??Not Sure??

[dixiedoo4736]

i recently got my female guinea pig, Dixie (4months old), on 3/21. She is up at night and sleeps during the day. however, at night while she's eating and i'm lieing in bed, if i turn ever so slightly she freaks out and runs into her house. I'm not sure if this is normal or what, because i figured by now she would be used to me.
Also, she is really lazy and i'm not sure if it's normal. when i take her out and set up a little area for her to have some floor time in, she'll just sit in a corner the whole time(unless she gets scared and runs into a hiding place). is that just her way of sitting and taking in all of the new smells and sounds?

 

[heatherbunnie]

My two girls are still pretty skiddish if someone makes a quick or loud movement, and I've had them for about 8 months. When they get floor time, they'll always just sit in one place for about 5 minutes, and then explore and run around once they're comfortable.

 

[gpigluver14]

I would give her some more time. If you just got her on the 21st, she may still be adjusting. It's too early to tell if she just has a shy, timid personality.

If I make a sudden movement or really loud noise, my pig I got a month ago will make a run for the nearest house, and she has gotten somewhat used to me.

 

[this_lil_piggy]

Guinea pigs are prey animals in the wild, so being skiddish is normal behavior for them. Some pigs will tame more than others depending on their personality, environment, and how much they are handled. It takes time and patience. I have 6 pigs that I have been working on taming for 6 mths-1 yr. Most of them are pretty tame--are willing to approach me, tolerate being handled, and are comfortable enough in my noisy home to lay out in the open of their cage. A couple of them are much more skiddish than they are tame. They will reluctantly and cautiously approach me long enough to snatch a veggie and run, and will occasionally tolerate handling, but for the most part they still pretty skiddish and some of the slightest of things can send them frenzying for a hidey house.

Good rules of thumb to help tame them down:
-Don't expect too much too fast. It takes time to build their trust.
-Don't keep things too quiet in their environment. In my experience most of them adapt very well with the sounds of the household if given the chance. If they are never exposed to different sounds, then they fear all sounds.
-Plenty of hidey spaces. While your pig is adapting to her new home be sure to provide plenty of places for her to duck into quickly when she feels afraid. Being able to "hide" is their security and in turn boosts their confidence in exploring their habitat. Several small boxes with two entrances in them, or large pieces of PVC placed about are a good way to do this.
-Treats, treats, and more treats. The fastest way to a pigs heart is through it's stomach! Nothing makes them happier than leafy greens. It may take many failed attempts to coax your piggy to approach that veggie in your hand, but try try again...Eventually she will brave it and it is an immediate bond with you. Approach her cage several times each day and just hold out something for her to take from you and talk to her in a calming voice. Don't attempt to grab her, just allow her to build confidence approaching you.

Have you considered a buddy for your girl? Pigs are social animals and are happier, healthier, and more confident when in pairs+.
http://www.cavyspirit.com/sociallife.htm
Guinea Lynx :: A Medical and Care Guide for Your Guinea Pig

 

[BAll3rinA]

Both of my girls started out really scared of everything! Now, Ashley doesn't get scared of anything really. I'm not sure if it's because shes a fatty and just wants to eat no matter what haha but MK is still very scared of noises and sudden movements. But she has definitely gotten better. It also helps her that Ashley is more courageous because she tends to follow what Ashley does. If ashley's out of the towel, MK will most likely peek out and walk around. This is another reason why it's good to have 2 pigs! One tends to follow the other. For example, if they have a new veggie for the first time and one tries it out, the other will try it out too! Also, when it's food time, I take their towels and hideys out so I can hand feed them and pet them and they get used to you. Otherwise, MK would take her lettuce back to the towel and eat under it! Also during this time, they run around and have some fun too.

 

[robinspiggies]

Give it some time she'll be just fine.