Is my cavy sick?

[Captain Fuzzy]

So, I've had Willow and Maple for just over two weeks now. I got them from a pet store, and I understand that illnesses are pretty common from pet stores. Both of them were sneezing quite a bit, but that's died down since.

In the past few days, Willow has been acting strange in the following ways:
-I randomly hear her making very shrill squeaks that sound like she's in pain. She also makes these sounds when I pick her up, which she was previously used to and comfortable with.
-She is hesitant to take her pepper when I hand-feed her in my lap, and once she gets going on the pepper she'll frequently and suddenly freeze (I've been regularly hand-feeding her, which she was also previously comfortable with.)
-She never runs around the cage. I see her outside of the huts, so I know she's moving, but I thought guinea pigs were supposed to be running. Maple does laps around the cage, but Willow just sleeps and eats.
-She rarely squeaks, even when it's veggie time, and when she does squeak, it's very faint and raspy.
-Her fur seems very ruffled. She also constantly licks her belly, but I don't see her cleaning any other parts of herself.
-Maple frequently burrows her muzzle in Willow's fur for some reason. Willow just sits there making the same high-pitched squeaks.

I've been checking her over daily. She has no wounds or bald patches. Their droppings look normal, except I sometimes see a weird little ball-shaped tip on the end on the droppings. I never heard anything about this, but I thought I might mention it.

 

[PigglePuggle]

All new piggies should get a health check from a vet, its good to register new pets with a vet anyway in case you need them in an emergency. A vet will give them a thorough check and make sure their guts, heart, breathing, bum area, ears, eyes and weight are all ok.

 

[Wiebke]

So, I've had Willow and Maple for just over two weeks now. I got them from a pet store, and I understand that illnesses are pretty common from pet stores. Both of them were sneezing quite a bit, but that's died down since.

In the past few days, Willow has been acting strange in the following ways:
-I randomly hear her making very shrill squeaks that sound like she's in pain. She also makes these sounds when I pick her up, which she was previously used to and comfortable with.
-She is hesitant to take her pepper when I hand-feed her in my lap, and once she gets going on the pepper she'll frequently and suddenly freeze (I've been regularly hand-feeding her, which she was also previously comfortable with.)
-She never runs around the cage. I see her outside of the huts, so I know she's moving, but I thought guinea pigs were supposed to be running. Maple does laps around the cage, but Willow just sleeps and eats.
-She rarely squeaks, even when it's veggie time, and when she does squeak, it's very faint and raspy.
-Her fur seems very ruffled. She also constantly licks her belly, but I don't see her cleaning any other parts of herself.
-Maple frequently burrows her muzzle in Willow's fur for some reason. Willow just sits there making the same high-pitched squeaks.

I've been checking her over daily. She has no wounds or bald patches. Their droppings look normal, except I sometimes see a weird little ball-shaped tip on the end on the droppings. I never heard anything about this, but I thought I might mention it.

Hi and welcome

The shrill squeaks are submission and not a sign of illness or pain. Your girls are currently in the process of establishing a functional hierarchical group in a new territory. This comes with the inevitable dominance behaviour, which is on the mild side. You just have one very vocal little drama queen and one more quiet and more dominant girl.
You may find these guides here helpful in understanding dominance behaviours and social dynamics.
Bonding: Illustrated Dominance Behaviours And Dynamics
Dominance Behaviours In Guinea Pigs
Sow Behaviour

Guinea pigs have to digest everything twice to get the full benefit of the unlimited hay that is the mainstay of their diet (over 80% of the daily food intake). They usually pick the special poos with the half-digested fibre from the first run (they are called caecotrophs) directly from the genitalia unless they are not able to for some reason. I assume this is what you are seeing. All piggies do this. They also keep their genitalia and bum clean this way.
Guinea Pig Facts - A Short Overview
This guide here is there to help new owners work out what is normal and what not with their guinea pigs:
Guinea pig body quirks

Make sure that you keep your guinea pigs as cool and stable as possible and that you keep their water cool and fresh during hot summer weather. Do not grossly overfeed veg; that can lead to digestive problems. Young guinea pigs may not have learned to use the bottle yet (they learn that by watching their elders and by smelling their scent on the nozzle as a sign that this is a safe place to drink from); they may find it more difficult. You night want to try to get some of their scent on the nozzle as well as a bit of veg juice.
Hot Weather Management And Heat Strokes
Long Term Balanced General And Special Needs Guinea Pig Diets
All About Drinking And Bottles

We strongly recommend to have your guinea pigs vet checked within the first 2-3 weeks after arrival unless they come from a good standard rescue with mandatory quarantine and vet care that only puts up guinea pigs for adoption that are healthy.
What to check and look out for in new guinea pigs (vet checks, sexing, parasites&illness)

You can find more helpful guides for new owners in our guide collection; it is well worth reading through as you should find most of your questions answered and be able to get started well.
We have got lots more information on a wide range of subjects which you can access via our guides shortcut on the top bar, but you are always welcome to ask any questions you have along the way in our Care sections.
Getting Started - New Owners' Most Helpful Guides