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Small pets

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Original poster

guinea pig suddenly died

13 replies

sillyoldfool · 24/05/2013 20:58

She was fine this morning, was seeming a bit strange this evening and was obviously unwell when we brought her inside for a cuddle (she's one of a pair of outdoor guineas) so we tucked them both up in their hutch with a hot water bottle. Just been to check on them and she's dead.
Have no idea what was wrong. feel so awful and am dreading having to tell DD in the morning, she's going to be devastated.
Sad

OP posts:
PickledMoomin · 24/05/2013 21:01

So sorry for you and your family.Sad

I don't have any experience of this yet but I'm sure there will be someone along soon.

How old was she?

Do you have an indoor hutch? Could you bring GP2 indoors?

Original poster
sillyoldfool · 24/05/2013 21:04

she was almost 3. we don't have an indoor hutch, they've always been outside, I think the noise in the house would upset the other guinea pig. Hate that she's all alone out there now though Sad

OP posts:
guineapiglet · 24/05/2013 22:58

Very sorry to hear your news, guineas to tend to go downhill v quickly, bless her. I would try and bring her companion in as she will be vv sad and lonely and you will need to keep yr eye on her...it could be this horrible cold damp, rotten for you all x

Mintyy · 24/05/2013 23:01

They can die very quickly. Small comfort to think they don't suffer for long Sad.

Original poster
sillyoldfool · 24/05/2013 23:17

It is a comfort to think that she was gamboling around the lawn in the sun this morning, and was warm and cozy cuddled up with us just shortly before she died.
I think she might have eaten some daisies, which I've found out are poisonous, I didn't realise that despite having had guineas throughout my childhood, and these two for nearly 3 years.
Our neighbour has 5 outdoor guineas and has offered to loan us one to keep our guinea company while we figure out what to do.
Is that a good idea, or might they not get on?

OP posts:
Mintyy · 24/05/2013 23:20

Take your lonely guinea round to the neighbour's and put her in with their gps, and see if there is one she takes a shine to? I think you are supposed to let them choose their new companion in these circumstances.

I didn't know that about daisies! Thanks for the tip!

cornypedicure · 24/05/2013 23:22

Sad sorry about your piggy
I didn't know that daisies were poisonous either.

guineapiglet · 25/05/2013 09:03

It is very kind of your neighbour and your guinea will be glad to have a companion but I'm not sure putting them all in together is a good idea. Your girl may find this overwhelming and stressful, much better to do this on neutral ground and slowly. My experience of integrating new guineas over the years tells me to go slowly ... Good luck .

MadeOfStarDust · 25/05/2013 09:07

There is also the fact that what she died from could be infectious.... I would isolate your piggy from any others for a few days - lots of people-cuddles of course....

Mintyy · 25/05/2013 11:12

Yes, don't let her mix with other piggies just yet, just in case.

Two of our three guinepigs died unexpectedly and when they were young (not at the same time, it was a year apart).

The third one is still with us and I admit to being a bit heart in mouth every morning when I go to check on her. I love her so much.

Original poster
sillyoldfool · 25/05/2013 12:36

DD is cuddling the remaining one now whilst sobbing away, she's so sad. She's only 5, DD2 is too little to understand (2) but has asked where the other guinea pig is a few times Hmm
Good point about not mixing them for a little while in case of infection. The remaining piggy is so sad and quiet though, we will have to get her a friend.
Dd1s going to decorate a shoe box a bit later for the guinea to be buried in Hmm
Thankyou all, having pets is so lovely, but loosing them is just heartbreaking.

OP posts:
guineapiglet · 25/05/2013 12:47

Just a quickie re burying her, if you are going to have a little 'funeral' - this is a very important part of having pets, that the kids learn about death and saying goodbye in their own way. We always had a little 'ceremony' with a little poem or drawing and a special stone to mark the spot - usually a rock or pebble from the beach, or something so the children knew it was a special place for them - it is sad, but it is learning all about loving something and knowing they are at peace :)

alemci · 25/05/2013 12:59

poor guinea pig. I didn't know that about daisies. The neighbours GP sound like a good idea but keep an eye as they can be mean to a newcomer.

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