Worried about one of my boys.

[retro]

Good news and bad news.

the bad news? Bowie, my youngest, has gotten a fluffy fur face. This happened right before Nibbler died. (He died of what is assumed bloat, Bowie isn’t showing signs of bloat.) Now, Bo is about I want to say 8-9 months old. The reason I’m telling you this is because this might be teenage time. I’m going to consult with a vet, but it’s going to take a little bit, I get paid on the first of the year. (I’ll get to that in a moment.)
So far, the behavorial changes are:

• He’s biting now, like wanting to chew or maybe eat my finger. He has never bitten me before, only licked. He was an absolute sweetheart now he’s a bit...unpredictable. I don’t think he’s doing it out of meanness or defense or anything. But he can clamp down pretty hard. I don’t think he realizes it.
  
  
• He is wheeking now. He was as quiet as a mouse before! He never spoke! I gave him his food hay and pellets and I think he’s learning to wheel like the others. So every time I’m in the room he wheeks his heart out. But on the other hand it’s like “hey I want something!” When I walk into the room. Like he wants to tell me something. Like he’s calling out. He’s a tiny boy and his wheeks are very high pitched, and that’s just adorable, but When I try to console him...I don’t know. He’s calm in my arms but...I don’t know...That’s kinda I’m posting, to get fellow owners opinions and thoughts as well as some advice, which is always welcomed. That’s the point, right?
  
  
• His face fur is fluffy, his fur puffed out around the face...not normal and slicked back kinda. This happened right before Nib died and that rang a lot of alarms. I’m including pictur
  
  
• Drinking, Eating is fine. Though I notice now he kinda makes a bed out of the hay and kinda chills out in it. I think that’s what Nibbler did, I can’t remember. I don’t know if it’s abnormal for them to do that. He still eats some though. Now please note, I have ran out of pellets. Could the sudden diet change do this stuff? I’m going to get some ASAP. I feed them oxbow. I’d rather feed them Sherwood but I can never spare the cash at the time. I plan on switching very soon, though. He drinks fine. He’s actually a thirsty boy!
• No longer running from me. I picked him up from a shelter and he’s always been so skiddish. Every time I try to pick him up, he jets off like a race car. Now he doesn’t give me much of a fuss. Like he’s too weak to. He wheeked really loud when I picked him up last. I hope he hasn’t injured himself. Though that would be hard to do considering his cage set up.
• His weight is around 550g....a little low for his age but could be the lack of pellets. Only have hay atm.

That’s all I can think of at the moment. He’s not really showing signs of any illness. Just the behavioral changes. I’m wondering if it’s a teenager or growing into adult thing?
Now, the good news: Robin, who had a cyst, well, it’s gone and has been gone for a couple of months! Robin and Bowie got in a fight when trying to bond the boys but it was a blessing in disguise. I flushed, drained and cleaned daily and he’s now 100% free of that horrible lump. Yay! And Ziggy’s bloat is under control! He’s doing so well! The other good news is I have really decent income right now thanks to some new job and personal adjustments! Things are finally looking up. I just don’t know what I would do if I lost bowie. They always say that you can’t pick favorites...I love ALL of my boys...but Bowie? Bowie is special...him and Ziggy are best buddies. Ziggy gets along with both Robin, his cagemate, and Bowie. Zigs and Robin live next to Bowie. Sometimes Bowie gets a little lonely so I put Ziggy in Bowie’s cage and let them snuggle together. Like a sleepover. No one minds at all. I’ve started calling Ziggy my Buddha baby because he gets along with anyone. I love those little guys so much haha. Anyway, any help or advice or thoughts are much appreciated!

 

[Piggies&buns]

Pellets are by no means essential to the diet, so please don’t worry about having run out of them. He should not be eating a lot of pellets anyway - they are like junk food for piggies (fattening and not entirely good for their health) and should be kept strictly limited to one tablespoon per piggy per day. What he needs to eat is hay, hay and more hay. It needs to make up over 80% of his daily food intake. Pellets should only be 5% of the food intake. So you can see just how unimportant pellets are to them. While piggies come in all shapes and sizes, if he isn’t gaining weight as would be expected for a piggy of his age, if could be because he isn’t getting enough hay.

