new here and need help

[loveourgp]

Hello. We just adopted 2 baby guinea pigs and would love some advice. They are 6 weeks old. How should we socialize them properly? We got 2 females. Should we leaave them alone for a couple days to calm down or should we handle them immediately? Thanks for any info.

[Owned by cavy]

Hello! My advice is to get in their cage and do things daily. You'll be feeding them, changing their water, giving them hay. While you do that, let them smell you. Talk to them gently, reach slowly and start with just the petting. Give them a chance to relax, but you have to still be a part of their world. If they run, back off and you can always try it again a little later.

I don't know what kind of bedding you use, but it's easier for me to get in there and mess with mine daily, because I have fleece and I have sweep up the poos everyday, so it gives me a reason to be in there for longer. They run around my hands and around the dust pan and everything while I'm doing it, because they're naturally curious and they wanna know what you're doing.

If they're ok with the petting and everything you can gently scoop them up. But some cavies hate that. They'll let you know what they're ok with and what they aren't. Just be gentle and you should get a good response.

I've got two 3 year olds, one is ok with being picked up and one still hates it. She likes floor time and lap time, but hates the actual picking up. Good luck! And piggie pictures are always welcomed! I hope you have fun with your babies and welcome to the forum!