My piggies are so shy?

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Bren

I'm a new 'piggy' owner, and have owned Marmite & Twiglet for just 1 week...and I absolutley LOVE them. x)

They are 9 month old male rescues....and they let me handle and cuddle them....I'm just not sure how long I should do this each day, as I don't want to stress them out.

Unless I pick them up, I don't see them as they cuddle up inside their hutch and just pop out from time to time when no one is looking.

When I put them onto the grass, again they hide in their box in their run.

Should I just leave them to settle for several weeks? or should I pick them up more?
Everytime I go past the hutch/or run, even though I can't see them I talk to them, so they get used to my voice.
I even sit next to their hutch when on the phone, so again they can hear me :)

Am I doing right?
I ask this, as the lady in my local pet shop said Guineas don't come out they are loners, and you won't ever see them :{
I know when I had some as a child, mine use to be out and about, and quite vocal.

Thanks for any reassurance....I love this site, still trying to find my way around :)
 
Hi! I am glad that you are piggy slave already; piggies really pack a punch if you interact with them!

Welcome on here. If you handle them, handle them for shorter periods at first. They can hold their pee for about 15 minutes; after that they'll try to tell you that they need to go back.

I prefer the slowly slwoly approach, as you build up trust with your piggies quicker that way.

Here is a thread I have written about it: http://www.theguineapigforum.co.uk/showthread.php?t=36239

There are some more useful threads in the Guinea Pig Care Reference Section.
 
First of all welcome to the forum Bren, be warned it is a very addictive place to be around!

I agree with Wiebke (Vickyt) piggies gain in confidence over a matter of time and just hearing your voice and moving around will bring them on no end. Try offering them their favourite fresh food treats from your hand, without picking them up, that way they don't always think you are going to scoop them up when you approach them.

Sounds like you are doing a grand job and I'm sure Marmite and Twiglet will soon be much more confident around you - love the names by the way.
 
I'm so happy

After posting the thread about my two shy piggies...this morning they were both waiting for me, looking out to see when the fresh food was appearing :)

OK.... Marmite scurried off but Twiglet didn't move even when I opend the hutch....they are both out and about ATM...I'm so happy as they were 'squeaking' when they saw me. :))
 
That's great news! So pleased they are coming out there shells, that's brilliant. Bet you're over the moon!
:(|)
 
That's great news Bren, it's lovely when they wheek at you isn't it, keep up the good work.
 
Wheeking is s a very god sign; hopefully, you'll catch them popcorning soon (running and jumping like popcorn - a sign that they are happy!)

Then you know that they have accepted their new home and like it!
 
Awe bless. i was told that healthy piggies do run and hide, even if they know you. It's their nature. Can I also recommend a really good book? It helped me a lot. It's by Peter Gurney - Guinea Pig: A Practical Guide to caring for your guinea pig.

As a novice piggy owner I have found it invaluable.
 
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