Very Quiet Guinea Pig

[bob2sea]

For a couple of weeks, our two young boys (Gavin & Jack) have been having a dominance dispute, well actually, its been more one way traffic with Jack trying for dominance over Gavin. Things were calm enough, there was no fighting, but Gavin was soaked in wee quiet a bit :{

Its all returned to normal now, but ever since it has, Gavin always remain in the same place, sat under the water bottle. He sits there all day and most of the time is just sprawled out like he is asleep.

He has never been an overly active GP, in fact, in the 6 months we've had him, we have never, ever, heard him squeak. Our 5 other guinea pigs (Jack & The 4 Girls!) go crazy when they hear food is on its way, they cling on to their respective cage doors and we struggle to even get the food in! But Gavin just sits there are does nothing.

Is he sad or depressed, or do we just have a very, very lazy GP?

 

[flips]

Sorry, I don't know the answer but would be concerned that he's being over-dominated/ bullied. Hopefully someone will be along tomorrow to give some better advice.

 

[Sodapops]

Do you have all 4 girls and 2 boys together in the same cage? Not being a savvy cavy expert i can't really offer much advice, but i always assumed that two boys in the same cage alongside a number of girls is always going to cause bullying/dominence as the boys will squabble and argue/fight over the girls.

All the mixed sex pairings/herds ive seen always include just 1 single neutered boar - i honestly didn't think multuple boys and girls in the same cage worked?

Would be interesting to hear from the experts

 

[Wiebke]

Some piggies are naturally quiet.

But:
- has Gavin got his own hide? With boars you should have everything in twos, from hides, food bowls, water bottles etc.

- are you monitoring your piggies' weight weekly? Weight loss can help you find out whether Gavin is getting enough food or is bullied too much! http://www.guinealynx.info/weigh.html


- have you tried Gavin away from Jack in a territory of his own? His behaviour will give you the answer you are looking for. You'll notice whether he is suddenly a lot happier and chirpier on his own or whether his priority is being reunited with this mate!

 

[bob2sea]

No, the girls live in a double hutch and the boys have their own hutch, however, they are next to each other as they are currently indoors. They will be venturing outside this weekend for the first time in their lives though :{ At least we will get our spare bedroom back :p

Thats interesting about having his own hide, currently he does not. They have a sleep section where we put all the hay and Jack sleeps in there and Gavin sleeps out in the 'open' so to speak.

I will invest in a little hide for him and see if that helps

Thanks for your advice