Squealing

[Animallover2245]

With my guinea pigs. They’ve been fine with being held ussually. But I’ve noticed recently when I try to check his fur he squeals. I dont hurt them when I hold them and haven’t seen anything on their fur, I know there only 6-7 months. But I’ve never seen this behaviour from them. hIs brother Pete also does the same things. But not as loud. They’ve never squealed at all before only wheeking, and if not wheeking when I’ve picked them up there usually quiet. As for inside the hutch. I’ve only heard Rusty squeal occasionally . But it thought this might be him getting fed up with his brother.

any ideas?

 

[Piggies&buns]

It can sometimes be that they make more noise when being held once they gain in confidence and it can be their way of saying they don’t in like being held or touched. New piggies are often quiet and do sit still through fear rather than enjoyment.
However, it would be wise to have a vet check in case there is skin irritation.

 

[Animallover2245]

It can sometimes be that they make more noise when being held once they gain in confidence and it can be their way of saying they don’t in like being held or touched. New piggies are often quiet and do sit still through fear rather than enjoyment.
However, it would be wise to have a vet check in case there is skin irritation.

Ok thanks, I have noticed some of there poop is softer as it breaks more easily but still normal colour. I’m guessing it’s normal for
Them to have softer poops sometimes

 

[Piggies&buns]

It depends. Softer poops can be indicative of a digestive upset which can require them to be taken off of all veg and fresh grass to rebalance the gut/seeing a vet if things don’t go back after a couple of days of just being fed hay.

 

[Animallover2245]

It depends. Softer poops can be indicative of a digestive upset which can require them to be taken off of all veg and fresh grass to rebalance the gut/seeing a vet if things don’t go back after a couple of days of just being fed hay.

Thanks. I just noticed they haven’t been peeing much either. I cleaned there hutch out this morning around 10am and since then there only been 1 bit of pee just checked now and. I wanted to make sure I got this right. I watched them for around 30 mins just now and both of them didn’t pee at all and I know that’s weird as pigs pee every 15 mins. Could that explain why there poop is softer?. If this is something that’s needs checking out. I don’t think any of my Local vets are open at weekend

 

[Piggies&buns]

If you are concerned about them, then switch to weighing them daily so you can more closely monitor their hay intake and see a vet.

 

[Wiebke]

Hi!

In the context you mention, the squealing is meant as a protest.
If you want to learn more abour prey animal instincts in guinea pigs, then you may find this link here helpful: Understanding Prey Animal Instincts, Guinea Pig Whispering and Cuddling Tips

If you are worried about poos, check your diet as to whether you are overfeeding on veg. I would recommend to keep a closer eye on the weight (as an important part of health monitoring). Hay is making the largest part of a guinea pig diet but we cannot judge the intake by eye and poo quality is basically running a day or so behind events (more in piggies with a sluggish gut).
Weight - Monitoring and Management
Long Term Balanced General And Special Needs Guinea Pig Diets
Digestive Disorders: Diarrhea - Bloat - GI Stasis (No Gut Movement) And Not Eating

All the best.

 

[Animallover2245]

Update: still no peeing. I lost track of weighing since Christmas. There 850g & 712g. Today morning. There both around 7-8 months.

 

[Wiebke]

Update: still no peeing. I lost track of weighing since Christmas. There 850g & 712g. Today morning. There both around 7-8 months.

Hi!

But he is still eating and drinking normally and his weight is stable?

If he really couldn't pee, it would be excruciatingly painful and he would go downhill very quickly and dramatically once the urine backs up into the kidneys, as I know from a post-op experience of my husband's. It is a matter of hours and not days or weeks. He may just hold it in your presence and then make a huge pee once you have gone. Please be aware that not all piggies drink the same amount of water - in fact, it varies enormously individually. If he is one of the of the ones who doesn't drink or drinks only very little, then he won't be peeing all the time but when he does, his urine will be more concentrated so it comes out nevertheless. That is just the way his body works and will not impact on his kidney health or longevity, so no need to worry.
As a rule of thumb, as long as your boy is begging for his food, the internal conveyor belt that is his digestive system is running (pooing) and so is his plumbing (urination). Any blockages or problems tend to result in loss of weight/appetite. That is why life-long weighing (switching to weighing daily at the same time) is so important.

