Guinea Pig question, has anyone else experienced this?

[mom2jedi]

We've had our new GP for less than a year now and we got them when they were 3 weeks old so they are still babies. DDs got them a couple months after they lost our first ever GP to a tragic accident. I knew the new pigs would not replace the one that passed but was hopeful that they would at least bring some joy back into the girls hearts since they were devastated by the loss of the first one. Both GPs are girls and one was bigger than the other from the very beginning. The larger one, Princess, (I know not very original but dd was 7 at the time

) had a biting problem at first and seems to be better now but I still don't trust her completely and neither does dd, she only takes her out when I am able to help keep her fingers safe. The smaller one, Blackberry, (much more original name from the 9yo

), has had no issues aside from being very shy which I'm hoping she will grow out of once she's an adult.

Here's the problem I'm looking for advice on. While cleaning their cage the other day, took Blackberry out for her socialization and lovin' and noticed she was thin. Now, she still has the typical piggie belly, but I could feel her spine more noticeably. Princess is a huge pig in comparison and is nice and healthy. They have two food bowls lots of hay to share and fresh veggies on a regular basis. Is it likely that Blackberry just isn't getting enough food lately? She has not always been thin. Should I separate them for a while to let Blackberry gain some weight without having to share with Princess? If I do separate them, will they be okay socially? I don't want to make Blackberry lonely either. I watch her eat and she does just fine so I don't think there's an issue with her teeth or mouth.

Thanks guys!

 

[scbatz33]

I would venture to guess the larger more dominant pig is keeping the smaller from eating enough. My DD has had her gp for about 3 years now. She is a solo piggie and eats free choice feed and hay and occasional treats. I'm not sure how gps set up social structures but if it's like horses or dogs, there can be food territory issues regardless of how many feeders you have available.

 

[DAFox]

Do check her mouth. Is she drooling at all? Wet mouth even when she hasn't drank water? This could be malocclusion. The back teeth don't meet properly. It results in loss of weight and the drooling. Go to a vet, if you can. It is possible for it to be fixed by dentistry. If you don't, she will likely die. Other than that, I don't know, sorry.
Good luck,
Dale-Ann

 

[Akane]

Biting is a red flag for mites. Guinea pigs rarely bite when not in pain. It is extremely common in pigs and does not show up on skin scrapings very well (don't let a vet do one they are painful and tell you nothing) so most just go ahead and treat all new pigs with ivermectin. It's very easy. http://www.guinealynx.info/ivermectin.html If you look to the list on the left you will see the various ways you can treat them (oral horse paste, injectible used topically, etc...) along with dosage charts. You just need a way to weigh your pig, vets will often let you use scales for free or use a postage scale, and a small syringe. Since I put mine on grass near the horse pasture a lot I would treat all 2 dozen yearly plus any new rescues we took in.

Mites can also contribute to being thin but if they have not progressed to screaming about being held or scratching that's probably not the cause. I'd agree with having their teeth checked. Make sure to use a guinea pig knowledgeable vet with the special tools required to check a guinea pig's back teeth. The mouth is so small and narrow just looking with your hands is not enough. Here is the page on malocclusion that has pics of the buccal pad separators http://www.guinealynx.info/malocclusion.html

 

[mom2jedi]

Quote:
I actually was going to treat her for mites before I got a hold of the breeder. When I did, she told me she treats all her babies for mites so I took it for granted and never did. I still have the paste so I may do it anyway just to be sure.

As for the little piggie, no drooling, teeth are fine, she eats when I watch her. Kept a close eye on them when I gave them a carrot last night. Big pig came over right away and little pig backed off. Princess wasn't being aggressive toward her, but Blackberry backed off anyway. I will separate them to give the little one a chance to put on some weight. New question, will they have separation issues?

 

[YaYaBugaaawkSisters]

Just nosing in on this thread because we LOVE GP's and have never had one that bites. Hamsters are a different story! Bah!

I'd give TWO carrots.

Princess Porksalot can only eat one at a time which obvsiously would give Ms Blueberry time to enjoy her carrot in peace.

Our GP squuueeeeeeked whenever we'd open the refrigerator door. I MISS her so much. With 2 dogs 2 cats, 2 keets, a fish and now 3 chicks I'm thinking
I need to stabolize the pet situation at my house. LoL It's not my kids, either...it's me. I could be the proverbial cat lady. although, I hope to gawd not
to become her.

Enjoy your Piggies...so precious.

 

[mom2jedi]

Quote:
I did two carrots the night before and I think there may have been issues even then. I wasn't paying as close attention but I think Princess couldn't decide which one she wanted so kept switching between the two. Which of course made Blackberry switch as well.

Tell me about it, Hamsters, ugh. Will never have those horrid things again. Had one growing up which was fine but tried again when I was older and the thing was EVIL. It wasn't even one of the tiny ones either. I'll stick to rats.

Our last GP was a doll. She was an amazing piggie. Used to squee to me whenever I opened the fridge or when I would get home from work at night. It was so cute! We miss her terribly.

 

[YaYaBugaaawkSisters]

I'd love to adopt anothe GP, but I'm really trying to control myself.

I'm surrounded as it is. LoL

Warm wishes,

Genie

 

[mom2jedi]

Quote:
Yes, unfortunately rats are prone to cancer. Most fancy rats came from lab rats originally that were used for cancer research. Then when the techs discovered what great pets they were they started bringing them home. It's very difficult to find a line that is cancer free.

Yeah, we have enough cages to separate the pigs. I'm not crazy about the idea since the only reason we got two was so they would have a buddy (they were 3 weeks old when we got them). Oh well, it's more important to get Blackberry away from Princess so she can eat more food without being pestered.

I'd love to have an open cage but alas, the kittens are too interested in the GPs as it is.

Aw come on, one more won't hurt.... can you tell I'm an enabler?! J/K

My kids are 4-12 so a little younger than yours.

 

[YaYaBugaaawkSisters]

Happy Endings are beautiful,

Genie