Help With Shy Guinea Pig

[Lily_pig]

I have a Texel guinea pig named Muffin. She is very shy and hasn't bonded with me even though I've had her for more than half a year. She will hide if I put my hand in the cage and doesn't like being held. She will not take treats from me. Does anyone know how I can help her come out of her shell?

 

[Swissgreys]

Welcome to the Forum.
Is Muffin on her own?
Single guinea pigs can be a bit more nervous, as they don't have the support of a friend.
The best and most important thing you could do for Muffin would be to get her a guinea pig companion, making certain it is another girl (for obvious reasons).

And some guinea pigs just take time.
Sitting quietly by her cage and chatting to her while offering super tasty pieces of fresh vegetables should bring her around eventually. Guinea pigs are ruled by their stomachs!
I know it can be frustrating, but patience really is the key.

 

[flowerfairy]

A friend could well help build her confidence as will a lot of gentle talking and handfeeding.

Very best of luck. She sounds sweet.

 

[VickiA]

Muffin sounds very sweet. And she probably has bonded with you in her own way. But she's very probably lonely. Imagine if you lived alone in a world of foreign species where no one spoke your language. You sound very kind and caring. Guinea pigs are sociable creatures and don't do well alone. A friend would help her feel more confident and happier.
In the meantime just try talking gently to her, and offering her treats like parsley or coriander that way she will associate you with good things.

 

[Wiebke]

Hi and welcome

Has Muffin got a companion that could bring her out? Guinea pigs are social group animals that rely on interaction with their own kind round the clock.
Companionship

Here are some "piggy whispering" tips on how you can start making friends with her in her own body language:
How To Understand Guinea Pig Instincts And Speak Piggy Body Language