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Weight Loss, 5 Year Old Piggie

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Hannah Boyd

Hannah Boyd

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Hello, my boar piggie has lost weight (slowly, over the last few months), but is happy, eating and seems otherwise healthy. He will be 5 this year, is it normal for older piggies to lost a bit of condition as they get older? Is it necessary to start feeding critical care alongside daily food? He already gets unlimited hay, asda pellets although they prefer hay and veggies, and veggies each day. They also have access to rosewood or natures own treats hanging up in the cage which they pick at from time to time. They also get grass and I'm just building them back up to summer grass time. I haven't had an old piggie since I was little (he was 8!) so I don't really have any experience.
 
Hannah Boyd said:
Hello, my boar piggie has lost weight (slowly, over the last few months), but is happy, eating and seems otherwise healthy. He will be 5 this year, is it normal for older piggies to lost a bit of condition as they get older? Is it necessary to start feeding critical care alongside daily food? He already gets unlimited hay, asda pellets although they prefer hay and veggies, and veggies each day. They also have access to rosewood or natures own treats hanging up in the cage which they pick at from time to time. They also get grass and I'm just building them back up to summer grass time. I haven't had an old piggie since I was little (he was 8!) so I don't really have any experience.
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Older guinea pigs tend to slowly lose some of their extra weight that they carried during the peak of their lives. Once that goes over 100g, I would still make sure with a vet check that they are otherwise fine and that you are not overlooking an underlying issue. You do not need to top up if they are fine in themselves.
 
My older pigs did tend to lose condition around that age, losing some muscle mass and feeling bonier through the shoulders. This came with a bit of weight loss without any noticeable change in eating habits. Maybe this is what you're seeing? I would keep weighing weekend because continued weight loss should be checked out by a vet. I know that my older girl, Sundae, who turns 6 this month, is noticeably lighter than she was in her prime, but has been holding steady at her 'new normal' for quite some time.
 
Thank you both, it is not over 100g of weight (although he was quite chubby in his peak!), so I will not worry too much for now. @Freela it is most noticeable around his shoulders as you describe, and I think it is just as he is getting older. He is still eating fine and as active as ever.
 
Hannah Boyd said:
Thank you both, it is not over 100g of weight (although he was quite chubby in his peak!), so I will not worry too much for now. @Freela it is most noticeable around his shoulders as you describe, and I think it is just as he is getting older. He is still eating fine and as active as ever.
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It is usually bony hips/shoulders and a more prominent spine. But if in any doubt, arrange a MOT at a good vet.
 
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