paranoid about guinea pig's health

[vis.and.buck]

Hi! I have two guinea pigs named Vision and Bucky. They are both still very young (under a year old) with Vision being a little older and bigger. I have had them both since late February and I adore them. I recently upgraded from an amazon, midwest size cage with a second floor I built on to now a c&c grid cage that is 4 grids by 3 grids. Bucky seems to love the new cage and popcorns, runs, and squeaks all the time. The problem is with Vision. Ever since I changed the cage, he has been very startled all of the sudden. He gets excited for food and treats and salad but doesn't squeak for it like he thinks something will hear him. He keeps sitting in different parts of the cage looking very scared. He is also cautious whenever he walks towards the front part of the cage which is facing the more open part of my room. He only seems to be just a little more active on the back side against the wall or the side next to me and my bed. Now I might just be super paranoid since I've lost a guinea pig before. I just don't know why he is so scared. Could it be outside my window? Is it because of the new cage change? The main time I see him walk around his cage now is at night when everything is quiet. He seems so scared during the day, but still a little at night too. He loves sleeping right on the side of the cage by my feet when I'm sitting on my bed doing schoolwork. He gets a little more comfortable when I sit right by him, but still startled. He also seems to follow Bucky for like a sense of security? He is still eating, drinking, sleeping, and perks up for food and stuff. His fur looks healthy, no runny nose or anything, still hangs out with Buck, and doesn't have a hunched over posture. He just seems so scared of his surroundings now and tries to stay quiet, even tho I can tell he is excited. I would love to take him to the vet rn to ease my stress, but recently because of COVID my parents have taken a little hit financially and I am a minor. Should I be concerned? Should I just wait for him to get used to the new set up? I even got him a new chew toy today and he was very interested. I just don't know and google isn't the best help.

 

[SavyCavyGirl]

It sounds like he is just a little startled. I’m kind of a newbie on the forum but have a bit of experience. If you can you could call a vet and ask. He seems ok tho just a little scared. If he is healthy I wouldn’t worry to much but calling a vet might ease your stress!

 

[Swissgreys]

It would help if we could see a photo of your set up so we could offer more specific advice.
But does the new cage have lots of tunnels and hides?
The new set up may take him a while to get used to, and he may be finding the larger spaces a little scary, so you would also try covering parts of the cage with a blanket or sheet.

 

[Bill & Ted]

After cleaning out, put a handful of dirty hay back in the cage. it will reassure him this is his home and the smell will help put him at ease. I would also put plenty of hides for him. A cardboard box with two doors cut out is cheap and makes a great hidey