Adjusting?

[Kieley]

I just got my guinea pig yesterday , he came on a long roadtrip. My brothers friend that brought him back had him up in his hands and said he was fine. However, now that his cage is set up in my room, last night he came out for a couple drinks and he's been eating a bit, but ever since that he's been staying in his little hide-away home i made for him alot. He seems to be eating well, and pooping, is this hiding away being on edge the first couple of days normal? and how are some good ways to get him adjusted to me and his new environment?

Thanks!

[alerz]

Hi Kieley,

Welcome to the forums. What you are describing is definitely normal. When you first bring home a piggy, they are often nervous and unfamiliar with their surroundings, so they tend to stay to themselves and hide away as much as possible. Slowly, try to have him become familiar with you and his new home. Hand feed him and try to pet him very gently if he will allow you. Most of us with guinea pigs have found that they do not "enjoy" being picked up, so if you find that your guy is doing everything possible to avoid this, don't be too upset. I have had one of my guinea pigs for a year now and he runs like the dickens whenever I try to pick him up. This has to do with guinea pigs' natural instinct to run away from birds of prey and other predators which swoop in to try and feed! This is in contrast to my other guinea pig which I have had for about 6 months, who basically allows me to pick him up at will (this is generally rare for guinea pigs). It is important to take it slow and to allow your guinea pig to have hidey houses where they can feel safe.

Hope this helps!
Allison

[Kieley]

Yes he loves his house poops in it alot witch is sweet for clean up! after I made the cardboard house/ placed its food bowl and stuff just left him alone tell today(cleaning time). cleared the cage out placed the house back in, He just ran through a cardboard tube 2 time then right back in the house haha.

Will there come a point that when I look into the cage he wont run in fear? and I keep trying to feed him baby carrots/cherry tomatoes, just by putting them in the cage/hand feeding is there a good way to show him this is good to eat??? He is month old or something so i guess i hjave to teach him all this

[clotho]

Just keep offering different veggies. Eventually he might try a little. The best way piggies learn to eat different foods is having a buddy who eats them. When they see the other piggies eating it, they try it too - especially if they are young.

Guinea pigs are herd animals and need to be kept in at least pairs. Are you considering adopting (not buying) a friend for your piggie?