My new guinea pig I just got from the pet store(Solo), is not coming out of her hiding place. She has not moved at all since I put her in the cage, which was 2 days ago she doesn't even move her head. Today to move her I had to pick her up, and put her in a box to see if I could get her to eat something. She kind of sniffs it, and then goes back to staying still. She also hasn't drank anything. Should I just leave her there for a few more days, or try other things.
New Guinea Pig Not Moving
- Thread starter Birdy
- Start date
Jesse's pigs
Adult Guinea Pig
Has she pooed? Urinated? Those are indications she has eaten or drank at least something. I know I didn't think Mo was drinking or eating when I got him but he kept pooing and weeing so I knew he was eating something.
It's absolutely normal that she doesn't want to come out of her hidey hole at the minute and it could take some time for her to be comfortable around you. I always advise handling at about 5 days just to allow the guinea pig some time to settle in. Though as you were worried I can see why you handled earlier. I would give her some time to settle down a bit with a blanket or something over the cage so she feels secure.
Just another quick thing- are you thinking of getting a companion for her? Guinea pigs are social animals and she'll probably come around a lot quicker with a friend.
Hi Jesse's pigs thank you for your quick response, yes she has pooed, I don't think she has urinated though. I put the water bottle closer to her to see if she will drink from it. I'm thinking about getting her a companion, because I've heard that its a lot better for them. I also put a blanket over her cage to see if she will come out. When did yours start coming out of hiding?
Jesse's pigs
Adult Guinea Pig
My Mo started to come out while in my company at about 3 weeks though my first guinea pig (a sow called Vinny) was fine and comfortable with my company within a matter of days.
Hi! Most new guinea pigs will come out when it is dark and when nobody is around. She may also come from a place where she has never encountered veg before.
Please be aware that guinea pigs are social group animals and not wired to be on their own, especially babies. They are also prey animals with all those prey animal instinct fully working. Shop piggies have usually not had anything in the way of human interaction before they are ripped away from their comrades and still far too often sold as single pets in tiny cages into a home that is totally strange and very frightening to them.
Please take the time to read through these guides here. The very best thing you can do for your little girl's wellbeing and health is to get a same sex companion. Right now she is feeling totally lost. I would also strongly recommend to check her gender and the gender of any new arrivals as mis-sexing can happen, and that doesn't sound like the best of shops.
How Do I Settle Shy New Guinea Pigs?
How To Understand Guinea Pig Instincts And Speak Piggy Body Language
How To Pick Up And Weigh Your Guinea Pig
Companionship
Lots more useful advice via this link here, including a link to sexing and a list of recommended good standard guinea pig rescues: New Owners' Online Starter " Booklet" For Really Helpful Advice
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