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Original poster

Quick help any vets or Guinea pig familiar people!!!!!

30 replies

Beauregard · 12/11/2007 11:35

I bought 2 female Guinea pigs on Saturday.
The one seems quite content and is happy to come out when we are around but is obviously still nervous but 'normally'so.The other is very timid and jumpy and has on about 4 occasions nipped the other one and sent her squealing.Other than this they seem ok but i do have concerns about the nervous one.I have called the petshop and they said that normally females get along and i can take her back today and choose another one.
I really don't know what to do,the nervous one rarely comes out of the little cave in the cage and when she does is so jumpy and scared.
I am worried that if she is nipping the other one so soon that it is a sign of more aggression to come.
Please advise me ,i feel guilty and sad for the nervous one but i have to consider the dd's and the other female guinea pig.
????

OP posts:
LadyOfWaffle · 12/11/2007 11:38

I had 2 females, I think it's males that usually don't get along... How big is their pen/cage? If you really don't want to take one back, can you have 2 pens next to eachother so they can interact abit but no contact?

gordieracer · 12/11/2007 11:41

Dont worry, thats completely normal, they are just scared and probably invading each others space. ONce they've got used to you and calmed down they'll be ok. Offer them lots of nice food like dandelion leaves or melon to diffuse the situation. I wouldn't advise splitting them up as this will cause them more stress

gordieracer · 12/11/2007 11:43

I've had a group of about 30 females before, and they do often nip each other, even full on fight rarely produce injuries.

Fennel · 12/11/2007 11:43

We got a very shy female guinea pig about 3 months ago, now she is much much tamer with gentle daily handling.

You probably don't want to hear this but after about a month with us she produced two surprise babies. Which maybe partly explained her nervousness. She calmed down after the birth.

Original poster
Beauregard · 12/11/2007 11:45

Thanks for replying .

Their cage is about 3ft long and i was advised it was big enough for the 2 of them.

I don't have space for another cage so separating them isn't an option.

Don't want to be left with an unfriendly guinea pig but don't want to cause further distress to the nervous one.

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LadyOfWaffle · 12/11/2007 11:47

Yeah, ours went funny when one got pregnant actually!

gordieracer · 12/11/2007 11:47

Trust me, they'll be fine, it's part of their behavior, there is usually a dominant one in a pair. Just spend more time holding the nervous one. You'll probably find now its getting colder, they want to be snuggling up in together.

Original poster
Beauregard · 12/11/2007 11:51

The one just lies still when i pick her up but the nervous one frantically scrambles to get away.

How much handling is too much?

I have only picked them up 4 times to move them from cage to be cleaned etc.

We have been talking to them lots as they are indoors.

God i hope she isn't pregnant.

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Original poster
Beauregard · 12/11/2007 11:59

oh i really don't know

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Original poster
Beauregard · 12/11/2007 12:12

geordieracer-do you work with animals then?

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southeastastra · 12/11/2007 12:13

i had to separate my two female (sister) rabbits. one use to attack the other one. it wasn't safe keeping them together. i should get them neutered though

Original poster
Beauregard · 12/11/2007 12:36

bump

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Original poster
Beauregard · 12/11/2007 13:11

x please?

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EmilyDavidson · 12/11/2007 13:14

If it was me I would play it by ear for a few more days .I expect the petshop will hold the swapping offer open all week ? If you've only had her since saturday then she is still adjusting to her new environment . The nipping must be distressing ,it would upset me too ,but she might calm down soon. Its like when humans move house ,it can really stress them out.
But if it gets worse then you probably should swap her.
You have been very unlucky because normally they are very gentle animals and lovely to have as pets

Original poster
Beauregard · 12/11/2007 13:16

Hi thanks for replying,i only have the option to swap for today

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tortoise · 12/11/2007 13:20

I don't have 2 guinea pigs. I have a rabbit and guinea in together who get on great.

Were they together when you got them? I would guess they will settle in soon and be fine.

EmilyDavidson · 12/11/2007 13:22

About the handling ,how much depends on what the individual animal likes. We used to bring ours into the kitchen and lie on the floor with them ,so they are with you but you aren't actually touching them. Then build up from there,so thet end up sitting on your lap when you watch telly.
I think its more normal IME to have a scrabbly guineapig who trys to get away though!

Have they got a run outside ? I know its cold but i would still stick them out in the sunshine for a couple of hours for a run around ,put a shoe box with a hole in stuffed with hay so they can cuddle up if they want to

Original poster
Beauregard · 12/11/2007 13:22

yes they were in a pen together with 3 other females and some baby rabbits.

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Original poster
Beauregard · 12/11/2007 13:23

Thanks for the handling tip

We don't have a run yet but intend to buy one.

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EmilyDavidson · 12/11/2007 13:29

How mean and unreasonable of the pet shop.
I dont think anyone could blame you for not wanting to take the risk of keeping her ,she might get better but she might get worse.
Poor you its a heartbreaking decision

Original poster
Beauregard · 12/11/2007 13:39

I am watching them now,i have taken the cave thing out so i can see them and they have a tunnel.it is still very nervous and has just tried to nip again cos i saw teeth.They both wanted to go in the tunnel so she nipped but the other hasn't backed down and has gone in.

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Original poster
Beauregard · 12/11/2007 13:51

x

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LadyOfTheFlowers · 12/11/2007 13:54

I think once they establish who is the alpha female they will settle down.
Until then, it may be a bit miserable for the more timid one.

Original poster
Beauregard · 12/11/2007 14:00

They are cuddled up inside the tunnel,is this a good sign?

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Winetimeisfinetime · 12/11/2007 14:00

That sounds hopeful to me - that the other one didn't feel too bothered by the 'nippy' one's behaviour and still went into the tunnel. I feel sure things will settle down in time - was she 'nippy' when you saw her in the pet shop in more familiar surroundings ?
I'm no expert but ime gps are disposed to be happy as long as their needs to eat, sleep, wee and poo are taken care of - and of course kept clean and have access to grazing in an outdoor run when the weather is nice and grass is`not wet. If you swap ' nippy' it may unsettle the more stable one to have a new companion. I did manage to acclimatise 2 males who are supposed to be much more prone to aggressive behaviour and whilst it took a bit of time they are perfectly happy together now.