Long Term Balanced General And Special Needs Guinea Pig Diets

Wheeking is a way of them getting attention. The fact that he is now doing it is a sign he is comfortable. Equally the fact he doesn’t run away from you now, likely to be because he is no longer scared.

It is totally normal for them to make a bed in the hay.

The fur on his face looks perfectly fine to me!

The link below may help with him biting you
" Biting" And What You Can Do (Biting, Tweaking, Nibbling and Nipping)

Please do not put ziggy and Bowie into the same cage. Piggies do not do casual meetings like this. To them each meeting is a bonding session which is then stopped when you separate them and it is very stressful for them.
You should never put one piggy into another piggy’s cage as it can be seen as a territory invasion and can lead to a fight, particularly as you are dealing with teenage boars.

The best thing for Bowie in the long term is to be bonded with another boar friend of his own. While he is ok having interaction through the bars with your other pair, it doesn’t replace having a character compatible friend of his own.

Adding More Guinea Pigs Or Merging Pairs – What Works And What Not?
Single Guinea Pigs - Challenges and Responsibilities
A Comprehensive Guide to Guinea Pig Boars

 

[retro]

Pellets are by no means essential to the diet, so please don’t worry about having run out of them. He should not be eating a lot of pellets anyway - they are like junk food for piggies (fattening and not entirely good for their health) and should be kept strictly limited to one tablespoon per piggy per day. What he needs to eat is hay, hay and more hay. It needs to make up over 80% of his daily food intake. Pellets should only be 5% of the food intake. So you can see just how unimportant pellets are to them.

Long Term Balanced General And Special Needs Guinea Pig Diets

Wheeking is a way of them getting attention. The fact that he is now doing it is a sign he is comfortable. Equally the fact he doesn’t run away from you now, likely to be because he is no longer scared.

It is totally normal for them to make a bed in the hay.

The fur on his face looks perfectly fine to me!

The link below may help with him biting you
" Biting" And What You Can Do (Biting, Tweaking, Nibbling and Nipping)

Please do not put ziggy and Bowie into the same cage. Piggies do not do casual meetings like this. To them each meeting is a bonding session which is then stopped when you separate them and it is very stressful for them.

this gives me a little more ease of mind. Maybe he’s just finally really is relaxing. It takes a lot to gain trust with guinea pigs. so you can imagine my surprise when he started wheeking like his herd brothers. A connection between a human and Guinea pig could be years, depending on how they’re treated. I rescued Nibbler (RIP) and Newt from a very bad home where the kids stomped their feet and chased them around the house. Newt still runs from me and I’ve had him the longest. All of my piggies have calmed down except him, and I’ve started hand petting both ziggy and Robin in the cage. Robin I can pick up, Ziggy will kinda speed walk like an old grandma away from me lol but once he’s in my arms he’s okay.

As far as Ziggy and Bowie, believe it or not, they are bonded. Ziggy has, incredibly, bonded to two partners. When I first got Bo I tried to do a trio. Ziggy, Robin and Bowie. It went well for a few days and then that fight broke out between Robin and Bowie so I separated them. But I saw Bowie get a little depressed and since Ziggy did fine, I tested it. It worked. They’re both very happy to be in the same cage and Bowie gets a friend. Ziggy doesn’t mind at all, and shows no signs of stress. Bowie will purr and rumble strut once as a “hello” and they’re cuddled up right after.

 

[DMS260820]

The Guinea pig in the pictures, looks very healthy and not skinny from what I can see, just a small pig.

 

[retro]

The Guinea pig in the pictures, looks very healthy and not skinny from what I can see, just a small pig.

I don’t know..

 

[DMS260820]

I don’t know..

He just need a friend to be with and he will liven up alot.

 

[retro]

He just need a friend to be with and he will liven up alot.

