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Post by 3piggles on Nov 19, 2021 19:52:42 GMT
He may be working harder to eat less, so he looks as if he's constantly eating, but he's not taking in that much food. If he's on pain killers or antibiotics, his appetite can be effected. I would call the vet, and ask if he filed or clipped the tooth, and if so, how long before Rusty starts eating and gaining weight. If he says he didn't do that, ask him why, if a tooth is growing into the side of Rusty's mouth, he didn't do that, and when he can do it. That will mean another trip to the vet, but at least Rusty will be able to eat as he should, and gain back the weight.
It also takes some time to regain weight, so don't be discouraged by the actual weight, unless it continues to drop. If it only increases slowly, that's still good. Definitely, call the vet and ask about Rusty's condition, and what you should expect.
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Post by rustypete on Nov 19, 2021 21:54:40 GMT
He may be working harder to eat less, so he looks as if he's constantly eating, but he's not taking in that much food. If he's on pain killers or antibiotics, his appetite can be effected. I would call the vet, and ask if he filed or clipped the tooth, and if so, how long before Rusty starts eating and gaining weight. If he says he didn't do that, ask him why, if a tooth is growing into the side of Rusty's mouth, he didn't do that, and when he can do it. That will mean another trip to the vet, but at least Rusty will be able to eat as he should, and gain back the weight. It also takes some time to regain weight, so don't be discouraged by the actual weight, unless it continues to drop. If it only increases slowly, that's still good. Definitely, call the vet and ask about Rusty's condition, and what you should expect. Well Rusty is his brother, Pete is the one that had the tooth issue but I noticed they were both loosing weight
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Post by Bean on Nov 20, 2021 8:40:43 GMT
Some variation is normal, especially when weighing in grams. How hydrated they are, how full their intestines and bladder are etc. See if it's a one off with Rusty or if the pattern continues and is a cause for concern. It sounds like he's otherwise eating/ pooping normally?
Daily weigh-ins are useful with unwell guinea pigs, and that data can be really useful for vets in knowing how serious something is. It sounds really encouraging that Pete is eating well, I hope that translates to him putting back on that weight he's lost.
Sorry that you're having such a worrying start with these little fellas.
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Post by rustypete on Nov 23, 2021 8:12:33 GMT
Some variation is normal, especially when weighing in grams. How hydrated they are, how full their intestines and bladder are etc. See if it's a one off with Rusty or if the pattern continues and is a cause for concern. It sounds like he's otherwise eating/ pooping normally? Daily weigh-ins are useful with unwell guinea pigs, and that data can be really useful for vets in knowing how serious something is. It sounds really encouraging that Pete is eating well, I hope that translates to him putting back on that weight he's lost. Sorry that you're having such a worrying start with these little fellas. Well that’s what I thought however I think Pete’s trying to hide it now as recently I’ve noticed a lot of veg In his hide. I’ve never heard of guinea pigs storing food as there not hamsters. I know there prey animals so they try to hide problems.
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Post by Bean on Nov 23, 2021 8:30:24 GMT
Oh that's a worry. It sounds like might want to eat so be taking it off to keep it for himself, but just not being able to get his teeth into it? Can you take him out on your lap and feed him something you know he really likes so you can watch him eat? But if the weight loss has continued, that's certainly a sign something is amiss. Again, I'm sorry you're having such a worrying start to your reintroduction to having guinea pigs. I hope the vets are helpful.
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Post by rustypete on Nov 23, 2021 9:52:10 GMT
Oh that's a worry. It sounds like might want to eat so be taking it off to keep it for himself, but just not being able to get his teeth into it? Can you take him out on your lap and feed him something you know he really likes so you can watch him eat? But if the weight loss has continued, that's certainly a sign something is amiss. Again, I'm sorry you're having such a worrying start to your reintroduction to having guinea pigs. I hope the vets are helpful. I’m still working on taming them but I can try tgat however the weird thing is he’s gained weight as he’s 497g instead of 409g is it possible he’s relying more on hay?. However his brother Rusty has still lost weight 406g instead of 435g. They’ve both been drinking around 50ml of water which is slightly more than normal but I know water level can vary in general with piggies and probably just because is getting colder.
