Popcorning And Shaking Head?

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Pandy

Pandy

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Our piggie Polo is really starting to come out of her shell since we got their new C&C cage (her piggie pal is Tedee). A moment ago I cut a carrot for my niece as she wanted some and the piggies started getting all excited. Polo was popcorning and simultaneously sort of shaking her head. Is this normal? Do piggies popcorn in different ways? When Tedee popcorns she doesn't shake her head. I quickly realised the reason for their excitement was that they thought it was food time (I usually feed their veggies around dusk) and they can hear me chop (first slice and they're off chattering, normally only Tedee though) even when the kitchen is at the other end of the flat!

Polo (who's asserted herself as the dominant one, Tedee's more playful) also sometimes sort of makes this low rumbling noise, lowers her body and moves slowly, in a sort of stalking way. I assume this is a dominance thing as usually it's when she's going into a hidey house or approaching Tedee, like "this is mine". Thanks
 
Each pigy has her their own individual popcorn style, the same way that every human dances differently.

Please have your little one checked if the head shaking is repeated and also happens outside the popcorning. It could be a sign of a build-up of wax, ear mites or ear infection.
 
Wiebke said:
Each pigy has her their own individual popcorn style, the same way that every human dances differently.

Please have your little one checked if the head shaking is repeated and also happens outside the popcorning. It could be a sign of a build-up of wax, ear mites or ear infection.
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Thank you Wiebeke, I've not really seen her popcorn much before, it's so lovely for her to be more lively. I've not seen her do it before... popcorn so excitedly or do the head shaking other than just now, I will keep an eye out for her doing it again and outside of being excited.

I want them both to have a once over check by a piggy savvy vet, the nearest one to me on the link is a 2+ hour round trip (don't like to stress the piggies if can help it). I will call them tomorrow.
 
Pandy said:
Thank you Wiebeke, I've not really seen her popcorn much before, it's so lovely for her to be more lively. I've not seen her do it before... popcorn so excitedly or do the head shaking other than just now, I will keep an eye out for her doing it again and outside of being excited.

I want them both to have a once over check by a piggy savvy vet, the nearest one to me on the link is a 2+ hour round trip (don't like to stress the piggies if can help it). I will call them tomorrow.
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As long as it is just part of popcorning, I would not worry. Have you looked around whether you have got a small animal vets more locally for the usual stuff and emergencies? I do this here with a fairly decent local vet clinic and only take those piggies that need specialist care to see a specialist in Northampton, which is about an hour's journey from me if I use the train.
 
Ditto what Wiebke said re; head-shaking. Also, if there is trouble in one ear, Polo will hold her head to one side,so look out for this too. The rumbling noise and moving slowly is what we call Rumble-strutting. Females do this as a dominance display and also when they're in heat. Generally, it sounds like you have two happy, healthy girls!
 
Wiebke said:
As long as it is just part of popcorning, I would not worry. Have you looked around whether you have got a small animal vets more locally for the usual stuff and emergencies? I do this here with a fairly decent local vet clinic and only take those piggies that need specialist care to see a specialist in Northampton, which is about an hour's journey from me if I use the train.
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There's a good clinic (Priory Veterinery Clinic) close by who I've already called to see what level of care they provide for guinea pigs. They've got a dedicated small animal vet who deals with guinea pigs and if it's outside of her spectrum she then refers you to another vet (think it was in Portland, don't have my notes to hand right now) who are more specialised in guinea pig health. I remember looking up the distance for the referral vets they use, it's half an hour closer than the Andover vets on the vet ink... just in case of an emergency (I like to be prepared!). Thanks again.
 
7squeakers. said:
Ditto what Wiebke said re; head-shaking. Also, if there is trouble in one ear, Polo will hold her head to one side,so look out for this too. The rumbling noise and moving slowly is what we call Rumble-strutting. Females do this as a dominance display and also when they're in heat. Generally, it sounds like you have two happy, healthy girls!
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Thought it may be rumble strutting. She's definitely the boss! I have wondered whether she's been hormonal too (only had them 4 weeks now) ... as she was more rumbly when we first got her and then okay and now seems to be starting again. I will keep any eye out for her holding her head to one side too. They are happy pigs... soooo happy since they got their C&C cage :D plus lots of lovin' from me and my daughter :luv:
 
Pandy said:
There's a good clinic (Priory Veterinery Clinic) close by who I've already called to see what level of care they provide for guinea pigs. They've got a dedicated small animal vet who deals with guinea pigs and if it's outside of her spectrum she then refers you to another vet (think it was in Portland, don't have my notes to hand right now) who are more specialised in guinea pig health. I remember looking up the distance for the referral vets they use, it's half an hour closer than the Andover vets on the vet ink... just in case of an emergency (I like to be prepared!). Thanks again.
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A general vet that is prepared to consult with/refer to a specialist is a good base to start out from. ;)
 
it does sound different, but I have noticed my piggies popcorn all a little differently. some high jump, some sort of squiggle and popcorn at the same time, very cute:) and the older ones can't always get their bums off the ground so its a little hop, a couple jump up and down quite high on the spot and others charge round squiggling and jumping all together! It is one of my favourite things that piggies do and always makes me smile:)
 
luciee said:
it does sound different, but I have noticed my piggies popcorn all a little differently. some high jump, some sort of squiggle and popcorn at the same time, very cute:) and the older ones can't always get their bums off the ground so its a little hop, a couple jump up and down quite high on the spot and others charge round squiggling and jumping all together! It is one of my favourite things that piggies do and always makes me smile:)
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I love it ... it's always good to know you've got happy pigs :D
 
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