my new guinea pigs

[lovemypiggies08]

so, i recently just adopted two new guinea pigs ( i have never had any before) i am a very gentle and careful person around pets. However they are two females that are VERY shy, and while they are adjusting to me. They jump and run away when i try to pet them or hold them. I have been studying and learning about them so I know everything bout them however they are very scared. And I want to pet them so bad. I'm also nervous about clipping nails and how i will pick them up without them running away and jumping.

 

[Siikibam]

It sounds very normal. It can take from as little as a couple of weeks to years for them to stop being so scared. You will just have to be patient. I don’t know how long you’ve had them but we recommend leaving them to settle in for a week. During that time you only poo pick, give them their veg and portion of pellets, change water and top up hay/take out wet hay. Covering their cage with a blanket can also make them feel more ‘secure’.

Once that week I’d over, you can start trying to hand feed them. That is a big step and when they do it you know they trust you. Just bear in mind that they may not like being petted, even if they’re used to you roaming around near their cage. Some piggies just never like being touched or picked up at all.

Have a read of the guides I’ve linked in below. We would love to see some photos if you want to post any.
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