Help, Guniea Is Making Weird Noises

[GuineamumUK]

Help please, my Guinea pig Pumpkin (male, approximately 5 years old, held inside on his own) suddenly started making weird noises today. It sound like he is snoring but he is obviously awake, moving about etc.... He seems happy and is eating and drinking normally there is no discharge from his nose or anywhere else. I am just a bit worried because I have never heard him make that noise before and I heard him coughing earlier while eating.(He gets Oxbow adult guinea food + Vit C and a lot of fresh organic greens, cucumber and carrot)

I have switched from Timothy to Orchard hay last week, so I am wondering if maybe that has something to do with it (he seemed to get bored of the Timothy hay and is happily sleeping in and eating the Orchard hay now).

Any advice would be much appreciated

 

[Jerrybelly]

Hello and welcome to the Forum.

Infrequent coughing is generally not anything to worry about - particularly if they only do it when they're eating (piggies tend to get a bit too excited when presented with veggies!). It's really positive that there are no signs of discharge. Does his breathing sound clear (hold him close and listen to his chest - sometimes you can hear a wheezing sound if the piggy has breathing issues)?

The new hay may be dustier than your normal hay, and this may be acting as an allergen. It really could be any number of things. I would keep a close eye on him and try to find out if the noises are triggered by anything (e.g. adding hay to the cage), or are just happening randomly. I would also weigh him daily for any signs of weight loss. If the noises continue, or become more frequent, or he develops any further symptoms, I would take him to a vet.

 

[Wiebke]

it can be a blocked nose from hay dust. However, if symptoms persist, please see a vet promptly for URI (respiratory infection).