Cage move and timid pigs

[georgie.gabel]

Hi everyone! Yesterday I re arranged my room to make it more space efficient for me and the piggies. Their c&c cage only moved about one meter away from my bed and around one meter right, closer to my door. However, they’ve become a bit more timid. They aren’t out playing and running about as much as they usually would be, and hide if the door is opened (which isn’t like them). We also had floor time in a new place and they were a bit reluctant. It seems like we’ve moved backwards in the bonding process. Is this normal after a cage move? Thanks!

 

[Siikibam]

Give them time and they’ll settle again. How long have you had them?

 

[georgie.gabel]

Give them time and they’ll settle again. How long have you had them?

I’ve had them since September. When I first got them into their enclosure at my place it took them a few days to settle in, so I think it might be the same this time? They’re still friendly with me, licking my hands and coming over if they think i have food. Could it just be the environment that they’re not sure of?

 

[Siikibam]

It could well be. Sometimes they can become timid again for no reason.

 

[Wiebke]

I would recommend to cover their pen with a sheet in order to give them a feeling of safety until they have got their bearings. I normally prefer to used some lightly used bedding and uncleaned housing for the transfer so that the new place smells like 'their' territory and smells 'safe'. Since smell is one of our weakest senses but one of the piggies' strongest, we tend to underestimate the importance of scent marked territory for prey animals.
You can find lots more helpful tips in these guides here: Settling In And Making Friends With Guinea Pigs - A Guide

 

[georgie.gabel]

I would recommend to cover their pen with a sheet in order to give them a feeling of safety until they have got their bearings. I normally prefer to used some lightly used bedding and uncleaned housing for the transfer so that the new place smells like 'their' territory and smells 'safe'. Since smell is one of our weakest senses but one of the piggies' strongest, we tend to underestimate the importance of scent marked territory for prey animals.
You can find lots more helpful tips in these guides here: Settling In And Making Friends With Guinea Pigs - A Guide

Thank you! I’ll try the sheet. It seems like they’re becoming more curious again! I did make sure to use a fleece liner that they had already been on, plus I’ve kept the same hideys.

 

[Wiebke]

Thank you! I’ll try the sheet. It seems like they’re becoming more curious again! I did make sure to use a fleece liner that they had already been on, plus I’ve kept the same hideys.

Just give them a few days to get their bearings in their new place.