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My Recent Posts · 04/04/09

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hi everyone!

Got a new piggie today. Thought it was time that Bobby Bouche got a buddy. I originally wanted a different one but when I held that one he was squirming like a madman and making a lot of wheeking noises (the not so happy ones) then I looked over and saw this little guy in the salesgirl's palm. He just sat there and her palm was open - he was quiet and calm as could be. He didn't make a peep. He wasn't trying to make an escape or anything. He was just simply sitting there in her open palm. I took him and he did the same to me - he was the ugliest little guy I ever saw but that's what made him so cute. So, home he went. All the way home I held him-again, no escaping, no noises. He pretty much just sat there. All I could think of was - "what a cute little guy who just wants to sit and be cuddled!". Put him in his quarantine cage and left him there for about 3 hours in his new cozy. I found some poop when I came back but he was in his cozy. I could stick my hand in there and pet him and it didn't bother him at all. It's like he's paralyzed but calm. He's not stiff, not making any chatters or anything. So I brought him downstairs and he sat in my lap not moving. Put him on the couch - hardly moved at all. Put a red pepper in front of him and a piece of broccolli (other piggies favorites) and no response. Checked to make sure he was breathing and he checked out ok. You would have thought he was made of wax!

I'm just wondering - how normal is this behavior? Did I think this piggie was a dream come true but he's really a sick pig? I know it's only been like 6 hours since I've had him but I'm thinking "why isn't he trying to escape or at least squirm?" Is he just laid back? If he's sick I want to bring him back right away and since I'm new to piggies, I don't know if these are danger signs or just maybe scared piggie signs. I'd appreciate any thoughts - thanks!! Susan

My Recent Posts · 04/05/09

I'm guessing you bought him at a pet store? Unfortunately, guinea pigs at pet stores are often sold sick. It may be possible that he is just frozen with fear, but most stories I've heard about pigs that calm that young indicates that they are very ill. Baby pigs are usually like the first one you described - constant motion and totally wired like way too much caffeine.

It is a very good thing you're observing quarantine. You do not want this new boy near Bobby until you know he's not contagious. This pig should get to a cavy-savvy vet and be properly checked out (and while the vet is at it, verify he is indeed a boar). It is very likely he has a URI and needs medication. Please do not return him to the pet store to be treated. I've heard too many bad stories about that. Better to get him treated yourself , and then get the pet store to reimburse your expenses.

My Recent Posts · 04/05/09

Thanks for the response - yes, I did get him at the same pet store I got Bobby at. The little man started bopping around last night like a lunatic and speeding around a little while after being in his cage and I guess getting used to it.

Apparently being in separate cages and separate areas of the house just can't keep them apart. This morning, I woke up to see the new guy and he's gone! He's THAT small that he squeezed himself through the holes in the grids (not the Target ones, the usual BBB ones!). So I go to see how Bobby Bouche (old pig) is doing and who's in his cage with him but Deuce Bigalow (new pig)! So they are co-existing there and everything is ok and Bobby is doing a little mounting and they are both squeaking (a good squeak) and Bobby is jumping in the air like I've never seen then Deuce jumps out again! Little Deuce is hanging in the corner now just watching and Bobby is having floor time.

So I guess our little quarantine period is over???

My Recent Posts · 04/05/09

I guess so. At this point, if your new pig has anything, your old pig is likely to get it. So you need to keep an eye on both of them.

Sounds like your new guy is very, very young. You need to baby-proof the cage he's in, to make sure he doesn't hurt himself getting caught in the grids. There are instructions on baby-proofing cages on GuineaPigCages.com. Most common is either to make very tall temporary walls (often from cardboard), or to stagger the grids to make the openings only 1/2" instead of 1".

If you haven't had the chance, I would sex them both yourself, to confirm you do, indeed, have two boys. And a wellness check would still be a good idea.

My Recent Posts · 04/08/09

Hi there, yes be very very careful and watch them closely. Most new piggies of mine have come with their little colds and needed three weeks quarantine before going in with the others. Of course the first one didn't get that and gave her cold to the rest of them so they all went off to the vet = $$$$$$$.
As for personality differences it is quite interesting, just like people. I have one that bounced around and screamed (squeeeeeked) her head off everytime we picked her up or looked at her for the first six months.....and then there is Billy. Quiet, calm, gentle Billy. She doesn't move, doesn't talk just sits there calmly, puts her head down and cuddles into my chest . The vet comments on it everytime. She lets him do everything and just doesn't move. So hopefully your new piggie is just another Billy. She took over as the dominant one when Alpha Betty died so it doesn't at all mean that she is a wimp. Just has good karma I think.
So good luck with your new little friend, but do keep an eye on both of them now. They are fragile little things, guinea pigs and a cold can be devastating for them. Any wet bits around the nose or snuffles means a runny nose which means the cold has taken root and should be checked out, even if the piggie is still eating.

