Depression In Piggies?

[alli081]

Hi everyone,
I have 3 lovely piggies who live together full-time, 2 females (Muffin and Martha) and one boy (Ice Cream).
Recently Martha and Ice Cream have been a bit unsocial, often hiding away under their castles for long periods, sleeping a bit more than usual. Muffin is behaving her usual spritely and lively self.
We found out that I'm severely allergic to the pigs a year ago, I get itchy welts and rashes when I touch them, get very sneezy and eyes swell up, so I have had to limit my time holding/touching them. I still clean them out twice a week and make an effort to spend time with them but even being with them I get sneezy, which breaks my heart. I know pigs are supposed to have lots of human contact and between mum and I we do try.
They have three cages; one outdoor, one on the grass and one indoor. We bought them indoors two days ago due to rain and gave them some ping pong balls and screwed up paper to play with in an effort to entertain them.
I wondered if Martha and Ice Cream's lethargy and hiding is due to possible depression?
Thanks in advance!

 

[VickiA]

Are there any other signs that could indicate illness? eg loss of appetite, poop reduction, increased water consumption, sneezing, fluffed hair etc? Otherwise could it simply be that due to lack of handling they have gone "backwards" in their behaviour?
If you have any concerns whatsoever about change in piggies' behaviour it is usually worth getting them checked out at the vets. Piggies are masterful at hiding illnesses.

 

[alli081]

Hi Vicki,
No, they're still eating, drinking and passing normally. I put them out on the grass yesterday and sat with them and let them go wherever they wanted and they seemed much happier. I also rearranged their castles and tubes to give some variety and they seemed to like that.
Unfortunately last night it started raining heavily and we had to bring them inside. Their inside cage is the least interesting and a bit small (because we live in Australia they're outside all of the year) but hopefully they'll only be in it until tomorrow.
Thanks!