Naomi21
New Born Pup
Hello all!
I have just got 3 sows...they're sisters. They are about 10 weeks old. They looked very happy in their original home but now I've bought them to mine they seem absolutely petrified. I know this is normal and different guinea pigs take different amounts of time to settle but I got them about 4 days ago and I can't see that they're drinking any water. I've given them cucumber to help but they almost seem too scared to drink! I've given them a bottle and a dish but neither looks like any has gone out of it.
What I'm also concerned about is the hutch I ordered was late arriving so as I had to collect the guinea pigs I'd made a rather large cardboard construction so it has hidey holes and tunnels and an open area, lots of hay etc but now I'm concerned that as they're so stressed it might stress them even further putting them into the new hutch which has now arrived and I've constructed this eve.
I feel awful because I had every intention of having everything ready. I guess I wasn't expecting them to be this skittish.
I've also read conflicting info on how much to handle them at this stage. I've had them out to give them floor time and just sat by them and given them places to hide and all they've done is hide. Should I be giving them floor time without me there at this stage so they don't feel so threatened or is it better I am there. I've been talking to them gently so they get used to my voice and (hopefully) realise I'm not a threat!
Anyway, sorry for the long post! I just feel a bit disheartened and not sure which way to go from here to make sure they're happy and healthy! Any advice will be greatly received! Thanks
I have just got 3 sows...they're sisters. They are about 10 weeks old. They looked very happy in their original home but now I've bought them to mine they seem absolutely petrified. I know this is normal and different guinea pigs take different amounts of time to settle but I got them about 4 days ago and I can't see that they're drinking any water. I've given them cucumber to help but they almost seem too scared to drink! I've given them a bottle and a dish but neither looks like any has gone out of it.
What I'm also concerned about is the hutch I ordered was late arriving so as I had to collect the guinea pigs I'd made a rather large cardboard construction so it has hidey holes and tunnels and an open area, lots of hay etc but now I'm concerned that as they're so stressed it might stress them even further putting them into the new hutch which has now arrived and I've constructed this eve.
I feel awful because I had every intention of having everything ready. I guess I wasn't expecting them to be this skittish.
I've also read conflicting info on how much to handle them at this stage. I've had them out to give them floor time and just sat by them and given them places to hide and all they've done is hide. Should I be giving them floor time without me there at this stage so they don't feel so threatened or is it better I am there. I've been talking to them gently so they get used to my voice and (hopefully) realise I'm not a threat!
Anyway, sorry for the long post! I just feel a bit disheartened and not sure which way to go from here to make sure they're happy and healthy! Any advice will be greatly received! Thanks