adopted Darla, very affraid

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bpdfs

bpdfs

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So I recently got a new female (darla) We believe she was either mis treated or beaten by her previous owners, the pet place from where we got her said they just (abandoned) her there stating they could no longer care for her.. She is very chicken and affraid of everything, she has gotten a lil better but she is mostly always hiding and any walking around her makes her dart away and hide. She will eat, (not drink very much though). Loves peppers... :) I can take her out with a lil fight not much but her eyes are constantly fixated on us like shes waiting ot be hit or something.. You know what I mean? Just has that affraid look and her eyes never leave where you are no matter her position, Youc an see them follow you.. She will lay on my chest for hours with lil movement, Not even going to bathrom on me or having to do which is very strange atleast to me? She loves to hide/burrow in the towel i keep on me, Seems to just want ot hide instead of being out.. what can i do to make her feel more comfortable and no be affraid, Is there anything special i can do or do i just need to let Time play here... We give her lots of attention so that is not a problem..

Thanks
 
my esmo is like that when shes very young. when she got older she is a lot better. piggies can be quite timid it's just their nature i don't think it necessary she's being mistreated or anything, maybe a look at how to tame piggies will help.
 
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A friend would be ideal as it would help to build her confidence.
 
Awww poor baby, its awful to think she has been mistreated in the past.
The only thing you can do is take your time with her and not make any sudden movements when around her, just talk to her softly and slowly touch her etc. It will take time for her to build up trust if she has been beaten by someone.

I hate to think anyone could do that to poor defenseless animals but unfortunetly they do. Its lucky she has a lovely new loving home with you. I would try feeding her from your hand too, and this should help her build up some trust and not run away. x
 
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Mistreated animals take a lot of time, patience and gentleness to bring round, but they can be brought round. They usually profit from having a piggy friend to give them confidence.

Here are tips: http://www.theguineapigforum.co.uk/showthread.php?t=36239

Take it even slower than normal. Move slowly, speak softly, try not to make any loud, sharp sounds or shout. Be as gentle as you can. When taking her out, do so in a cosy. Praise her for every little thing like you would a little dog, so she gets constant reassurance that she is doing right.
 
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I have a freind for her, Its a boar though.. I havent got him neutered yet but working on it... We walked in pet store looking for some new stuff for him and we found her and fell instantly in love with her so we had to get her, She is super sweet but can just tell shes scared.. The boy is in a nice playpen he loves it! they know eachother a lil bit, We get her close and she queaks and walks around pen forever talkign and kissing eachother. She wants in but not letting her, Just trying to get them used to eachother, It will be a while before they get to play nemore. After he gets fixed.. I just hope they can live together!
 
can you keep them side by side so they can still talk and smeel each other? might help both of them settle in a bit more.
 
yes we are planning on that but wanted her to be comfortable in her new cage before we do that.. We were gna give it about a week.
 
ok i had to seperate one of my piggies last week and she ate very little didnt drink a lot and didnt move a lot, so i moved her next to the others and now she is much better, i wouldnt worry to much hearing and smelling each other apparently for mine at least is re-assuring.
 
Try popping in a cuddly toy in the meantime and then she has somethiing to snuggle up with. It would also be good for both of them to see and hear each other if at all possible, getting used to each other that way could also make introductions easier.
 
What woudl be a reason she would not drink much? she is barely drinking any water out of her bottle and I'm worried about that?
 
Green leafy lettuce and green pepper.. apple slice maybe every other day.
 
The volumes piggies drink carry vary immensely. I have a pair that finish their bottle over the course of the day and two that hardly seem to touch it. As long as she is healthy try not to worry about it.
 
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