Back home

[Affron]

Posted this on the Blog site but have received no responses so putting it on here; Due to family circumstances I had to foster my guinea pig out, he was away 8 weeks and returned home a few days ago but he is acting like it is all new to him including me. When sat on the couch he was looking around and sniffing the air as if he had never been here before. Also he looks at me as though he no longer recognizes me. Was wondering if he has forgot everything? Have read conflicting views on the internet ie, GPs have short term memory and that he probably has forgot everything yet another site said they have long term memory and he won't have forgot, it will just be that he has spat his dummy out because I gave him away?? Oh by the way he is coming up to one year old in case his age makes a difference.

 

[sport_billy]

Sorry, I forget about the blogs! Doh

Just give him a week or so to settle, he will be fine. He's probably just getting used to the surroundings and smells again. Piggies wouldnt have the notion that you'd fostered him out. He will settle back down, remember the way to a piggies heart is through food. So lots of nice veggie treats at lap time will make him feel safe and get your bond back.

Let us know how you get on. What is his name?

 

[Wiebke]

Give him a bit of time to settle in again! He hasn't forgotten, but after that considerable time this is new territory again for him that no longer smells of his presence, so his prey animal instaincts have come to the fore.

 

[Dusty_bugs]

It's absolutely impossible to argue the terms of memory, conciousness and logic in any species but our own.. but saying that I will raise my hand up and admit that I prefer to give all animals more credit than what we percieve.

Guineapigs being naturally nervous I wouldn't suggest it was memory loss but simply anxiety at any change in circumstances. I used to live with my ex's parents for 2 years whilst we were together. But after we'd broken up whenever I went there I felt obviously more awkward. They don't treat me any differently, and I still have free roam of the house but I don't go inviting myself into their business. Perhaps I'd label this as politeness but it's simply because I just don't feel I belong there anymore and it's not mine to go look at.. anxiety! Even Leeland and DT had a room leading off the hallway that they weren't allowed in and they NEVER went in. Sniffed the door and turned around. They've never been in with me and they didnt want to try it on their own.

All they need is time to realise this place is home now. As far as they were concerned they had set their minds on making the last place home! I'm 100% sure they haven't forgotten you. I think any species with a social mind are capable of remembering us, but like when you seperate two companion pigs for a while and then put them together they often behave differently. It's just reworking a 'new' situation. They just don't know why things have changed!

 

[Affron]

I never gave him a name, silly you may think but couldn't think of a suitable one for him but the grandkids call him Gizmo, they say he look likes Gizmo off the Gremlins film! I usually call him sweetie ha ha, but sometimes Charlie after a man I cared for in my last job. I don't think he minds either way, he knows when it's him I'm talking to. thank you for your response x

 

[sport_billy]

I never gave him a name, silly you may think but couldn't think of a suitable one for him but the grandkids call him Gizmo, they say he look likes Gizmo off the Gremlins film! I usually call him sweetie ha ha, but sometimes Charlie after a man I cared for in my last job. I don't think he minds either way, he knows when it's him I'm talking to. thank you for your response x

The piggie with many names, i like all 3 you use for him. I'm sure he'll settle just fine, you've had some great replies from Wiebke and Dusty Bugs. Let us know he gets on.