Please read all the links in this thread. You will find the practical detailed information in them very helpful and learn to understand more about how things are connected. We cannot explain everything in a post, hence why we link in the guides for all the tips, 'how to' and 'what' and 'why' aspect that you come up against.
All About Drinking And Bottles
Weight - Monitoring and Management

Squealing when pooing and peeing is generally a symptom of an infection, especially as your boys are a still a bit young for bladder stones (unless you are feeding a seriously high calcium diet).

 

[Animallover2245]

Hi!

But he is still eating and drinking normally and his weight is stable?

If he really couldn't pee, it would be excruciatingly painful and he would go downhill very quickly and dramatically once the urine backs up into the kidneys, as I know from a post-op experience of my husband's. It is a matter of hours and not days or weeks. He may just hold it in your presence and then make a huge pee once you have gone. Please be aware that not all piggies drink the same amount of water - in fact, it varies enormously individually. If he is one of the of the ones who doesn't drink or drinks only very little, then he won't be peeing all the time but when he does, his urine will be more concentrated so it comes out nevertheless. That is just the way his body works and will not impact on his kidney health or longevity, so no need to worry.
As a rule of thumb, as long as your boy is begging for his food, the internal conveyor belt that is his digestive system is running (pooing) and so is his plumbing (urination). Any blockages or problems tend to result in loss of weight/appetite. That is why life-long weighing (switching to weighing daily at the same time) is so important.

Please read all the links in this thread. You will find the practical detailed information in them very helpful and learn to understand more about how things are connected. We cannot explain everything in a post, hence why we link in the guides for all the tips, 'how to' and 'what' and 'why' aspect that you come up against.
All About Drinking And Bottles
Weight - Monitoring and Management

Squealing when pooing and peeing is generally a symptom of an infection, especially as your boys are a still a bit young for bladder stones (unless you are feeding a seriously high calcium diet).

Apart from not being interested in pellets yeah. I did notice a a pink stain on one of the hides. So he must be peeing Only noticed it just now. Although it’s probably just his pee over the hours changing. As this time I haven’t fed any red veg recently
But I thought I’d check on here

 

[Wiebke]

Hi

If you are worried about a potential infection or health issue with painful peeing or pooing, then please see a vet.
It usually takes several days for symptoms to firm up and become consistent so see how it goes over the coming days.

And keep an eye on the weight if your boy doesn't eat certain foods. Keep in mind that hay is making the bulk of what your piggies eat and that you cannot control that by eye and that it is generally the first food group that is impacted (but with us often not noticing) if there is a problem. Otherwise, the daily 1 tablespoon of pellets are the one food group that can be left out and supplemented with some fresh or dry forage.

 

[Animallover2245]

Thanks guys @Wiebke


Thanks. Just to be on the safe side I did book an appointment later

They look fine right? (Just thought I’d check with you guys.)

 

[Animallover2245]

Just wanted to update you @Wiebke

Update: took them to the vet. The vet said she couldn’t feel anything. But she think it may be an infection so they prescribed them metacam once daily for 10 days and if nothing improves after 10 days or they get worse during the 10 days to bring them back and they’ll do x rays. They also said to avoid feeding veg high in calcium just Incase it is the start of stones.

I know Kale & spinach is high is calcium. Is there any other veg or herbs that are high in calcium?
Also I forgot ask whether there’s any side effects to metacam?

 

[Piggies&buns]

Just wanted to update you @Wiebke

Update: took them to the vet. The vet said she couldn’t feel anything. But she think it may be an infection so they prescribed them metacam once daily for 10 days and if nothing improves after 10 days or they get worse during the 10 days to bring them back and they’ll do x rays. They also said to avoid feeding veg high in calcium just Incase it is the start of stones.

