New Guinea Pigs - seem afraid..

[AlrightChuck]

Hello- we got a couple of female guinea pigs a couple of weeks ago, we have a two story large hutch (with a pipe, house for privacy and "toys") and also a large run in the garden which we put them in when we're around.

They seem very jumpy indeed and if anything, are becoming less used to us than before. It is a tall order to pick them up to put them into the run and even when there, they like to hide in the pipe we provide them. This is bad as one at least seemed keen to explore initially. My kids are loud (ha) but not young so are treating them well. I feel sorry for the kids as they have been trying to tame them with carrots etc, with little success.

My worry is that they're being worried by passing urban foxes or cats at night and may be afraid as a result. Is this all very normal, do they just need more time?

Thanks for reading.

They need time and they need a bit of quiet socialisation to start with. Just sitting next to the hutch and talking to them without trying to pick them up or handle them. Then after a few sessions of that try talking to them and offering treats, still from outside the cage. Gain their trust slowly. They are a prey animal so are easily scared initially but once they 'know' you, they are fab.

Keep talking to them every time you walk past the hutch, even just a little "morning girls!" to get them used to your voice.

Also, they are probably terrified when you pick them up because of their instincts as prey, they get 'taken' from above and it is scary to them so their instinct is to RUN! My two boars are really well socialised (indoor 2.5yr olds) and I still don't go in through the top of their cage because it freaks them out completely, whereas when I use the side door and they are happy to see me

In short, bear with them. Build contact up slowly. They will get there, it just takes time and patience.

SqueezyCheeseWeasel - your post is so reassuring, thanks for taking the time to be so comprehensive! I will do as you say, and try to encourage the kids to give them space rather than "grabbing" them for their hutch time. Should I hold off the run for a while I wonder?

They are gorgeous little things so we're keen to get things right!

Thanks again.

Just give them time and they'll get used to you. Come over to the 'small pet' forum where we love to talk piggies.

Popcorn-ing over there right now! Thanks Fernie!

Hi

How do we get onto this forum?

FernieB Thu 16-Apr-15 22:40:58

Just give them time and they'll get used to you. Come over to the 'small pet' forum where we love to talk piggies.

They like quiet and are cute pals. They like little diversions like tunnels etc.