Teeth Grinding?

[luvsgiraffes]

Hi,
I am a new piggie owner and I have a few questions.
A lot of times I hear my piggies and it sounds like they are eating kind of like the.... "munching" type noise? Like when they are eating pellets but there is no food around... is this normal? Like us twidling our thumbs so to say?

I just read on this website about the noises, and I dont think it is the annoyed noise. Because I will be sitting on the other side of the room leaving them alone and they have been fine with that.

Also I adopted a pair of sisters. I just found out today that they are probably 6-8 months. Do I need to worry about them hitting puberty and fighting?

Usually they are very good and "love" each other always resting near each other peacefully. But lately I've noticed that one seems to kind of squeal at the other to kind of say go away or maybe they are fighting? I'm not sure exaclty what is going on they aren't used to me yet and me to them so I dont want to do anything wrong. Is it possible that they are just bickering and is this normal or should I do something about it?

Thanks so much for you help!

[krittercrazy]

I would recommend a wellness exam with a cavy savy vet. If nothing else you will have a relationship started with a vet before any emergency arrives and it gives the vet a base line to start with. It is possible that the teeth grinding is an indication of a problem with their teeth, particularly the molars. They may not have gotten enough hay previously to help keep molars worn down. You will want the vet to look very closely at them.

I doubt you need to worry much about any serious fighting. Their might be a few squabbles as the sort out who is boss. As long a no blood is drawn, let them sort it out.

Congradulations on your new adoptees. Continue looking thru this site, there is a lot of great information to keep you and your guinea pigs happy.

[Ly&Pigs]

Teeth grinding is normal in cavies. Your pig could also be eating their own "special" poos.

Teeth problems are usually accompanied by signs like not eating or difficulty eating, drooling, and/or weight loss. See Guinea Lynx :: Teeth.

[frashy]

Guinea pigs store food in their mouth too and don't swallow right away all the time. So that just may be another addition to the possibilities.

[luvsgiraffes]

Thanks so much for your replies.
I'm thinking that they may have stored the food from before.
But I am also thinking that I will take them in just in case because I do want to have them checked out to make sure they are A-Ok and then I will as you said build up a repor with a vet.

[Wheekie]

Welcome to the wonderful world of piggies! You're going to love it here! Definitely come here often...this is a great place! I've been coming here for 3 years and I've learned so much!

[luvsgiraffes]

Thanks! I have come here everyday so far. I mostly just enjoy reading all of the helpful info her and interesting stories. I'm sure I'll start posting gazillions of stuff later.