New Guinea Pig Worries

[Anna M]

Hi! I recently got a New Guinea Pig, about 5 days ago. The first two days he was so happy and jubilant and was just so excited to be cuddled with and held, and pet. On day three four and five, however, he's been making weird scared sounds, hiding a lot, and he even bit someone. He'll let you pet him, but he gets scared and has to be put in his cage really soon afterwards. Is something wrong? I've been feeding him the same food, and the same water. He's one year old. Help!

 

[Adelle]

Hi! I recently got a New Guinea Pig, about 5 days ago. The first two days he was so happy and jubilant and was just so excited to be cuddled with and held, and pet. On day three four and five, however, he's been making weird scared sounds, hiding a lot, and he even bit someone. He'll let you pet him, but he gets scared and has to be put in his cage really soon afterwards. Is something wrong? I've been feeding him the same food, and the same water. He's one year old. Help!

Hi!

Is he particularly sensitive about being touched? He may have a mite infestation which can make them very agitated, upset and dislike having their coat touched.

It may be worth having him vet checked but if you can't find anything wrong he may just need some time to settle.

Does he have a companion?

All the best

 

[Anna M]

Hi!

Is he particularly sensitive about being touched? He may have a mite infestation which can make them very agitated, upset and dislike having their coat touched.

It may be worth having him vet checked but if you can't find anything wrong he may just need some time to settle.

Does he have a companion?

All the best

He's not sensitive to being touched. He doesn't have a companion, but he's getting one in about two or three days.

 

[Adelle]

He's not sensitive to being touched. He doesn't have a companion, but he's getting one in about two or three days.

Keep an eye on his weight and his appetite. Any signs of those decreasing then pop him along to the vet.

He may just be settling in to his new home.

I'm sure he will love a companion, hope the bonding goes well!

 

[Freela]

He is probably just settling in. As prey animals, guinea pigs tend to have two methods of dealing with threats: freeze and hope to avoid detection or run away. Sometimes a new animal that seems very docile and content to be held is actually freezing due to fear. He may have progressed past that to running away or defending himself if he feels under threat. It does take them time to settle in and be comfortable, as they are very cautious animals by nature. Especially at a year of age, if he is not used to being handled it is going to take some time.