We have a nearly 2 year old blonde guinea pig named "Nugget". Nugget is a sweet, happy little lady. Last week I got her a new habitat, much bigger and fancier than her original. Almost immediately, I noticed she basically just hid under the shelf like thing. After a few days, I removed the structure so it's just a big open cage, much like her original one, only bigger. She is still out of sorts. She just stays in the corner, looking really sad! She isn't eating or drinking much either. Any ideas or suggestions?
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Suddenly Sad/Sick Piggy
- Thread starter Sshea72
- Start date
D
DM030819
@Sshea72 She may be ill and it just so happens to coincide with her house move, so it would be worth a vet visit
Is she peeing and pooping still? You need to monitor this closely and make sure to weight her regularly to track any weight loss.
It could be that she's scared of her new surroundings to she may need time to adjust. If the vet thinks she's fine then leave her alone for a week or so, just cleaning her out and feeding as necessary to get her used to the new cage.
Does she have a friend? Pigs are very social and feel better with a friend.
Is she peeing and pooping still? You need to monitor this closely and make sure to weight her regularly to track any weight loss.
It could be that she's scared of her new surroundings to she may need time to adjust. If the vet thinks she's fine then leave her alone for a week or so, just cleaning her out and feeding as necessary to get her used to the new cage.
Does she have a friend? Pigs are very social and feel better with a friend.
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Welcome to the forum.
Any move will upset a guinea pig as they are easily scared.
Let her have her old familiar hideys so she has the smell of her old cage.
It may be loneliness exacerbated by the cage change.
Guinea pigs are herd animals and companionship is essential for their well-being.
It’s also possible she’s unwell.
I always take mine to the vet with any concern.
I’d rather be told there’s nothing wrong than risk missing something.
It would be lovely to see pictures
Any move will upset a guinea pig as they are easily scared.
Let her have her old familiar hideys so she has the smell of her old cage.
It may be loneliness exacerbated by the cage change.
Guinea pigs are herd animals and companionship is essential for their well-being.
It’s also possible she’s unwell.
I always take mine to the vet with any concern.
I’d rather be told there’s nothing wrong than risk missing something.
It would be lovely to see pictures
I didn't know about the social aspect of pigs when I got Nugget. My 9 year old daughter had been begging for a pig since her 2nd grade class had one. My daughter is the youngest of 5 and we also have 2 dogs and 3 cats. I absolutely would have gotten 2 pigs had I known. Is it too late to get Nugget a friend? Ugh. I just really hope she gets better! Thanks!
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No it’s not too late to get Nugget a friend.
There are options for you depending where you live.
If you are within reasonable distance of a good rescue then they may have a piggy needing rescue who would be a good companion.
I’m guessing from the way you talk that you in the US?
Finding a rescue may be harder.
I was left with a 3 year old sow when her cagemate died.
I couldn’t find a rescue within easy reach so I did find a reputable pet shop and bought 2 baby girls.
Plan A was to bond them all
Plan B was have them in 2 cages side by side.
Fortunately Plan A worked and I had a happy trio.
Another option would be to partner her with a neutered boar. Waiting the safe 6 weeks if you get a boy who is still intact.
Hope this helps
There are options for you depending where you live.
If you are within reasonable distance of a good rescue then they may have a piggy needing rescue who would be a good companion.
I’m guessing from the way you talk that you in the US?
Finding a rescue may be harder.
I was left with a 3 year old sow when her cagemate died.
I couldn’t find a rescue within easy reach so I did find a reputable pet shop and bought 2 baby girls.
Plan A was to bond them all
Plan B was have them in 2 cages side by side.
Fortunately Plan A worked and I had a happy trio.
Another option would be to partner her with a neutered boar. Waiting the safe 6 weeks if you get a boy who is still intact.
Hope this helps
D
DM030819
@Sshea72 Piggies can have a friend at any age. I'd opt for another girl, or a neutered boy otherwise you'll end up with a lot of babies!
Some guinea pig rescues offer a dating service so they can help you bond your girl with another piggy.
Is it possible for you to add in a few more hideys or piles of hay for her to hide under? She might feel more comfortable if she's got somewhere to dash to quickly. They're prey animals so although we have no intention of harming them, they're programmed to be afraid of anything bigger than they are.
Some guinea pig rescues offer a dating service so they can help you bond your girl with another piggy.
Is it possible for you to add in a few more hideys or piles of hay for her to hide under? She might feel more comfortable if she's got somewhere to dash to quickly. They're prey animals so although we have no intention of harming them, they're programmed to be afraid of anything bigger than they are.
Thanks for the replies. I made an appointment with an exotic pet vet. However, I'm going to have to cancel it because, sadly, Nugget just passed away. I don't know what happened to her, she was only 2! My daughter doesn't know yet.
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DMS260820
Sorry to hear this, when a guinea pig is sick and stops eating a drinking, their guts slowly shut down, they are grazers, just like sheep and cattle. Thats why we syringe feed them when they are not eating
Lady Kelly
Senior Guinea Pig
So sorry for your loss. Unfortunately piggies go downhill very quickly when they are ill. I hope your daughter will be ok