I know Kale & spinach is high is calcium. Is there any other veg or herbs that are high in calcium?
Also I forgot ask whether there’s any side effects to metacam?

If they think it’s an infection did they not give antibiotics?
Metacam is an anti-inflammatory painkiller

Kale, spinach, parsley, dill are amongst the highest calcium veg and herbs.
Ensure you keep pellets limited to one tablespoon per piggy and filter their drinking water as that will also help reduce calcium intake. Do be aware though that diet changes takes weeks to have any effect though.

 

[Wiebke]

Just wanted to update you @Wiebke

Update: took them to the vet. The vet said she couldn’t feel anything. But she think it may be an infection so they prescribed them metacam once daily for 10 days and if nothing improves after 10 days or they get worse during the 10 days to bring them back and they’ll do x rays. They also said to avoid feeding veg high in calcium just Incase it is the start of stones.

I know Kale & spinach is high is calcium. Is there any other veg or herbs that are high in calcium?
Also I forgot ask whether there’s any side effects to metacam?

Hi!

Please take the time to read our diet guide. You should find it very helpful as it looks at diet as a whole (keeping in mind that more calcium comes into the diet via water and via pellets that via high calcium veg) and then we are looking at each group in detail, including a balanced veg diet. Our diet advice is based on our on long term experiences so we know it works. We have also included a chapter that deals specifically with piggies with urinary tract issues: Long Term Balanced General And Special Needs Guinea Pig Diets

I have only had one bladder stone case in the last 8 years and that was in the wake of the pandemic fresh food supply shortages at the start - not great when you are shielding and have 27 piggies and there is only higher calcium fresh veg and greens available, no peppers or lettuce...for several weeks.

Metacam is an analgesic (anti-inflammatory and painkiller) but not an antibiotic. What dosage and what strength (i.e. cat (0.5mg) or dog (1.5 mg) is it?

 

[Animallover2245]

Hi!

Please take the time to read our diet guide. You should find it very helpful as it looks at diet as a whole (keeping in mind that more calcium comes into the diet via water and via pellets that via high calcium veg) and then we are looking at each group in detail, including a balanced veg diet. Our diet advice is based on our on long term experiences so we know it works. We have also included a chapter that deals specifically with piggies with urinary tract issues: Long Term Balanced General And Special Needs Guinea Pig Diets

I have only had one bladder stone case in the last 8 years and that was in the wake of the pandemic fresh food supply shortages at the start - not great when you are shielding and have 27 piggies and there is only higher calcium fresh veg and greens available, no peppers or lettuce...for several weeks.

Metacam is an analgesic (anti-inflammatory and painkiller) but not an antibiotic. What dosage and what strength (i.e. cat (0.5mg) or dog (1.5 mg) is it?

Thanks

They said 0.3ml

 

[Wiebke]

Thanks

They said 0.3ml

Thanks

They said 0.3ml

Of which strength? Once or twice a day?
It should say on the label.

 

[Animallover2245]

Of which strength? Once or twice a day?

Once daily

If they think it’s an infection did they not give antibiotics?
Metacam is an anti-inflammatory painkiller

Kale, spinach, parsley, dill are amongst the highest calcium veg and herbs.
Ensure you keep pellets limited to one tablespoon per piggy and filter their drinking water as that will also help reduce calcium intake. Do be aware though that diet changes takes weeks to have any effect though.

That’s what confused me too
Thanks. How do you filter water?

 

[Piggies&buns]

Once daily



That’s what confused me too
Thanks. How do you filter water?

A lot of people use a Brita filter jug

 

[Animallover2245]

A lot of people use a Brita filter jug

I haven’t got any jugs at the moment

 

[Piggies&buns]

I haven’t got any jugs at the moment

It’s highly advisable to purchase a Brita (Amazon and some supermarkets do their own versions as well). It’s recommended piggies only drink filtered water in a hard water country such as the UK

 

[Animallover2245]

It’s highly advisable to purchase a Brita (Amazon and some supermarkets do their own versions as well). It’s recommended piggies only drink filtered water in a hard water country such as the UK

Thanks this is first time I’ve heard anyone filter water. I’ve only heard water being filtered in countries that you can’t drink tap water. Anyways what does hard water mean? I’ve not heard of hard water before either.

