Guinea pig staying hidden

[LynnFin]

Hello we are new guinea pig owners. We have two female pigs, from the same pet shop enclosure. From what I've read one is asserting her dominance by rumbling and push the other one around. The less dominant one now hides all the time on her own. She is the shyer one of the two, but I'm a little worried. Is this all normal behaviour? She also shakes when you hold her. Thank you

 

[Piggies&buns]

Welcome to the forum

How long have you had them?
This is key because they take around two weeks to establish their relationship. This happens even is they have always been together - they reestablish in any new environment.
Also as new piggies, they are going to be shy and nervous - some much more than others - and it can take weeks, months and sometimes years before they settle.

Do all your hides have two exits in them?
Do you have multiple of every item?

Is she coming out at all or is she relentlessly being chased around?

Have you been carrying out the weekly weight checks? This is essential to routine care but also if a pig is being bullied (not that we can deduce that is what is happening here) then they often lose weight through not being allowed to eat hay.

 

[LynnFin]

We have had them for a just over a week. They are from the same brood. I guess I need to give them more time, but I don't want to cause them stress.

I have two beds/hiding spots and a range of toys and tunnels. When they are in the same bed the bigger one kinda pushes her out. Only one of the hides has two exits.

I think the cage it a bit small? And the run (on the floor) is the size it should be....

I didn't know that we needed to weekly weigh them so I will start that today.

She does chase her a lot. But I've never seen them bite or nibble each other.

Thank you.

 

[Piggies&buns]

Sadly the cage looks far too small. What are its measurements? Sows need a cage of 150x60cm or a 4x2 grid cage (or a 3x3) like you have on the floor.
If possible you would do better to not use the cage on the stand at all and only use the run on the floor as their cage.

Please remove that chew stick which is on the cage - they aren’t safe or suitable (very unhealthy for them).

I would also remove the single exit house and replace it with a two exit house.

We also don’t recommend the use of food bowls as it can cause issues. Best to just scatter their veg into hay so they can forage. It stops food hogging but is also excellent enrichment and keeps them occupied.
You will also need two bottles on the cage

We also don’t recommend the use of the hay bag. You are better off to throw in two large piles of hay directly onto the cage floor. The problem with a hay bag (aside from the fact that there is only one) is that they remove their ability to forage and play in hay. Hay is so much more than food - it’s a place to play, snuggle into, sleep etc.

They should not have constant access to pellets - it is just one tablespoon per pig per day only.

This guide will help you
New Owners' Essential Information and Practical Tips Starter Collection

Weight - Monitoring and Management

Long Term Balanced General And Special Needs Guinea Pig Diets

Cage Size Guide

 

[LynnFin]

Thank you so much. I think I was taken in by the guy at the pet shop..

I really appreciate your help. We did read up before we got them, but sadly not enough and found this forum late. We have so much to learn. We want happy pigs xx

 

[Piggies&buns]

Thank you so much. I think I was taken in by the guy at the pet shop..

I really appreciate your help. We did read up before we got them, but sadly not enough and found this forum late. We have so much to learn. We want happy pigs xx

You’ve found us now and we can help you, don’t worry! You will definitely have happy piggies!

Have you double checked they are indeed both sows? If not, being pet shop piggies, I would encourage you to do so now - i appreciate it isn’t easy with new, nervous piggies but you don’t want any surprises.
Our sexing guide is here but if you need help, then post a new thread in the pregnancy section Attaching clear pictures with the slit slightly parted and our experts can help

Illustrated Sexing Guide

 

[Bill & Ted]

You can make hides using an upturned cardboard box and cut out two entrances. Just change when they get dirty. the pen is perfect for two girls but if you have other pets like cat and dogs then you would need to attach more grids with cable ties to create a lid. keep the cage as a hospital cage just in case you ever need to isolate one of the piggies (unlikely) but it’s more suitable for a hamster possibly. Cover their cage/run with a sheet or blanket so they feel safer for a few day and gradually open a bit more at a time. They will settle in time, but right now they have a new environment and a new family to get used to

Helpful Info Collections for Wannabes & Owners

 

[LynnFin]

We have not yet checked the sex but it is something we were talking about doing after reading some threads on here.

We don't have any other pets. Thank you doe the box idea I have one so will use that

 

[fluffysal]

Welcome to the forum and the wonderful world of guinea pigs. I am slave to Dignified Sir George and his boisterous companion Mischievous Master Boris who are collectively known as The Beastie Boys. Unfortunately there is still a lot of misinformation about what is best for our little furry overlords, the main one being inadequate cage sizes. A lot of us have been sold a cage that is too small and there are far too many products marketed which are unsuitable.
You have already demonstrated that you are going to be a very good guinea pig slave by coming here for advice.