My guinea pigs are lying close with eyes closed. Is this bonding?

Hi again! It is not unusual for two guinea pigs to be a bit agitated by each other at the beginning, while they work out a hierarchy. I would suggest supervising them for now while they are together. If you notice the clicking again, I would separate them and try again another time. Try feeding them together, and offer them treats together so that they can start to associate some positive interactions with each other. I hope this helps, and that your boys start getting along soon!

Based on the behavior you are describing I would not recommend housing these pigs together right now. The older pig is exhibiting some signs of dominance which can quickly turn to aggression. I would recommend allowing them to interact and play with each other under your supervision. If you ever notice that these behaviors stop then you can try housing them together. I hope this helps. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Best of luck.

Hello, and congratulations on your new guinea pigs! Guinea pigs can become very social with humans but it can take some time if they have not had much interactions with humans before. Try to very gradually get them used to you by offering them something tasty such as fresh vegetables, fruits, and commercial treats from your hand. Eventually, they will start to associate your presence with treats, and will be more willing to come out to play. While they are eating a treat from your hand, you can try to gently pet them on the top of their head. Talk to your guinea pigs regularly so they get used to your voice, and ideally put their cage in a room where you are often in, so they get used to your presence as well. They can also learn their names if you use them often enough! Don't try to pick up/hold your guinea pigs until they have some comfort with taking a treat from your hand and putting their front paws on your hand. When you do try to pick them up, hold them snug but not too tight, and always support their bum to avoid falling. I hope this helps! Enjoy your little guys. They are great pets!

Thanks for reaching out about your guinea pig. Eyes infections, corneal abrasions (from hay, other trauma), dental disease and other ocular problems are common and should be assessed by a veterinarian, before they progress. The redness is a clinical sign of inflammation or bleeding. Good luck.

Thanks for reaching out about Gem and including a photo. She might be biting due to discomfort or pain. The eye being closed is commonly caused by an ocular trauma or infection. A veterinary visit is recommended to assess and provide a diagnostic/treatment plan. Good luck.

Oh dear - I am so sorry to hear about little Squirdy. It is never easy to say goodbye to our furry friends, but 7 years is a good long life for a guinea pig, and I'm sure she had the best home with you. The euthanasia process is designed to minimize pain and distress for our pets - the word "euthanasia" is from the Greek "eu," meaning "good," and "thanatos," meaning "death," so it truly is the last gift that we can give them. Due to the lack of electrical signals to the musculature after death, neither animals or humans close their eyes or keep them closed after the brain has shut down. This is a completely normal part of the euthanasia process, though it can be a little disturbing. My deepest condolences go to you and your family at this difficult time.

I would recommend starting to hand feed them treats now. I would allow them to come to you and just go slowly. Sometimes you have to give them a very yummy special treat that is only given to them by you. It can take time for them to warm up to you but the earlier you start the better. Hope that helps