New nervous piggy - please help!

[PrincessMopsy]

Hi,
I'm wondering if anyone can offer some advice..
two days ago i rehomed an 8 week old sow from a friend of a friend who had an unplanned litter (pet shop sold her two 'females' that turned out to be male and female, usual story!) She kept one of the female babies to keep the mother company, and rehomed the male as soon as she realised his sex (although of course by then it was too late) but had one more baby sow which she felt she couldnt keep with the mum and sister because her accomodation wasnt big enough for 3 guineas, only two. needless to say i am a sucker for a sad story and didnt want this girl to end up on her own so i have given her a loving home - i will eventually introduce her to my other two girls and hopefully they will get on! The only thing is, she is literally petrified! She is in perfect health but she mustnt of had ANY handling whatsoever because she doesnt even run away from me shes just stuck to the spot and wont move I left her alone all last night so that she could settle in but there seems to be no change today.. she also doesnt seem to have drunk any water yet and has only eaten a leaf of romaine lettuce that i gave her but none of her dry food (which has remained the same all her life i havent changed the food brand - its p@h nuggets)
I'm getting really worried about her, i hope she eats and drinks soon!
Can anyone recommend a way of gaining her trust? i will try and cuddle her for maybe 15 mins a night just so she gets used to me, i am just so worried!
Any advice greatly appreciated, I'm sorry for my ramblings:s

 

[Wiebke]

Put the food and water close to her hide and just talk to her as much as possible. Let her get her bearings first!

It is a lot for her to cope with right now: separation from her family, being completely on her own in a new and potential dangerous territory and being handled by a smelly giant predator! Have patience!

Have a look at this link, perhaps it can help you:
http://www.theguineapigforum.co.uk/showthread.php?t=36239
http://www.theguineapigforum.co.uk/showthread.php?t=38562

 

[Zoekins]

good luck with your new little girl! i definitely think its all about patience though, I'm sure she will be ok after a few days.. let us know how you get on

 

[clairelove]

i think after she is introduced to your other guineas she will come out of her self,in my rescue i have many guineas in all the same as yours and i introduce them to another guinea pig and straight away the difference is amazingbest to do it sooner rather than later while she is still a baby has the chance of any bonding problems is a lot ,lot less when they are babies..