Shy Piggie

[Metamorfosa]

Hi, I’m pretty new to owning a piggie. I got my piggie (Ethan) 2 months ago and he is still shy. I have him alone since I don’t think my cage is big enough for two (100cm x70cm).
My main problem is that he keeps hiding under his fleece bedding, even though he has a tunnel, “sleeping sac” and fleece hiding spot. Obvious solution is preventing him from getting under it (which I haven’t successfully managed so far).
Other thing is that he doesn’t particularly like being picked up. I usually pick him up in his sac and than wrap him in a blanket. I don’t do it often because I feel he is stressed out by it. Also I read somewhere that It’s better to wait till he eats from your hand, what he also doesn’t want to do.
I’m trying to be with him as much as possible, what is sometimes hard. I also spend most of the time in room where his cage is and try to talk to him. He really likes to eat when I’m reading to him, but still gets scared easily (hiding under the bedding).

I’d appreciate any tips. I don’t know if I’m doing something terribly wrong or just be patient.

 

[Swissgreys]

Welcome to the Forum.


It sounds like you are doing everything right, it just takes some piggies a while to settle in.
It will often take longer for a single piggy to settle as he has no one to look to for support or comfort.
This thread here should give you some ideas on how to progress with Nathan;
How Do I Settle Shy New Guinea Pigs?

You might also find some of these threads helpful:
New Owners' Problem Solver And Information Collection

The above link has information on things like cage size and companionship.
You are correct that your current cage is not big enough for 2 piggies, but in the future you might want to consider a way to extend this so that Nathan can have a friend.
Guinea pigs are social animals and will be much happier with another piggy companion.

Feel free to post a picture of your boy too - we all love pics of new member piggies.

 

[Metamorfosa]

This is my little boy as way to thank you!

 

[Merab]

Hello and welcome to the forum.
Ethan is a very handsome boy and that lovely white stripe makes him a perfect candidate for the Stripey Nose Club (@Betsy)
Piggies need time and patience and they will all decide on their own favourite places - which won’t be the same favourite place from one moment to the next.
You are doing a good job so far.

 

[Cavy Kung-Fu]

Welcome to the forum! All you can do is give him time. Unfortunately lone piggies are often far more skittish than pairs as they don't have the support network they're used to as they're social species. I would highly recommend getting him a friend via a rescue to help you bond

Piggies need quite a bit of space too so upgrading his cage would be a good idea in any case. The minimum advised for boy piggies is 2ft by 5ft as boys are quite rambunctious!

He's a very handsome chappy!