Separation after Bonding?

[doodlecountry]

Hi everyone, I just bonded my two new girls, Layla and Cookie. I've been leavin them in separate cages for a bit. A few days after bonding, Layla was diagnosed with a URI. Cookie seemed perfectly healthy so now I've separated their two cages but still in the same room. Now Cookie seems a bit more reserved, "talking" less, and possibly eating less.

Is it possible that Cookie's changed behavior is due to not knowing where Layla went or what happened? Each of them are unable to see each other in the room.

 

[Lady Kelly]

That would explain the change in behaviour. Is there any reason you separated them? If they are sharing the same airspace then the risk of infection (if the Uri is actually contagious) is still there so you might as well keep them happy by keeping them together

 

[doodlecountry]

I was afraid the URI would be spread, however for some reason the URI hasn't. I've put them back together and Cookie seems much happier! On a sidenote, Are all URI's contagious?

 

[hampsregt]

URI's are caused by a bacterial infection. Usually this means that the guinea pigs immune system couldn't do its thing (possibly due to a viral infection that opened the door for the bacteria). If the other guinea pig did not become ill, its immune system likely resisted whatever bacteria your sick pig caught. Also, if you've started treatment for the infection, the risk of contagion is even lower. If she's not feeling too awful/grumpy I'd get them back together.