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Post by 3piggles on Nov 23, 2021 21:02:04 GMT
Guinea pigs can gain/lose up to 30g between having just eaten a full meal, or having just gone to the bathroom, so Rusty's weight loss could just be weigh-in timing. Obviously, if it drops more than it has, with not increases in between, something is wrong. Guinea pigs often take food into their houses to keep other guinea pigs from stealing it. If for some reason Pete thinks Rusty is after his food, he may hoard it, at least enough for him to feel he has dominated the food war. Guinea pigs also stash foods they don't like, strange as that seems. I think it's more taking the food into the house to eat it, not liking it, and just leaving it there. Perhaps trying some other foods would help. Also, if you haven't already, clean out the food from his house, so if anything, he'll have to bring in more, and see if he does. Even if the foods he's leaving in his house are foods he's eaten before, I've found guinea pigs go through fads. Have to have a certain thing, then after a while turn up their noses at it, and have to have something else. Do you have any Critical Care, or whatever it's called in England? Bean, you know what it's called. Sometimes mixing that with fruit juice or baby food helps them over a weight loss, so getting a bit to give to Rusty is an option. If Rusty keeps losing, I'd get him to a vet ASAP. Otherwise, it seems as if Pete needs some observing, lol He might also like some Critical Care.
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Post by Bean on Nov 24, 2021 8:53:24 GMT
Sorry Rusty is still losing weight, have you rung the vets given it's a week since he started treatment and he still seems to be deteriorating? It's good that Pete's weight seems to have recovered. Daily weigh-ins will be really helpful in monitoring them both while this is going on, and is extra information to give to the vet.
In terms of water, some pigs play with the water bottle more, so what disappears isn't always what's been drunk. Wet patches under the water bottle are a good sign, although it's not always that obvious.
Are the veg you find the same kinds? I find with my group of three, they'll often grab something and run off with it, only to realise they don't actually like it that much, so they abandon it under a box and come back out to see if there's anything better on offer!
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Post by rustypete on Nov 24, 2021 9:45:29 GMT
Guinea pigs can gain/lose up to 30g between having just eaten a full meal, or having just gone to the bathroom, so Rusty's weight loss could just be weigh-in timing. Obviously, if it drops more than it has, with not increases in between, something is wrong. Guinea pigs often take food into their houses to keep other guinea pigs from stealing it. If for some reason Pete thinks Rusty is after his food, he may hoard it, at least enough for him to feel he has dominated the food war. Guinea pigs also stash foods they don't like, strange as that seems. I think it's more taking the food into the house to eat it, not liking it, and just leaving it there. Perhaps trying some other foods would help. Also, if you haven't already, clean out the food from his house, so if anything, he'll have to bring in more, and see if he does. Even if the foods he's leaving in his house are foods he's eaten before, I've found guinea pigs go through fads. Have to have a certain thing, then after a while turn up their noses at it, and have to have something else. Do you have any Critical Care, or whatever it's called in England? Bean, you know what it's called. Sometimes mixing that with fruit juice or baby food helps them over a weight loss, so getting a bit to give to Rusty is an option. If Rusty keeps losing, I'd get him to a vet ASAP. Otherwise, it seems as if Pete needs some observing, lol He might also like some Critical Care. Thanks and I think that was the case with the veg as I was low on certain veg I ussually give, picked up more different veg yesterday afternoon. As for There weight it must of just been gaining loosing around 30g as Rusty was 506g this morning instead of 406g in the morning yesterday. Pete is 500g this morning instead of 497g yesterday morning.
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Post by rustypete on Nov 24, 2021 10:06:42 GMT
Sorry Rusty is still losing weight, have you rung the vets given it's a week since he started treatment and he still seems to be deteriorating? It's good that Pete's weight seems to have recovered. Daily weigh-ins will be really helpful in monitoring them both while this is going on, and is extra information to give to the vet. In terms of water, some pigs play with the water bottle more, so what disappears isn't always what's been drunk. Wet patches under the water bottle are a good sign, although it's not always that obvious. Are the veg you find the same kinds? I find with my group of three, they'll often grab something and run off with it, only to realise they don't actually like it that much, so they abandon it under a box and come back out to see if there's anything better on offer! The one with the tooth issue was Pete and he does seem to be back to his normal self. As he’s now 500g this morning instead of 497g yesterday morning. I did try follow up but unfortunately the vet that saw me was busy too talk due to an appointment. They were meant to call back but never did. As for Rusty it must of just been the 30g weight/gain loss. As he’s now 506g this morning instead of 406g yesterday morning. I was running low on a veg. So that’s probably why . I got some more veg yesterday afternoon. I was just curious as they used to eat in front of each other. But they are 3-4 months old and with Pete being the more dominant one he probably is just making sure Rusty doesn’t steal it from him anymore as they used to try to steal it of each other even though theres more in the bowl. I assume Guinea pigs get dominant around 3-4 months. Especially as I’ve seen them mount each other when they’re both males which I know is because of dominance reasons, luckily Rusty doesn’t care when Pete does it as it doesn’t last very long.
