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Post by xfreekx on Oct 13, 2010 14:29:32 GMT
Yesterday afternoon we let our little boy out for some play time...everything was normal except when we went to put him back in his cage he resisted strongly (which is weird because usually he likes going back in and sometimes even goes back in himself even before we retrieve him).
Later on last night...Chubbs began diving around the cage trying to get out like something was attacking him, I've never seen anything like it. For the rest of the night he huddled up in one corner and wouldn't move. I took him out at one point to pet him as i do every night and he was completely normal (purring, stretching, sleeping) but when i went to put him back in his cage he dove from my arms and wouldn't go in. We cleaned his cage thoroughly and and put him back but he still won't leave the corner. He just sits there sniffing though he will eat if we place food right in front of him.
Anbody have any idea what's going on?
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Post by twistedsymphony on Oct 13, 2010 17:10:34 GMT
wow that sounds awful! These are my initial thoughts.
The immediate concern I have is the panicked running around the cage, which could suggest mites, which can get horrible for them so I really would take him to the vets to get that checked just to be sure, it can give them bald patches if they don't get treated. But you can get a spot on treatment from the vets for that. They might be able to give you more suggestions too.
Where is the cage? I think Gp's have a larger hearing range than we do so potentially something could be making a scary noise and you wouldn't be able to hear it.
I would also clean the cage again but just with hot water, and then put a blanket over one end of the cage to make sure it feels secure.
Have you changed ANYTHING at all in the house? Cage, bedding, water bottle, carpet cleaner, position, curtains.... etc that co-insides with this behavior. Mine react badly to me changing my perfume.
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Post by xfreekx on Oct 13, 2010 17:34:06 GMT
No...we haven't changed anything at all. I thought maybe an insect or something had gotten in there so we cleaned the cage and it didn't help at all.
I read somewhere that cavies can get spooked and stay scared for a couple days before they get over it. He doesn't seem to be itching or wheezing or sneezing very much. He seems fine outside of the cage except we usually put his cage on the ground and he won't go anywhere near it.
Another thing I read said he may have a URI.
I guess I'll just wait a day or two to see if he improves. He's still eating fine as long as we keep his food near him. He won't leave his corner even if we put his favorite treats on the other side of the cage. I'm hoping he'll get over it.
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Post by xfreekx on Oct 13, 2010 18:14:59 GMT
I've been reading a lot about spooked pigs...it sounds like this is the problem for sure....everything else is normal.
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Post by cherrytitch on Oct 13, 2010 18:52:06 GMT
do your neighbours or yourself have any cats that mighty have spooked them my cat trys 2 intimidate my pigs when she doesn't get what she wants
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Post by xfreekx on Oct 13, 2010 19:00:06 GMT
No we don't have any other animals and we are upstairs so there's no way he would've seen a cat or anything. The only thing i can think of is when he was eating his hay yesterday he pulled a certain way and his plastic hay rack fell on him and he was startled. He wouldn't go anywhere near his rack after that but we've layed it next to him and he eats from it now. It's possible this is what caused it.
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Post by cherrytitch on Oct 13, 2010 19:04:54 GMT
seems like that must have been why then glad hes eating again id be scared if any of my piggies stopped eating 2
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Post by kellyb on Oct 14, 2010 2:12:30 GMT
I've never heard of a piggy being so spooked before. Poor little guy. The hay rack falling on him would definitely be scary. I guess it'd be like an armoire falling on us if we were in our bedroom - we wouldn't be too thrilled to be near it again. Maybe put a nice cozy blanket (fleece) in his cage for him to cuddle up in. My girls kinda act like toddlers that way - they love their "blankies" (LOL) and always seem happier when they can have a good snuggle in a soft blanket. Keep giving him his treats in there and anything else you can think of to help him feel secure. Hopefully he'll be back to normal soon.
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Post by xfreekx on Oct 14, 2010 5:39:57 GMT
Thanks for the advice! I put a towel in there he loves and he's sleeping on that. He still isn't walking around the cage but he's sleeping better and is starting to wheek again. I've been reading a ton about spooked pigs and many had a similar experience and said it just takes a few days for the little guy to get over it.
The good thing is...he's eating great and still passes out on my lap after i give him treats.
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