside OK. No crunching whole carrots or celery. A bit of chopped celery sometimes. No poo much. Teeth have stopped grinding clicking which is good.thats a few days since last vet visit.