"Sweet" Pea

[cavylover15]

Hi, I'm having a bit of trouble with a cavy I inherited from a friend named Sweet Pea. She apparently was no trouble with her old owner, just a little shy, but they wouldn't pay much attention to her and her cavy companion (who recently passed away). I can't pick her up or even pet her, because she'll bite me, hard, or run around too fast. I have another guinea pig who lives in the other half of the cage next to her (there's a "wall" of left over cubes in between) who is also skittish, but I can pick her up and pet her. Both of them have been from home to home to home. Any advice for either of them?

[cavylover15]

Please, I really need help with this. My mom wants to get rid of them, and says that if I can't get them to be friendly, we're giving them to the shelter. They've been to too many homes already, and I don't want to get rid of them. Help?

[frashy]

Well, what I have to say is that she MIGHT either..

A.) Still be shy from her new surroundings. Did you quarentine here? It is always important when you get a new piggie, to place them in a quieter room away from your current piggie, other pets, and where most noise/actions takes place in your home. It's a way to help them feel more comfortable in their new home. Another reason why it's important to quarentine is because..

B.) She possibly may have mites. When I first got my piggie Grimace (from a petstore way before I knew any better) he ended up having a pretty bad case of mites. He had the same behavior as you are describing. If you check closely, are there any sore spots on her? Or does your piggy scratch herself alot? You might find this link to be very helpfull .
Guinea Lynx :: Mange Mites


But, if they are just shy, some piggies no matter how long you have them you will always have to chase them around the cage a bit when you need to get them out. I have read some tips on this forum of easier ways to pick up pigs like those, such as putting a towel over them and scooping them up with that. Make sure, whenever you hold them to keep them close to your body so they feel secure..and using both hands always.

Or with some time, patience, and practice your piggie may break from their shyness. My piggie, Chauncey, recently randomly stopped being shy, and I can reach in his cage now without having to chase him. I can stick my finger by his cage and he will walk right up for some scratches too now. I gained his trust by handfeeding most of his veggies, talking to him in a soft, quiter voice, and always slowly reaching out for him.

[cavylover15]

Thanks for the advice. I pretty sure she doesn't have mites, considering she doesn't scratch much, and I did quarentine her. I'll try hand feeding her more veggies and using a towel. Thanks a lot!