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Post by 3piggles on Nov 24, 2021 21:20:25 GMT
It sounds as if both boys are doing really well
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Post by rustypete on Nov 24, 2021 21:27:55 GMT
It sounds as if both boys are doing really well Thanks even though you said it twice
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Post by Bean on Nov 25, 2021 8:12:04 GMT
Gawd, sorry I got the names mixed up - I'm sure I'd be sharper if I came on later in the day! Good news both their weights seem to be okay - fingers crossed that continues.
And yes, I think you can safely assume you will be seeing quite a bit of hormonal behaviour now! Hopefully it will stay as it is, with Rusty not being bothered by Pete's swagger.
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Post by Bean on Nov 29, 2021 8:42:54 GMT
Hope the boys are both eating well and have good weights?
Hope you've managed to keep them toasty over the storm too, it's been grim out there!
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Post by rustypete on Dec 2, 2021 8:46:10 GMT
Hope the boys are both eating well and have good weights? Hope you've managed to keep them toasty over the storm too, it's been grim out there! It’s fine you got the named mixed up. Pete was the one with the issues and his weights been fine. Rusty has still been loosing around 16g but as you said before they can loose around 50g. However I’ve noticed a change in Rusty’s behaviour. He used to be very calm and be able to be picked up but now he’s gotten slighty aggressive. When I tried to pick up he would kick my hand. I tried giving him a break before trying to pick up again in case he needed to the toilet but the 2nd time I tried he would still kick and he decided to bite me. He’s always been very calm before and never kicked or bitten. So I’m confused why he’s changed his behaviour all of a sudden. But as soon as I put him back he was back to normal. I also never pick them up from above and he’s not been aggressive to his brother Pete. Is there a reason guinea pigs change their behaviour suddenly? I was picking them up so I could weigh them
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Post by 3piggles on Dec 2, 2021 17:55:01 GMT
You have to think of piggies as children. They have temper tantrums, they sulk, they get very happy, they want to eat everything they shouldn't, and they go through phases.
Usually, a new resistance to being picked up means one of two things. Either they are totally not in the mood, and have decided to make their feelings known, or they aren't feeling well, and don't want to be moved in ways they don't choose to be moved. Not feeling well includes everything from being bloated to having skinned a knee and it hurts. Especially if they're poos and appetites are good, it's probably more of an attempt to establish dominance that you can't just pick them up any time you feel like. They have to feel like it, too. That's normal, especially if they're getting two the terrible twos, 8 months to 14 months old. They may also start picking on each other, or one may start picking on the other. Just watch them. As for the kicking and biting, there's not much you can do except wear some thick gloves they can't bite through. That doesn't work with lap time, but they will probably also start dictating what happens during lap time.
I certainly hope it's a phase, and not a health problem. All digits crossed!
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Post by rustypete on Dec 5, 2021 14:23:15 GMT
You have to think of piggies as children. They have temper tantrums, they sulk, they get very happy, they want to eat everything they shouldn't, and they go through phases. Usually, a new resistance to being picked up means one of two things. Either they are totally not in the mood, and have decided to make their feelings known, or they aren't feeling well, and don't want to be moved in ways they don't choose to be moved. Not feeling well includes everything from being bloated to having skinned a knee and it hurts. Especially if they're poos and appetites are good, it's probably more of an attempt to establish dominance that you can't just pick them up any time you feel like. They have to feel like it, too. That's normal, especially if they're getting two the terrible twos, 8 months to 14 months old. They may also start picking on each other, or one may start picking on the other. Just watch them. As for the kicking and biting, there's not much you can do except wear some thick gloves they can't bite through. That doesn't work with lap time, but they will probably also start dictating what happens during lap time. I certainly hope it's a phase, and not a health problem. All digits crossed! I think he might just be territorial as he’s fine being picked up outside of the enclosure. His brother doesn’t mind either way. His bite was more of nibble rather than an actual bite so he was either just territorial or not in the mood that day he hasn’t bitten since luckily
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Post by 3piggles on Dec 5, 2021 21:22:18 GMT
I had a real biter. Drew blood and left scars. Be glad he's more of a nibbler
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Post by rustypete on Dec 6, 2021 8:59:59 GMT
I had a real biter. Drew blood and left scars. Be glad he's more of a nibbler That’s painful. Hamster bites are a lot worse
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Post by 3piggles on Dec 6, 2021 17:59:44 GMT
I've never had hamsters, but those guinea pig bites were bad enough!
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