A few questions from a newbie

[FSMachine]

Hi Everyone,

This is my first post here, though I have lurked around a bit before I bought my first piggies (2 of them ) last weekend.

I have a few questions, and thought it would be easier to ask them all in one topic, so here it goes:

1. For fresh veggies, should just give them some at different times, or should I have a big amount for them to eat as they please through out the day?

2. Regarding attachment and cuddle time:

How often should I take them out and hold them?
Should i take them both out, or one at a time? Does it matter?
Given i take them out the recommended amount of time, roughly how long does it take for them to enjoy cuddle time? Should i be worried that they just want to run away right now?

3. How long does it take for them to recognize my voice / become more familiar with me? Right now, if i enter the room and say something, they run and hide. If i move, they run and hide... etc. Is there a time this will stop?

4. Has anyone had experience using fleece as bedding? Is it difficult, and is it less expensive than regular woodchip bedding?

Thanks for your time,

[louie_joey]

1. Most people generally split the veggies into twice a day. Once in the morning and once at night.

2. Lap time is generally more for the humans, pigs tend to enjoy floor time more, although I have one boy who would rather chill in my lap than popcorn around with his buddy.

It can take a couple of months for them to get used to you, be patient- they will warm up to you eventually.

3. There's no set time, really. Mine will still jump if I catch them off guard and I have had them for 7 years.

4. Yes- there is an awesome sticky on fleece at the top of the bedding section! Go check it out, it is very helpful.

Good luck and welcome to GPC!

[Mori106]

My little guys are like yours. They are still relatively young and have only been with me for 3 weeks. So, they run and hide when we enter the room and during floor time they can't get away fast enough if I try to touch them.

On the positive side I have noticed subtle differences since I've had them. They know when I have food and come calling to get it. They seem to run shorter distances from me when they do get scared, and come back faster. I see these little things as improvements and can't wait for the day when I can hold them without constant wriggling. Like I said it's only been 3 weeks so I think we are making good progress.

Good luck with your piggies as well.

[Kim37040]

I have had piggies before and can tell you the fleece thing is amazing! With my other 3 I used pine shavings. I am more cavy savvy this go round.
The hardest part of the fleece process was washing it to prepare it for use in the cage. If you try it you won't regret it. And my piggies seem to really love it.
As far as the bonding is concerned- I think they always run when they hear a noise. Or at least startle. I have had my new piggies for a week now. I am amazed at how much we have bonded. Patch was super skittish but now is a greedy little pig when it comes to rubs. He still makes me chase him to pick him up though. Just be patient. Even if they never learn to love being picked up, they will love the love and attention.

[rabbitsncavyluv]

Where did you buy them?

Are you sure they are the same gender?

[FSMachine]

Where did you buy them?

Are you sure they are the same gender?

I got them from a local petstore before I knew better (they actually came from two different stores, and I had to give them some time to warm up to each other).

And yes, they are definitely both male.

[sdpiggylvr]

Welcome to the forum!

1. For fresh veggies, should just give them some at different times, or should I have a big amount for them to eat as they please through out the day?

Vegetables should be fed at least once daily, about one cup per guinea pig. A variety of lettuces, greens, and other vegetables are key to ensure you are providing enough Vitamin C and other needed nutrients. I feed about a half cup each, once in the morning and once in the evening. Since guinea pigs are animals who prefer to graze throughout the day, this system seems to please them the most.

How often should I take them out and hold them?

Hold them as often as possible! Several times daily.

Should i take them both out, or one at a time? Does it matter?

It really doesn't matter. Sometimes I will hold two pigs together on a blanket while I watch TV or read, and other times I'll just grab one pig while doing my homework.

Given i take them out the recommended amount of time, roughly how long does it take for them to enjoy cuddle time? Should i be worried that they just want to run away right now?

Once you get to know your guinea pig, you'll be able to recognize when they want to return to their cage or have to go potty. Most pet store guinea pigs are young and still have their adolescent wildness, so it will take time for them to mellow out and learn to enjoy handling.

How long does it take for them to recognize my voice / become more familiar with me? Right now, if i enter the room and say something, they run and hide. If i move, they run and hide... etc. Is there a time this will stop?

Yes, this is natural. They are still young, still getting used to you, and are still unsure of everything. With time, they will come to know that humans are not cruel or threatening. A little hand-feeding of a favorite vegetable doesn't hurt, either.

Has anyone had experience using fleece as bedding? Is it difficult, and is it less expensive than regular woodchip bedding?

Fleece is hundreds of dollars cheaper than normal bedding. It is so easy to clean, too! It's even better if you get two sets. Even though the initial purchase of two sets (i.e. $90 for two sets of cage liners) may seem a litlte expensive, compare to the average cost of high-quality bedding per year (i.e. $360) and you're saving over $250 per year! Over the lifetime of your guinea pig, that's more than $1300 in savings!

Here are a few great places to buy C&C cage pads, all sewn together and ready for use:
Jens Custom Crafts LLC - Home
Cage Blankets
PiggyBedSpreads.com Making Your Guinea Pig's World a Beautiful Place!
C&C Cage Pads - Cassandra's Cuddle-wee Things

You can also make your own by purchasing anti-pill or blizzard fleece yourself (I like YourFleece). You will also need two layers of either UHaul blanket (a personal favorite) or bath towels under the fleece.

Good luck!