Sleeping in the open

[iulia]

Hello everyone!

I've had my two guinea pigs for two months now, and the female (Natasha) is the one less social, it took much longer to bond with her than her brother, and she is still pretty jumpy. For context, their cage is next to my bed, and they run to me when they want food or attention. So last night, Natasha slept right next the cage door, out in the open. I'm wondering if there is an issue here because she hasn't done that before, as she knows I'm at arm's reach in that spot. In the morning, she was still hanging around that spot by the hay bag. The vet told me they are healthy but being a new owner I can't help but wonder if she might be going through something? I read online that they do that sometimes when they are comfortable, and her brother Remus does sleeps by the water bowl occasionally, but I want to be sure. Thanks so much for reading!

 

[Piggies&buns]

Welcome to the forum

Yes, they will sleep on the open when they feel safe.

Make sure you weigh them every week as part of routine care. If they lose weight (50g or more) then is often one of the first (and sometimes only) signs of an illness. You then stitch to daily weight checks if you have concerns about their health. It is a valuable tool in determining whether there may be an issue brewing.

Is the male neutered?

New Owners' Essential Information and Practical Tips Starter Collection

 

[iulia]

Thank you so much for replying! And no the male isn't neutered yet, I'm taking him to get it done this month.

 

[Piggies&buns]

Thank you so much for replying! And no the male isn't neutered yet, I'm taking him to get it done this month.

Are they in the same cage?
If so, Please immediately put them into separate cages today. The cages will need to be side by side so they can still interact between the bars but they cannot have any physical contact with each other.
If they have been together for two months without him being neutered then it is likely she is pregnant.

The male must be neutered and be six weeks post surgery before they can be in the same cage together.

https://www.theguineapigforum.co.uk...on-collection-incl-help-with-any-dads.191229/

 

[iulia]

I see, I waited so long because the vets in my city aren't specialized in exotic animals. They were separated for a while but they kept biting the cage and crying so I thought I had no choice but to put them back together. I'll try again!

 

[Piggies&buns]

I see, I waited so long because the vets in my city aren't specialized in exotic animals. They were separated for a while but they kept biting the cage and crying so I thought I had no choice but to put them back together. I'll try again!

They will try to get to each other because they will want to mate.

Please read the pregnancy guide I linked in my previous reply as you will now need to make sure your female is cared for properly and that you prepare for the arrival of babies.
Please keep them apart from today onwards.

If he is in the cage with her if she gives birth then she will immediately become pregnant again within hours of giving birth which comes with risks.

 

[iulia]

Thank you so much for your advice!

 

[Wiebke]

Hello everyone!

I've had my two guinea pigs for two months now, and the female (Natasha) is the one less social, it took much longer to bond with her than her brother, and she is still pretty jumpy. For context, their cage is next to my bed, and they run to me when they want food or attention. So last night, Natasha slept right next the cage door, out in the open. I'm wondering if there is an issue here because she hasn't done that before, as she knows I'm at arm's reach in that spot. In the morning, she was still hanging around that spot by the hay bag. The vet told me they are healthy but being a new owner I can't help but wonder if she might be going through something? I read online that they do that sometimes when they are comfortable, and her brother Remus does sleeps by the water bowl occasionally, but I want to be sure. Thanks so much for reading!

Hi and welcome

Feel blessed! Guinea pigs are prey animals who will only sleep out in the open if they feel totally safe.

Is one of your piggies neutered as they are mixed genders?