New GPs, worried!

[CleverQuacks]

We got two male Guinea pigs yesterday, they are babies about 10 weeks old. They are in an indoor cage in the playroom. When we got them home they went straight into the hide in the cage and didn't come out all day. I hoped that once we went to bed and it was quiet they would come out and explore a bit but this morning the food is undisturbed so they haven't eaten all night. They have also weed and pooed in their house. Is this normal or should I try to get them eating some how? They have a bowl of dry food and lots of veg, should I be offering them something else?

[froglou]

This is completely normal to need to worry! Leave them completely alone (no touching them! You can still spot clean and change there water and food) for at least 5 days. They are naturally very nervous animals but they are quite sociable and will get used to there new surrounding soon. Guinea pigs are prone to something called ring worm which is triggered by stress which is why I advice leaving them for at least 5 days,this shows itself as small bald scaly patches and will need veterinary treatment so please give them time o settle in. They will eat there nuggets and hay when they are hungry, make sure you put hay in there hide to.

[EastMidsGPs]

They are simply settling in. It is their instinct to hide as they are prey animals.
Just sit quietly in the room with them and talk amongst yourselves, they'll get used to you that way.
Establish routines for when they are fed, cuddled (when ready) and cleaned out - very soon they will be telling the time better than you do!!

[CleverQuacks]

Thanks both. You were right, they are now happily munching through their veg, hay and dry food. I am quite surprised how much two little creatures can eat!! I am going to leave them a couple more days and then try gentle handling.

[Jay648]

My piggies were so nervous when I got them....it took a while but now they are very outgoing and fun. I sat with them quietly on my lap for an hour a day at first but I think what really helped was moving them into a quiet but frequently visited part of the house as they got used to us being around before too long. Though at first you couldn't walk to the cage without them all going to Hide! Hope you enjoy your new pals!