Behavior What to do ?

[Dandreking22]

:sad::?:
i have two new female guinea pigs and im starteing to regret getting them.

ALEXIS( she is horrible, she only comes out of the play house when she hears me putting food in her bowl, im starting to think that she doesn't like me. She will never let me hold her or pet her and she goes crazy when she sees me; in a bad way, she runs around the cage and hides and when shes running she has no regard for the other guinea pig , im really starting to think that i should take her back tk the store :weepy:)

ALEX( Alex is sweet and nice, she started off shy and scared, she lets me pet her and hold her but she is a little scared at first but then she gives in a come near me. But majority of the time, when ALEXIS is scared and running around, it will make her scared and she will go crazy in a bad way too.):sad:

I do so much for my guinea pigs and i feel unappreciated. They only seem to like me when i give them a treat. Then after they eat their treat, they will go back to their crazy side.
TRUST

I try to earn their trust by holding them and petting them. But i can't hold both of them at the same time and ALEXIS is crazy about that. When i hold ALEX, ALEXIS goes crazy, she will run around the cage looking form ALEX and then after a while ALEXIS will start to squeek and just make high pitched unsual sounds, that noise makes ALEX frantic and scared and then she starts to go crazy and try to get out of my arms.
Then when i hold ALEXIS she will just go super crazy, there isn't any trying with her. She will make the same sounds in my arms that she made in the cage without ALEX. Then i will just get sick of it and then i will put her back in the cage and then she will just trash the cage; Using the bathroom every where, throwing the stuffed animals, pooping in the food, throwing food everywhere, it just make me crazy. Then ALEX will hide in the litter box because she is scared.
FOLLOWER
ALEXIS will follow ALEX everywhere and it makes ALEX frustrated. ALEXIS will even lay on ALEX. When i offer ALEXIS a treat; apples, green beans, spinach, and oranges: she won't take it. But when i offer it to ALEX, she will take it and then ALEXIS will take ALEX's treat from her

WHAT SHOULD I DO?
I LOVE MY GUINEA PIGS BUT I DONT THINK THAT THEY WILL EVER LOVE ME.​

​

 

[YourSoJelly]

Time is your best friend. It has taken me 6 months for Nala to become accustomed to me and Pumpkin runs for the hills when ever I walk in the room. Alexis might just be a shy pig. I don't think that you are being fair to them and returning them the store like a broken toy. Some pigs just take longer to get accustomed to their humans.

 

[GuineaGal2013]

My first guinea pig was the best guinea pig we ever had. She warmed up to us right away and was very loving and affectionate. But after she passed, I couldn't stand the empty cage and it was too weird not to have it there... so we got Aja to try to ease the pain. I was so worried, because Aja was NOTHING like Bugsy. She never wheeked, she stayed in her igloo most of the time... After we moved out of the apartment (which only allowed one piggy), we bought a companion thinking that would be helpful. Well... they were both quiet guineas. They both hid in the same igloo and then Aja would make this shrieking sound when Peri was upsetting her. I tried separating them, but turns out they had bonded and Aja made a pile of things to aid her jumping over the barrier to be with her sister. The shrieking sound? Its the sound baby guineas use to call their mother. She certainly wasn't a baby, but she was calling me to her aid. I have had Aja since August and Peri since January. Aja is finally becoming more vocal (slowly but surely) and is becoming more accustomed to being handled. She still has days when she's in a mood... but I love my girls and I know they love me. It takes time, and it takes effort. Hand feeding veggies is a good way to promote bonding. And they may never get used to being picked up (guinea pigs r prey animals and if something is swooping down from above... it is probably going to eat you. that instinct will always be there). But that doesn't mean they hate you. It just means their survival instincts over ride everything. Give it time. And if you are going to get rid of them, I can't stop you. But I urge you not to take them back to the store. Stores don't treat them very well and don't give customers all the proper info they need. If you should decide not to keep them, please put them up on the adoption forum on this site. That way you can be sure they will be loved and well cared for.

 

[MummyOf5Piggies]

All guinea pigs are different, Your Alexis is like my April she refuses to be picked up or petted. As YourSoJelly said time is your best friend for piggies to get used to you. So don't think that they don't like you. And they are prey animals they feel like you will hurt them. Once they learn you wont, they will let you pet them in the cage and hold them. And try using the towel trick with them, Wrap them in a towel and hold one of them with a treat in hand.lol

 

