Hi,
I recently stated housing a lone pig after her friend passed and I was wondering what the signs of depression are and what can you do to help a lone pig? I don’t think Bella is depressed at the moment as she seems happy and is eating/drinking well. Just in case she starts to get lonely:what are the sighns of depression ina guinea pig?
Thanks a bunch
Being quiet, withdrawn and bored. Single guinea pigs can also very clingy/needy/attention seeking when somebody is around.
Not eating is only a sign of acute pining, a freshly bereaved closely bonded guinea pig giving up on life; mostly it is a sign of illness. Acute pining is thankfully rare. But even when a guinea pig is not showing signs of acute depression at first, the lack of stimulation will often get to them in the longer term.
No guinea pig is ever too old for company. Guinea pigs are group animals and they rely on company of their own kind much more than most people expect. Like many widowed old people, especially when they are no longer fit to go out or go out much, old guinea pigs feel lonely and become down and depressed over time.
The best place to get a friend of her own choice, whether that is another boar or sow of any age is a rescue you can date her at. Mutual liking is key to any successful piggy bond.
If that is not an option, even another single/bereaved piggy in an adjoining cage with interaction through the bars and where they can see each other and touch noses can be enough to prevent depression.
This guide here deals with these aspects and contains links to good quality rescues in several countries:
Looking After A Bereaved Guinea Pig
PS: I am currently looking after such a piggy; she is one of several bereaved end-of-the-line piggies that I have taken in from vouched for owners over the years. Calli is celebrating her 9th birthday later this month. She became gradually depressed/understimulated in the weeks after the loss of her last group companion over a year ago. Even though she wasn't willing to share her space with another bereaved sow of mine, she had plenty of company through the bars (including some other stroppy widows). After 10 months, she and my rambunctious 6 year old Tegan finally consented to living together and have been getting on well since. But the main objective was achieved - Calli hasn't been depressed since her arrival here and - apart from a spot of arthritis - she is still going strong and interested in life. She loved watching the antics of a could of baby adoptees in the next pen from her hay tray in between naps and loves to say hello to other piggies during their roaming time.
Calli and Tegan on their first short visit to the spring lawn a couple of weeks ago