He was with Ziggy, staying with him some. Idk. He’s not even fighting me picking him up. He will kick and squirm his adorable little arms if I tilt him slightly, even though that’s kinda...I kinda have to maneuver him....so...Lol. I can feel his spine! Then again he’s on the littler side. I don’t know. I can’t really help right now. Not until the first of the month. My dog’s tooth just came out. She’s very old, so it was bound to happen but the tooth was infected so either I choose vet for guinea pig or family dog.
....I hate how life works.

 

[DMS260820]

He was with Ziggy, staying with him some. Idk. He’s not even fighting me picking him up. He will kick and squirm his adorable little arms if I tilt him slightly, even though that’s kinda...I kinda have to maneuver him....so...Lol. I can feel his spine! Then again he’s on the littler side. I don’t know. I can’t really help right now. Not until the first of the month. My dog’s tooth just came out. She’s very old, so it was bound to happen but the tooth was infected so either I choose vet for guinea pig or family dog.
....I hate how life works.

Obviously you are there with him hands on and I'm only judging from photos, but he does honestly look healthy. I say if he's eatinf hay fine, and some veg for his vit c, and isn't hiding all the time and not eating, he's ok, until you can se a vet for your worries for him. When you say puffed up, is it after he has eaten veg? Because my sow does this, and its just them making themselfes look bigger to defend their property. They can look fluffed up when they have just had a face wash too, you only notice it with smoothe haired pigs.

The amount of poops round him is a good sign he's eating enough, weigh him at the same time daily and see if he drops any weight or not

 

[DMS260820]

His eyes looks bright and shiny, his nose looks clean and dry, his coat is glossy and smoothe, he doesn't look hunched up. These are the thing I look for, I know they can hide illness well, but there's normally something you can tell by if they arnt well

 

[Siikibam]

Are you weighing him weekly? If who is he gaining weight? He looks fine to me in the pictures. And I think he’s just settled in quickly hence letting you pick him up with no fuss. Some pigs do that.

 

[retro]

Obviously you are there with him hands on and I'm only judging from photos, but he does honestly look healthy. I say if he's eatinf hay fine, and some veg for his vit c, and isn't hiding all the time and not eating, he's ok, until you can se a vet for your worries for him

Yeah. Maybe I’m just over protective. Ever since Nibbler I’m paranoid about everything.

 

[Eva121]

You can also check your piggies heft (ribcage); if you cant feel any bones at all he is over weight, if you can feel his each of his individual bones he is underweight, if there is a small layer of fat and you can slightly feel the bones he is fine! His face also doesnt look fluffled up, atleast through photos. I'm confused, is he staying with Ziggy? Or just like play dates? If it is play dates, I would recommend trying to fully bond them rather than just casual visits, as every playdate the guinea pigs need to reintroduce themselves and is very stressful for the guinea pig.

 

[Eva121]

You can also check your piggies heft (ribcage); if you cant feel any bones at all he is over weight, if you can feel his each of his individual bones he is underweight, if there is a small layer of fat and you can slightly feel the bones he is fine! His face also doesnt look fluffled up, atleast through photos. I'm confused, is he staying with Ziggy? Or just like play dates? If it is play dates, I would recommend trying to fully bond them rather than just casual visits, as every playdate the guinea pigs need to reintroduce themselves and is very stressful for the guinea pig.

 

[retro]

Are you weighing him weekly? If who is he gaining weight? He looks fine to me in the pictures. And I think he’s just settled in quickly hence letting you pick him up with no fuss. Some pigs do that.

Thing is. He’s not new. He’s been with me since September...If it’s settling in then it’s over the past couple of days.
I’ve been so busy with my job I have lacked in weighing

 

[Siikibam]

You only have to weigh weekly and can do a health check as well. Make sure it’s at the same time of day each time. Have a read of the links below.
Weight - Monitoring and Management
Daily Care Guides

It’s still quite a short time for most piggies but you’ve got one who’s comfortable with you quickly. Just pinch yourself for being so blessed What you describe doesn’t show any worrying signs. That’s just the way he is.

