Holding new guinea pig

[bbyrne]

I brought home my first guinea pig exactly 1 week ago. Plans are in place to bring home a second GP in the next few weeks.

The first few days that he was home he sat in his hiding spot and I never saw him move. I could tell he was leaving his hiding spot when I wasn't there and that he was eating and drinking. I spent a lot of time in the same room with him talking, and every time I did something in his cage I would speak to him. A few days ago he started coming out of his hiding spot to eat his vegetables while I was still in the room. I was able to sit near his cage and watch, and he seems to be o.k. with that as long as I don't make any sudden movements. He still runs every time he sees my husband and son, who have spent a lot less time with him.

I haven't picked him up since I brought him home because I didn't want to stress him more. But I know that he needs to be able to have some floor time. Should I wait a bit longer to do so? Or should I just attempt to herd him into his cozy now and transfer him that way.

Thanks for your advice.

 

[Wiebke]

I brought home my first guinea pig exactly 1 week ago. Plans are in place to bring home a second GP in the next few weeks.

The first few days that he was home he sat in his hiding spot and I never saw him move. I could tell he was leaving his hiding spot when I wasn't there and that he was eating and drinking. I spent a lot of time in the same room with him talking, and every time I did something in his cage I would speak to him. A few days ago he started coming out of his hiding spot to eat his vegetables while I was still in the room. I was able to sit near his cage and watch, and he seems to be o.k. with that as long as I don't make any sudden movements. He still runs every time he sees my husband and son, who have spent a lot less time with him.

I haven't picked him up since I brought him home because I didn't want to stress him more. But I know that he needs to be able to have some floor time. Should I wait a bit longer to do so? Or should I just attempt to herd him into his cozy now and transfer him that way.

Thanks for your advice.

Hi abnd welcome!

The sooner you can get a same sex companion, the better. A single piggy that has lost its group and has been carried off by huge smelly predators into unknown and potentially dangerous territory is feeling very lost and alone indeed! Please make sure that you double-check the sex of both piggies before bonding. If you can date your little one at a good rescue with quarantine that offers this service that would be best; an adult companion can give your baby the guidance, socialisation and comfort that it needs and you will only have one boy going through the teenage months and not at the same time.

I would wait with handling and roaming time until your baby is starting to take food off your hand and therefore starting to trust you.

Please follow the tips in our New Owners guide collection. it also contains lists of recommended good standard rescues we can guarantee for. Getting Started - New Owners' Most Helpful Guides

 

[David Piggie Lover]

Hello. .
All Piggies are different. New home can be very very scary and noise sudden movement etc will spook them. They dont do commands like a dog but voice and food noise makes them wiggle. lol
What you have done so far. .your voice and taking your time will reep rewards . . I have a piggie for year feed her look after her talk etc but she does not like to be caught.
Putting them into a cosy is a excellant way. be lovely to see a photo.
All the best Dave.
we here to help and share these wonderful animals..