Strange guinea pig behaviors

[Mylosmommy]

Lately, something has been really off about my guinea pig, I don’t know his exact age because we got him form a pet store unfortunately, but we’ve had him for 7 months and I think he’s about a year old based on his size.

but my concern is that he’s acting really strange, he starts wheeking when everything is quiet and he starts twitching almost like he was popcorning and it’s worrying me at this point

for more details, he starts wheeking but it’s kinda dragged out when he does, almost like he’s whimpering or asking for help, he has all of his needed resources but I just don’t know what he needs.

he also starts twitching in such a peculiar way, he kinda jumps but at the same time he will twist his head almost like he got the chills and it’s so strange, I’m worried since he is my first guinea pig but please help, I don’t know whether he needs medical attention or if this is something normal among them

 

[Piggies&buns]

If you are concerned, then seeing a vet is always the best course of action. It’s not possible for us to tell you whether there is or isn’t something wrong based on your description alone. It may be nothing, but its never worth leaving a concern unchecked.

Does he live with another piggy? they are herd animals so should not be kept alone

 

[Mylosmommy]

If you are concerned, then seeing a vet is always the best course of action. It’s not possible for us to tell you whether there is or isn’t something wrong based on your description alone. It may be nothing, but its never worth leaving a concern unchecked.

Does he live with another piggy? they are herd animals so should not be kept alone

we’ve been considering getting another piggy, but my piggy got into fights with other piggies at the place he was kept in previously so we’re on edge about getting him a brother

 

[Piggies&buns]

we’ve been considering getting another piggy, but my piggy got into fights with other piggies at the place he was kept in previously so we’re on edge about getting him a brother

Character compatibility is the most important part of a functioning bond. Piggies only fight if they don’t like each other. If you can take him dating at a rescue centre then he choose his own new friend and you can rest assured you will only bring home another piggy if it is one he gets on with. if you buy another piggy from a pet shop, then there is a risk they won’t be compatible and then they may fight. If that was to happen, then they would need to live in separate but side by side cages with interaction through the bars. (through bar interaction is enough to stave off loneliness so while it snt as good as actually living in the same cage with another, it is better than being totally alone).
Also, if he was kept with more than one other boar, then that also causes fights. Boars can really only function when in pairs. Trios (or more) almost always fail.
Please do look to get him a friend. They aren’t wired to be alone and do get lonely if they don’t have another piggy to talk to.
Two boars need a cage measuring 180cm x 60cm to have enough space as they are more territorial.

your alternative would be to have him neutered, have his six week Post op wait and then find him a sow to live with (again character compatibility comes first, but a neutered boar/sow bond tends to be more stable)

Single Guinea Pigs - Challenges and Responsibilities
A Comprehensive Guide to Guinea Pig Boars
Companionship
A Closer Look At Pairs (Boars - Sows - Mixed)

 

[Wiebke]

Lately, something has been really off about my guinea pig, I don’t know his exact age because we got him form a pet store unfortunately, but we’ve had him for 7 months and I think he’s about a year old based on his size.

but my concern is that he’s acting really strange, he starts wheeking when everything is quiet and he starts twitching almost like he was popcorning and it’s worrying me at this point

for more details, he starts wheeking but it’s kinda dragged out when he does, almost like he’s whimpering or asking for help, he has all of his needed resources but I just don’t know what he needs.

he also starts twitching in such a peculiar way, he kinda jumps but at the same time he will twist his head almost like he got the chills and it’s so strange, I’m worried since he is my first guinea pig but please help, I don’t know whether he needs medical attention or if this is something normal among them

Hi!

Could you please post a video? You need to upload on a public setting elsewhere and then copy it into your next post. We don't have a video uploading facility as run entirely on voluntary member donations. Videos would require a much wider bandwidth.

We cannot judge just based on the filter of your perception and description. If in any doubt whatsoever, please see a vet. Make sure that your piggy is healthy before considering companionship options for the longer term. The best guinea pig rescue is Second Chance Cavy Rescue in Southeast Texas is in San Antonio which is quite a distance from you, I think?

Single Guinea Pigs - Challenges and Responsibilities
A Comprehensive Guide to Guinea Pig Boars
Bonding and Interaction: Illustrated social behaviours and bonding dynamics