Help! Need Advice

[Clarisse.lameh]

So I just got a guinea pig. His name is Lilo. I'm reading up on it and I guess you're suggested to have two. I don't want two. If I give him enough attention shouldn't he be okay? I have friends who have one. Also, I try to give him treats and get him to warm up to me but I feel like he just doesn't want to. I'm getting worried and I'm thinking about taking him back.

 

[VickiA]

Hello and welcome to the forum
Guinea pigs re social creatures and do not do well on their own. Even if you give them lots of attention, they need company of their own kind. Just imagine if you were a lone human and if you had no-one who understood your language.
Is there a reason why you wouldn't consider getting a companion? Where did he come from?

 

[MrsMoo]

He may be more friendly towards you if he's got the company of another guinea pig.

 

[Clarisse.lameh]

Well I don't have money right now to get another one.. he came from pets mart and I don't want to take him back there

 

[Clarisse.lameh]

Also I'm worried because I work tonight and tomorrow and I'm concerned about him. It is giving me really bad anxiety.

 

[schnicksy]

Why are you worried about leaving him while you're at work?

It takes a while for piggies to warm to you. I adopted Molly last Sunday and she's only just starting to take food from me (even though she's with 3 other piggies I've had a while). The patience pays off though and you end up with a trusting little friend.

 

[Tiamolly123]

It takes time for piggies to accept humans & to trust you.
If you had 2 you wouldn't have to worry because they would keep each other company.
It's a bit like you having no friends & the people you know all spoke a foreign laugauge.
The best gift you can give a Guinea pig, is a friend of his own

 

[flowerfairy]

Anxiety is a beeping pest.

There are some really useful youtube videos on guinea pig taming. I saw one recently about how long it can take. Build up slowly and keep talking to Lilo and feeding him yummies, such as parsley and corriander. Food is brilliant for getting their attention!

He would certainly benefit from guinea pig company and perhaps in time you will feel ready for one. For now concentrate on building up a lovely bond with Lilo. Best of luck.

 

[artcasper]

it takes time to build a bond with a new guinea pig.. I have had mine for just over a year and they can still be skittish at times... they huddle together and love to be together - as others have said - they are sociable and need a friend ....

don't get stressed but certainly consider getting a friend for your lone pig ..