Ill Baby Guinea Pig

[Polly and Rosie]

We bought a new baby guinea pig from Pets at Home today. We already have two adult guinea pigs and put the new baby in a separate cage ready to introduce it to the two adults. Unfortunately it has remained very still in its cage and has not drunk or eaten anything since it arrived this morning. This isn't a good sign. We have just given it some water with a pippet but does anyone have any ideas what could be wrong or what we should do?

Thank you.

 

[Keiko The Pig]

Please quarantine your new baby for 3 weeks in a separate room! It is possibly just scared and may come out to eat and drink once you are not around. When I brought my first pig home he hid in the corner behind is house and didn't move for what appeared to be a very long time. But you can't watch your guineas 24/7 and i noticed some food/hay had been touched. Just keep an eye on the little one, try not to be too loud or make any sudden noises/movements if you see him exploring. He probably needs time to adjust to his surroundings. Place all food.veg near where he is hiding so he doesn't have to go far for anything he needs. If you're worried about water intake cucumber is a treat my piggies can't refuse and its loaded with water

 

[Wiebke]

Hi! The poor baby is totally frightened and scared. As it is just a youngster, you will have to weigh up the need for company/reassurance and the need to quarantine/risk of having to treat all your piggies. Single babies are usually desperate for company and guidance.

Please leave food and hay next to the hidey and put a blanket over the top and sides to give a feeling of safety. Hopefully, the little one will come out when she feels safe.

if necessary, have her checked by a vet. Youngsters have not yet a fully developed immune system, so they are much more likely to come down with things considering the huge stress of losing its family and familiar surroundings several times in a very short period.

Here are more tips:
How Do I Settle Shy New Guinea Pigs?
How To Understand Guinea Pig Instincts And Speak Piggy Body Language
Importance Of Quarantine

 

[Cookies&Glitter]

If the baby truly turns out sick contact the store. I also believe they will allow for you to see one of their bets although idk how you feel about that as from what I have read they are not especially good with exotics

 

[Polly and Rosie]

Thank you everyone. The baby guinea pig has been checked by the vet. She thinks she's ok but just frightened. The good news this evening is that she has emerged from the hidey hole to have some dandelion leaves. She is next to the two adult girls so she can hear them. The vet has suggested that we introduce them in 48 hours.

 

[VickiA]

Oh what a worry for you. So glad you had her checked over. It's amazing what fear can do to a new baby piggy. One of mine could seemingly hold her breath and "play dead" for ages in the hope we'd go away. It's just fear. With time, patience and kindness she should come round.