Hi there,
I’ve occasionally visited this forum ever since getting a pair of bonded brother piggies nearly two years ago (unneutered). Lots of wise people here, and I’m really looking for advice…
First, some general info:
Living quarters: garden building, heated, 5 feet long by 2 feet wide. One large hidey at the end with 3 entries, which they both seemed to sleep in together. Another smaller hides at the other end which was used less. I’ve since learned two equal hidies are important for males, but did not realise at the time. Bedding: dust free wood shavings base, with straw on top. Regular hay both inside the main hidey and in the open area.
One pig (Sammy) seemed more reserved and often stayed in the main hidey. Fluff was a bit more “social” if you will. In terms of dominance, I think Fluff was on top, just because he did most of the rumblestrutting. He sometimes seemed to want Sammy to stay in the hidey, which I thought odd. Anyway, Sammy would not be a complete walkover, I sometimes saw them square up to each other, but things were never violent, no blood, just the “normal“ stuff I’ve seen on forums and YouTube.
Sadly, Sammy died two weeks ago. Not sure why. However, on the day he died I heard strange noises from the hidey. Sammy was laid down, and Fluff was humping him vigorously. Both ends. Sammy didn‘t really fight back, I presume because he was ill. I separated them but Fluff went back and actually left glue all over his brothers’ face. The whole thing was very distressing and the second incident happened before I could separate them and while I was looking for a vet. I then permanently separated them, but Sammy died an hour or so later.
Now, two weeks later, Fluff seems if anything happier and more vocal than he was before. He comes out of the hidey more, he runs around, he popcorns way more than he did before. He wheels like mad and love interaction more than he did. I just don’t understand. We have been looking for a responsible place to get possibly a baby boar(?), but are now wondering if he is okay alone - but I know thats very contrary to accepted wisdom on the matter.
The whole thing has been quite distressing, but we desperately want to do what is right for Fluff.
I’m posting here becauseI have these questions:
(1) Does Fluff’s behaviour with his ill brother sound normal? As horrible as it seems to me, these are animals, not humans. I just want to know whether I should be concerned about him, esp if considering a new companion.
(2) Is it possible for Guinea pigs to be happy alone?
I’ve occasionally visited this forum ever since getting a pair of bonded brother piggies nearly two years ago (unneutered). Lots of wise people here, and I’m really looking for advice…
First, some general info:
Living quarters: garden building, heated, 5 feet long by 2 feet wide. One large hidey at the end with 3 entries, which they both seemed to sleep in together. Another smaller hides at the other end which was used less. I’ve since learned two equal hidies are important for males, but did not realise at the time. Bedding: dust free wood shavings base, with straw on top. Regular hay both inside the main hidey and in the open area.
One pig (Sammy) seemed more reserved and often stayed in the main hidey. Fluff was a bit more “social” if you will. In terms of dominance, I think Fluff was on top, just because he did most of the rumblestrutting. He sometimes seemed to want Sammy to stay in the hidey, which I thought odd. Anyway, Sammy would not be a complete walkover, I sometimes saw them square up to each other, but things were never violent, no blood, just the “normal“ stuff I’ve seen on forums and YouTube.
Sadly, Sammy died two weeks ago. Not sure why. However, on the day he died I heard strange noises from the hidey. Sammy was laid down, and Fluff was humping him vigorously. Both ends. Sammy didn‘t really fight back, I presume because he was ill. I separated them but Fluff went back and actually left glue all over his brothers’ face. The whole thing was very distressing and the second incident happened before I could separate them and while I was looking for a vet. I then permanently separated them, but Sammy died an hour or so later.
Now, two weeks later, Fluff seems if anything happier and more vocal than he was before. He comes out of the hidey more, he runs around, he popcorns way more than he did before. He wheels like mad and love interaction more than he did. I just don’t understand. We have been looking for a responsible place to get possibly a baby boar(?), but are now wondering if he is okay alone - but I know thats very contrary to accepted wisdom on the matter.
The whole thing has been quite distressing, but we desperately want to do what is right for Fluff.
I’m posting here becauseI have these questions:
(1) Does Fluff’s behaviour with his ill brother sound normal? As horrible as it seems to me, these are animals, not humans. I just want to know whether I should be concerned about him, esp if considering a new companion.
(2) Is it possible for Guinea pigs to be happy alone?
