Happier alone

[George.pickle_ pumpkin]

I have only just realised that my male Guinea pig is much happier alone, I had my 2 female Guinea pigs out on my lap and normally I get one out or all 3 of them, but then I realised my male Guinea pig was zooming round and popcorning a lot more than usual and I haven’t seen him be like that since a couple months ago when we had him and not the girls. I’m not sure what to do as the girls rely on him a lot but he seems so much happier alone. What should I do?

 

[George.pickle_ pumpkin]

he is a rescue and he did previously in his past home have a male friend.

 

[Piggies&buns]

He is not happier to be alone. Being temporarily in the cage by himself while the girls are out is simply not the same thing as coming to the conclusion he is happier alone. He can still smell and hear the girls and knew they were nearby.
Piggies are herd animals and are simply not wired to be totally by themselves.

Therefore you don’t need to do anything. Reunite them and enjoy your trio living together.

 

[George.pickle_ pumpkin]

no don’t worry I didn’t mean he was happier with completely split cages I meant like he likes having his own space and doesn’t like them laying with him, I have moved their c&c cage around so it’s now in 2 sections but can still easily get to each other and he seems to be happier with his little area, I was never going to split them up as they are bonded and he isn’t stressed or hurting them and I know Guinea pig have to be in pairs (unless told by a vet)

 

[Piggies&buns]

It’s quite normal for bonded pairs and groups to not share beds etc. Almost all piggies do prefer their own space but love their cage mates. None of my bonded pairs have ever shared hides or laid together

 

[George.pickle_ pumpkin]

Yes, I’m sorry I worded the message wrong, I think he just liked being alone for a couple minutes as the girls are always following him and in his face. X

 

[Wiebke]

Yes, I’m sorry I worded the message wrong, I think he just liked being alone for a couple minutes as the girls are always following him and in his face. X

Some piggies like to have the space to do their own thing. That's why an extra run for exercise time (even if it is not energetic for every pig) counts as an enrichment.

Thew bond is still there but piggies are actually a lot more like people; they have their social group but some also like to do their own thing more than others.

Enjoy your boy's 'me time' and give them that whenever you take the girls out. He will appreciate it.

 

[George.pickle_ pumpkin]

Yes! I worry about them way to much and any little thing I’m worried they are unhappy as I just want to give them the best life I can. I am going to start taking the girls out for 10-15 mins a day just so he can have his time to run around a be alone for a bit, and I can use that time to bond more with the girls !