[Dandreking22]

my first guinea pig was the best guinea pig we ever had. She warmed up to us right away and was very loving and affectionate. But after she passed, i couldn't stand the empty cage and it was too weird not to have it there... So we got aja to try to ease the pain. I was so worried, because aja was nothing like bugsy. She never wheeked, she stayed in her igloo most of the time... After we moved out of the apartment (which only allowed one piggy), we bought a companion thinking that would be helpful. Well... They were both quiet guineas. They both hid in the same igloo and then aja would make this shrieking sound when peri was upsetting her. I tried separating them, but turns out they had bonded and aja made a pile of things to aid her jumping over the barrier to be with her sister. The shrieking sound? Its the sound baby guineas use to call their mother. She certainly wasn't a baby, but she was calling me to her aid. I have had aja since august and peri since january. Aja is finally becoming more vocal (slowly but surely) and is becoming more accustomed to being handled. She still has days when she's in a mood... But i love my girls and i know they love me. It takes time, and it takes effort. Hand feeding veggies is a good way to promote bonding. And they may never get used to being picked up (guinea pigs r prey animals and if something is swooping down from above... It is probably going to eat you. That instinct will always be there). But that doesn't mean they hate you. It just means their survival instincts over ride everything. Give it time. And if you are going to get rid of them, i can't stop you. But i urge you not to take them back to the store. Stores don't treat them very well and don't give customers all the proper info they need. If you should decide not to keep them, please put them up on the adoption forum on this site. That way you can be sure they will be loved and well cared for.

thank you so much, i think part of the problem is that i have their cage on the ground so i guess that the instinct is there. But how do i hold alex and keep alexis from going crazy ?

 

[Dandreking22]

Okay thanks so much

 

[Dandreking22]

All guinea pigs are different, Your Alexis is like my April she refuses to be picked up or petted. As YourSoJelly said time is your best friend for piggies to get used to you. So don't think that they don't like you. And they are prey animals they feel like you will hurt them. Once they learn you wont, they will let you pet them in the cage and hold them. And try using the towel trick with them, Wrap them in a towel and hold one of them with a treat in hand.lol

Okay, thanks i never heard of that trick

 

[GuineaGal2013]

Is Alexis younger than Alex? because it sounds to me that she as attached herself to Alex like she would a mother. When she makes that noise she is probably calling for her because she is scared without her (which is probably why it upsets Alex to hear the noise). Also, what size is your cage? Pet store cages really aren't big enough. I noticed a BIG difference in my girls after I built them a C&C cage. And my girls cage is on the floor now and that really doesn't make a difference. They r in a new environment and they are scared. As the others have said, it just takes time, patience and LOTS of veggies lol

 

[Dandreking22]

my first guinea pig was the best guinea pig we ever had. She warmed up to us right away and was very loving and affectionate. But after she passed, i couldn't stand the empty cage and it was too weird not to have it there... So we got aja to try to ease the pain. I was so worried, because aja was nothing like bugsy. She never wheeked, she stayed in her igloo most of the time... After we moved out of the apartment (which only allowed one piggy), we bought a companion thinking that would be helpful. Well... They were both quiet guineas. They both hid in the same igloo and then aja would make this shrieking sound when peri was upsetting her. I tried separating them, but turns out they had bonded and aja made a pile of things to aid her jumping over the barrier to be with her sister. The shrieking sound? Its the sound baby guineas use to call their mother. She certainly wasn't a baby, but she was calling me to her aid. I have had aja since august and peri since january. Aja is finally becoming more vocal (slowly but surely) and is becoming more accustomed to being handled. She still has days when she's in a mood... But i love my girls and i know they love me. It takes time, and it takes effort. Hand feeding veggies is a good way to promote bonding. And they may never get used to being picked up (guinea pigs r prey animals and if something is swooping down from above... It is probably going to eat you. That instinct will always be there). But that doesn't mean they hate you. It just means their survival instincts over ride everything. Give it time. And if you are going to get rid of them, i can't stop you. But i urge you not to take them back to the store. Stores don't treat them very well and don't give customers all the proper info they need. If you should decide not to keep them, please put them up on the adoption forum on this site. That way you can be sure they will be loved and well cared for.

alexis is the brown one and alex is the white

 

[luvmypigggies]

Awww! They are so cute! Friending you straight away!

 

[GuineaGal2013]

THEY R SO CUTE!!! It doesn't look like one is any older than the other... but I still think that Alexis has attached herself to Alex. Some piggies just need a good piggy role model and she is looking to Alex to provide it.

 

[Dandreking22]

Is Alexis younger than Alex? because it sounds to me that she as attached herself to Alex like she would a mother. When she makes that noise she is probably calling for her because she is scared without her (which is probably why it upsets Alex to hear the noise). Also, what size is your cage? Pet store cages really aren't big enough. I noticed a BIG difference in my girls after I built them a C&C cage. And my girls cage is on the floor now and that really doesn't make a difference. They r in a new environment and they are scared. As the others have said, it just takes time, patience and LOTS of veggies lol

The pet store said that they're both a couple of months old, they didnt knowmthe exact ages and i have a CandC cage.

 

[Dandreking22]

THEY R SO CUTE!!! It doesn't look like one is any older than the other... but I still think that Alexis has attached herself to Alex. Some piggies just need a good piggy role model and she is looking to Alex to provide it.

thanks, i hope thats exactly what it is

 

[GuineaGal2013]

If they are younger than 4 months old they are still considered babies. Babies do best with older piggies so that there is a good role model. (I'm not telling you to go get another pig, I am only telling you this so you realize it is like an human infant that has been separated from its mother. They are scared, they aren't sure of the rules, and they are doing the best they can. Be patient with them.)

