Can someone let me know if I'm doing this right?!

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kel22

I've posted on the general chat board but thought I'd come on here too! We got two male gp's yesterday - born 24th May 2008. As you'll see from my post on the general chat board, they're not very happy at the mo and extremely skittish. I just wanted to check I'm doing the right thing with regard to their hutch outside. I've lined in with newspaper, scattered a layer of wood shavings and then I've been dotting round hay. Inside the 'sleeping' area, I've just put another load of hay in the corner. Is this enough for them to snuggle into? Should I put something different inside this area for them to sleep in?

Advice appreciated - again!rolleyes
 
In my 'sleeping' area I use a newspaper with lots of hay on top. In the 'living' area I use a newspaper followed by wood shavings followed by a layer of hay. Your hutch sounds fine to me but just keep an eye out that they don't have an alergy to wood shavings as some piggies can. Luckily mine are fine with wood shavings. As for the skitiness, I doubt it is their housing thats the problem. Guinea pigs are nervous animals anyway so just take it day by day and introduce yourself to them slowly. Start by putting your hands in and let them sniff around to get use to your scent then gently stroke them. The more they get use to you, the less skitish they should become. It all depends on the pig but some can be more nervous than others. Good luck and look forward to seeing pics soon x
 
Thanks for your message. That has helped a lot. I've moved their food sort of into their sleeping area as I was concerned that they weren't eating because they were hiding! They seem to have finished off their veggies. Will definitely try your tips tomorrow and I think I'll give putting them in the run on the grass a miss for a bit, until they're used to us!
 
Sounds like your doing it fine ! :(|):(|):(|) Thats how I do it rolleyes Although I use a hay rack because my piggies tend to kick the hay everywere pow-pow I think you know your stuff ! :)):)):)).
 
Give them a little time to settle into their new home. Talk to them, tempt them with nice veggies and treats, and introduce your hand slowly just to stroke them at first ... then after gaining their trust, gently picking them up.

Pick them up from the front, don't grab them from behind when they aren't expecting it. If I have a nervous piggy, I tell them that I will be picking them up and gently cup my hand under their tummy but only when they are facing me so that they can see me.

The more time to spend with your new piggies, the more they will respond to you.
Before you know it, they will love you to bits and squeak when they hear you approaching! :<> :<>
 
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