General Bringing my guinea pigs home question?

[kiki777]

Hi there, I'm going to be getting 2 guinea pigs next week and I have a quick question. In a few of the books I've been reading it says to not place the sleeping box into the cage until my pet is fully used to being handled otherwise it may hide and remain shy.

However, in the post "Common Misconceptions about Guinea Pigs and their Care" it says "All guinea pigs need a hidey house available to them at all times. Guinea pigs are prey animals and their instinct is to run and hide whenever something frightens them. Failing to provide a secure hiding place does not make a guinea pig more comfortable with people and will only cause unnecessary stress."

I'm just wondering what exactly I'm supposed to do when I bring the guinea pigs home to make them as comfortable and happy as possible? Also, I'm wondering what should and shouldn't be in their cage at first when they come home (ex. tunnels, hidey houses, cozy cups, etc.). I'm afraid to do the wrong thing and make my guinea pigs permanently shy. Any kind suggestions would be helpful Thanks in advance!