Licking friend

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MrsM

MrsM

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We have a new dilemma with Bertie and Finlay. :( As you know Bertie is under the weather and has been for some time. He's losing weight, he's now just under 850g down from over 1100g a week or so ago. He still eats some hay and drinks when prompted. He may also have some pellets and grass when in the garden. However, he's really not keen on any veg.

Recently he started to lick Finlay's eyes and bum at any opportunity he gets. Fin doesn't mind the eyes but he does the other end!:))
Any idea why this has developed and is it at all connected to the other issues Bertie is suffering from??/?/
 
what do you think of this type of behaviour? is this normal?

if you're having dinner, you may want to wait a bit before viewing.

 
I am not sure whether I can really help you.

I have noticed with my own guinea pigs that licking around the eyes is a way of affectionate cuddling. With the bottom end, I'm not sure.

It has been mentioned that guinea pigs that have been quite ill or coming out of an illness will eat other piggies droppings to get their own system going again. It could be that he is looking for droppings?

In any case, I hope that poor Bertie has a chance of getting better again. The whole thing must be deeply upsetting for you!

Good luck

vicky
 
This is Dizzy licking Minx the day before she crossed the rainbow bridge.

Llewelyn, Dizzy's new mate, gets a cuddle at least once a day - even in the middle of being chased around by him when he's "hormonally challenged"!

Hopefully my pic is helping you.

PS: JUst had a look at your pics - those are real sweeties you've got!
 
Sorry, my husband just distracted me! Here's the picture.
 

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Have you found out what the reason for his pretty dramatical weight loss is?
 
did you notice on the clip how they're both eating droppings? Now Fin doesn't usually do it but I think that because Bertie had just nicked one, he had to assert his sense of propriety... Finlay doesn't share poo!:)):))

Bertie is suffering from a 'growth' by his kidney which sends him up and down the health spectrum. We decided not to have him operated because he's already been under GA 3 times in one year and the last time he had a bit of an allergic reaction... The worst thing about the weight loss is that he actually eats pretty much all day long although not big quantities at a time, his poos look normal but he's still losing weight...
 
Ouch! That doesn't sound good. You're really between a rock and a hard place. I'm so sorry for Bertie and for you, because you care so much.

The competition aspect is pretty normal, and Finlay is simply asserting his dominance.

One reason Bertie has become so "cuddly" could be that he is trying to make up to Finlay. Severe illness can upset the order of things, and Finlay will be well aware that something is seriously wrong with Bertie - and where it is located!
 
that makes a lot of sense. The boys have got really close recently. They cuddle together a lot in the big house which is really sweet. I havent been able to take pics though because each time I put the camera in the cage Finlay starts shaking his teeth! :))
 
Just let them - and be glad! A good bond goes a long way in making a guinea pig feel supported.
 
these pigs literally have unsual sorts of behaviour.. they are moody from time to time.. and that licking ability is just normal. perfectly normal.. that you would just laugh your heart out.

body care, weight loss
 
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