New Abyssinian Owner Here

[pdqgp]

New Abyssianian Owner here with some Q's I'm sure.

Just picked her up yesterday. Her pen is all set up and while I'm sure some may disagree with some of our set-up, bear with me as I'm new and still learning the GP way of life. Please point out any points of interest/change or concern if you would.

Cinnamon is her name. She's very young and small. Fits our palm very easily.

My questions revolve around her adjustment to her new home. We have two Boxers, so I"m sure she senses and smells them. She's on a table out of nose reach, so she's fine there. Her temp. house is a smalll cardboard box (square) but she's not going in it yet.

I'm using Care Fresh bedding and pelleted food currently. She did eat about 1/8 of her bowl in pellets and a single baby carrot on top of a full bowl of Timothy Hay. Water intake seems good too.

I cleaned up a ton of little stool pellets and the bedding that she urinated in this morning. Both of which were in the same corner.

She's quite shy and isn't walking around her cage much, just sitting very still in the corner. We can hold her easily as she doesn't fret too much. Just sits and cuddles on our chests.

Does everything sound normal so far? I'm reading up on veggies & fruits you all give yours.

How about her venturing around her cage/our home? How long will it take for her to open up and is there anything I should be doing to help?

Insight appreciated from this Newb.

[SoCalCavies]

Welcome to Absynnian world!!!

Could you send us a picture of Cinnamon? How about a picture of your current housing setup? First off, it sounds too small. Look here to find out:

http://www.guineapigcages.com/

Secondly, she will desperately need a friend!!! They bring things out in each other that you will not see with just one pig. They also provide better exercise and overall health. Check it out:

Guinea Lynx :: Companionship

Her behavior is completely normal. Look at this:

Guinea Lynx :: Behavior

Guinea pigs take a LOT of patience. You have to just keep interacting with her, and eventually she will come out of her shell. Again, it takes time though! Be patient.

Another extremely important website is: Guinea Lynx :: A Medical and Care Guide for Your Guinea Pig

Also, if she is under a year old, she needs some Alfalpha hay in her diet, in addition to Timothy Hay. But I'm sure you'll get a lot of advice on that, so I'll keep this short and end here.

And more important than anything, KEEP READING THIS WEBSITE and asking questions!!!

(My avatar is of my Absynnian, Boo.)

[Jenah]

I have an Aby named Pilot. She's quite spunky - but it took her a long time to really settle in. She was also alone with us which may have contributed to the time it took for her to come out of her shell.

She was alone for almost 2 1/2 years but 3 weeks ago I adopted another girl. She is also still very shy. I think that shyness just comes with the territory of having guineas.

It may seem like forever to us because we just want them to love us as much as we love them. But before you know it - there will be a change!

[Terekins]

Welcome to the forum.
I have an Abyssinian named Sherman. She's white with chocolate brown patches. She's very active, very inquisitive, and much more vocal than her short haired roommate. I'm sure Cinnamon will come around, and I agree that another pig as a companion is a very good idea. They look to each other for reassurance and enjoy each other's company.

[cavyowner2007]

welcome =)

[fourbwabbys]

Welcome! I have 4 black and white abbys (Plus Eddie, he's the odd man out).