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Kaitlincimbee

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I just got two new guinea pigs yesterday I have never had them before only gerbils and hamsters my son's hamster passed away last week so I got him two guinea pigs and they have not left their hiding area and just started eating and drinking tonight but make no noises at all and one has completely red eyes is a red eyes a bad sign?
 
Welcome to the forum.

We’d love to hear more about them and see some pictures! How old are they, what sex are they and what are their names?

If you got them from a pet store, do check their sex (guides below) as missexing is common.

It is perfectly normal for them to be quiet and not want to come out. It can take a while for piggies to settle. It is best to leave them to get used to their surroundings. Cover part of the cage so they feel secure. Put their hay near them so they don’t have to come out to eat if they don’t want to. Piggies are prey animals so are naturally skittish and aren’t fond of being handled. Give them some time!

The link below contains a collection of the most useful guides for new owners - how to settle piggies, ensuring you have the right cage size (this is essential as most cages sold in pet shops are nowhere near big enough), how to feed them etc. Give the guides a read and do ask us questions! We are always happy to help!

New Owners' Most Helpful How-To Guides and Information
 
Piggies&buns said:
Welcome to the forum.

It is perfectly normal for them to be quiet and not want to come out. It can take a while for piggies to settle. It is best to leave them to get used to their surroundings. Cover part of the cage so they feel secure. Put their hay near them so they don’t have to come out to eat if they don’t want to. Piggies are prey animals so are naturally skittish and aren’t fond of being handled. Give them some time!

The link below contains a collection of the most useful guides for new owners - how to settle piggies, ensuring you have the right cage size (this is essential as most cages sold in pet shops are nowhere near big enough), how to feed them etc. Give the guides a read and do ask us questions! We are always happy to help!

New Owners' Most Helpful How-To Guides and Information
Click to expand...
 
I have a 55 inch by 23 inch cage it was the biggest they had at the pet store, so I didn't have a choice at the time because by the time I bought them I wouldn't make it to another store before they closed. I was not going to leave them in that small cardboard box all night either
 
Kaitlincimbee said:
I have a 55 inch by 23 inch cage it was the biggest they had at the pet store, so I didn't have a choice at the time because by the time I bought them I wouldn't make it to another store before they closed. I was not going to leave them in that small cardboard box all night either
Click to expand...

55 inches x 23 inches is roughly 140cm x 60cm which is actually a good size. 120cm x 60cm is the minimum welfare requirement so it is bigger than that. So your cage is fine. If your piggies are boys, then you may find as they become teenagers you might need to give them some extra room though (Male piggies need a lot more room than females as lack of space can contribute to fall outs).
 
Kaitlincimbee said:
I have a 55 inch by 23 inch cage it was the biggest they had at the pet store, so I didn't have a choice at the time because by the time I bought them I wouldn't make it to another store before they closed. I was not going to leave them in that small cardboard box all night either
Click to expand...
I was told they are both girls from the same litter, and they will not leave each other's side
 
Kaitlincimbee said:
I was told they are both girls from the same litter, and they will not leave each other's side
Click to expand...

Once they settle, it is important to check their sexes. As I say missexing is common in pet store piggies.
They are looking to each other for comfort as they are scared. How old are they?
 
Piggies&buns said:
Once they settle, it is important to check their sexes. As I say missexing is common in pet store piggies.
They are looking to each other for comfort as they are scared. How old are they?
Click to expand...
All the lady at the pet store could tell me was they were babies she said she couldn't tell exactly how old they were? Is that normal?
 
Sounds fairly normal for a pet store to not to know much about them I’m afraid.

Do give the guides a read - there are a lot of essentials with piggies - the correct diet, weighing them weekly along with weekly health checks etc. It is always a good idea with new pet shop piggies that you book them in for a vet check when you can - I’d give them some time to settle first though. The guides give you a lot of information but we will help you!
 
Welcome to the forum & congratulations on your new piggies. You've been given great advice already & there are lots of good reads on here which will answer questions on pretty much everything, just have a browse but anything you cant find, just ask.

Everyone on here loves pictures so when you get chance it would be lovely to see your piggies!
 
They are lovely piggies. I agree with everyone else that you should definitely check that they are both sows as mis-sexing is very common in pet stores (it happened to me).

Red eyed piggies are very common (I have 3) and it is perfectly normal.

It would be worth adding your location to your profile so that advice can be tailored for the area or country that you are in.
 
The guinea pigs are so cute! Remember to put unlimited hay in their cage and veggies every day☺️❤️ And also put at least two hiding areas in the cage too 💛
 
Hello and :wel:
Once some days have passed, the two important things to do are to check the sex of your piggies (you can post a clear photo for us to help), and get them seen by an experienced vet. We have the Vet locator where you can find a good exotics vet near you.

Please add your location ☺️
 
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