Stressed piggy :(

tatals

tatals

Junior Guinea Pig
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Hey, guys.

Oreo looks quite stressed out lately. His behavior is a little ambiguous and I'm having a hard time understanding it. He seems comfortable enough on my lap - even lays down to sleep - and has no problem eating on my hand. On the other hand, he gets very - and I mean VERY - distressed if he thinks I'm going to handle him - and I really am doing this a lot, because he's lost some weight and I'm monitoring him. He starts teeth chattering and shaking. He bit me yesterday. I know he doesn't like being caught, but his reaction is much more intense than it usually is. (Usually he just runs to the closest hidey and I can get him easily.)

Something worth of notice is that Shoyu, his partner, is apparently getting his first teenage dosis of hormones and has been annoying him relentlessly. Oreo is super dominant and doesn't accept this at all, and looks really distressed when Shoyu tries to mount him, doing the same he does to me - teeth chattering and shaking. I've noticed he "tried" to bite Shoyu too - I think it was only a warning, though, as Shoyu was able to avoid it easily.

Is there anything I can do to help him? He is VISIBLY stressed out, it's not the usual thing. I was feeling super guilty thinking I may have done something wrong, but Shoyu is he's usual self and hasn't been affected at all, so I started thinking that I may not be the only cause. :P

Extra info: he's eating the same as always - meaning A LOT -, which is puzzling me: how the heck has he managed to lose weight? He also doesn't seem to be having any problems with poo or pee, and there's no bullying. They eat, sleep and play together. That is why I'm so lost. Any ideas on what might be going on?
 
(Please forgive the typos. I'm terrible at proof-reading.)
 
It always helps to keep a spreadsheet of their weights, so you can refer to it and see any trends. Weigh once a week or daily at the same time if concerned. A vet check will put your mind at rest, even if he is healthy or could catch any problems early on which is always best.

Hope little Oreo is all ok x
 
sport_billy said:
No piggies like been caught one of our first girls used to freak out.. We tamed her by using a cosy to pick her up in, take a look at this video here

How To Pick Up And Weigh Your Guinea Pig
Click to expand...

I already do this. He has been more distressed by it the last feel days, though, which is why I got worried. He doesn't like it, but he's usually not that hard to be picked up.

Swissgreys said:
I would start by taking him along to the vet for a full check up.
Things like unexplained weight loss and a change in behaviour could be signs of a medical problem.

Once you have ruled out health problems, then maybe go back to basics and try some of the tips mentioned in this thread.
Understanding Prey Animal Instincts, Guinea Pig Whispering And Cuddling Tips
Click to expand...

Bill & Ted said:
It always helps to keep a spreadsheet of their weights, so you can refer to it and see any trends. Weigh once a week or daily at the same time if concerned. A vet check will put your mind at rest, even if he is healthy or could catch any problems early on which is always best.

Hope little Oreo is all ok x
Click to expand...

Thanks, guys. I do the whispering techniques with them and they work pretty well. I may have to intensify a little bit when we're together and give him more space otherwise. I've been weighing him daily, and today his weight is actually much better, so fingers crossed. I'll be taking them later today to the vet to see if there may be anything else.

Thank you! :hug:
 
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