New Piggie Owne Help?!

[Rachillionn]

Hi everyone
I just got a little guy today, his names Padfoot. I rehomed him from someone who was unable to care for him, and he's tame but at the same time not? Everytime I go near his cage or anything he freaks out and runs around terrified. But when I actually get him out of the cage he will sit on my lap, no struggling, and will purr when I pet him. I completely understand that taming requires patience and I'm fully okay with that, I would just like help understanding where I should start with him as I'm not sure if he's tame or not.
Thanks for any feedback in advance!

 

[gizzy]

Strange, is his cage indoor or out ?
Mayby he has been made cage shy by a preditor ? Animal perhaps or noisy child
If so it could be the reason Padfoot feels safe in you arms .

 

[Stewybus]

I run a rescue & often get guinea pigs in like yours. It's a matter of time & lots of tlc. Try to let him know that you're there from a distance. When you come in the room talk to him. When you're next to him try to get on same level as him ie eye to eye. Everytime you open the cage door try to stroke him or tickle betwen his ears. You can alsotry this when he's eating because wanting the food can sometimes be greater than being scared of you. Also give him lap time or cudle time for 15 minutes 2 or 3 times a day. Hand feeding treats is another thing you can do. It won't take long but just needs patience x

 

[Rachillionn]

I run a rescue & often get guinea pigs in like yours. It's a matter of time & lots of tlc. Try to let him know that you're there from a distance. When you come in the room talk to him. When you're next to him try to get on same level as him ie eye to eye. Everytime you open the cage door try to stroke him or tickle betwen his ears. You can alsotry this when he's eating because wanting the food can sometimes be greater than being scared of you. Also give him lap time or cudle time for 15 minutes 2 or 3 times a day. Hand feeding treats is another thing you can do. It won't take long but just needs patience x

Awesome thanks! He actually won't take treats from my hand or even sniff tbem but he'll eat them in his cage when he's by himself. Thanks

 

[Rachillionn]

UPDATE : today I had him on my lap and he was purring while I was stroking him, and I started watched guinea pig videos on my phone and he started squeaking and squealing along with the video and tried looking for the other "guinea pigs"
Does this mean he would eventually want a companion?

 

[gizzy]

That is sounding realy promasing ,
Be patient and give your little one chance to learn to feel safe and trust you
And i am sure Padfoot will be a wonderfull friend to you

 

[Rachillionn]

He is an absolutely darling when I'm holding him, but as soon as he's in his cage it's like he's a completely different piggie!

 

[Freela]

It may be the fact that he is in a new environment. We travel back and forth to the cottage with our pigs, and they are very skittish the first few days when they haven't been to the cottage for awhile... it's the same cage but in a new place, and it throws them, even with the same people. He is likely just aware that he is in a new place and is on the alert, which makes sense for a prey animal in an unfamiliar place!

As for friends, guinea pigs love other guinea pigs and tend to thrive with company. If you're at all interested in having more than one, I think a friend would be a great option in the future!