Guinea pig doesn’t move much

[Heatherrrr712]

I have a 6 year old Guinea pig. She used to move around a lot and squeak all the time, but now she mainly only squeaks when she gets hay and only moves around the cage to go get food or water. She doesn’t run around or climb on top of her houses anymore. Is something wrong with her or is that normal when Guinea pigs get older ?

 

[Wiebke]

I have a 6 year old Guinea pig. She used to move around a lot and squeak all the time, but now she mainly only squeaks when she gets hay and only moves around the cage to go get food or water. She doesn’t run around or climb on top of her houses anymore. Is something wrong with her or is that normal when Guinea pigs get older ?

Hi!

Older piggies slow down to some degree when their body slows up (which can vary in age between 4-8 years) but I would have your piggy vet checked for arthritis or another pain/health issue to make sure that they have more quality of life and be able to move around more again if that is all that it takes. It is usually impossible to tell without a thorough examination whether it is a specific treatable/manageable issue or whether the body has started to move to towards failure.

Here is more information on Care in Old Age: Caring for Older Piggies and Facing the End - A practical and supportive information collection (includes typical ailments in old age)

 

[Piggies&buns]

Elderly piggies will be less active than in their younger years.
If you are concerned about health issues, then do have her checked by a vet particularly if her change in behaviour has been sudden

 

[Claire W]

I agree. My Edward is also 6 and has slowed down but he does still do the occasional popcorn and he has been checked by my vet. I would have her checked over if you're concerned

 

[Heatherrrr712]

Hi!

Older piggies slow down to some degree when their body slows up (which can vary in age between 4-8 years) but I would have your piggy vet checked for arthritis or another pain/health issue to make sure that they have more quality of life and be able to move around more again if that is all that it takes. It is usually impossible to tell without a thorough examination whether it is a specific treatable/manageable issue or whether the body has started to move to towards failure.

Here is more information on Care in Old Age: Caring for Older Piggies and Facing the End - A practical and supportive information collection (includes typical ailments in old age)

Okay thanks !