New Piggie is Terrified of Me!

[myloandkylo]

Hello all! A family member bought a guinea pig from petco (as well as a tiny cage), and after telling them how big their cage needs to be, food and veggies needed, as well as needing to get a buddy for their new pet, they became overwhelmed and wanted to surrender him. So here I am with a new piggie. I have set up an appointment with the local guinea pig rescue to find him a friend in the coming weeks.
My issue right now is getting him to trust me. He comes out and runs around, makes noises, and eats at night, or when no one is in the room, but the minute he hears my footsteps he runs into a hideout and will not come out until I'm gone. Ive never had this issue with my other two piggies, so I'm lost on how I can help him feel more comfortable. Ive had him for about 2 weeks, and there has been no improvement behavior wise at all.
I'm thinking maybe once he has a friend he will feel more secure? Please give me any tips!

 

[Mo & Stubbins & Vani]

I am copying this from a post a made yesterday :
Your piggies need time to acclimate. Guinea pigs are prey animals, and their natural instinct is to run from us (predators).
I have had two of my piglets since October of 2019, and I am lucky if I get to pet them! Bonding takes time, and you have to build a relationship of trust.
For example, I let my piggies climb onto my lap, but I don't try and grab or pick them up. If I did, they would associate me with fear and discomfort. Instead, they associate me with treats, affection, ear rubs, and personal space. They will come up to me and sleep beside me, but I need to respect their needs in return for their overwhelming cuteness.
You may also consider (if you have a closed cage) placing a blanket over part of the top to create a dark, secure environment.
Please read as many of these guides as possible: Getting Started - New Owners' Most Helpful Guides
What is your piglet's diet like? Cage size? (So I can offer more advice).
Did you have the other two piggies before receiving your current one? Are they rainbow bridge piggies?

 

[Merab]

Don’t worry.
It took my Phoebe 6 months before she stopped running and hiding whenever I approached.
Being prey animals a guinea pig’s default position is always “You’re going to eat me. Help!”

It takes a lot of time and patience to settle a new piggy.

@Mo & Stubbins & Vani has given you a good link and there is a wealth of helpful information here for you.
It’s great that you are going to get a companion as soon as possible.

Welcome to the forum - hope you have fun as well as finding all the help you need

 

[myloandkylo]

I am copying this from a post a made yesterday :
Your piggies need time to acclimate. Guinea pigs are prey animals, and their natural instinct is to run from us (predators).
I have had two of my piglets since October of 2019, and I am lucky if I get to pet them! Bonding takes time, and you have to build a relationship of trust.
For example, I let my piggies climb onto my lap, but I don't try and grab or pick them up. If I did, they would associate me with fear and discomfort. Instead, they associate me with treats, affection, ear rubs, and personal space. They will come up to me and sleep beside me, but I need to respect their needs in return for their overwhelming cuteness.
You may also consider (if you have a closed cage) placing a blanket over part of the top to create a dark, secure environment.
Please read as many of these guides as possible: Getting Started - New Owners' Most Helpful Guides
What is your piglet's diet like? Cage size? (So I can offer more advice).
Did you have the other two piggies before receiving your current one? Are they rainbow bridge piggies?

I have been putting a blanket over the cage, which does seem to help during the day! I will definitely look over the link, thank you!
He is currently in a 2x6 c&c cage with fleece flooring! Pellets are Oxbow Organic Bounty, I may be switching to something else, but as I was rushing to get him homed with me, it was the food with the most organic ingredients that I could find. He eats a good amount of romaine and timothy hay, absolutely loves bell peppers. As of my past piggies, they did indeed cross the rainbow bridge. I had two girls that were so precious. Those two acclimated after about 2 days so seeing this new little boy so scared has had me worried. It's been a year since the last one has passed, and wasn't necessarily planning on getting more guinea pigs this soon, but I couldn't see the little guy go to the city shelter where the previous owners were planning to take him.

 

[myloandkylo]

Don’t worry.
It took my Phoebe 6 months before she stopped running and hiding whenever I approached.
Being prey animals a guinea pig’s default position is always “You’re going to eat me. Help!”

It takes a lot of time and patience to settle a new piggy.

@Mo & Stubbins & Vani has given you a good link and there is a wealth of helpful information here for you.
It’s great that you are going to get a companion as soon as possible.

Welcome to the forum - hope you have fun as well as finding all the help you need

thank you so much!

 

[munchmonster]

Sending you and your little piggy my best wishes. Hang on in there and with patience, love and time I am sure you and your piggy will be fine. Fingers crossed you can find him a friend soon