Are my new Guniea pigs bored or just frightened?

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Gadzy

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Hi all,

I have had my new Guniea pigs which were bought at around 10 weeks old. They seem alot more out of their shell than when we first had them, but still very scared

I have two hideys in which they use as their run to all the time. The two hideys are next to each other (adjacent) at one end of the cage and I have two tunnels in the middle of the cage. A hay rack and a bundle full of hay underneath the rack I also have a ball with a bell in which I hear them using alot when I'm not in the room. I do hear them running around sometimes and and foraging around which is quite rare. Whenever I go into the room they either blast off into their hideys or they have just been in their hideys for a long time. Their hideys are also topped up with hay. My mum said she hears them alot at night playing etc and we wonder why they only seem to come out at night. I said it's probably cause it's more quiet and no strange noises. I'm just worried they are bored. What are your thoughts?
 
They’re likely just getting used to you and settling in. Remember they are prey animals so any sudden sound/appearance from you will scare them into running. I would start talking before you get to where they are - prey animals don’t make their presence known. Also sit by the cage and talk to them. Or talk as you’re doing stuff nearby, even if it’s not related to them.

You also have to bear in mind that gaining their trust can be a long road. So you have to be patient. Have a read of the threads below. Also, how old are they, are they boars or sows and how big is their cage?
Arrival in a home from the perspective of pet shop guinea pigs
How Do I Settle Shy New Guinea Pigs?
Understanding Prey Animal Instincts, Guinea Pig Whispering And Cuddling Tips
 
try covering half the cage with a blanket to make them feel a bit more secure. my piggies still run and hide a lot it is very normal make sure you have lots of positive interactions involving food and they will be as happy as pigs can be. but this doesn't always mean they'll come running towards you and crawl all over you pigs show their love in strange ways, wheeking for veggies, taking food from your hand and laying down during lap time are all great ways to assess whether your pet is happy and bonded to you but not all piggies will even do this it's about personality just be patient and you will learn what ways your piggie tells you they're happy as subtle as these may be.
 
It does take some time. Lola was quite unsure of me for a long time and after 4 weeks was still very shy with me. Give it more time. Lola now hears me nearby and yells at me to give her food really loudly so things change but it does take time with some pigs.
 
Four weeks is a very short time. Some piggies are very quick to trust. But the majority aren’t, and you have to earn it. So have patience. Covering the cage, as suggested above, is a good idea. Gives them the feeling of being safe. You can cover part of it etc.
 
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