Frightened class Guinea Pigs?

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MagikalCross

There were four guinea pigs up for adoption at an animal shelter I had volunteered at. Once I found out it was a kill shelter, I didn't volunteer there anymore. Anyhow, I found out the guinea pigs were going to be euthanized if someone didn't adopt them, so I told my science teacher (she's a zoologist and a big animal lover) and she agreed on adopting them. Now two of them are in my science class as class pets (my science teacher managed to find two teachers who adopted the other two), but they're very frightened and skittish. I left them alone a few days so that they could get accustomed to their new surroundings, but my classmates constantly squeal and poke their fingers through the bars of the guinea pigs' cage.

Now a few days has passed and I would love to bond with them. My science teacher is doing her best so that they're not so skittish and frightened, and I'd like to help. My science teacher doesn't mind, since I was the one who told her of these poor guinea pigs that might've been euthanized. I'm planning on starting tomorrow, but I have no idea how to start. I've only worked with dogs at the animal shelter so I have no idea when it comes to small animals.

Does anybody have any tips or ideas for me?
 
hi magikalcross

the piggies will be very frighrened as they have come from a shelter and been moved around a lot already, so try some food that always works well. sit next to the cage and just talk to them that will get them used to you and you being close.

it will take time, good luck
 
Could you ask your teacher to talk to the other students and explain that their actions are frightening the guineas? They will get used to the noise in time but need to settle in. My guineas all live indoors with us (noisy kids and teenagers loudish music rolleyes) and are absolutely fine.

Give some fresh herb or veg treat and let them come to eat it out of your hand..this may take them time but they will eventually, progress to head scratches and chin tickles and so on :)

What happens to the guineas during the school holidays?
 
Yes, I'm planning on speaking with my teacher about that. I'm going to stay after school probably and try bonding with them. I'll tell my teacher then.

I learned today that she's going to leave the guinea pigs at school during school holidays and I find that a REALLY REALLY bad idea and a big disappointment from such a big animal lover. :/ I'm planning on talking to her about that but I find it a little difficult since she is my teacher.

But if my teacher doesn't change her mind, I'm going to speak to her about it and if she still won't do anything about the guinea pigs during the school holidays, I'm going to suggest that she give them away to someone who can really look after them.

It's a big disappoint for me considering the fact that she's obsessed with animals as much as I am and she's had pets in the past. :/
 
Oh no that's not good. My daughters school has a rabbit and Domino is left of a weekend sometimes and it's not right.

Pigs should not be left they need veg daily, and hay top ups all the time as well as pellets and water. They are natural grazers left for any length of time then they will suffer anorexia and die (this can happen within 16 hours)

I'm sure you know this anyway. :) Good luck and keep us posted how you get on.

Louise
:)
 
Is it possible you could have them during the holidays? If not, then they should go to a home where they will be given the care they need.

Good luck :)
 
Oh crikey, absolutely should not be left in their own! I have to be honest, I don't agree with class pets, but I think it sounds like your teacher was initially trying to do the right thing and help. I agree with what Fiona said about explaining to your teacher about instructing the kids to be more thoughtful around the pigs, they are prey animals and naturally scared of just about everything, but they can get used to things in time - but if they are left for long periods alone the will get used to the quiet, then term starts again - poor little devils won't know if they are coming or going. Louise is also correct when she says they need daily attention, they will die quickly if not fed regularly. They need to be attended to daily, not just for the obvious food and hay needs, but changing the bedding, health checking, daily water bottle changes etc. Is there any way your teacher would consider taking them as pets themselves, or letting them go to a family who can give them what they need?

Well done for thinking about these little chaps, and I hope you have some luck getting them sorted :)
 
I wish I could, but I live an hour away from the school and have to ride the bus. The cage is pretty huge so I can't carry it to my house and I have a Jack Russell Terrier at home. :/

I'll talk to my teacher on Monday and see what she says. I really hope she doesn't disagree or I might just have to break into the school and steal the guinea pigs during the school holidays.

....

Nah, I'll just copy and paste some of these replies and show her. She might change her mind then.
 
If the teacher leaves the piggies at school is she going to come every day to feed them and check that they are ok?
If that is the case, then she has a valid reason to leave them there but if there is any doubt the piggies would be better off having someone look after them during the holidays.

You could always get a smaller "carrier" cage to transport the piggies on the bus to your home and have them set up in a C & C Cage (which is cheap). Still better than being left at the school by themselves!

As for your dog, I guess he can be kept away or you could be positioning the cage too high for the dog to reach. Have a talk to your parents and see if they would be willing (allow you) to "foster" the piggies throughout the school holidays.

Good luck and thanks for thinking of the little critters!
 
Good news!

I talked it over with my science teacher today and after telling her the negative effects that will happen if the piggies are alone, she agreed on taking them home with her during the school holidays! :D

As for my classmates, I'm trying to tell them to be calm around the Guinea Pigs instead of always shrieking around them.

I'm staying after school tomorrow to bond with the Guinea Pigs. Wish me luck!

And thanks for the advice!
 
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