Why Is My Guinea Pig Suddenly Chewing Absolutely Everything?

[4GorgeousGuineas]

I recently was away on a week long holiday and my dad looked after my 4 board whilst I was away, on my return I discovered one of my boys was extremely lethargic with crusty eyes and nose, he also wasn’t eating, drinking or pooping. On closer inspection I discovered a large chunk of a puppy pad had been eaten (my pigs are on vet bed with puppy pads underneath). I immediately took the poorly pig to the vets and he was given an antibiotic, gut stimulant and an anti inflammatory; I also syringe fed him for around a week and thankfully he has made a full recovery.

However, since he has been ill he has started to chew absolutely everything, he has barbered his cage mate and started nibbling on the towels that I put underneath the vet bed. He is eating, drinking and pooping like a champ and is absolutely fine in himself, gaining back the weight that he lost when he was poorly. I have chews and cardboard in the cage that he is chewing on but I really can’t have him eating his cage mates hair! Any suggestions why he is doing this? His teeth are fine also. Thanks

 

[Wiebke]

I recently was away on a week long holiday and my dad looked after my 4 board whilst I was away, on my return I discovered one of my boys was extremely lethargic with crusty eyes and nose, he also wasn’t eating, drinking or pooping. On closer inspection I discovered a large chunk of a puppy pad had been eaten (my pigs are on vet bed with puppy pads underneath). I immediately took the poorly pig to the vets and he was given an antibiotic, gut stimulant and an anti inflammatory; I also syringe fed him for around a week and thankfully he has made a full recovery.

However, since he has been ill he has started to chew absolutely everything, he has barbered his cage mate and started nibbling on the towels that I put underneath the vet bed. He is eating, drinking and pooping like a champ and is absolutely fine in himself, gaining back the weight that he lost when he was poorly. I have chews and cardboard in the cage that he is chewing on but I really can’t have him eating his cage mates hair! Any suggestions why he is doing this? His teeth are fine also. Thanks

Hi!

I am very sorry but glad that your boy has pulled through.

This behaviour is not at all uncommon in guinea pigs whose microbiome in the gut has been wiped out and who are on recovery.
A little rough brown cardboard may help.

The other measure I would strongly recommend is to feed 'poo soup', made with healthy VERY fresh poos from his healthy mate.
For this you take the companion out and them eat a little veg or treat; this usually triggers the dropping of a few poos. Soak them straight away in a little water and then syringe the water promptly to the ill companion. it is a bit gross, but more effective than any probiotics as it contains live microbiome to reseed the affected gut with exactly the 'right stuff' and actually mimics natural behaviour.
If you find that too gross, then a course of fibreplex would be my next recommendation.
Probiotics, Recovery Foods And Vitamin C: Overview With Product Links

Please place a hidey or or something a bit heavier in the corners to prevent your by from eating puppy pads again.

 

[4GorgeousGuineas]

Hi!

I am very sorry but glad that your boy has pulled through.

This behaviour is not at all uncommon in guinea pigs whose microbiome in the gut has been wiped out and who are on recovery.
A little rough brown cardboard may help.

The other measure I would strongly recommend is to feed 'poo soup', made with healthy VERY fresh poos from his healthy mate.
For this you take the companion out and them eat a little veg or treat; this usually triggers the dropping of a few poos. Soak them straight away in a little water and then syringe the water promptly to the ill companion. it is a bit gross, but more effective than any probiotics as it contains live microbiome to reseed the affected gut with exactly the 'right stuff' and actually mimics natural behaviour.
Probiotics, Recovery Foods And Vitamin C: Overview With Product Links

I have fiberplex probiotic, would that work? His poops are absolutely fine, large and dark brown, not mushy at all. After his illness it took about a week before he was eating hay properly again but he is devouring hay, pellets and veggies like normal. Thanks for your help

 

[Wiebke]

I have fiberplex probiotic, would that work? His poops are absolutely fine, large and dark brown, not mushy at all. After his illness it took about a week before he was eating hay properly again but he is devouring hay, pellets and veggies like normal. Thanks for your help

Yes, fibreplex is fine; he's just rebalancing his guts with some very rough fibre and whatever minerals or nutrients he is lacking.

 

[Freela]

It's very likely as a result of the antibiotic, which can upset their gut and makes some pigs want to eat anything and everything in an attempt to replenish their gut flora (some of my pigs have been fine on Baytril, but Hadley tried to eat all our drywall!) I agree with the probiotics and 'poop soup' ideas above. Hope this helps!