Some reassurance and advice

[Nutella&ice-cream]

We have had Nutella and Ice-Cream for 2 weeks now. We have the Bluebell Hideaway hutch and both boys have continually spent the whole time in the upstairs of the hutch in the bedroom area and they come out for food. That is all. We never see them investigate anything else or play and they don't go downstairs as I'm assuming they don't like the ramp. We left them to it for the first few days, then got them out (albeit traumatic for them and us!) for them to have a run around in their run. The first couple of times, they just hid in the hideys.

This week, we have got into more of a routine with getting them out each evening and some of the time they are now adventuring out of their hideys and they will happily munch cucumber. They run out from their hidey and then run back into it with the cucumber and munch away. I'm also assuming they are slightly happier in there as they are now pooing everywhere whereas the first couple of times, they didn't at all! We then let them jump into a fleecey bed to have on our laps for a stroke and a groom before putting them back in their hutch. They are still not taking any food from us though. Is this still normal for 2 weeks later? I have read lots of people have their guinea pigs taking food after a couple of days.

Over the weekend, we are going to do some hutch renovations as I'm not too happy with the ramp situation and the big hole at the top so we're going to put up a wall around the hole so they are safer and somehow build sides to the ramp to make them feel safer going down it and hope to encourage them to explore more. Is there anyone who has made their ramp less steep by raising the end? If so, what did you do at the raised end to help them get down from the ramp?

I'd also like to say thank you for the previous advice on getting the guineas out safely. We now seem to be much better at blocking off the entrance to their bedroom to stop them running away, removing all hideys and then they hop into a shoebox we have cut a little door out of. It's getting easier each time thank goodness. We still haven't managed to actually pick them up yet though.

 

[Siikibam]

Yes it all sounds normal. They take a long time to trust you, so just count the mini milestones and look forward to having their trust. It’s ok to not take food from you. Just work on building that bond with them and you’ll reap the rewards.

Picking them up cuts too close to their prey instinct. So just be prepared that they may never like being picked up. You could herd them into one-exit box, cuddle sack, or tunnel and lift them out that way.

Have a read of the thread I’ve linked below, very useful. Good luck.
Understanding Prey Animal Instincts, Guinea Pig Whispering And Cuddling Tips

 

[Piggies&buns]

I have the bluebell hutch, on the top level, I have put a piece of wood along the hole so no piggy can fall down. I haven’t actually had to reduce the gradient of the ramp (my boys run up and down it with no problems) but you could put a brick underneath the bottom of it so it isn’t so steep.

I agree with siikibam. Two weeks is such a short space of time.
I have had my boys 16 months. One of them was comfortable with me within a month or two - taking food from my hand, coming out and having a chat, always interested in what I’m doing around their hutch, doesn’t mind the odd chin run. He doesn’t like being picked up but settles down when I have picked him up. The other one will not take food from my hand, doesn’t like being touched and hates being picked up, mostly runs away when I go near the hutch. I managed to pick him up two weeks ago and for the first time ever, he seemed to enjoy it and snuggled up under my chin - just the once though and hasn’t seemed to enjoy it since!