Help! What does the noise my guinea pig is making mean?

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Looler

Looler

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I got my first guinea pig today. I've been petting and giving her food (carrots, lettuce, pellets, water). I tried getting her out of the box they gave her to me in at the pet store to bring home but I just couldnt get her out. I laid the box down on its side in the cage so that she can get out whenever she wants. She's been in the corner of that cardboard box ever since I got her. She also made a rrrr noise when I pet her once, and when I made some noises (like snapping my fingers). Does this noise mean that she was happy or unhappy? I've decided to leave her alone for a couple of days to get adjusted. Does her not moving mean she's sick? Also how long/many times should a guinea pig excises per day?
 
it sounds to me like she's scared. it will take some time to get her to trust you. i'd get her a cosy (like a sleeping bag thing)http://www.cosycavies.co.uk/products/snuggle-sacs/ and sit her on your knee, quietly while you watch telly or something, with munchies to bribe her to be your friend! cosy's are great, it helps them feel safe by hiding while still being close to you to get used to you. there are afew different noises, it sounds like a nervous noise. all you need is patience. there are some great threads on her with good advice x
 
She won't let me pick her up! I don't want to cause any harm or scare her even more. When she does get used to me, do you know how many times a day she should exercise?
 
does your piggie have anywhere else than the box to hide in her cage? If not, I would suggest you give her a 'bedroom'. An old shoe box will do, line it with hay so it's cosy and she can munch feeling secure.

Try to talk to her gently when entering the room and pet her in the cage if she'll let you.

When trying to get her out, you could try covering her with a teatowel first so she's less scared and cuddle her while speaking softly.

It will take time, patience and perseverance but in the end very rewarding.
 
Looler said:
She won't let me pick her up! I don't want to cause any harm or scare her even more. When she does get used to me, do you know how many times a day she should exercise?
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when you manage to pick her up, give her a treat when she's on your lap (parsley goes down really well, as a treat only).

Once a day is OK for exercise but all piggies will enjoy it if they go more... Again, think about having small palces where she can find shelter - and that any electric wire is out of reach...
 
Looler said:
I got my first guinea pig today. I've been petting and giving her food (carrots, lettuce, pellets, water). I tried getting her out of the box they gave her to me in at the pet store to bring home but I just couldnt get her out. I laid the box down on its side in the cage so that she can get out whenever she wants. She's been in the corner of that cardboard box ever since I got her. She also made a rrrr noise when I pet her once, and when I made some noises (like snapping my fingers). Does this noise mean that she was happy or unhappy? I've decided to leave her alone for a couple of days to get adjusted. Does her not moving mean she's sick? Also how long/many times should a guinea pig excises per day?
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It does not sound like you have done any research on guinea pigs at all. First of all why did you just get one? Guinea pigs are social animals and are very lonely if they have to live alone. Having a same sex friend also gives them confidence. You should get her a friend to keep her happy.

Guinea pigs are very timid and it takes them a while to get used to their surroundings. The first day you get one you should not try to hold them at all but let them get used to their new home. Not only has she got to get used to her home but also to being handled and it is far too much for her.

What sort of house does she live in and how big is it? For a few days it is best to leave her to get used to it. I really urge you to get her a friend now to help her along with this.

Once she is settled then she will need about three hours floor time a day.
 
aaah get her a friend! i am sure once you do that they will gain confidence together, and she wont be lonely when you are not around.
 
hi looler

I'm a new guinea mum too i got my little girl yesterday. and she was scared too making the same noise the purring noise.. but i picked her up gave her veggie snacks brought her a cosy guinea bed and gave her floor time and this afternoon she must have gotten more confident shes been running all over she even followed me.. Eaten as she didnt drink or eat yesterday while me watching. and she even did chipiring

a member from this forum gave me a link yesterday to read.. tells * all about guineas even the sounds ill pass it on to you.


http://jackiesguineapiggies.com/piggycare.html
 
Welcome to the forum. It may take several days for her to gain confidence with your presence. Piggies are prey animals so are very good at hiding and evading capture. Give her time, she will come around. Another girl Piggy would help tremendously as they are social or pack animals and can get lonely on thier own. If there is a Piggy rescue near you they could probably match up a suitable cage friend for her. If you search around on the forum you will find lots of info and advice to help you and you new girl.
 
I would get her a friend so she has company. I wouldn't worry about your piggie not wanting to be picked up, it can take a very long time for them to trust you so don't stress too much. I would ensure she has things to make herself feel safe and secure like places to hide and somewhere snuggly to sleep :)
 
Thanks for all the info and advice! I really appreciate it :). Another one of my questions is when I give her floor time (I haven't yet but I'll try tomorrow) how can I avoid her doing her 'business' on the floor?
 
That is difficult....just use a protective covering on the floor. Give her lots of places to hide and play x
 
gogoguineas said:
I would get her a friend so she has company. I wouldn't worry about your piggie not wanting to be picked up, it can take a very long time for them to trust you so don't stress too much.
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And sometimes they just don't like it, so don't worry. I've had Redemption for 2 months now, and he still doesn't like being picked up. But he WILL eat from my hand, and that is something many guinea pigs take a long time to do! So some of it depends on the personality. As GGG said, "Don't stress too much."
 
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