Sensing Illness.

[Doragon]

Hiya guys;

I wondered if you guys knew if guinea pigs can sense when a member of their herd is ill/ passing away?

Some of you know about my ill sow; Cookie. Cookie seems a little quiet today; and Smudge doesn't want to leave her alone, not eating much and really only eating when Cookie is. They've both been eating really well prior to today; when Cookie is a little less and so is Smudge.

Before, when another partner has died I've had similar things with my old piggies. Just wondered if you've had the same thing?

Thanks.

 

[Wiebke]

Yes, piggies know when one of theirs is very ill or dying.

 

[Doragon]

Ah, great. it doesn't look good then.

Preparing myself for the worst because Itd all been fine up to now. Thank you xx

 

[Wiebke]

It doesn't necessarily mean dying, but they are certainly lending support to a beloved friend.

 

[Kerrie74]

That's true, each time Sheamus was ill last year Big's would lay next to him or outside of the door (to his little house) and also recently.

 

[Freela]

I believe they do, I've seen my pigs be very outwardly concerned when a friend is sick (not necessarily deathly sick, but under the weather.) I've had my pigs refuse to leave the cage if a cagemate is feeling too sick to go out for food. They would forfeit having all the treats to themselves to stay with their sick friend. It was very sweet!

 

[Doragon]

That's what Smudge is doing at the moment; just staying smuggled with Cookie while they recover.