Guinea Pig Fall

[geneig]

So, I recently got an american-crested guinea pig and he is terrified. Every time I came closer to him, he would run really fast away from me. I tried to calm him down by putting him on a table (where his supposed food and hideout were located) to calm him down but he didn't even try to use his hideout. I tried giving him a sliced bell pepper but he panicked and jumped off the table. He didn't make any sounds when he fell and he can still run very fast. He looks fine and even tried to get along with my Abyssinian guinea pig but to be sure, I wanted to know if he is fine.

 

[piggiemummy03x]

So, I recently got an american-crested guinea pig and he is terrified. Every time I came closer to him, he would run really fast away from me. I tried to calm him down by putting him on a table (where his supposed food and hideout were located) to calm him down but he didn't even try to use his hideout. I tried giving him a sliced bell pepper but he panicked and jumped off the table. He didn't make any sounds when he fell and he can still run very fast. He looks fine and even tried to get along with my Abyssinian guinea pig but to be sure, I wanted to know if he is fine.

oh bless his heart, personally, i would suggest a vet trip even though he seems okay, you don’t know what damage it could have done on the inside. also i wouldn’t put him on a table if the sides aren’t protected from him falling ie a small animal pen, because the risks of piggys getting spooked or just running for it is very high, especially a nervous pig. how long have you had him? have you let his settle in enough? pigs that aren’t used to being handled are of corse going to be scared, it just takes time and patience.. hope your piggie is okay!

 

[Piggies&buns]

Please have him checked by a vet. Piggies are fragile and a fall can cause internal injuries so he does need to be seen by a vet

 

[Swissgreys]

Please also remember that it might take him some time to adjust to his new surroundings.
Make sure his cage is partially covered and he has lots of hides and tunnels.
Start by sitting next to his cage and offering food and talking gently to him.

You may find this guide helpful
How Do I Settle Shy New Guinea Pigs?

 

[Wiebke]

So, I recently got an american-crested guinea pig and he is terrified. Every time I came closer to him, he would run really fast away from me. I tried to calm him down by putting him on a table (where his supposed food and hideout were located) to calm him down but he didn't even try to use his hideout. I tried giving him a sliced bell pepper but he panicked and jumped off the table. He didn't make any sounds when he fell and he can still run very fast. He looks fine and even tried to get along with my Abyssinian guinea pig but to be sure, I wanted to know if he is fine.

Hi and welcome

Please have your boy vet checked, as always after a any major fall/blind jump.

Guinea pigs are prey animals and are afraid of wide open, exposed places as one of the results; they also don't have good far sight and cannot judge high levels so please only interact with a frightened piggy while sitting on the floor, where they cannot hurt themselves.
If they are on the freaked out side, it is better to just cover the cage top with a towel or sheet and leave them be to give their prey animal instincts time to gradually settle down; which may take a day or two.

Ideally, you use our whispering tips to make friends with your scared piggy and learn about how guinea pig prey animal instincts work so you can avoid triggering them as much as possible.
You can find lots of practical tested tips and advice in these links here, which we cannot repeat in every single post all the time:
How Do I Settle Shy New Guinea Pigs?
Understanding Prey Animal Instincts, Guinea Pig Whispering and Cuddling Tips

Here is lots more practical information for new owners to help them to a good start and help avoid scary situations like yours: Getting Started - Essential Information for New Owners

 

[geneig]

oh bless his heart, personally, i would suggest a vet trip even though he seems okay, you don’t know what damage it could have done on the inside. also i wouldn’t put him on a table if the sides aren’t protected from him falling ie a small animal pen, because the risks of piggys getting spooked or just running for it is very high, especially a nervous pig. how long have you had him? have you let his settle in enough? pigs that aren’t used to being handled are of corse going to be scared, it just takes time and patience.. hope your piggie is okay!

i got him yesterday. he is still scared but he got along with my guinea pig (they even sleep together in one of the hideouts I made). I'm currently watching youtube videos on how to tame or calm down shy/scared guinea pigs. I will also try and contact the vet to check on him to make sure he is really okay. Thank you for the information!

 

[geneig]

T

Hi and welcome

Please have your boy vet checked, as always after a any major fall/blind jump.

Guinea pigs are prey animals and are afraid of wide open, exposed places as one of the results; they also don't have good far sight and cannot judge high levels so please only interact with a frightened piggy while sitting on the floor, where they cannot hurt themselves.
If they are on the freaked out side, it is better to just cover the cage top with a towel or sheet and leave them be to give their prey animal instincts time to gradually settle down; which may take a day or two.

Ideally, you use our whispering tips to make friends with your scared piggy and learn about how guinea pig prey animal instincts work so you can avoid triggering them as much as possible.
You can find lots of practical tested tips and advice in these links here, which we cannot repeat in every single post all the time:
How Do I Settle Shy New Guinea Pigs?
Understanding Prey Animal Instincts, Guinea Pig Whispering and Cuddling Tips

Here is lots more practical information for new owners to help them to a good start and help avoid scary situations like yours: Getting Started - Essential Information for New Owner

Please also remember that it might take him some time to adjust to his new surroundings.
Make sure his cage is partially covered and he has lots of hides and tunnels.
Start by sitting next to his cage and offering food and talking gently to him.

You may find this guide helpful
How Do I Settle Shy New Guinea Pigs?

Thank you! I was so worried when he fall down! I will make sure I can contact a vet to check on him immediately. I also covered their cage with balnket because I read somewhere on google that they like dark places. Thank you for all the tips, too!

 

[piggiemummy03x]

i got him yesterday. he is still scared but he got along with my guinea pig (they even sleep together in one of the hideouts I made). I'm currently watching youtube videos on how to tame or calm down shy/scared guinea pigs. I will also try and contact the vet to check on him to make sure he is really okay. Thank you for the information!

you need to give him way more time to settle in before handling or trying to touch, at least 2 days, do the longest time you can, some even recommended a week! did you put him in with your new guinea pig straight away? let us know how the vet goes fingers crossed all is okay!

 

[Wiebke]

PS: We recommend to wait until your boy is taking food off your hands (i.e. showing signs of starting to trust you) before you handle, unless there are signs of illness.

Here is how arrival in a new home looks from the guinea pig side: Arrival in a home from the perspective of pet shop guinea pigs