New Guinea Pig Worries

[Anna M]

I recently got a New Guinea Pig. I've had him for about five days. The first two or three days, he was happy and excited and loved to be pet and help. Recently, he's been shy, makes these weird noises, and even bit someone. You can hold him, but he'll quickly get overwhelmed and will need to be out back into his cage. Is something wrong? Nothing's different from the care I've been giving him throughout ownership.

Thanks.

 

[Wiebke]

I recently got a New Guinea Pig. I've had him for about five days. The first two or three days, he was happy and excited and loved to be pet and help. Recently, he's been shy, makes these weird noises, and even bit someone. You can hold him, but he'll quickly get overwhelmed and will need to be out back into his cage. Is something wrong? Nothing's different from the care I've been giving him throughout ownership.

Thanks.

Hi and welcome

How old is your piggy and is he a single? Guinea pigs are not wired to be on their own; especially young ones are desperate for companionship. They are also prey animals.

You may find these links here helpful. Please take the time to read through them:
Companionship
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

You can find lots more guides for new owners to help them to a good start via this link here:
" Starter Kit" Of Information Threads For New Owners

Since we have got members from all over the world. we find it very helpful if you please added your country, state/province or UK county to your details so we can tailor any advice to what is available and doable where you are straight away. click on your username on the top bar, then go to personal details and scroll down to location. Thank you!

 

[Anna M]

My pig is one to two years old. He is single, but he's getting a buddy (another male) in about two to three days.

 

[Swissgreys]

It is great you are getting him a friend - piggies are often much braver with friends.
Wiebke has given you some great links, but if he is still quite new I would leave him along for a while.
Sit quietly by his cage and slowly offer him small pieces of tasty food.
Chat calmly to him so he gets used to you.
Keep offering small, tasty bits of veg.
Once he learns to trust you (and this part can take a while) he will quickly learn that you mean nice things will happen, and become a lot braver.

 

[Wiebke]

My pig is one to two years old. He is single, but he's getting a buddy (another male) in about two to three days.

Please take the time to read our bonding tips. it is not quite as easy as sticking two piggies together and expecting them to get on, unfortunately!
Illustrated Bonding / Dominance Behaviours And Dynamics
Introducing And Re-introducing Guinea Pigs
Dominance Behaviours In Guinea Pigs
Boars: A guide to successful companionship.

All the best! How old is your newbie?