Unhappy pig

Question
My guinea pig had her first litter of pups last Saturday and unfortunately both were still born, it was a horrible time for both of us and we had to see the emergency vet. Since then she has been very quiet and just hiding in her house, she has hardly eaten and I wondered if she could be depressed. She has had LOADS of cuddles and treats but just seems really unhappy. She can't go with my boy pig as he was only neutered 3 weeks ago and I don't want her to get pregnant again, he keeps whistling to her but she's just ignoring him. Do you have any advice please on how I can help her or how long it might be before she starts to perk up again.
Thank you
Robyn

Answer
Hi Robyn,

Sorry to hear your sad news, but well done for taking your girl to see the emergency vet. I presume the possibility of another baby still being inside her has been eliminated? If there is one, her health will deteriorate rapidly, but the vet would almost certainly have checked for this. If you're not sure, give him/her a call.

It is entirely feasible that she is depressed. Guinea pigs are very similar to humans in their physiology (hence their history in the lab) and it is believed that they feel many of the same emotions. She will be very sad that her babies died, and will be grieving for them. The cuddles you can give her just won't be enough - she needs a piggy friend to chat to and snuggle up with when she's feeling sad. It's a shame she's ignoring the male, but as soon as they can be together the better. Could you hold her, and a friend hold the male on your laps next to each other? So they can talk but not touch!

I lost a ten-month old boar in February, and his brother was very visibily upset - he didn't squeak at all, and when we got him out, he'd just snuggle into our sweaters without a sound, not scrabbling around like usual. It was heartbreaking, but the addition of a new cagemate perked him up almost instantly, and it wasn't long before he was rumbling and popcorning again. So I'd recommend you give the vet a call and confirm when she can be reintroduced to the male - I thought you could do so after two weeks, in which case, you can do it now, but please check first as having two pregnancies in quick succession is not good for a female.

I hope both you and your piggy start to cheer up soon.

If you have any other questions - just ask.

Jenny.