bellajessica
New Born Pup
Hello,
First time guinea pig owner and adopted a 2 year old guinea pig and i have a few problems. The guinea pig is very fat, the woman who I adopted him from told me that she just fed him all the time and kept him either in the cage or on her knee so he hasn't had much chance to run about. The cage that he has at the moment (same one the lady had, changing it for a larger one as soon as I get paid) was absolutely disgusting, covered in poo and wee and after 3 hours of scrubbing only half of the dirt has come off. He has also been alone all his life. He seemed very happy around her popcorning alot but so far doesn't seem to have warmed to me, he's bitten me once very very gently as I was stroking him probably to let me know to leave him alone. Since she said he loves to be sat on your knee watching TV I put him on my knee after picking him up with a cardboard tube to avoid stressing him out but after a minute of being on my knee he was making a vibration with no sound and then teeth chattering so I put him back as I've read that that's a bad sign and he wants you to back off.
Basically, I want to know if I'm doing things right atm and if anyone has any tips to help him get comfortable around us and not chatter his teeth etc. I know it might take a while as we havent had him long i just want to make sure I'm doing everything i can to give him the happiest life possible. It might sound silly but would I be able to get him a harness and a lead and take him on mini walks to help him lose weight (as well as exercise outside of the cage in a pen)? I've had some people tell me no and yes. Should I introduce him to another male? Ive researched it and i know theres no chance theyll get on, but I really can't bare to see him alone, he looks so sad compared to other videos of guinea pigs that I've been watching and I don't understand why the lady would have only got 1 in the first place.
ANY advice would be great!
First time guinea pig owner and adopted a 2 year old guinea pig and i have a few problems. The guinea pig is very fat, the woman who I adopted him from told me that she just fed him all the time and kept him either in the cage or on her knee so he hasn't had much chance to run about. The cage that he has at the moment (same one the lady had, changing it for a larger one as soon as I get paid) was absolutely disgusting, covered in poo and wee and after 3 hours of scrubbing only half of the dirt has come off. He has also been alone all his life. He seemed very happy around her popcorning alot but so far doesn't seem to have warmed to me, he's bitten me once very very gently as I was stroking him probably to let me know to leave him alone. Since she said he loves to be sat on your knee watching TV I put him on my knee after picking him up with a cardboard tube to avoid stressing him out but after a minute of being on my knee he was making a vibration with no sound and then teeth chattering so I put him back as I've read that that's a bad sign and he wants you to back off.
Basically, I want to know if I'm doing things right atm and if anyone has any tips to help him get comfortable around us and not chatter his teeth etc. I know it might take a while as we havent had him long i just want to make sure I'm doing everything i can to give him the happiest life possible. It might sound silly but would I be able to get him a harness and a lead and take him on mini walks to help him lose weight (as well as exercise outside of the cage in a pen)? I've had some people tell me no and yes. Should I introduce him to another male? Ive researched it and i know theres no chance theyll get on, but I really can't bare to see him alone, he looks so sad compared to other videos of guinea pigs that I've been watching and I don't understand why the lady would have only got 1 in the first place.
ANY advice would be great!
to the forum.
It seems to me that you are doing all you can to make this big fella settle in all right. 
with PiggyOwner; please DO NOT put a harness on him. It will only stress him out. The best thing for exercising him is to give him lots of space to run about. Do you have the space to construct a C and C cage? We have a size guide on the forum. Be aware that if you get him a male friend, they will need even more space. Cages for males need TWO of EVERYTHING and enough space for them to be able to get away from each other when they want to. The most stable pairings are between a neutered male/ female. A good Rescue can give you all the advice and help you need. Plus we will try to answer any questions you may have here, too. Good luck with your boy!
