Help Getting Adopted Guinea Pig To Feel Secure!

[Samantha M]

We went to the pet shop yesterday with a plan to buy 2 baby guinea pigs but ended up adopting 1 instead and bringing him home with us. He's 2 years old and had been given up because his hutch friend guinea pig had died and he wasn't the same anymore so the previous owners didn't want him (so harsh!) He had hid in his wee hide hole in his cage since we brought him home, hasn't even came out to eat anything. I've lifted him out a few times and laid him on my chest and he seems content letting me do so but I'm worried he feels sad! Does it take a while for them to want to come out by themselves? And would getting a 2nd guinea pig help? I know I'd have to introduce them slowly and keep them separate for a while but I just want this wee guy happy again!

 

[Wiebke]

Hi and welcome!

Great that you want to give this poor boy a loving home and a chance at new happiness!

You can find tips on what you can do to settle him in our information bundle for new guinea pig owners: Quick " Starter Kit" Of Information Threads For New Owners

It would be wonderful if your could find him a new boarmate. The key to any happy and lasting boar bond is mutual liking and character compatibility more than age - and that is where shops and breeders fall short and sadly far too many boars end up single. Yours is clearly desperate for company.

The very best way to go about it would be by dating at a good rescue under expert supervision, so you come home with an already quarantined and healthy companion only if acceptance has happened. You would also have the support of the rescue during the settling in period and the whole life of their adopted piggy. However, this is not always possible; it very much depends on whether you have got a good rescue with suitable boars within your reach.
Guinea Pig Rescue Centre Locator
Guinea Lynx :: Rescue Organizations

Getting a baby boar might be your best option if you can't get to a good rescue, especially if you can find a preferably submissive (but healthy) one. There is a certain risk that a dominant teenage boar can cause problems when he hits the hormonal teenage months, but the risk of fights, bullying or fall-outs is not as big as with getting two babies who will hit all the hormonal teenage spikes together.

A third option would be another single adult boar as a live-alongside possibility if you cannot get to a rescue.

You can help us help you with tips if you please added your country, state/province or UK county to your details, so we can always adjust our advice to what is possible and available wherever on the globe you are. Click on your username on the top bar, then go to personal details and scroll down to location. thank you!

 

[madguinealady]

It just takes time.I agree a companion would help, make him feel more secure.He has gone through losing a companion to being dumped in a pet shop to now (luckily) coming to you.It's a lot for him to cope with.Well done for taking him instead of babies, I would have done the same.

 

[Samantha M]

I think we'll definitely get him a companion, I feel so sorry for him! We let him out today to wander about the house and he seemed quite happy just wandering around and sussing the place out, plus he seems to like cuddles which is a good sign! But as soon as he's back in his hutch he just hides in his wee hideaway. Hopefully just a wee bit of time and love and he'll feel more secure, poor wee soul.

 

[Wiebke]

I think we'll definitely get him a companion, I feel so sorry for him! We let him out today to wander about the house and he seemed quite happy just wandering around and sussing the place out, plus he seems to like cuddles which is a good sign! But as soon as he's back in his hutch he just hides in his wee hideaway. Hopefully just a wee bit of time and love and he'll feel more secure, poor wee soul.

Thank you for adding your location!

Unfortunately, there is a distinctive dearth of good rescues in Scotland. The best and currently only one that we can recommend is Hutches in Alyth, which is offering boar dating if they have got suitable boars. If it is possible for you to make it a day out, it is well worth it. We have got a number of Scottish members who have rehomed from there and have found new companions for bereaved piggies of theirs.
Hutches Boarding Rescue - Small Animal Boarding, Pet Holidays,Rabbit, Hamster, Guinea Pig, Gerbil Boarding Alyth, Scotland

 

[Freela]

He may be nervous in a new place and is thus hiding out for safety. You are right in that he would very likely benefit from a companion- guinea pigs are social animals, and my experience is that pigs are bolder and more confident when they are with another pig (particularly pigs who are naturally shy or cautious as part of their personality.) Lots of luck finding him a companion that he likes, and kudos to your for giving this guy a second chance with a loving family!

 

[Samantha M]

He seems much more content today and has been coming out his hideaway - mainly when he knows he's getting food but it's a start Definitely going to get him a friend, time to do some research! Amazing how in love you can fall with a little furball!