 

[retro]

You can also check your piggies heft (ribcage); if you cant feel any bones at all he is over weight, if you can feel his each of his individual bones he is underweight, if there is a small layer of fat and you can slightly feel the bones he is fine! His face also doesnt look fluffled up, atleast through photos. I'm confused, is he staying with Ziggy? Or just like play dates? If it is play dates, I would recommend trying to fully bond them rather than just casual visits, as every playdate the guinea pigs need to reintroduce themselves and is very stressful for the guinea pig.

ok so sorry for being confusing lol.
Ziggy is bonded with Robin AND Bowie. It’s some bizarre thing that happened when I attempted a big cage with the three boys, knowing it wasn’t a huge chance but I wanted to try. However, Bowie and Robin dont get along, but Bowie and Ziggy did. Sometimes I let Ziggy hang out with Bowie in Bowie’s cage. This is a picture of them chilling together today.

 

[retro]

You only have to weigh weekly and can do a health check as well. Make sure it’s at the same time of day each time. Have a read of the links below.
Weight - Monitoring and Management
Daily Care Guides

It’s still quite a short time for most piggies but you’ve got one who’s comfortable with you quickly. Just pinch yourself for being so blessed ☺ What you describe doesn’t show any worrying signs. That’s just the way he is.

I really hope so. I love him to bits. He’s my baby.

 

[retro]

ok so sorry for being confusing lol.
Ziggy is bonded with Robin AND Bowie. It’s some bizarre thing that happened when I attempted a big cage with the three boys, knowing it wasn’t a huge chance but I wanted to try. However, Bowie and Robin dont get along, but Bowie and Ziggy did. Sometimes I let Ziggy hang out with Bowie in Bowie’s cage. This is a picture of them chilling together today.

Sorry about that being upside down lol

 

[Siikibam]

ok so sorry for being confusing lol.
Ziggy is bonded with Robin AND Bowie. It’s some bizarre thing that happened when I attempted a big cage with the three boys, knowing it wasn’t a huge chance but I wanted to try. However, Bowie and Robin dont get along, but Bowie and Ziggy did. Sometimes I let Ziggy hang out with Bowie in Bowie’s cage. This is a picture of them chilling together today.

Sorry I’m confused. Who lives together?

 

[retro]

Sorry I’m confused. Who lives together?

Ziggy and Robin. I have a 2x6 cage so I have a split so they can’t get to eachother for Bowie’s side of the cage.

 

[retro]

Obviously you are there with him hands on and I'm only judging from photos, but he does honestly look healthy. I say if he's eatinf hay fine, and some veg for his vit c, and isn't hiding all the time and not eating, he's ok, until you can se a vet for your worries for him. When you say puffed up, is it after he has eaten veg? Because my sow does this, and its just them making themselfes look bigger to defend their property. They can look fluffed up when they have just had a face wash too, you only notice it with smoothe haired pigs.

The amount of poops round him is a good sign he's eating enough, weigh him at the same time daily and see if he drops any weight or not

He doesn’t puff up after veggies lol. He’s a neat gentleman

 

[Siikibam]

Ziggy and Robin. I have a 2x6 cage so I have a split so they can’t get to eachother for Bowie’s side of the cage.

Piggies don’t do play dates. So if Ziggie is bonded with Robin then I’d advise you don’t then put him in with Bowie. Are they all able to interact through the bars of the separation, or did you cover it completely? Living side by side also works, as communication is about more than just sharing a space - body language and scent are also important. The best thing you could do for Bowie would be to find him a friend (boar dating) to live permanently with him, if you’ve blocked interaction through the separator

 

[retro]

Piggies don’t do play dates. So if Ziggie is bonded with Robin then I’d advise you don’t then put him in with Bowie. Are they all able to interact through the bars of the separation, or did you cover it completely? Living side by side also works, as communication is about more than just sharing a space - body language and scent are also important. The best thing you could do for Bowie would be to find him a friend (boar dating) to live permanently with him, if you’ve blocked interaction through the separator

No they can talk and see eachother freely, I have my grids just depressing them. I would never block them off from eachother. Bowie needs to be social. I might get a fixed female. Not sure. Boar bonding is so tedious. Ugh.

