guinea pigs and pumpkin

Question
Last year my daughter was all excited to give her guinea pig the mini jack-o-lantern that she had carved for him.  Two weeks after Halloween the guinea pig was dead after a long illness.  

We got her another guinea pig and again she gave him a mini-pumpkin at Halloween time.  The pig was dead two days later.  I thought pumpkin would be good for a guinea pig.  Is the pumpkin the problem or was this a coincidence?  I have a very sad little girl.  She was very consciencious about taking care of her pet.

Answer
Hi Cindy

I have spent the last couple of days scouring the internet regarding pumpkin for you as it is something I have never been asked before. Pumkin does not seem to be poisenous as it is always listed under safe foods with nutritional content shown.

One thought I did have though, if your daughter's pig is housed outside, perhaps it is fireworks that has scared the pig. I am sorry I can't give you a 100% definative answer. You can take a look at www.guinealynx.info for the best site I use which can tell you more.

Please give my condolences to your daughter for me. I hope these experiences will not stop her from loving these adorable creatures in the future.

If I can be of any further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me.

andy