Constant jumping/skipping?

[toodledoodler]

Hello everyone! I just got 2 guinea pigs, around 3 months of age. They were put together a week ago since they’re not related, but they are getting along great. However, these are my first piggies, and a few things worry me. First off, is it normal that they’re constantly jumping and skipping around? They’re VERY shy and skittish as of now, but I assume that’s normal since I got them yesterday. But they skip more than they walk, and sometimes Bumble kind of twists his head when he does it. Sometimes it’s like a jump, sometimes it’s like they’re almost spinning in the air, especially the back of their body. Is this normal behaviour? Secondly, Morgan (who is defintively more shy than Bumble) purrs and makes oink-noises all the time. It’s not really squaking, it’s kind of like cooing. But it doesn’t sound like normal guinea pig noises they make when they’re excited either. I worry a lot about my babies because I love them so much, and I’d me very appreciative if any of you could help me out!
And also, how do I make sure they get equal amounts of food? They get separate bowls of 50 g of greens and veg split into 2 halves (once in the morning and once in the evening) but Bumble’s appetite is greater than Morgan’s since Morgan is a shy piggie and hesitates to come to get the food. Otherwise they are drinking and eating totally normally and with great appetite!

 

[Wiebke]

Hello everyone! I just got 2 guinea pigs, around 3 months of age. They were put together a week ago since they’re not related, but they are getting along great. However, these are my first piggies, and a few things worry me. First off, is it normal that they’re constantly jumping and skipping around? They’re VERY shy and skittish as of now, but I assume that’s normal since I got them yesterday. But they skip more than they walk, and sometimes Bumble kind of twists his head when he does it. Sometimes it’s like a jump, sometimes it’s like they’re almost spinning in the air, especially the back of their body. Is this normal behaviour? Secondly, Morgan (who is defintively more shy than Bumble) purrs and makes oink-noises all the time. It’s not really squaking, it’s kind of like cooing. But it doesn’t sound like normal guinea pig noises they make when they’re excited either. I worry a lot about my babies because I love them so much, and I’d me very appreciative if any of you could help me out!
And also, how do I make sure they get equal amounts of food? They get separate bowls of 50 g of greens and veg split into 2 halves (once in the morning and once in the evening) but Bumble’s appetite is greater than Morgan’s since Morgan is a shy piggie and hesitates to come to get the food. Otherwise they are drinking and eating totally normally and with great appetite!

Lucky you! We call the jumping and skipping 'popcorning'. It means that your little ones are happy and not too fussed with the move to a new home.

Put the bowls well aways from each other (over a body length) and keep a little of Bumble's pellets and veg in reserve to distract him with new offerings while Morgan is working through his portion. It is normal that the dominant piggy is eating more.

Also serve the pellets in small portions in different bowls so they can be eaten in one go. Piggies do NOT need unlimited pellets (they need unlimited hay, which should make over 80% of their food intake and which is responsible for dental and gut health, and ultimately longevity). The more you encouage your boys to eat hay, the better!
Alternatively you can sprinkle feed by sprinkling veg and pellets around the floor but have some extra veg in reserve to call your boys over to take food from your hands.
Long Term Balanced General And Special Needs Guinea Pig Diets

We have got lots more tips for new owners here: Getting Started - New Owners' Most Helpful Guides

 

[toodledoodler]

Lucky you! We call the jumping and skipping 'popcorning'. It means that your little ones are happy and not too fussed with the move to a new home.

Put the bowls well aways from each other (over a body length) and keep a little of Bumble's pellets and veg in reserve to distract him with new offerings while Morgan is working through his portion. It is normal that the dominant piggy is eating more.

Also serve the pellets in small portions in different bowls so they can be eaten in one go. Piggies do NOT need unlimited pellets (they need unlimited hay, which should make over 80% of their food intake and which is responsible for dental and gut health, and ultimately longevity). The more you encouage your boys to eat hay, the better!
Alternatively you can sprinkle feed by sprinkling veg and pellets around the floor but have some extra veg in reserve to call your boys over to take food from your hands.
Long Term Balanced General And Special Needs Guinea Pig Diets

We have got lots more tips for new owners here: Getting Started - New Owners' Most Helpful Guides

Thank you so much for your great reply! I’ve also noticed that Bumble shakes his head a little when he popcorns and runs in circles, is that just a part of popcorning? Sorry for being so hysteric, it’s my first piggie pair and I’m very on edge! He does have a small scab on his ear that was there when I got him. He seems to have scratced it up today as there was a tiny bit of blood, but I’m concerned that it may be mites since he’s been shaking his head too.

 

[Merab]

Welcome to the forum.
Your boys sound very happy if they’re popcorning around.

With ear question a vet check would not go amiss.
As new piggies you could take them both for a check anyway.
A good vet will never mind seeing a healthy animal with a concerned owner - as my vet once said to me when I thought I might be worrying unnecessarily.
They would rather pick up an issue early than when it’s too late.
At best you come away reassured.

Have you set up a vet fund?
Guinea pigs can be quite expensive in vet fees and they are never ill at a convenient time.

Hope to see pics of the piggies soon