New Guinea pigs

Olivia_ewings

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Hello everyone I sort of have a problem I brought home 2 guinea pigs yesterday one is 5 weeks and the other is 5 months been together for so long and get along fine but they have not left their hutch and came out at any time especially when I’m around what do you think is the reason or what could I do also when is it a good time after bringing your piggies home to handle them,
Thx
 
Hello everyone I sort of have a problem I brought home 2 guinea pigs yesterday one is 5 weeks and the other is 5 months been together for so long and get along fine but they have not left their hutch and came out at any time especially when I’m around what do you think is the reason or what could I do also when is it a good time after bringing your piggies home to handle them,
Thx

Hey there congrats on the new piggies and welcome to the forum! I am also relatively new here but it’s lovely having so many knowledgeable people to talk to! Guinea pigs are prey animals and as a result it can really take them some time to warm up! I know a lot of people drape a blanket or towel over the top of the cage to make them feel safer for the first week. Take it slow and at their pace. Some pigs never learn to like being handled and others are cuddle bugs.
 
Hey there congrats on the new piggies and welcome to the forum! I am also relatively new here but it’s lovely having so many knowledgeable people to talk to! Guinea pigs are prey animals and as a result it can really take them some time to warm up! I know a lot of people drape a blanket or towel over the top of the cage to make them feel safer for the first week. Take it slow and at their pace. Some pigs never learn to like being handled and others are cuddle bugs.
Hey thanks for the welcome and it it lovely having people to talk to who is or was in the boat and thanks so much for the for the tip I drape a blanket over them at night as they are outside to keep warm and they came out at night strangely how will I know when to take the blanket off or they are use to the cage. My boys are cuddly once you pick them up and hold them for a bit thank you for that tip it was helpful
 
Hey thanks for the welcome and it it lovely having people to talk to who is or was in the boat and thanks so much for the for the tip I drape a blanket over them at night as they are outside to keep warm and they came out at night strangely how will I know when to take the blanket off or they are use to the cage. My boys are cuddly once you pick them up and hold them for a bit thank you for that tip it was helpful

I think a lot of people take the blanket off after the first week. That’s what I’ve done in the past for every piggy except the one I have now. The blanket actually scared him more than helped.
It takes a few weeks for piggies to settle in and get to know their new home. Imagine if you were taken from your home and placed somewhere you don’t know with someone who doesn’t speak the same language. You’d definitely need some time to settle in! They will warm up. Patience is key to having a great relationship with your boys!
 
Ok thank you so much also sorry one last question I’m very curious all new to this did your guinea pigs get spooked after taking the blanket off
 
Ok thank you so much also sorry one last question I’m very curious all new to this did your guinea pigs get spooked after taking the blanket off

Don’t apologize for questions! It’s better to ask and that’s what we’re here for. Past guinea pigs didn’t seem to mind it when the blanket was removed after a week as they were starting to settle in just a bit. They still hid quite a lot afterwards. It can take a month or two or even longer for piggies to settle in fully!
 
Ok just put the blanket over the cage hopefully that helps thanks oh and when did you start to pick them up and handle them
 
Hi and welcome to the forum. I think this guide might be most useful to you Getting Started - New Owners' Most Helpful Guides

If you click the green writing it will take you there. Section 2 will be particularly helpful as it covers coming home, settling in and piggy whispering to help you bond with the piggies.
 
Ok just put the blanket over the cage hopefully that helps thanks oh and when did you start to pick them up and handle them

Depends on the guinea pig. Some are ready sooner than others. I always start by hand feeding them. Once they are comfortable I move to petting and then eventually picking up.
Our newest boy is the only exception I’ve had and it’s only because he’s an expert at getting into his hidey house when I turn it upside down so he genuinely doesn’t mind be picked up. Otherwise we would be working at a much slower pace.
 
My guinea pigs are eating I was worried about that just checked on them and they have come out and are eating my guinea pigs are ok a few minutes after being picked up they love snuggling in my neck
 
This was taken today, still in the hutch.View attachment 142682

Could you confirm that the bedding is hay and not straw. It looks like straw on the picture but it can be tricky to tell sometimes.

Straw is not safe for guinea pigs. It is far too sharp and can cause them injuries, they also cannot eat straw. They should be bedded on hay as it is softer, safer and it is their main food source.
 
Welcome to you and your piggies. I would strongly advise that you double check their sex. Unfortunately a lot of people have had a bad experience with guinea pigs from PAH. I'd also try and get an appointment for them for a general check-over if you can.
 
Welcome to you and your piggies. I would strongly advise that you double check their sex. Unfortunately a lot of people have had a bad experience with guinea pigs from PAH. I'd also try and get an appointment for them for a general check-over if you can.
Thank you good idea
 
Could you confirm that the bedding is hay and not straw. It looks like straw on the picture but it can be tricky to tell sometimes.

Straw is not safe for guinea pigs. It is far too sharp and can cause them injuries, they also cannot eat straw. They should be bedded on hay as it is softer, safer and it is their main food source.
I don’t know if it is straw and what is the difference
 
I don’t know if it is straw and what is the difference

It definitely looks like straw on your picture. Straw has thick yellow stems and is dangerous to them and is not a food source for them.

Guinea pigs need hay, as it is their main food source, and it is also the best bedding for outdoor piggies (particularly during winter). Hay is fine stemmed and green and sweet smelling.
 
Where abouts can I find hay from as my local pet shop where I got this from doesn’t sell it
 
Where abouts can I find hay from as my local pet shop where I got this from doesn’t sell it

You get hay from pet shops, online or farm shops. They must have hay it’s simply non negotiable - hay needs to make up 80% of their daily food intake. It’s essential for their health that they have lots of it

Please do order some online or at a shop as soon as possible. Piggies who don’t eat hay constantly can quickly end up with health problems
 
And as a rough guide this is a picture of hay (on the left) and straw.
Your guinea pigs need access to unlimited amounts of hay 24/7 as it is the mainstay of their diet.
1589841010753.webp
 
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