Grief even if they aren't in the same cage?

[AnnaHeartsGuineaPigs]

Hello

I hate that I have to write this, but sadly my guinea pig Bugsy passed late last night. My guess is natural causes or heart attack since she had recently been to the vet and was seemingly in good shape. And to think she was supposed to get a friend this week - we had a deal with the shelter I am extremely emotional and distraught, but I'll try to write this as clearly as I can.

After Bugsy passed, her sons (in a separate cage) started acting slightly weird. They have been hearing her noises and smelling her the past few months she has been in a different cage so is there a chance they're reacting to this. They eat if I bring them food (and seem happy when given herbs and veggies), but otherwise they just kind of sit in their tunnel and seem....weak, in a way.

They have both been fed critical care since there was a point I was scared they weren't eating enough and they were a bit too inactive for my taste. They both perked up slightly, but are still kind of quiet and reserved.

Could this be them grieving? Even if they weren't ever in the same cage after the 3 week point?

Thanks for any responses

 

[Piggies&buns]

I’m so sorry for your loss.

It does sound like they are grieving. They may not have been in the same cage but they would still have had a a relationship with her through the bars if they lived as neighbours but also through being aware of each other ans communicating (sound and smell) if their cages were slightly further apart.

Keep an eye on their weights daily so you can be sure they are eating enough while they grieve.

The guides below offer further help and advice.

Looking After a Bereaved Guinea Pig
Human Bereavement: Grieving, Coping and Support Links for Guinea Pig Owners and Their Children

 

[VickiA]

From my own experience when any piggy passes the other piggies are aware and grieve, even if they weren’t cage mates. They recognise each other by sight, sound and smells. So when one leaves there is always a subdued air in my piggy room even if they were only neighbours. Give them time - they will adjust to the change.
I am so sorry for your sudden and unexpected loss.

 

[Wiebke]

Hi!

I am extremely sorry for your loss.

Piggies are well aware when one in their herd but not necessarily in their group dies; my whole room goes quiet after a passing.

Fallen-out piggies living in adjoining cages usually remain bonded and continue their relationship through the bars, but with their own territory. We call them 'can't live together and can't live apart' pairs. They will often grieve just as much as piggies living together.

Please take the time to read the green information links in this thread. You will find them very helpful with lots of practical tips and information that will help you to understand better.