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susan12	Is this weird behavior to you or is it just me? Is this pig sick?		Lead	[-]
Posts: 6 04/04/09 11:52 PM	Tags : None hi everyone! Got a new piggie today. Thought it was time that Bobby Bouche got a buddy. I originally wanted a different one but when I held that one he was squirming like a madman and making a lot of wheeking noises (the not so happy ones) then I looked over and saw this little guy in the salesgirl's palm. He just sat there and her palm was open - he was quiet and calm as could be. He didn't make a peep. He wasn't trying to make an escape or anything. He was just simply sitting there in her open palm. I took him and he did the same to me - he was the ugliest little guy I ever saw but that's what made him so cute. So, home he went. All the way home I held him-again, no escaping, no noises. He pretty much just sat there. All I could think of was - "what a cute little guy who just wants to sit and be cuddled!". Put him in his quarantine cage and left him there for about 3 hours in his new cozy. I found some poop when I came back but he was in his cozy. I could stick my hand in there and pet him and it didn't bother him at all. It's like he's paralyzed but calm. He's not stiff, not making any chatters or anything. So I brought him downstairs and he sat in my lap not moving. Put him on the couch - hardly moved at all. Put a red pepper in front of him and a piece of broccolli (other piggies favorites) and no response. Checked to make sure he was breathing and he checked out ok. You would have thought he was made of wax! I'm just wondering - how normal is this behavior? Did I think this piggie was a dream come true but he's really a sick pig? I know it's only been like 6 hours since I've had him but I'm thinking "why isn't he trying to escape or at least squirm?" Is he just laid back? If he's sick I want to bring him back right away and since I'm new to piggies, I don't know if these are danger signs or just maybe scared piggie signs. I'd appreciate any thoughts - thanks!! Susan
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PooksiedAnimals		#1	[url]	[-]
Posts: 4082 04/05/09 06:46 AM Moderator	I'm guessing you bought him at a pet store? Unfortunately, guinea pigs at pet stores are often sold sick. It may be possible that he is just frozen with fear, but most stories I've heard about pigs that calm that young indicates that they are very ill. Baby pigs are usually like the first one you described - constant motion and totally wired like way too much caffeine. It is a very good thing you're observing quarantine. You do not want this new boy near Bobby until you know he's not contagious. This pig should get to a cavy-savvy vet and be properly checked out (and while the vet is at it, verify he is indeed a boar). It is very likely he has a URI and needs medication. Please do not return him to the pet store to be treated. I've heard too many bad stories about that. Better to get him treated yourself , and then get the pet store to reimburse your expenses.
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susan12		#2	[url]	[-]
Posts: 6 04/05/09 07:30 AM	Thanks for the response - yes, I did get him at the same pet store I got Bobby at. The little man started bopping around last night like a lunatic and speeding around a little while after being in his cage and I guess getting used to it. Apparently being in separate cages and separate areas of the house just can't keep them apart. This morning, I woke up to see the new guy and he's gone! He's THAT small that he squeezed himself through the holes in the grids (not the Target ones, the usual BBB ones!). So I go to see how Bobby Bouche (old pig) is doing and who's in his cage with him but Deuce Bigalow (new pig)! So they are co-existing there and everything is ok and Bobby is doing a little mounting and they are both squeaking (a good squeak) and Bobby is jumping in the air like I've never seen then Deuce jumps out again! Little Deuce is hanging in the corner now just watching and Bobby is having floor time. So I guess our little quarantine period is over???
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PooksiedAnimals		#3	[url]	[-]
Posts: 4082 04/05/09 12:20 PM Moderator	I guess so. At this point, if your new pig has anything, your old pig is likely to get it. So you need to keep an eye on both of them. Sounds like your new guy is very, very young. You need to baby-proof the cage he's in, to make sure he doesn't hurt himself getting caught in the grids. There are instructions on baby-proofing cages on GuineaPigCages.com. Most common is either to make very tall temporary walls (often from cardboard), or to stagger the grids to make the openings only 1/2" instead of 1". If you haven't had the chance, I would sex them both yourself, to confirm you do, indeed, have two boys. And a wellness check would still be a good idea.
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skippy000		#4	[url]	[-]
Posts: 40 04/08/09 05:47 AM	Hi there, yes be very very careful and watch them closely. Most new piggies of mine have come with their little colds and needed three weeks quarantine before going in with the others. Of course the first one didn't get that and gave her cold to the rest of them so they all went off to the vet = $$$$$$$. As for personality differences it is quite interesting, just like people. I have one that bounced around and screamed (squeeeeeked) her head off everytime we picked her up or looked at her for the first six months.....and then there is Billy. Quiet, calm, gentle Billy. She doesn't move, doesn't talk just sits there calmly, puts her head down and cuddles into my chest . The vet comments on it everytime. She lets him do everything and just doesn't move. So hopefully your new piggie is just another Billy. She took over as the dominant one when Alpha Betty died so it doesn't at all mean that she is a wimp. Just has good karma I think. So good luck with your new little friend, but do keep an eye on both of them now. They are fragile little things, guinea pigs and a cold can be devastating for them. Any wet bits around the nose or snuffles means a runny nose which means the cold has taken root and should be checked out, even if the piggie is still eating.
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Is this weird behavior to you or is it just me? Is this pig sick?

Is this weird behavior to you or is it just me? Is this pig sick?

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