A Few New Questions

[mikew]

Since I adopted my guinea pigs last Wednesday I've ran into some questions that I would love answered. In my room I have a ceiling fan and wasn't sure if I could use it because of the guinea pigs. I didn't know if the air from the ceiling fan blowing on them would affect them. I also have an air conditioner and didn't know if I could use that. That probably wouldn't be blowing on them directly because it is in the window away from the cage. My last question involves guinea pig trust. I was wondering about other people who have adopted guinea pigs. My two right now are a bit skittish and won't let me pet them yet. I have given them some food out of my hand and they will take it and run away. I am trying to slowly get them to trust me. The first day I got them I took them both out and petted them but thought that that might not be the best approach until they are comfortable with my hand in the cage. I was wondering if anyone had or has any similar circumstances and what they did to get them to be more calm around them and how long it took. Thanks

[Ziggy&Herald]

I would just keep the air at a comfortable setting for the pigs. As long as it's not blowing directly on them, I don't see any difference with a window unit or central air. As for the ceiling fan, this is a good question I think. I would love to hear other peoples responses as well.

[Ly&Pigs]

You can run air conditioning just not directly on them and fans are ok too as long as it's not blowing directly on them or the room gets too cold (under 65F).

[mikew]

Yeah I was pretty sure that the air conditioning unit would be okay but wasn't sure about the ceiling fan because it blows down on the whole room. I konw before I got the piggies and turned it on that I would feel the air blowing on me from it from time to time

[PiggieMamaKelly]

Also, I think almost all of us have experienced what you are describing about the pigs being skittish and nervous. Because guinea pigs are prey animals they are wired to run when scared. As time goes on they will begin to know you better and trust you. If you continue trying to pet them and hold them they will come around in time.

[clotho]

Hi there! Some ceiling fans can be reversed and I think that would be ok because it wouldn't be blowing directly on the piggies, but it would still give some air circulation in the room.

I use air conditioning in my piggies' room. It doesn't blow directly on them and I keep it set so the temperature is always comfortable for them.

As for getting them used to you, I think you're on the right track. Keeping your hands in the cage a lot so they get used to you is a good idea. Feeding them tidbits of veggies from your hands is a great idea. They may always be a little skittish, but they will soon learn that you bring food. I have 10 piggies and most of them run when I try to pick them up - but once I have them up, they are perfectly fine. They are prey animals - it's just instinct for them to run.

[mikew]

Should I take them out and pet them as well as give them free time right now or wait until they are more comfortable with me? I just recently discovered that they go crazy happy when I shake the bag of food. I went to fill it this morning and they ran to the front of the cage and started squeeking. I just did it a little while ago and they did the same thing.

[clotho]

My little squeakers do the exact same thing - when they hear the rustling plastic, they know it's food time!!! The problem is, they start freaking out every time they hear rustling plastic now LOL.

You might want to give them a few more days to get used to their new surroundings and just keep your hands in the cage a lot to let them smell you and get used to having you around. I personally believe if you pick them up at least once a day, they will become more comfortable with you handling them. Just try not to chase them too much if you can help it - you can always shoo one into a hidey and then use that to pick your piggie up. If you wrap your piggie in a towel or use a cuddle cup then he/she might feel more comfortable being held. A towel will also help protect your lap against getting peed on. Limit the amount of time you hold your piggies - if you hold them too long you'll probably get peed on.

[mikew]

Sounds good. I think I'll try that. Thanks