Guinea Pug stopped Eating Pellets

[Guineapiggos]

I have a guinea pig whose cage mate died about a week ago. Since then, he has stopped eating hay and pellets. He is also drinking less water than usual and sleeps more than usual. He will still eat fruits and veggies. I've been monitoring his weight and he hasn't lost any yet. How should I handle this? Is it grief or something else causing the problem? I'm concerned he will start losing weight. His poop is normal, and I checked for signs of problems.

 

[Piggies&buns]

I am sorry for your loss.

Hay is the most important part of the diet. If he doesn’t continue to eat it, then he will lose weight and other issues can start. If is simply essential that he has the fibre in his system. Veg, only making up 15% of their diet in any event, simply won’t sustain him or have the desired effect on his system or teeth. Pellets only make up 5% of their daily food intake (just one tablespoon per day) so not eating them is less concerning - not eating hay is the major concern.

It could well be grief but it may be wise to have a vet check him over. I will add in some guides below to help you. Weigh him daily and step in with syringe feeding

Are you going to look to get him a new friend?

Looking After A Bereaved Guinea Pig
Not Eating, Weight Loss And The Importance Of Syringe Feeding Fibre
Complete Syringe Feeding Guide

 

[David Piggie Lover]

I have a guinea pig whose cage mate died about a week ago. Since then, he has stopped eating hay and pellets. He is also drinking less water than usual and sleeps more than usual. He will still eat fruits and veggies. I've been monitoring his weight and he hasn't lost any yet. How should I handle this? Is it grief or something else causing the problem? I'm concerned he will start losing weight. His poop is normal, and I checked for signs of problems.

Sorry to hear about your piggie that died.
Pls read the threads given above and hope it helps. . I'm sure your piggie is sad but tlc will help.
Good not lost weight . .

 

[Guineapiggos]

I am sorry for your loss.

Hay is the most important part of the diet. If he doesn’t continue to eat it, then he will lose weight and other issues can start. If is simply essential that he has the fibre in his system. Veg, only making up 15% of their diet in any event, simply won’t sustain him or have the desired effect on his system or teeth. Pellets only make up 5% of their daily food intake (just one tablespoon per day) so not eating them is less concerning - not eating hay is the major concern.

It could well be grief but it may be wise to have a vet check him over. I will add in some guides below to help you. Weigh him daily and step in with syringe feeding

Are you going to look to get him a new friend?

Looking After A Bereaved Guinea Pig
Not Eating, Weight Loss And The Importance Of Syringe Feeding Fibre
Complete Syringe Feeding Guide

Thanks for the information, it was quite helpful. He began to nibble at his hay a bit a few hours ago, but he isn't plowing through it like normal. I have considered finding a new piggy when things calm down a bit and I can find the right Guinea pig. As of now, the only rescues in my area are females/bonded pairs/too far away to drive/unavailable. If I can find him a potential cage mate, I'll look into it a bit more.