 

[retro]

Cuddled up to me and lethargic. There is no fat between his spine and skin. I can feel him. His ribs I can feel but there’s some fat between it. I’m scared.

 

[retro]

Cuddled up to me and lethargic. There is no fat between his spine and skin. I can feel him. His ribs I can feel but there’s some fat between it. I’m scared.

He cried if I leave

 

[Eva121]

Cuddled up to me and lethargic. There is no fat between his spine and skin. I can feel him. His ribs I can feel but there’s some fat between it. I’m scared.

Don't be scared! It'll be ok. If he's lethargic, is he still eating? I would suggest mushed up pellets in water (syringe fed), or critical care if you have any. If he is underweight, which is not an emergency, I would suggest looking through the forums for tips on how to gain weight. His weight will not be solved in a day, nor does it need to be! Just let it be a priority for the next few weeks. I would also suggest to weigh him weekly to make. sure he is gaining weight. The best would be going to a vet, if you dont have the money can you borrow from a friend?

 

[Eva121]

Cuddled up to me and lethargic. There is no fat between his spine and skin. I can feel him. His ribs I can feel but there’s some fat between it. I’m scared.

If he is not eating you do have to start syringe feeding him tonight though, as a guinea pigs guts always need food. There are some stickies on this forum about syringe feeding, but I'm on my kindle so I can't link them. Just wanted to clarify!

 

[Eva121]

No they can talk and see eachother freely, I have my grids just depressing them. I would never block them off from eachother. Bowie needs to be social. I might get a fixed female. Not sure. Boar bonding is so tedious. Ugh.

Yes, grids are fine. Just don't but Bowie in the same cage as Ziggy as a "play date" as it is stressful for guinea pigs. I don't have boars myself but I have heard how tedious they are!

 

[Piggies&buns]

No they can talk and see eachother freely, I have my grids just depressing them. I would never block them off from eachother. Bowie needs to be social. I might get a fixed female. Not sure. Boar bonding is so tedious. Ugh.

You are unlikely to find a spayed female. Spaying females is only done for medical reasons as it is such a serious operation.
To be able to put him with a female, You would need to get Bowie neutered, have the six week wait and then find him a female friend. Again though, you cannot just put any female in there with him. It needs to be a character compatible friend.
Finding the right friend is key to making boar bonding easy. Asking a rescue centre for help and it is very possible to find a friend with the correct character.
As I originally said, and the others have now also supported, please do not put Bowie in with ziggy. Grids need to remain between them at all times.

Cuddled up to me and lethargic. There is no fat between his spine and skin. I can feel him. His ribs I can feel but there’s some fat between it. I’m scared.

If he is losing weight then and not eating enough, then you need to step in with support syringe feeding to keep his guts going and see a vet.

 

[retro]

You are unlikely to find a spayed female. Spaying females is only done for medical reasons as it is such a serious operation.
To be able to put him with a female, You would need to get Bowie neutered, have the six week wait and then find him a female friend. Again though, you cannot just put any female in there with him. It needs to be a character compatible friend.
Finding the right friend is key to making boar bonding easy. Asking a rescue centre for help and it is very possible to find a friend with the correct character.
As I originally said, and the others have now also supported, please do not put Bowie in with ziggy. Grids need to remain between them at all times.



If he is losing weight then and not eating enough, then you need to step in with support syringe feeding to keep his guts going and see a vet.

He’s still eating. And don’t worry, I already have a shelter that’s really awesome and has piggies. I would never buy from pet stores. However, since I rescued Bowie from a shelter, I’m sure he’s a pet store pig and probably has underlying genetic issues. So this stuff doesn’t surprise me. I’m up at 2am right now and checking on him about every hour. I need a vet but again..issues