settling in

[madstitcher101]

How long do you have to leave guinea pigs to settle in when you first bring them home? We are now the proud owners of two boars who are 12 weeks old. The one is a dark eyed cream and has been named Pablo. He is the tamest. The other one is a fawn/lemon (this is the description given to me) agouti. He has been named Kwazii. He is more skittish and is going to need more handling. Anyway, since we put them into their new cage they have hidden themselves underneath the hay and they just haven't come out since. We've seen movement in there but no sign of them yet.

 

[Raven]

Personally I would leave them 48 hours before starting to handle them, but do talk to them quietly so they know you are around. When you first pick them up, use a towel or cosy sack so they feel hidden, and let them venture out in their own time. The taming process can go on for weeks or months depending on the piggies.

 

[herriotfan]

When I got my sows I left them for a couple of days. I would probably have left them longer but I wanted to clean them out. I empty and clean the cage every other day and put the girlies in a wire cat basket, lined with newspaper and an old towel, while I do it with lots of hay. Then they have their cuddles and grooming session. I also go to their cage several times a day and talk to them. Mind you I'm nattering away all day to my animals so even if I'm not talking directly to them they hear my voice a lot!
It has certainly worked for us because they have settled in very well and have started to popcorn loads. |)

 

[Wiebke]

Most piggies will start to find their bearings within about 48 hours. Please place food, hay and water close to where they are hiding, so they can come out when they feel unobserved and snatch something to eat.

Here are more tips on how to settle in skittish new piggies: http://www.theguineapigforum.co.uk/showthread.php?t=36239