New Guinea pigs? Are the behaviors normal

[Maple&Honey4realz]

Hello I previously have owned guinea pigs but I didn’t have this problem the last time, my two girls haven’t been drinking as much water as they should but they’re very social and they come out so I can’t tell if it’s because they’re still unsure or they just scared. I got them the past weekend on saturday but they know how to use a bottle is this normal?

 

[Siikibam]

Hi and welcome. Guinea pigs will drink as much as they need. Remember the veg also contains water so they get some of their ‘portion’ from there as well. For comparison, my boys will finish a bottle of water in half a day while the girls would only drink maybe max 50ml, if that, in a day.

 

[Maple&Honey4realz]

Hi and welcome. Guinea pigs will drink as much as they need. Remember the veg also contains water so they get some of their ‘portion’ from there as well. For comparison, my boys will finish a bottle of water in half a day while the girls would only drink maybe max 50ml, if that, in a day.

Oh goodness that’s great to hear, no wonder I haven’t had that issue with my past piggies. (They were boars) If you don’t mind me asking you one more small question do you know how long I should let them acclimate before trying to take them out of the cage

 

[Zuzu&Arabelle]

Hello I previously have owned guinea pigs but I didn’t have this problem the last time, my two girls haven’t been drinking as much water as they should but they’re very social and they come out so I can’t tell if it’s because they’re still unsure or they just scared. I got them the past weekend on saturday but they know how to use a bottle is this normal?

When I first got my guinea pigs I had that problem too! But soon they figured out that they could drink out of it!

 

[Siikibam]

It’s advised that you give them a week to settle in. Then you can start with weekly weighing and health checks. Trying to pick them up by hand may scare them (it’s cuts too close to their prey instinct), so get them used to being taken out in something - a cuddle cup, box or carrier.

I would go with hand feeding before trying to get them out for lap time/cuddles. As long as you’re aware they may not like it, you will not be disappointed. If they freeze, it’s because they may not enjoy being held etc.

Have a read of the guides below. Guinea pig handling/care has come a long way in recent years How long have you had them and how old are they? And where did they live previously?

Understanding Prey Animal Instincts, Guinea Pig Whispering and Cuddling Tips

 

[Maple&Honey4realz]

It’s advised that you give them a week to settle in. Then you can start with weekly weighing and health checks. Trying to pick them up by hand may scare them (it’s cuts too close to their prey instinct), so get them used to being taken out in something - a cuddle cup, box or carrier.

I would go with hand feeding before trying to get them out for lap time/cuddles. As long as you’re aware they may not like it, you will not be disappointed. If they freeze, it’s because they may not enjoy being held etc.

Have a read of the guides below. Guinea pig handling/care has come a long way in recent years How long have you had them and how old are they? And where did they live previously?

Understanding Prey Animal Instincts, Guinea Pig Whispering and Cuddling Tips

The mama is 4 months old and the baby was born April 28th, I got them from the LA Guinea Pig Rescue( Located in California)got them Saturday

 

[o&b]

Hi! My pigs had the same problem. It could take time though!

 

[Princess Dustmop]

I have piggies in adjacent cages (so same conditions) and one girl drinks about 2-3 times as much water as my other girl. I'm not sure exact ratio, since I refill one bottle whenever it empties and replace the water in the other bottle regularly (the old water goes in a pitcher to be dumped into house plants).
The thirsty piggy is a bit older and much more furry, though I'm not if either's a factor.

 

[Siikibam]

The mama is 4 months old and the baby was born April 28th, I got them from the LA Guinea Pig Rescue( Located in California)got them Saturday

I would give them a week just to settle in then. Do they seem scared or are they quite confident in terms of coming out to walk around?

 

[Wiebke]

Hi and welcome

New guinea pigs often don't drink straight away but the individual water intake can vary hugely. it also depends on how much watery veg you are feeding. Diet recommendations have changed quite a lot over the last decade.
Since the need to drink comes before the need to eat, active and healthy piggies that eat are generally not dehydrated; so you need not worry in that respect.
Long Term Balanced General And Special Needs Guinea Pig Diets (also contains a chapter on drinking since the guide looks at diet as a whole and at all possible food groups in detail)

Things have changed a lot over the past decade and we have learned a lot more.
You may find our practical information collection for new owners helpful to catch up and refresh your memory; it deals with many of the little practical how-to details that new owners come across and that can throw them - from settling in to understanding behaviours and daily care/learning to spott what is normal and what not: Getting Started - Essential Information for New Owners

We also have a very extensive information resource on a wide range of topics for owners of all levels of experience; it is one of the largest currently around. There is always something more to learn, new developments to integrate into your daily care and interaction and extending your understanding of guinea pig behaviours and social interaction as much as their own species needs. We are all still on a learning curve, no matter how long or how many guinea pigs we have had. Our forum also specialises in practical support care during illness alongside any necessary medical treatment.
Comprehensive Owners' Practical and Supportive Information Collection

We are here for you for any questions you may have along the way. We are a friendly and supportive place and will answer them all, no matter how large or small, in a friendly and helpful way.

 

[Maple&Honey4realz]

I would give them a week just to settle in then. Do they seem scared or are they quite confident in terms of coming out to walk around?

They come out but have that approach shyness in a way like if I accuse approach to fast they hide then may may not peak out but they run around and zommies with popcorning and they eat but I just haven’t seen them drink so much

 

[Maple&Honey4realz]

Hi and welcome

New guinea pigs often don't drink straight away but the individual water intake can vary hugely. it also depends on how much watery veg you are feeding. Diet recommendations have changed quite a lot over the last decade.
Since the need to drink comes before the need to eat, eating healthy piggies are generally not dehydrated, so you need not worry in that respect.
Long Term Balanced General And Special Needs Guinea Pig Diets (also contains a chapter on drinking since the guide looks at diet as a whole and at all possible food groups in detail)

Things have changed a lot over the past decade and we have learned a lot more.
You may find our practical information collection for new owners helpful to catch up and refresh your memory; it deals with many of the little practical how-to details that new owners come across and that can throw them - from settling in to understanding behaviours and daily care/learning to spott what is normal and what not: Getting Started - Essential Information for New Owners

We also have a very extensive information resource on a wide range of topics for owners of all levels of experience; it is one of the largest currently around. There is always something more to learn, new developments to integrate into your daily care and interaction and extending your understanding of guinea pig behaviours and social interaction as much as their own species needs. We are all still on a learning curve, no matter how long or how many guinea pigs we have had. Our forum also specialises in practical support care during illness alongside any necessary medical treatment.
Comprehensive Owners' Practical and Supportive Information Collection

We are here for you for any questions you may have along the way. We are a friendly and supportive place and will answer them all, no matter how large or small, in a friendly and helpful way.

Thank you so much <3

 

[fournakedpigs]

As others have said, piggie water consumption varies greatly between pigs! In addition to the veggies they’re eating, it also depends on the individual pig. We have one boy who is an absolute saint about drinking. He perfectly puts his whole mouth on the bottle and never drips water. Meanwhile, one of our other pigs will just like nudge the bottle and let it stream all over his face and the cage (for fun?). He obviously drains his water much faster than his brothers do.