Last Thursday, 5/7/15, I brought home a new baby guinea pig from a friend who's guinea pig had 12 babies! She desperately needed to get rid of them, so I picked up a young, 3 and a half week old baby. I've done extensive research on adding a new piggy to my existing piggy, and I've been following a guide on CavySpirit, and I've also checked GuineaLynx and other forums. From what I've read, it's best to introduce a young guinea pig to an older one that has been alone for a year or more, that's why I bought one so young. The woman I bought my guinea pig from also recommended introducing a baby guinea pig to an older, lone one. I've already researched and planned introductions, and I've spent a year saving up, (and finally building) my own C&C cage, with the recommended dimensions.
However, the transition from my new baby's old, packed home, to the more isolated room for the Quarantine has been less than smooth. I know I might be expecting too much, but it's been a couple days now, and no matter what I've tried (giving fresh veggies, talking in soft voices) nothing has helped the guinea pig warm up to me. My parents suggested holding the guinea pig, so he doesn't feel lonely, but that's only made the guinea pig more frightened and jumpy. He now darts into his house whenever someone enters the room!
The other problem is his refusal to drink water. I have been giving him lots of cucumber and celery to keep him hydrated, but I'm afraid he might become dangerous dehydrated. Otherwise, he's been eating hay and his Young Guinea Pig pellets, and all his fresh veggies.
Please give me any advice or suggestions on how to bond more with my cavy, or how to tempt him to drink water. Am I just paranoid? Might it take longer for a younger guinea pig longer to adjust? Should I skip the Quarantine and just introduce my young piggy to my older one? Thanks
However, the transition from my new baby's old, packed home, to the more isolated room for the Quarantine has been less than smooth. I know I might be expecting too much, but it's been a couple days now, and no matter what I've tried (giving fresh veggies, talking in soft voices) nothing has helped the guinea pig warm up to me. My parents suggested holding the guinea pig, so he doesn't feel lonely, but that's only made the guinea pig more frightened and jumpy. He now darts into his house whenever someone enters the room!
The other problem is his refusal to drink water. I have been giving him lots of cucumber and celery to keep him hydrated, but I'm afraid he might become dangerous dehydrated. Otherwise, he's been eating hay and his Young Guinea Pig pellets, and all his fresh veggies.
Please give me any advice or suggestions on how to bond more with my cavy, or how to tempt him to drink water. Am I just paranoid? Might it take longer for a younger guinea pig longer to adjust? Should I skip the Quarantine and just introduce my young piggy to my older one? Thanks