Guinea pig sitting still, or keep being in hiding

[Anabelle]

Hi everyone! I just adopted 2 of my female guinea pigs from 2 different shelters, and recently found out of one of them was already pregnant and not just chunky as I previously thought. The vet also said the other one was a male guinea pig and not a female like what the shelter claimed. Basically my pregnant piggy is already long due and not due to my male one. Despite all that, I separated them as soon as I knew and helped the pregnant piggy adjust her diet. However, I just noticed that the male guinea pig seemed bored most of the time, would hide away or stay still for many hours especially near the divider. I am planning to get him neutered, and plan to get more floor time but so far he seemed very sad. May I ask if he is getting depressed? I am so worried for him. The mom on the other hand still moves around, eats and begs for food loudly as usual

 

[gayfurryclown]

Is the male’s space/social needs met?

As for space, the minimum recommended for 1-2 pigs is about 2x4 ft, or 120x60 cm (source). Since your pigs are separated, it’s important that they have this amount of space each.

As for social needs, it’s important for Guinea pigs to be able to interact with each other in a few different ways. Pigs need to not only see each other for their social needs to be met, but also hear and smell. It’s how they communicate with and identify one another. Without this, depression isn’t out of the question. Here’s some info on that.

Does the divider you’re using allow the male to see, hear, and smell the female? If not, it should be a priority to change that asap.

Does he have enough enrichment? Here are some ideas you could try out.

You should also consider the possibility of sickness. I don’t want to scare you of course, just letting you know.
Does he eat, drink, and poop enough? Are they healthy poops? Here’s a piggy poop chart if you’re unsure. Keep an eye on his pee as well (piggy pee info), and weigh him regularly. Guinea pigs’ health can go south pretty quickly, and sudden weight changes can indicate that something’s not right.

If he’s stopped eating, see a vet. If he’s got diarrhea or other digestive problems, see a vet. If unusual behavior doesn’t go away with any changes you provide, see a vet.

For future reference:
Always double check the sex of new Guinea pigs, and quarantine them for two weeks before introducing them to other pigs (safety measure to prevent the spread of potential sickness).
Observe though! This rule does not apply to bereaved pigs and pigs under 12 weeks, as it is crucial for their social needs to be properly met!
This guide touches on a lot of things regarding your situation, take a look:
New Guinea pig problems: sexing & pregnancy; URI, ringworm & parasites; vet checks and costumer rights

Hope this helps; best of luck!

 

[Anabelle]

Hi! Thanks for your reply. I think it may be because of the space and floor time, I havent been able to expand it to 2x4 so now both of them are in 2x3. The pregnant girl doesn't mind because she's close to due, but it probably was why the boar was getting depressed. I got so worried because I didnt see him poop a lot throughout last night, so I moved the girl to a play pen and open the door of the divider, and the boar was popcorning in joy and started eating and pooping lots until when he gets his neuter appointment and aftef quarantine I suppose this will be what I gotta do. Thank you so much for your help!

 

[piggieminder]

Bumping your post up for one of our behaviour/pregnancy experts to find.

 

[Piggies&buns]

Living side by side will still provide him with interaction and companionship. It is better for piggies to be in the same cage but it is simply not possible in this situation.
He is going to be near the divider as that is where he can best see her, and interact with her.

Please ensure there is enough space in each cage and that you are providing mental stimulation for them both.
Large piles of hay with their daily veg portion mixed amongst the hay encourages them to forage and use their brains are meal times. Don’t use food bowls or hay racks as these remove that ability.

Once he is neutered, has had his six weeks post op wait to become infertile, you can try to reunite them on neutral territory.


Thoughts for the future and if you are keeping the babies -
If she has female babies then they and your by then neutered boar, can all live together - ensuring the cage you provide is big enough.
If there are any male babies, then depending on what you end up with, the male you have now jay have to live with a male baby to ensure any male baby is not left by himself.
Don’t forget that any male babies need to be separated when they are 21 days old or weigh 250g. Failure to separate in time will mean a baby will get his mother pregnant.