Hello, I'm new to the board.

[Joebob]

Hello, my name is Joe and I just got my piggy yesterday. He seems really scared still, and does NOT want to be picked up or held. I hope he calms down because I'm looking forward to us watching some television together. His name is Blink, and I'm not sure of his age. Unfortunately I did get him at a pet store, but I just couldn't help myself. The deplorable conditions made me so sad, and he just looked at me as if to say "please save me Joe. I'll be a good friend" So I would like to introduce you all to Blink.

http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/k...c/IMAG0005.jpg
http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/k...c/IMAG0002.jpg
http://i279.photobucket.com/albums/k...c/IMAG0001.jpg

[mochaviolino]

The poor thing looks so thin! Hope you find all the advice you need on the boards, they're really helpful!

[PixieStix]

Hi! It's normal for new piggies not to want to be held or picked up. He's probably scared at the change in environment. It often takes pigs a while to warm up to people, and some pigs will never enjoy being picked up. He's a cutie. Are you planning on making him a C&C cage?

[Joebob]

I would like to make him a C&C, but I don't what what is allowed just yet. I live in a small suburban apartment, and I practically had to plead with the management to let me have him in my non pet building. I really love him a lot. It's very lonely here by myself, and I am so happy to have a new friend to shower with love and affection.

[GuineaAddict]

I noticed that you were from Indiana and thought I'd welcome you to the group. I'm probably going to have the same problems getting my guinea pigs into an apartment around here when I end up moving. Although since I live in a college town it's a little easier to get caged pets in. Me and my friend were looking at apartments at one time and we told them that they stayed in their cage and never came out...of course thats entirely not true...but I don't think they really would have ever known. I don't think there are any limits on cage sizes around here either as long as you keep the place clean and don't have a cage built for the size of a bear.

[Ziggy&Herald]

Welcome to GPC. Blink is so very cute.

[JanJam]

Wow! He's lovely. Don't worry about him being scared right now, he's been through a lot for a little piggie. He will settle.

[Joebob]

It's day 3, and the only way to get him to move around is to take the Pigloo out of the cage. He's eaten some, and even nibbled a bit of carrot from my hand. I'm still worried about him. Is he too thin? Maybe he can't figure out how to get back out of the Pigloo? Should I rush him to the vet? I love him like crazy, I just want him to be happy and healthy.

[Ziggy&Herald]

As long as he's not showing any signs of sickness, such as sneezing, crusting eyes or nose or hairloss, I say he's just being a normal baby pig. Some take longer then others to come out of their shell. Many times it will take another pig for him to be more comfortable. I think I may have read that it is not an option at the moment though.

Just spend as much time with him as you can and eventually he will start to show signs of improvement. They're not like dogs and love you from the first minute they see you.

They are prey animals and you must build that trust. But when you do you will be rewarded ten fold by your loving piggy that wheeks at you everytime you walk by.

If removing the pigloo helps, that is fine. Just make sure the cage is in a quiet dark place. And always give it back to him at night so he can sleep with total confidence nothing will get him.

We all went through this as new piggy owners. You just have to realize that they are very low on the food chain and must be reserved to survive. He will come along eventually as long as you keep at it.

[PixieStix]

Since your piggy is a prey animal, and nervous, I wouldn't keep the pigloo out for too long. Maybe for an hour or so a day, but for most of the time he should have a place to hide. Hand feeding helps a lot of piggies to earn trust as they love their food! Just spending time near him will also help him get used to your presence.

[Wheek Weak]

Originally Posted by Joebob

He's eaten some, and even nibbled a bit of carrot from my hand. I'm still worried about him. Is he too thin?

Hi Joe...welcome to GPC! How old is Blink? What kind of diet are you feeding him?

Read all of the stickies at the top of each forum on this site. You'll be off to a good start for guinea pig care after doing that.

What kind of pellets are you feeding him? He should be eating plain pellets, not the mixed junk that the pet stores sell. He should also have unlimited hay 24/7.

Print off this Diet/Nutrition Chart to use on a daily basis to provide a healthy, well-balanced diet: http://www.guineapigcages.com/forum/...arts-info.html

It's the one we use and our underweight rescues always gain weight pretty quickly. Not to mention how it gives them a lot of energy, and general good health.