Bought our new piggies today!

[Cla76ire]

Well, me and my son went off this morning and bought all supplies/run/hutch etc needed then came back, got it all set up before we went to buy our two girls. Squiggles and Jemima are home! they are absolutely adorable. I will post some pics up in next couple of days. We gave them a very quick cuddle as we were putting them in, but have been good and left them to settle in, even though we are itching to cuddle them!

They haven't really appeared out of their bed area, not even to eat or drink. I'm thinking this is probably normal, as they have been moved from what they know, and gone through the trauma of a car journey etc etc...... But you still worry don't you!

Will be setting the run up tomorrow. Should we leave them for another day or so before we put them in, or let them have a short time in it tomorrow, or just see how they are and judge then?

Oh, and thinking about getting pet insurance for them. Any recommendations?

Claire x

 

[Emiley]

Well, me and my son went off this morning and bought all supplies/run/hutch etc needed then came back, got it all set up before we went to buy our two girls. Squiggles and Jemima are home! they are absolutely adorable. I will post some pics up in next couple of days. We gave them a very quick cuddle as we were putting them in, but have been good and left them to settle in, even though we are itching to cuddle them!

They haven't really appeared out of their bed area, not even to eat or drink. I'm thinking this is probably normal, as they have been moved from what they know, and gone through the trauma of a car journey etc etc...... But you still worry don't you!

Will be setting the run up tomorrow. Should we leave them for another day or so before we put them in, or let them have a short time in it tomorrow, or just see how they are and judge then?

Oh, and thinking about getting pet insurance for them. Any recommendations?

Claire x

All three of mine were exactly the same, only came out of their bed areas when they wanted food or a drink.. if they saw me they would run right back. Two of them still do I've had them all uhmm a little over 2 weeks now.

I left them all to settle in a bit for a couple days before I started to stroke them.. then another few days before I tried to pick them up. I'd give it at least a week before you put them in the run to give them a chance to get used to their hutch/cage and your smells.

 

[sport_billy]

Hello and welcome to squiggles and jemima.
They will probably be very shy for a while so dont worry about that. Our first piggies we set up a video camera while we were out the room cuz we'd seen so little of them!
I'm not sure insurance is worth it or if any where actually does it, it may be better to just put some money aside each month to cover vet costs if needed.
Pigtures needed please!

 

[Cla76ire]

Thanks guys. Yep looking at insurance it's all for cats and dogs really, and those that do do it charge the earth. I'm thinking would definitely be better to set up account and save a little each month. that way, if don't use it we have savings!

 

[Wiebke]

Hi! Please give them time to get their bearings, which takes at least a couple of days. Make sure that you place hay and some food close by to where they are for the first night.

Let them get the hang of the hutch first before you let them into the run. Please be aware that ramps are often a problem at first (make sure that they are safe and have good grip). Place a beach towel over the run to give them cover. Guinea pigs are afraid of exposed places - they scream danger to them. You can also help by sprinkling hides made of cardboard all over the place, so they can explore from the safety of cover. Introduce them slowly to lush rich grass, or they can get a tummy upset if they have never had it before.

Here are more tips for settling in skittish piggies:
http://www.theguineapigforum.co.uk/showthread.php?t=36239

 

[Cla76ire]

Will definitely let them settle in, too many changes at once will just stress them out, I know.

I was thinking when do let them into the run, I'll just put them in for a little while, and gradually increase it to get them used to the grass.

Their run has a shaded spot each end, but thank you for the idea of putting in lots of hides, so they can explore a bit - will do that.

It's so hard as am desperate to cuddle and play with them, but as I told my little boy - Just need to take it slow for first week or so, as we have the rest of their lives to enjoy them. They definitely come first over my inpatience!

Can't wait, love 'them to bits already!

 

[Emiley]

Will definitely let them settle in, too many changes at once will just stress them out, I know.

I was thinking when do let them into the run, I'll just put them in for a little while, and gradually increase it to get them used to the grass.

Their run has a shaded spot each end, but thank you for the idea of putting in lots of hides, so they can explore a bit - will do that.

It's so hard as am desperate to cuddle and play with them, but as I told my little boy - Just need to take it slow for first week or so, as we have the rest of their lives to enjoy them. They definitely come first over my inpatience!

Can't wait, love 'them to bits already!

I know how you feel, it took alot of self control for me not to pick mine up all the time when I first got mine.

With the babies I let them in the run after 4-5 days for 15 minutes at a time, now they go in there for hours

 

[cochon d'inde]

had my piggies for a week now and they have come on leaps and bounds in just one week , its all very interesting watching them bond , i put mine in the run from from day one , as mine came from a run and were already used to it , they spend all day in there especially with the nice weather , i just make sure they have plenty off shade and lots off hidey holes , i generally change things around in the day old clay pipes and a small paddling pool which i first put in as i did not see them drinking from the bottle , they will put there paws in and have a paddle plus a quick drink . cardboard boxes hats anything for them to play . last thing for a treat i put a tunnel in and they just go bonkers popping there little heads off .. try one off these cheap and worth every penny ( ebay 160553257108 ) at first mine just sat in it , but now they love it . I'm still learning , its all about trying new things and seeing what they like . will try and post vid off them at tunnel time if i can keep myself from not laughing its the funnest thing