2 week old pups bonding tips? 🐖

[Mossfroggays]

So my female (Mossy) gave birth to 4 healthy pups 2 weeks ago. They are getting more adventurous each passing day but still very scared around me, I know the babies are never going to not be skittish because that is simply their instincts. But I don't want them to be scared of me all the time. Any kind of bonding tips would be helpful and I'm open to advice! Thanks.

 

[Siikibam]

Hi and welcome. Have a read of the link I’ll put below. Two weeks isn’t that long in the grand scheme of things. You will have to practise patience. And make sure you don’t take them away from mum for too long. If she starts noticing they’re gone then you need to be putting them back with her.
Out of curiosity, did she come to you pregnant? And have you sexed the pups yet? Any boars need to be separated from mum at 250g or 3 weeks of age, whichever comes first.
Understanding Prey Animal Instincts, Guinea Pig Whispering And Cuddling Tips

 

[Wiebke]

So my female (Mossy) gave birth to 4 healthy pups 2 weeks ago. They are getting more adventurous each passing day but still very scared around me, I know the babies are never going to not be skittish because that is simply their instincts. But I don't want them to be scared of me all the time. Any kind of bonding tips would be helpful and I'm open to advice! Thanks.

Hi and welcome

What genders are your pups? I hope that you are aware that you need to separate any male pups at 3 weeks or 250g of weight - whichever they reach sooner? Have you made any provisions for an odd number of boar babies?
Illustrated Sexing Guide
https://www.theguineapigforum.co.uk/threads/sexing-separating-baby-boars-and-rehoming-babies.109391/

Please be aware that any pups pick up on the behaviour and feelings of their elders. Guinea pigs are prey animals; they are not naturally born cuddly toys. Please give your pups that space to be confident and tell you when they don't like something or when they are frightened. They will in the long term trust you more and be more confident.

Concentrate on talking to them in their own language and behaviour and in their own social hierarchical frame work instead of expecting them to learn 'human' first.
Take the time to read these guides here. You will find them very interesting!
Understanding Prey Animal Instincts, Guinea Pig Whispering And Cuddling Tips
How To Pick Up And Weigh Your Guinea Pig Safely
Who is the boss - your guinea pig or you?

Bonding and Interaction: Illustrated social behaviours and bonding dynamics (learning to understand guinea pig behaviours and their meaning)

 

[Mossfroggays]

Hi and welcome. Have a read of the link I’ll put below. Two weeks isn’t that long in the grand scheme of things. You will have to practise patience. And make sure you don’t take them away from mum for too long. If she starts noticing they’re gone then you need to be putting them back with her.
Out of curiosity, did she come to you pregnant? And have you sexed the pups yet? Any boars need to be separated from mum at 250g or 3 weeks of age, whichever comes first.
Understanding Prey Animal Instincts, Guinea Pig Whispering And Cuddling Tips

I bought my girls at a pet shop where they were in a separate cage from the boys. But soon after it came clear that she was pregnant, she probably was in the same cage as a male once or something like that.

I am going to take the pups to a vet for sexing, because I want to be absolutely sure about it. And if there are any boys I will keep them because I am too weak to rehome them, and we have enough space for it too.

I also separated the other girl and she seems to be doing fine.

 

[Siikibam]

Is the other girl pregnant as well? Have you weighed the pups yet?

 

[Mossfroggays]

Is the other girl pregnant as well? Have you weighed the pups yet?

No the other girl is not pregnant. And I am going to ask the vet to weigh them when I take them.

 

[Siikibam]

When are you going to the vet? Ideally you are meant to weigh them daily from
Birth, including the mum. You really should have scales at home so you can do a weekly health check on them anyway.

Out of curiosity, Why did you separate the other sow from her? They can sometimes help.