 

[Piggies&buns]

Thanks this is first time I’ve heard anyone filter water. I’ve only heard water being filtered in countries that you can’t drink tap water. Anyways what does hard water mean? I’ve not heard of hard water before either.

It’s standard forum advice to always filter their drinking water.
Hard water is water which has a high mineral content. You may notice limescale in your kettle, shower etc.
There are areas in the UK where the water is soft ie a lower mineral content but a lot of the UK is hard water therefore has higher levels of minerals such as calcium which can contribute to the formation of bladder stones. Your area of the country is a hard water area

There is a section about water in the feeding guide
Long Term Balanced General And Special Needs Guinea Pig Diets

 

[Wiebke]

Once daily



That’s what confused me too
Thanks. How do you filter water?

If that is 0.5mg (cat strength) metacam, then it is as low as a vet can go - verging on the cosmetic. What I call a 'fig leaf' prescription, as in 'I am not at all convinced your piggies are ill, so I give them a little something that will not hurt in order to keep you happy.'

PS: PLEASE read our diet guide, which includes water as an essential part of the daily food intake and diet. It is all explained in there!

 

[Animallover2245]

If that is 0.5mg (cat strength) metacam, then it is as low as a vet can go - verging on the cosmetic. What I call a 'fig leaf' prescription, as in 'I am not at all convinced your piggies are ill, so I give them a little something that will not hurt to keep you happy.'

PS: PLEASE read our diet guide, which includes water as an essential part of the daily food intake and diet. It is all explained in there!

Ok interesting name

 

[Animallover2245]

It’s standard forum advice to always filter their drinking water.
Hard water is water which has a high mineral content. You may notice limescale in your kettle, shower etc.
There are areas in the UK where the water is soft ie a lower mineral content but a lot of the UK is hard water therefore has higher levels of minerals such as calcium which can contribute to the formation of bladder stones. Your area of the country is a hard water area

There is a section about water in the feeding guide
Long Term Balanced General And Special Needs Guinea Pig Diets

Thanks

 

[Wiebke]

Thanks

Reading is definitely hard water country; as is most of the UK with the exception of mainly parts of Scotland. So a lot of calcium in your piggies' diet will come via the water bottle.

If you feed a bowl of pellets instead of just a teaspoon that is the second largest source of calcium because you need a plate full of kale to give them the same amount of calcium and even more other veg.

With your selection of veg you are looking not just at the calcium content but also at oxalates in the diet which contribute to the formation of stones, so you may find recommendations to leave out some rather unexpected food groups for a very good reason in our diet guide.

Your aim is NOT to cut all calcium out altogether but to get your diet in a long term sustainable soft spot that prevents your piggy from developing stones but keep them healthy for a hopefully long life.

It is the combination of ALL dietary measures that is doing the trick; not just a single one. And it will take several weeks until all the calcium is worked out of the body.

 

[Animallover2245]

Reading is definitely hard water country; as is most of the UK with the exception of mainly parts of Scotland. So a lot of calcium in your piggies' diet will come via the water bottle.

If you feed a bowl of pellets instead of just a teaspoon that is the second largest source of calcium because you need a plate full of kale to give them the same amount of calcium and even more other veg.

With your selection of veg you are looking not just at the calcium content but also at oxalates in the diet which contribute to the formation of stones, so you may find recommendations to leave out some rather unexpected food groups for a very good reason in our diet guide.

Your aim is NOT to cut all calcium out altogether but to get your diet in a long term sustainable soft spot that prevents your piggy from developing stones but keep them healthy for a hopefully long life.

It is the combination of ALL dietary measures that is doing the trick; not just a single one. And it will take several weeks until all the calcium is worked out of the body.

Thanks