Marzipan's Story

[ASTRID]

I came across marzipan in a pet shop and were looking for two baby pigs she had claws that were in her foot and teaming with mites she was taken home and her needs were taken into to care after i had ago at the pet shop staff i trained the other pig the way i train all my pigs but was unsuccessful her days are always biased round her anxieties she often ends up sitting in her wee in a hut so a bath is always necessary usually this is something she enjoys often letting me float her in the warm water yesterday day she had a visit from two local pigs that snuggle up to her and all seem quite happy but that evening i did the same routine she splashed and was quite upset i had to continue as the pet soap was still in her fur she still splashed and squealed she bite me twice and drew a little blood i eminently ended her bath and dried her off and put her back in the cage i was shocked never had she shown such aggression I'm a experienced pet owner and know what they do and dont like and it wasent in the dont section I'm still a little shocked but dont understand what happened any opinions would be welcome ?

 

[piggyfan]

You cannot let guinea pigs have play dates or meet other piggies they are not going to live with. It is very stressful for them as they need a hierarchy to follow and that gets upset.

Has she seen a vet to rule out a u.t.I? Sitting in wee is not behaviour of a healthy guinea pig.

 

[ASTRID]

No we haven't been to a vet to rule it out but we have been there and they always say shes healthy and play dates are not a good idea so i will stop those and what about the anxiety issues ?

 

[piggyfan]

Please have her see a vet. I suspect she has an infection which is causing her to sit in her wee. She will end up with urine scald. For anxiety all you can do is be patient and gentle. Do not change things as it will unsettle her. Guinea pigs skin dries out if they have a lot of baths.

 

[Denziebear]

Hi Astrid

I had a piggy who suffered from anxiety because of the loss of a fellow cage mate. I always gave him lots of places in his cage to hide in and also when floor time came. I kept noise levels to a minimum...i.e. removed him from the room when hovering etc. I also always bent down to his level when he was having floor. By allowing a pig to come to you via their love of food you can gain her trust. Don't force holding time or chase her around her cage when picking her up, just let her come to you. I am sure she will let you know when she isn't comfortable with a situation because she will whinge, wriggle or even try to make a rum for it. You can tell when she is stressed because she may freeze, eyes will become larger and through her head back when trying to pet her. These are warning signs that she is not happy so I would place her back in her cage. She will begin to understand that you respect her and she will slowly begin to trust you. Put your hand out with her favourite food and speak to her in a calm voice. My pigs liked routine in their life so they know when its dinner time or floor time. She will know it is you coming to see her...I also spoke before entering the room where my pigs lived, just as a warning I am entering their space. I am sure that the play dates didn't help her, I imagine it was like a stranger coming into our homes without warning, very stressful. Now you have stopped them I am sure she will get better. I understand you wanted the best for her though.
It takes time and patience to help them get over anxiety but I am sure you will get there with her. Best of luck xxxxx