New Piggies: Balance Between Contact And Leaving Alone?

[Pigaroo]

Hello all,

My piggies are about 6 week old rescues and new to me in the last two days. I'm also completely new to guinea pigs. I am worried about walking the balance between socializing them to me and leaving them alone so they can get comfortable in their new environment. I sit near them and talk sometimes, especially when I bring their veggies, and when I've been wrapping Christmas gifts. I've had to handle them a bit because I goofed with the fleece bedding and hadn't properly prepped it so had to remedy that situation earlier today.

I did read the Guinea Pig Body Language and Settling a Shy Pig posts, but I'm just feeling a bit nervous still (and so eager for the day down the road that they see me as a buddy). Do you all have any additional tips or words of encouragement?

Thank you so much,
Marie

 

[DanielleMeyer]

I personally recomend getting into a schedule. It helps them to know what to expect and when..

 

[Gem789]

Hello all,

My piggies are about 6 week old rescues and new to me in the last two days. I'm also completely new to guinea pigs. I am worried about walking the balance between socializing them to me and leaving them alone so they can get comfortable in their new environment. I sit near them and talk sometimes, especially when I bring their veggies, and when I've been wrapping Christmas gifts. I've had to handle them a bit because I goofed with the fleece bedding and hadn't properly prepped it so had to remedy that situation earlier today.

I did read the Guinea Pig Body Language and Settling a Shy Pig posts, but I'm just feeling a bit nervous still (and so eager for the day down the road that they see me as a buddy). Do you all have any additional tips or words of encouragement?

Thank you so much,
Marie

It sounds to me like you're doing everything right.Theyll get used to the sound of your voice and giving them veggies is a good way of making friends xx

 

[JenniferG]

Nothing brings out a shy piggie like a tasty treat! I have one rescue who is very shy and she will come forward for a piece of fruit, she is happiest if I stroke her with another guinea pig beside her rather than being out alone. Mine have associated being cuddled with having a treat, so they stand at the front of the cage and look at me when I put them back, waiting for something nice...cuddles aren't free in my house apparently!

 

[sport_billy]

Sounds like you are doing everything right so far! I would recommend trying hand feeding in the cage for sure, way to pigs heart is always the belly

Welcome to the forum by the way