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Guinea pigs dead.. think they were poisoned

E

Elsa bear

New Born Pup
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Hi I have just gone to feed my pigs and they are both dead..
They were both fine last night when I checked on them..
My son said there had been someone in my garden later that night that he chased away..
is it possible that they could have just died? At the same time?
I am absolutely gutted..
My children will be devastated..
I’m not quite sure what to do..
 
I'm really sorry for your loss. Sadly there is no way to know for definite without a post mortem being carried out. You can enquire about this with local vets but it is likely to be expensive and will not necessarily provide concrete answers (though in the event of poisoning you would expect that to be picked up with toxicology)
 
Lady Kelly said:
I'm really sorry for your loss. Sadly there is no way to know for definite without a post mortem being carried out. You can enquire about this with local vets but it is likely to be expensive and will not necessarily provide concrete answers (though in the event of poisoning you would expect that to be picked up with toxicology)
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Thank you... I’m just gutted.. and I can’t quite believe that someone could do something like this.. i was just kind of hoping that they could have died by something else.. but it’s just so unlikely :(
 
Elsa bear said:
Thank you... I’m just gutted.. and I can’t quite believe that someone could do something like this.. i was just kind of hoping that they could have died by something else.. but it’s just so unlikely :(
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It could have been fright from something in the garden, a fox or rat could do that but it does seem odd that both go together on the one night you spot someone else there. We have a guide on bereavement which may help with the children Human Bereavement - Grieving, coping tips and support links for guinea pig owners and their children
 
I am so very sorry to hear this, how sad.
They could also have been too cold if they were outside. Unfortunately as Lady Kelly says we can only guess, the only sure way to know is with a post mortem.
 
Lady Kelly said:
It could have been fright from something in the garden, a fox or rat could do that but it does seem odd that both go together on the one night you spot someone else there. We have a guide on bereavement which may help with the children Human Bereavement - Grieving, coping tips and support links for guinea pig owners and their children
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Thank you. And one was in the bedroom section and the other in the more open section of the cage. They are up against the house so not in the middle of no where.. but unfortunately right by the back gate :(
My teenage son fell out with someone over the weekend which makes it even more suspicious.. and this person had been in my garden and knows exactly where they are..and there was a full bottle of water and food un eaten.. they also have a weather protector on , so shouldn’t have been too cold... I just really hope it was something natural but I just can’t see it 😢😢. Not sure if I should inform the police.. but like you say there is no real evidence..
 
There is no harm in calling 101 so it's on record in case anything else happens but it's unlikely they would investigate without evidence of who it was in the garden or what has happened to the piggies. We had our garage broken into in broad daylight a couple of years ago and the neighbours took photos of the thief but as there was a cap obstructing his face the police wouldn't take it any further. They were 90% sure they knew who it was but just said that there's too many factors the solicitors can throw in to cast doubt on it
 
Lady Kelly said:
There is no harm in calling 101 so it's on record in case anything else happens but it's unlikely they would investigate without evidence of who it was in the garden or what has happened to the piggies. We had our garage broken into in broad daylight a couple of years ago and the neighbours took photos of the thief but as there was a cap obstructing his face the police wouldn't take it any further. They were 90% sure they knew who it was but just said that there's too many factors the solicitors can throw in to cast doubt on it
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It’s so unfair.. that must have been awful being broken in to...
That is a good idea to get it logged just in case.
I have 2 doggies and a bunny too.. so I’m super worried for these guys now..
I think I am going to get cameras installed
 
Hi and welcome

HUGS

Unfortunately without a post mortem examination by a vet, there is no way to tell what has happened - whether it was human action or a sudden fright (foxes, rats etc DO come right up against houses). All we can say that it rather looks looks like an environmental factor of some sort and not an illness. Whether it has left any sign in the body is another matter; poison would but sheer fright wouldn't. Unfortunately the vast majority of cases we are contact over where a sudden death in all piggies has happened do come from hutch settings; in most cases there is no suspicion of foul play, though.

It is always extremely difficult because of course you are devastated and have an overwhelming need to answer the unswerable and to make sense of what has happened. Soul searching and strong feelings of failure/guilt are typical for the onset of the grieving process with beings in your care. But they are usually a lot stronger and can take on a life on their own in the case of a sudden mysterious death.
The other reaction is red rage if you can identify a person you may be able to blame - but like you say yourself, you cannot act on any suspicions without cast-iron proof. Please make sure that you have a discussion with your son before he goes off the rails and causes more havoc with throwing suspicion and accusations that may not necessarily be founded. Anger is often an easier way to shift and refocus your feelings of guilt and your own soul-searching outwards instead of inwards.

Please take the time to read our grieving guide. It will hopefully help you make sense of what you are experiencing right now and in the coming days and it also contains resources for children and teenagers in terms of dealing with their own first encounter with death.
Human Bereavement: Grieving, Coping and Support Links for Guinea Pig Owners and Their Children
 
So sorry to learn of your devastating news. You’re obviously heartbroken 😞. Be kind to yourself x
 
This sounds awful and if you suspect an intruder or foul play I would definitely notify the police via 101 but also notify the RSPCA and perhaps your vet, the RSPCA may assist with a post mortem and both should be made aware in case there are any similar incidents that have occured or may occur in future in the area. If you are not the only victim then they can help build a case for the police and also alert local pet owners. I'm very sorry, I would perhaps keep your other animals indoors until you can get security cameras and an alarm fitted x
 
I’m so sorry you’ve lost your piggies in such a horrible way, sending you hugs x
A security camera would capture any movements in the garden
 
I'm so so sorry. Strange, I had a dream last night that someone broke into my garden and they were in the guinea pigs outdoor hutch, (despite my guinea pigs having lived inside since September). Obviously I don't fully understand what you are going through but I really hope you take care of yourself and don't put any blame/guilt on yourself. I really hope you get some answers. I could be wrong but I can't see why anyone would hurt such a defenceless little animals? Always try and look on the bright side atleast they were both together and they didn't have to live their lives grieving for the other if one passed away beforehand. I'm sure they had a fantastic life and I'm sure no one would intentionally hurt them xx
 
I’m so sorry for the loss of your piggies. Take care of yourself and your family
 
I'm so sorry for your loss- especially with the added pain of wondering if they were deliberately killed. What a heartless person to harm an animal. :( I don't know what to say other than to send ((HUGS)) to you and your family. Be kind to yourself while you grieve.
 
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