8 week old girl passed away

[Lozzak]

Hello I’m new to owing guinea pigs, I brought 2 babies yesterday they seemed a little scared but nothing major. Once the lights went out they are their food had a drink when I woke up this morning one had passed away I have no idea why and I’m worried it’s something I done. They had everything they needed we brought them from an outside farm and then kept them indoors did I do something wrong? I’m heartbroken for the poor little thing. Thank you

 

[alpacasqueak]

Oh I’m so sorry, how sad for you and the piggies. It’s very hard to know what has happened without having a post-mortem but I’m sure it was nothing you did, little piggy probably already had something going on health wise. I don’t think it’d be bringing them inside, the other way around (putting the pup out in the cold after being indoors) could cause issues with getting very cold in winter etc.
I’m so sorry though, hope you’re ok and the other pup is ok too x

 

[Bradshaw Piggies]

So very sorry to hear of your loss

 

[LillyB]

So sorry to hear your sad news x

 

[sparkythepiggie]

Maybe they were just stressed in being in a new home, or there were already underlying health conditions. Either way its hardly your fault. Very sorry for your loss, it is heartbreaking. All my thought go to you and your piggies right now. Make sure your lone pig has a friend though! Guinea Pigs are not lone animals. x

 

[Wiebke]

Hello I’m new to owing guinea pigs, I brought 2 babies yesterday they seemed a little scared but nothing major. Once the lights went out they are their food had a drink when I woke up this morning one had passed away I have no idea why and I’m worried it’s something I done. They had everything they needed we brought them from an outside farm and then kept them indoors did I do something wrong? I’m heartbroken for the poor little thing. Thank you

Hi and welcome

I am ever so sorry for your awful experience!

It is likely just the stress of the move in combination with a genetic time bomb in their body (most likely the heart) that was waiting to go off sooner rather than later whenever triggered. Just the move alone doesn't usually kill but it can lower a still developing immune system to let opportunistic illnesses in if there has been exposure and occasionally it can bring an underlying genetic defect to the fore.

Not your fault and nothing you can prevent or control - except that I would personally consider twice getting another piggy from a place that is obviously not taking the best of care of their breeding stock. Unfortunately anybody can call themselves a breeder or a rescue in this country withOUT licensing or control, and the results can be accordingly. Sadly this applies especially to many for sales breeders.
Here is our list of carefully vetted recommended good welfare standard and practice rescues as by far the safest place to get piggies from and not having any nasty surprises. Rescue Locator

It is very normal in those who care to firstly seek the fault in themselves and their own actions but please don't feel guilty. it is one of these freak occurrences that you can never foresee and never prevent. I have a category labelled 'cosmic bad luck' for experiences like these when an unknown factor or an unlucky combination of factors and circumstances beyond my control lead to a bad outcome. It makes it easier for me to cope with the inevitable feelings of guilt that we all experience.

Here is what you can do for the survivor: Death, Dying, Terminal Illness, Grieving and Bereaved Companions: Information and Support for Owners and Their Children

Here is our New Owners guide collection, which you may find very helpful as it is both practical and very comprehensive and make a good resource for bookmarking, browsing and reading or rereading at need: Getting Started - New Owners' Most Helpful Guides

 

[Siikibam]

I’m sorry for your loss. I doubt very much that her passing away is to do with your actions. It’s always difficult not to think about the what-ifs and how. But do try to remember you gave her some hours of joy.

I know it’s still very early days, but you have to consider getting her a companion very soon.

Take good care of yourself. And although you only had them from yesterday, you’re very welcome to post about your girl in the rainbow pet section. Also have a read of the guide below. Hugs.
Human Bereavement - Grieving, coping tips and support links for guinea pig owners and their children

 

[Bill & Ted]

So sorry to read that one of your little piggies passed away so suddenly, it sometimes happens without any signs of illness, you weren’t to blame. It happened to me out of the blue last year I found my Bill in his forever sleep. the main thing now is to find a little companion for your other piggie x Have a look at the Rescue Locator in the green bar above
Sleep tight little one

 

[Claire W]

How very sad, I’m so very sorry for your loss It sounds like she had an underlying health issue, nothing you did wrong at all x

 

[Lozzak]

I’m sorry for your loss. I doubt very much that her passing away is to do with your actions. It’s always difficult not to think about the what-ifs and how. But do try to remember you gave her some hours of joy.

I know it’s still very early days, but you have to consider getting her a companion very soon.

Take good care of yourself. And although you only had them from yesterday, you’re very welcome to post about your girl in the rainbow pet section. Also have a read of the guide below. Hugs.
Human Bereavement - Grieving, coping tips and support links for guinea pig owners and their children

Thank you so much and I have already brought her a friend she looked so sad alone thank you

 

[Lozzak]

So sorry to read that one of your little piggies passed away so suddenly, it sometimes happens without any signs of illness, you weren’t to blame. It happened to me out of the blue last year I found my Bill in his forever sleep. the main thing now is to find a little companion for your other piggie x Have a look at the Rescue Locator in the green bar above
Sleep tight little one

Thank you so much I have got her a friend now so she isn’t alone x

Hi and welcome

I am ever so sorry for your awful experience!

It is likely just the stress of the move in combination with a genetic time bomb in their body (most likely the heart) that was waiting to go off sooner rather than later whenever triggered. Just the move alone doesn't usually kill but it can lower a still developing immune system to let opportunistic illnesses in if there has been exposure and occasionally it can bring an underlying genetic defect to the fore.

Not your fault and nothing you can prevent or control - except that I would personally consider twice getting another piggy from a place that is obviously not taking the best of care of their breeding stock. Unfortunately anybody can call themselves a breeder or a rescue in this country with licensing or control, and the results can be accordingly. Sadly this applies especially to many for sales breeders.
Here is our list of carefully vetted recommended good welfare standard and practice rescues as by far the safest place to get piggies from and not having any nasty surprises. Rescue Locator

It is very normal in those who care to firstly seek the fault in themselves and their own actions but please don't feel guilty. it is one of these freak occurrences that you can never foresee and never prevent. I have a category labelled 'cosmic bad luck' for experiences like these when an unknown factor or an unlucky combination of factors and circumstances beyond your control lead to a bad outcome. It makes it easier for me to cope with the inevitable feelings of guilt that we all experience.

Here is what you can do for the survivor: Death, Dying, Terminal Illness, Grieving and Bereaved Companions: Information and Support for Owners and Their Children

Here is our New Owners guide collection, which you may find very helpful as it is both practical and very comprehensive and make a good resource for bookmarking, browsing and reading or rereading at need: Getting Started - New Owners' Most Helpful Guides

thank you so much I got her a friend today from a rescue place they are both cuddled up asleep thank you so much for the advice!

 

[Merab]

Welcome to the forum.
I am so sorry for your loss.
Be gentle with yourself as you grieve

 

[Tara95]

I'm so sorry for your loss. Where did you get her From? I adopted two babies yesterday too. I'm so glad you found her a friend, take time to grieve. x