Marshmallow constantly fidgeting as soon as he is out of the cage.

[Marshmallow]

So I have had a guinea pig for around 6 weeks now, he was from Pets at Home and when we found him, he had a broken foot. So we got him from the adoption centre the next day.
When we brought him home, he was shy at first. So for the first night we let him settle into his new surroundings, after a while he got used to us all and he is quite content when we pet him whilst he is in his cage, but as soon as he is out of his cage he sometime popcorns which we know is him relieving boredom, but alot of the time he constantly fidgets and seems to want to jump off the sofa. What can we do to try and stop him fidgeting?
Any answers would be helpful.

 

[PottyForPiggies]

I have a really fidgety pig in Treacle, and I've had her 4 years! He will just be exploring, finding out about the smells, sounds and textures of what is around. Popcorning is a sign of a very happy piggie - one who is ecstatic to be where they are!
I find using a familiar blanket, towel or even cuddle cup/cosy will help them feel more comfortable and relaxed. My piggies like to nuzzle in the crook of my arm by my elbow or in the join of my legs.

 

[Pepperdog]

I gather his foot has healed and they didnt sell him to you injured at the time.

A friend for him would be a great idea https://maps.google.co.uk/maps/ms?msid=209994852075231951564.0004b8fd9391b4257d8eb&msa=0 here is a map of recommended rescues you could try to see if one in your area (or if you are prepared to travel a little further) could help you date your boar to find his forever friend.

When I have lap time with my two boys, they are a right pair of nutters and want to be off exploring and getting up to mischief rather than sit for a cuddle, but I love their antics and its great fun.

 

[Marshmallow]

they said he wouldn't feel pain in it, but it is still broken. apparently it won't heal. he doesn't appear down, he's really bubbly and popcorns 24/7.

 

[Pepperdog]

they said he wouldn't feel pain in it, but it is still broken. apparently it won't heal. he doesn't appear down, he's really bubbly and popcorns 24/7.

?/:o?/ I would be taking him along to a vet for a second opinion if he was mine, I wouldnt be happy with a pet that had a broken unhealed foot for the rest of its life, the potential for the foot to die off or issues later in life is far too great.

 

[first_time_piggie_mum]

Without being rude.......Dont listen to a word that place says, they dont know their arse from their elbow when it comes to piggies and buns....

Best take your piggie along to a vet just to make sure there isnt anything they can do for him. Debbie (Furryfriends) had a piggie with a deformed foot and she lived a perfectly normal life. Its amazing how well they adapt.

 

[Claire W]

they said he wouldn't feel pain in it, but it is still broken. apparently it won't heal. he doesn't appear down, he's really bubbly and popcorns 24/7.

Please do not think I am having a go because I'm not but if his foot is broken, he WILL be in some amount of pain. I have a degu at the minute who has a break in his front leg. Even when he first did it, he didn't show any sign of pain but my vet said he would be. He has been in metacam (pain relief) for 6 weeks now and the bone is finally beginning to fuse back together.

If Marshmallows foot is broken and unable to heal, he may lose his foot. Please take him to your own vet for a second opinion. It may be a case that his foot isn't actually broken but he could have a small deformity and you have been given false information.

An animal would never be left with an un healable broken limb as they would be in constant pain. I was told with Marley (degu) that if it didn't heal, they would have to remove the leg but thankfully it hasn't came to that.

Marley didn't even need an x ray as they vet could clearly feel the break.

Good luck

 

[Marshmallow]

Okay, thanks everyone. We usually go to Pets at Home for the vets, but they never seem to help with the dog we have.

The vet did say he wouldn't feel any pain because he was born with it. But a second opinion can't exactly hurt.

 

[Claire W]

Okay, thanks everyone. We usually go to Pets at Home for the vets, but they never seem to help with the dog we have.

The vet did say he wouldn't feel any pain because he was born with it. But a second opinion can't exactly hurt.

Animals are rarely born with broken limbs. I suspect he could have been born with a deformity rather than a broken foot. I'm pleased you are getting a second opinion

 

[Marshmallow]

I shall take a photo of it for you all to look at, see if you have any ideas aswell.

I tried taking a photo but he becomes distressed when trying to do so, looking closer at his foot, it appears as though it has become worse, so I will be calling up the vet in the morning.
Thanks for all of the advice.

 

[Claire W]

Good luck and please let us know how you get on xx

 

[Marshmallow]

It's been a long time since I came on here.
Just to update everybody, the vet said she thought that he was most likely born with it or developed it at a very young age, obviously because he was bought from Pets at Home they're not very likely to know/remember. We bought him a new outdoor cage today, but have it in our bedroom, it was reduced because parts were broken, but we fixed it all. Only problem is, there is a ramp which he struggles to get up, because it's unsterdy/steep. So we're going to make a new one with a type of straw fabric so he has grip on his other 3 paws. So if anyone has any advice on how to make one, would be extremely appreciated.