how long to settle in?

[princessamy]

I brought 3 male guinea pigs yesterday.Now i know they are nervous and timid by nature..

But they are so scared i cant put my hand near never mind pick them up.

The lady in shop said we can start picking them up today.

Could it cause any issues if i left it a while longer or will they always be this scared anyway.Even if i just walk past the hutch they start darting around(in a scared way)...i never knew they could run so fast!.. I keep trying to talk to them but they run and hide in the little wooden house.I would really welcome any ideas to try and make them less nervous around me!.. Thanks. xx

 

[Wiebke]

You have to be aware that shop piggies come from rodent farms and have vitually had no human contact before they were sold. They are pretty traumatised by all the big big upsets in their short lives so far: the separation form their mums, the often long transport and then being stuck in a shop and brought home with new companions. Please take that into your consideration - guinea pigs are prey animals and right now they are all running on instinct and overload.

They will turn around, but give them plenty of time to settle and get their bearings. Do try to establish a routine with the same words and phrases spoken, so they know what is coming. Gaining their trust is a very slow and gradual process, but being so young, they will start catching on pretty soon!

Whether you want to handle them regularly straight away or wait until they have learned to trust you enough to conect you with the food that is arriving, is up to. You may find that using a cuddlecup for picking up and cuddling very useful at first, as it will make the piggy feel more secure.

Here are more tips: http://www.theguineapigforum.co.uk/showthread.php?t=36239

 

[princessamy]

Thank you for your help again.I think ill leave it a few days.That cuddle cup sounds interesting i will look into that. Amy x