Brand new guinea pig mum!

[kajazy]

Hello,
I'm a first time guinea pig mum since yesterday -I'm already loving it -they're so sweet! - I've read a few books, but thought I'd try asking some real and experienced people - what's the best way to settle new piggies in to our home? We have 2 little girls, they seem quite shy (but they ate all their fresh veg last night when we'd gone to bed) - they're indoors but in a quiet room away from lots of activity in the house (we have 2 small children - 2 and 4 - who don't always remember to be quiet!). I've taken one out one yesterday for a brief cuddle and the other out today. I'd love any top tips from you all...

 

[kimlou5288]

Hello,
I'm a first time guinea pig mum since yesterday -I'm already loving it -they're so sweet! - I've read a few books, but thought I'd try asking some real and experienced people - what's the best way to settle new piggies in to our home? We have 2 little girls, they seem quite shy (but they ate all their fresh veg last night when we'd gone to bed) - they're indoors but in a quiet room away from lots of activity in the house (we have 2 small children - 2 and 4 - who don't always remember to be quiet!). I've taken one out one yesterday for a brief cuddle and the other out today. I'd love any top tips from you all...

I have found that the noise doesn't bother my pigs, there in the lounge so tv or music is always on and my 7 year old is normally jumping about near them. They hate sneezing tho, They jump a mile if we sneeze in the room!
Try and get them out each day for a cuddle once they've settled in

 

[piggyfan]

Guinea pigs are very timid. It is going to take them a long time to settle down. Be patient and they will soon come out when you are in the room and will get used to your children. I would hold them both everyday so that they get used to you. They will hate to be picked up but this is normal with guinea pigs. They are prey animals and being picked up means they will be eaten. Put them on your knee under a fleece to begin with as they will feel safer that way. Be patient and speak softly to them.

 

[Sodapops]

Congratulations on becoming a piggy slave Ive got 10 pigs (5 girls and 5 boys) and i found the most effective way to settle in new pigs is to talk, talk, talk.... I spend a lot of time standing/sitting next to their cages talking to them and stroking them (the stroking/petting part does take some time until they are comfy with this). Always approach the cage slowly and always talking to them - this will help for them to recognise your voice and know that it's a good thing

The way to a piggies heart is through their stomach - try sitting next to their cage talking to them and offering a piece of their favourite veg - even if they don't come up to you to take the veg, they will soon associate you with good things. Likewise when you hold them for lap time, again make sure you have some of their favourite veg available to offer them.

 

[Mabel'sMum]

congratulations on becoming a piggie mum! my 2 took time to relax when they were new here....but time and patience (and lots of cuddles and veggie bribes) has seen them become chilled out, friendly, happy piggles.....it's worth the wait!
Hope to see some pictures of your girlies soon!x>> x

 

[Freela]

Congrats on the new piggies! It will take some time for them to settle in. I would suggest holding them each day for at least a little bit... they may run when you pick them up, but that's normal and they will get used to you handling them. I have found that once they get used to noise, it won't bother them anymore. I have three kids and our guinea pigs are in the family room, and they pretty much ignore kid-related noise by now!

 

[kajazy]

Am very much enjoying the cuddles! Top tips for veggie bribes...? I've notice the flat-leaf parsley goes first from the food bowl...what's good for an extra special treat?

 

[Wiebke]

Hi and welcome!

Sounds like your girls are doing very fine if they they are already eating!

The most important bit is to establish a firm daily routine with always the same rituals/sounds/words performed, so that your new girls know what's up. Give them time to settle in and get their bearings.

Whether you cuddle right from the beginning or not doesn't matter much in the long run, as long as it is always supervised. The one thing that can really traumatise them is when they are just grabbed willy nilly all the time, but I am sure that that won't happen in your house!

Once your girls are getting bolder, you can make little toys with your children for run time. Toilet roll inners stuffed with hay or veg and all kinds of cardboard cor paperbags can be s much fun!

Here is a collection of tips from our always useful reference section:
http://www.theguineapigforum.co.uk/showthread.php?t=36239
http://www.theguineapigforum.co.uk/showthread.php?t=43520

For food: http://www.theguineapigforum.co.uk/showthread.php?t=42 make sure that your girls have unlimited hay - it should make up to 80% of the daily intake. Avoid shop treats that contain sugar and dairy. Herbs like fresh coriander/cilantro, parsley, dill, basil, mint, fennel etc. are very good treats! alternatively, use dried plants but be aware that they are quite high in caclium and should not be given in too high quantities.