 

[addictivejuliet]

AWH. Don't worry, they'll get used to you eventually. When I used to have guinea pigs, and one was really scared and squeaked loudly when i took her away from the other one, so i took them both out and snuggled them up in a towel and put them on my knee. We just watched tele and I spoke to them and they got used to my smell. Stroke them softly and give them treats while they're on your knee

 

[madelineelaine]

In all honesty, some guinea pigs never warm up to there owners. Some run for the hills and never trust them.

It takes time to win over their trust. They are prey animals, and it is in every fiber of there being to run for the hills when anything might harm them. Felix, who I've had almost a year, is just starting to warm up to me and calm down.

 

[Carissa6729]

Hi and welcome!

Unfortunately, I think, somewhere along the way you have picked up the misconception that many do that guinea pigs are naturally cuddly, lovable creatures that warm right up to you and love to snuggle. As mentioned, they are prey animals and that is their first and foremost priority to not get eaten by the giant house eagle hovering over the cage (you). All the behaviors you have described are perfectly normal and could or could not change in the future. Some guinea pigs WILL warm up to you and maybe greet you and cuddle with you, some WON'T even over the years. Many will tolerate you being near them but never really like you picking them up but will snuggle with you once picked up. They are as individual and unique as people are. Most however, will always run when you try to pick them up or pet them in their cage unless you have some way to bribe them with a veggie.

My boys are about 7 months old and they still run when I get near, squirm when they don't want to be held, don't really honestly care if I was here or not except for the fact that I bring them food. That is about the only time they really pay much attention to me to be honest. They aren't dogs and generally won't return any affection or love that you are giving them, think of them more along the lines of fish. There are certainly some piggies out there that do and go against the norm, but most are generally just happy to see you as long as you have food.

I would really recommend looking around this site and getting familiar with what to expect from your guinea pigs and what to look out for, especially illnesses, they hide this very well. You have two beautiful girls on your hands and enjoy being a part of their lives. Remember that the way to a guinea pigs heart is through it's tummy!

ETA: One of the best ways I got my fur babies to warm up to me a bit was to sit by their cage (my cage is also on the ground) and talk to them in a low, calm voice. I also had my kids do this and now when somebody is sitting next to the cage, they will run right up. I also have them give treats through the bars so that the pigs know they are in a safe environment with us near.

 

[Dandreking22]

hi and welcome!

Unfortunately, i think, somewhere along the way you have picked up the misconception that many do that guinea pigs are naturally cuddly, lovable creatures that warm right up to you and love to snuggle. As mentioned, they are prey animals and that is their first and foremost priority to not get eaten by the giant house eagle hovering over the cage (you). All the behaviors you have described are perfectly normal and could or could not change in the future. Some guinea pigs will warm up to you and maybe greet you and cuddle with you, some won't even over the years. Many will tolerate you being near them but never really like you picking them up but will snuggle with you once picked up. They are as individual and unique as people are. Most however, will always run when you try to pick them up or pet them in their cage unless you have some way to bribe them with a veggie.

My boys are about 7 months old and they still run when i get near, squirm when they don't want to be held, don't really honestly care if i was here or not except for the fact that i bring them food. That is about the only time they really pay much attention to me to be honest. They aren't dogs and generally won't return any affection or love that you are giving them, think of them more along the lines of fish. There are certainly some piggies out there that do and go against the norm, but most are generally just happy to see you as long as you have food.

I would really recommend looking around this site and getting familiar with what to expect from your guinea pigs and what to look out for, especially illnesses, they hide this very well. You have two beautiful girls on your hands and enjoy being a part of their lives. Remember that the way to a guinea pigs heart is through it's tummy!

Eta: One of the best ways i got my fur babies to warm up to me a bit was to sit by their cage (my cage is also on the ground) and talk to them in a low, calm voice. I also had my kids do this and now when somebody is sitting next to the cage, they will run right up. I also have them give treats through the bars so that the pigs know they are in a safe environment with us near.

thank you so much, this wil help me a lot. Alexis and alex made you guys a video, its uploading now.

 

[bubblepig]

I used to think my pigs hated me,but it wasn't true. It's not the big things,it's the little things. Maple is my most skittish,even though he was my first pig. The home he used to live in had a bunch of rowdy young kids,so that wasn't much good. He's still shy when I pet him and will dart off,but he will hand-feed from me. I can pet Twix and handfeed her and even hold her sometimes. It takes time.

 

[Dandreking22]

Time is your best friend. It has taken me 6 months for Nala to become accustomed to me and Pumpkin runs for the hills when ever I walk in the room. Alexis might just be a shy pig. I don't think that you are being fair to them and returning them the store like a broken toy. Some pigs just take longer to get accustomed to their humans.

ALEX AND ALEXIS MADE YALL A VIDEO[video=youtube;3yEB3iV1qao]